Singapore is an island surrounded by islands, yet many residents rarely get on a boat. That is a shame, because short ferry trips from Singapore are one of the easiest ways to swap city noise for sea air without the hassle of a flight. Some routes take you to quiet offshore islands that are still part of Singapore, with no passport needed. Others cross into Indonesia or Malaysia for a day or a weekend. This guide groups the options by type, explains which terminal each one uses, and covers what to check before you buy a ticket.
Local Island Hops: No Passport Required
These trips stay within Singapore’s waters, so you only need your usual identification and some cash or a card for the fare.
Pulau Ubin by bumboat
A bumboat is a small, motorised wooden passenger boat, and it is the classic way to reach Pulau Ubin from Changi Point Ferry Terminal. The crossing is short and informal: boats usually leave once enough passengers have gathered, rather than to a fixed timetable. On the island you can hire a bicycle, cycle past kampung houses (traditional village homes) and visit Chek Jawa Wetlands, which is managed by NParks. Check the NParks website for any closures or tide-dependent access before you go.
The Southern Islands from Marina South Pier
Scheduled ferries from Marina South Pier serve several of the Southern Islands, including Kusu Island and St John’s Island, with Lazarus Island connected to St John’s by a causeway. Expect calm lagoons, small beaches, picnic spots and, on Kusu, a Taoist temple and Malay shrines that draw pilgrims during the ninth lunar month. Facilities are basic, so bring water, food and sun protection. Ferry operators and schedules can change, so confirm the current timetable and any weekday or weekend differences before setting out.
Sisters’ Islands and guided marine walks
Sisters’ Islands Marine Park is a protected area, and public access to some parts is through guided walks organised by NParks rather than casual visits. If you are interested in intertidal life, keep an eye on the NParks website for walk announcements and registration details.
Cross-Border Ferries for a Day or Weekend Away
For a slightly bigger adventure, regular international ferries cross to the Riau Islands of Indonesia, and some services link to Malaysia’s south-east coast. You will clear immigration on both sides, so allow time at the terminal.
- Batam. The closest and busiest option, with services from HarbourFront and Tanah Merah ferry terminals to several Batam ports. Popular for spa days, seafood, shopping and resort stays. Our guide to Batam from Singapore covers ferry choices, where to stay and what to do.
- Bintan. A slightly longer crossing from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, mainly to the resort area in the north of the island and to Tanjung Pinang, the provincial capital. Better suited to an overnight stay than a rushed day trip.
- Karimun and other Riau ports. Quieter destinations with fewer tourist facilities, sometimes chosen by visitors with family ties or an interest in local towns.
- Desaru and south-east Johor. Ferry links to the Desaru coast in Malaysia have operated from Tanah Merah in the past. Services on routes like this can be seasonal or suspended, so check with the operator before planning around it.
Visa and entry rules differ by passport and can change. Before any cross-border trip, check the latest entry requirements with the destination country’s immigration authority or embassy, and make sure your passport has enough validity left. If you hold a Singapore pass rather than citizenship, also confirm you can re-enter Singapore smoothly with the documents you carry.
Comparing Your Options at a Glance
| Trip | Departure point | Passport needed | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pulau Ubin | Changi Point Ferry Terminal | No | Cycling, nature, kampung atmosphere |
| Kusu, St John’s and Lazarus | Marina South Pier | No | Picnics, lagoon swims, quiet beaches |
| Batam | HarbourFront or Tanah Merah | Yes | Spa days, seafood, short resort breaks |
| Bintan | Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal | Yes | Overnight resort stays, beach holidays |
| Desaru coast (when operating) | Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal | Yes | Beach resorts, family weekends |
Journey times, fares and frequencies vary by operator and season, so treat this table as a starting point and check current details with each ferry company.
How to Choose the Right Ferry Trip
The best trip depends on how much time and energy you have.
- Half a day free? Pulau Ubin is hard to beat. You can be cycling on the island within an hour or so of reaching Changi Village, depending on how quickly the bumboat fills.
- A relaxed Sunday? The Southern Islands give you a lazy beach day with city skyline views. Go early on weekends, as the ferries and lagoons can get busy.
- A weekend to spare? Batam or Bintan make sense for a change of country, food and pace. Book ferries and accommodation together where possible.
- Travelling with young children? Shorter, calmer crossings are kinder to small stomachs. Our list of short-haul December trips from Singapore for families suggests family-friendly ideas, including sea crossings.
- Prone to seasickness? Sit near the middle of the boat on the lower deck, look at the horizon, and avoid heavy meals before boarding. Ask a pharmacist about suitable remedies if needed.
Consider the weather too. The northeast monsoon, usually from around December to March, can bring choppier seas and rain, while sudden afternoon thunderstorms are common year round. Check the Meteorological Service Singapore forecast before heading out, and follow the ferry crew’s instructions if conditions change.
What to Pack and Know Before You Board
A little preparation makes any ferry trip smoother.
- Documents. Your passport for international routes, plus any printed or digital ferry tickets and accommodation confirmations.
- Sun and rain gear. A hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and a compact umbrella or poncho. Island shade can be limited.
- Water and snacks. Essential for the Southern Islands, where food options are minimal or absent.
- Cash. Bumboats and small island vendors may prefer cash. For Indonesian trips, carry some rupiah or plan to change money on arrival.
- Comfortable shoes. Jetties and island paths can be slippery or uneven.
- Rubbish bag. Take your litter back with you, especially from protected islands.
Arrive early at international terminals to allow for check-in and immigration. For families, our packing list for a short trip with young children is a useful checklist.
Respecting the Islands and the Sea
Many of Singapore’s offshore islands are home to fragile reefs, mangroves and wildlife. Do not feed or touch animals, avoid stepping on coral or seagrass at low tide, and stay on marked paths. On Pulau Ubin, monkeys and wild boars live alongside visitors, so keep food sealed and give them space. Swim only where it is permitted, as currents around the islands can be strong and lifeguards are not always present.
Whether you want a quick bumboat ride or a weekend across the strait, a short ferry trip is an easy way to see Singapore from a different angle, and a reminder of just how much sea surrounds the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book ferry tickets to the Southern Islands in advance? It depends on the operator, the day and the season. Weekends and festival periods can be busy, so check the ferry company’s website for current booking arrangements. Going early helps, and carry your ticket and ID.
Can I bring a bicycle or a pet on the ferry or bumboat? Rules differ by operator and route, so check before you go. On Pulau Ubin you can hire bicycles on the island, which saves carrying your own. For pets, ask the operator, and note that some islands have wildlife and protected areas.
What is the cheapest ferry trip from Singapore for a day out? The local island trips, like Pulau Ubin by bumboat or the Southern Islands, are generally the lower-cost options and need no passport. Fares vary by operator and change over time, so check the current price with the ferry company.
Is it safe to swim at the Southern Islands or Pulau Ubin? Swim only where it is permitted, as currents can be strong and lifeguards are not always present. Never swim alone, watch children closely and follow signs and crew instructions. Check conditions and any advisories from NParks before you go.
What happens to my ferry trip if the weather turns bad? Operators may delay or cancel sailings when seas are rough or there is lightning, and the northeast monsoon can bring choppier conditions. Check the weather forecast and the operator’s announcements, and ask about their change or refund policy before you buy tickets.
Further reading: Tanjung Pinang From Singapore: A Ferry Trip to Bintan’s Old Town · Tanah Merah vs HarbourFront: Singapore Ferry Terminals Explained · Ferry to Desaru From Singapore: What to Know