Batam

Batam Riau Islands is a city formed of a group of Islands called Riau Islands. It is located about 20 km away from Singapore, the closest starting point to Batam. Ferries are the only way to reach the Batam islands. You can easily find an international ferry from Singapore or Johor Bahru to Batam. They arrive at any of the five ferry terminals in Batam. 

While Malaysia is a neighbouring country to this island city, there are no direct ferries available. You need a book a bus from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan to Johor Bahru and then take a ferry ride from Johor Bahru Ferry Terminal to Batam Centre

The ferry ride will be comfortable as most of the operators provide spacious seats, and storage facilities for the luggage, and some even provide snacks on board. The usual travel duration of a Singapore to Batam ferry will be 50 minutes to 1 hr 10 minutes, depending upon the Batam ferry terminal and the operator.

Ferry To Batam

Batam, with its tropical climate, is a popular destination for its beaches and luxurious Batam resorts that make for an ideal staycation. 

The best time to visit the Batam islands will be from February to September. Since the city has a tropical climate, rainfall is almost constant throughout the year. These are the comparatively ‘dry’ months when the rainfall will be lesser or minimal. The average temperature in Batam will be 26-27 degrees Celsius at any time of the year.

Popular Ferry Routes to Batam 

Popular ferry routes to Batam include - 

• Singapore to Batam
• Johor Bahru to Batam 
• Pasir Gudang to Batam
  

Ferry Operators that Serve Batam Islands

Several operators provide their ferry services to the beautiful islands of Batam. The top ferry operators include -

• Batam Fast
• Pasir Gudang Passenger Ferry
• Sindo Ferry 
• Putri Anggreni 

As per the Batam ferry schedule, there are seven ferry routes with average sailing of 3- 10 sailings. Some routes have only 3-4 sailings while the major routes such as the Harbourfront Centre to Batam Centre have more than 10 sailings by an operator per day. The services start from 8 am and are available till 10 pm.

Batam Fast Schedule from Singapore

Batam Fast ferry timing varies for each ferry terminal. You can find the Batam Fast schedule when booking ferry tickets online.

• There are 4 sailings from Tanah Merah to Batam Centre at 10:20, 12:30, 14:30, 16:20.
• From Tanah Merah to Nongsapura, the Batam Fast ferry schedule shows sailings at 8:00, 12:00, 14:20.
• From HarbourFront to Batam Centre, there is a Batam Fast ferry sailing almost every 1-2 hours. The first ferry operates at 7:40 am and the last ferry leaves the ferry terminal at 21:40.

Batam Fast Check-in Time

To catch the ferry as per this schedule, you must reach the ferry terminal 1 hour prior to check-in.

Sindo Ferry Schedule from Singapore

Sindo Ferry services are available on most routes throughout the week. For example, if you are traveling to and from Batam Centre, the first ferry will depart from HarbourFront Ferry Terminal at 8:00 a.m. The ferry on the return route is available even earlier, at 6:00 a.m. Sindo ferries on this route are available throughout the day. The Sindo Ferry to and from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal is available during the day, while ferries operating between Harbour Front Centre Ferry Terminal are available only on weekends. The Sindo Ferry schedule is updated constantly. The service is prompt and there are usually no delays.

Sindo Ferry Check-in Time

The Sindo Ferry check-in counter will close 20 minutes before departure time. The departure gate will close 15 minutes before departure. It is best to reach the ferry terminal 1 hour prior to departure to save the hassle.

Popular Ferry Terminals in Batam

There are five ferry terminals in Batam. Each ferry boat will have a specific drop-off point, depending upon its starting city in Singapore or Malaysia.

There are only two ferry terminals in Singapore that operate ferries to Batam- HarbourFront Centre and Tanah Merah.

The major Batam ferry terminals are - 

• Batam Centre Ferry Terminal 
• Harbour Bay Ferry Terminal  
• Marina Waterfront Ferry Terminal  
• Nongsapura Ferry Terminal  
• Sekupang Ferry Terminal 

Parking Area Information at Batam Ferry Terminal for Locals

There are designated parking areas in Batam that are close to some of the popular tourist destinations. The malls here come with a covered parking area so you can use these facilities during the daytime. Many of the hotels also provide free parking spaces making it easy for the locals to visit here in their vehicles. There also are several bike parking areas around the city for those who like to explore the city on bicycles.

Batam Ferry Ticket Price and Duration

The average Singapore to Batam ferry ticket price is nearly MYR 125 or so for a one-way trip. Additionally travellers have to pay terminal fee and marine park conservation charges. 

The average travel duration from Singapore to Batam via ferry ranges from 50 mins to 1 hr 10 mins. The duration will be different for each route and the operator. Since these are direct routes there should not be any changes in this duration. 

The travel duration varies for different routes according to the operator, weather conditions and other factors. 

