Ferry from Singapore: Top 5 Island Getaways for a Short Trip
If you’re looking for a quick escape from the city, these island getaways are just a short ferry from Singapore away. No flights, no long queues — just hop on a ferry and enjoy a relaxing trip surrounded by beaches, resorts, and nature.
Whether you’re craving for a spa retreat in Batam, a luxury resort stay in Bintan, a family adventure in Desaru, or a peaceful day on Kusu or St John’s Island, each destination offers unique experiences within a short journey.
With affordable fares, frequent departures, and easy online booking on BusOnlineTicket.com, travelling by ferry from Singapore becomes one of the easiest ways to enjoy your mini holiday.
5 Best Island Getaways You Can Reach by Ferry from Singapore
Batam Island
Just about an hour’s ferry from Singapore, Batam Island is one of the most popular short getaway destinations for both locals and tourists.
Best known for its affordable spa treatments, fresh seafood restaurants, and lively nightlife, travellers can spend their days indulging in massage packages at Nagoya Hill or Batam Centre, dining on freshly grilled seafood at Golden Prawn, and shopping for local snacks, handicrafts, and duty-free items. For outdoor lovers, the island also offers water sports such as jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy world-class courses like Tering Bay Golf & Country Club and Palm Springs Golf & Beach Resort, both boasting scenic sea views.
Attractions in Batam
Barelang Bridge: An iconic Batam landmark made up of six bridges connecting the islands, perfect for sightseeing and photography.
Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall: The largest mall in Batam, popular for local fashion, electronics, and dining options.
Harbour Bay and Waterfront City: Bustling coastal areas lined with restaurants, cafes, and entertainment venues.
Travel Tips
- It’s best to book ferry tickets in advance, especially on weekends and public holidays, when routes tend to fill up quickly.
- Many Batam resorts offer convenient shuttle transfers directly from the ferry terminals.
- If you plan to explore beyond the resort, taxis and ride-hailing apps like Grab are widely available.
Best Time to Visit Batam
Between March and October, the dry season when weather is generally sunny, with calm seas that make ferry travel smooth and comfortable.
During November to February (monsoon period), rainfall is more frequent, but it’s still a decent time to visit if you prefer a quieter trip and lower hotel rates.
Ferry Operators
| Ferry Operator | Departure Time | Pick-up Point | Drop-off Point | Fare From | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Batam Fast Ferry | 07:40 – 21:40 | Harbour Front Ferry Terminal | Batam Center Ferry Terminal | SGD 43 |
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| Horizon Fast Ferry | 08:15 – 21:35 | HarbourFront Centre | Harbour Bay | SGD 43 |
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| Majestic Ferry | 08:10 – 21:20 | Harbour Front Ferry Terminal | Batam Center Ferry Terminal | SGD 43 |
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| Sindo Ferry | 08:00 – 21:50 | Harbour Front Ferry Terminal | Batam Center Ferry Terminal | SGD 38 |
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Bintan Island
Around an hour’s ferry from Singapore, Bintan Island is one of the most popular luxury island getaways. Known for its beautiful beaches, world-class golf courses, water activities, and high-end resorts, Bintan is ideal for travellers looking for a short tropical escape without the