Batam Ferry Ticket Collection Information and Tips

You can get the tickets from the ferry terminals. Alternatively, Batam ferry tickets are available from the ferry terminal or online from the redBus portal or app. Online ferrry ticket booking is the best option to avoid the last-minute hassle and helps you find the best deal on the ticket price. You may also be able to choose your seats, and add discount coupons or deals to have a great difference in the price.

Basic Requirements to Enter Batam islands include -

• A valid passport (with at least 6 months of validity)
• Individuals must be fully vaccinated as per government guidelines. For more information, check Indonesia Vaccination Guidelines
• Register on the PeduliLindungi app and complete the Traveler Health Quarantine Application Form before your arrival at the Batam ferry terminal
• One-Way or return ticket for onward journey to any other country
• Travel insurance with a minimum of S$30K COVID-19 coverage
• Check-in baggage of up to 20kg each is allowed. Enquire at counter for more information about baggage drop
• Travellers must carry a valid ferry ticket for travel including that for infants

Batam Travel Visa Requirements

Visa Free Travel is allowed for

• Travellers from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam are not required to apply for a Visa to enter Batam Islands
• It is applicable for a maximum of 30 days and is non-extendable

VISA On Arrival (VOA) Travel

• VISA on Arrival is available at the Batam ferry terminal for travellers from about 86 countries. To know more, you can check VISA Portal 
• Travellers can avail Visa On Arrival at at cost of IDR 500.000/person for maximum 30 days stay
• Beyond 30 days, an additional payment of IDR 500.000/person is required for extension. Check more on the above site.

Things to do in Batam

Though Batam is a city, there are a few villages in and around it, such as Nongsa. The popular resorts and beaches in Batam are located in this area. Nongsa Village is one of the most popular resorts here. It is located close to the various activity centres. The Batam hotels nearby can be economical or luxurious as preferred and you can enjoy your vacation in peace and indulge in the following - 

• Jet skiing
• Snorkelling
• Banana boat rides
• Kneeboarding
• Parasailing
• Sea kayaking
• Visit a spa
• Enjoy seafood
• Go shopping

Places to visit in Batam

• Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple
• Barelang Bridge
• Kepri Mall
• Pulau Abang
• Nongsa Coast
• Nagoya City Centre, the industrial hub
• Sea Forest destination for adventure and enjoying nature
  

Food and Local Culture

The local culture in Batam is diverse but is mainly Malay Islamic with some Chinese. The culture is well displayed by their art, music, dances, etc. Seafood is the main cuisine in Batam. You will find at least one fish variety for all three meals of the day. Some of the popular dishes here are,

• Indomie Goreng
• Indomie Rebus
• Mie Tarempa Noodles
• Roti Gendang Bread
• Sambal
  

Popular Resorts to Stay

Batam resorts are a major reason that attracts tourists. Resorts offer convenience for enjoying beaches and watersports. The top-rated resorts here are Nongsa Village, Batam Marriott Hotel Harbour Bay, Montigo Resorts, etc. Most of the resorts have a waterfront, spa, pool, airport pickups, restaurants, bars, etc. To enjoy all of this on your vacation, book your ferry ticket online to Batam now!

Tourists visiting Marine Parks Malaysia have to pay a nominal conservation charge as required by the Fees Act 1951, Fees (Marine Parks Malaysia) Order 2017. The revenue collected from the charge goes to the Marine Parks and Marine Reserves Trust Fund to manage and maintain the parks, and to provide facilities and comfort to visitors.

People with disabilities are exempted from the charge, and residents living on islands surrounded by Marine Parks are also exempted.

Marine Park Fee for MYKAD Holders -

• Adults - RM 5
• Children (aged between 6 to 12 years old) and Senior citizens (aged 60 years old and above ) - RM 2
• Disabled - Free

Marine Park Fee for Non-MYKAD Holders -

• Adults - RM 30
• Children (aged between 6 to 12 years old) and Senior citizens (aged 60 years old and above ) - RM 15
• Disabled - Free

Additionally, there are different fee rates for activities like camping, research, commercial filming/documentary, scuba diving, and cruising. Please check the Official Department of Fisheries Portal Malaysia for more information.

Travellers must pay a nominal terminal fee over and above the ferry ticket prices to the ferry terminals in Indonesia and Singapore. The terminal fee varies by country and must be paid to the terminal operator at the ferry terminal.

While there are also surcharges and peak prices, the terminal fee has to be paid at the terminal unless stated otherwise, as included in the ferry tickets. It is advised that you check the ticket inclusions when making the ferry ticket booking online.

Singapore Passenger Departure Fee (SPDF)

For all ferry trips departing from Harbourfront Centre or Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore as the source, a Singapore Passenger Departure Fee of SGD10 per person is applicable.

Terminal Fee For Ferry Trips From Batam

For ferry trips departing from Batam Centre, Sekupang and Waterfront - Batam Terminal Fee of Rp65,000 or SGD7 is levied per person.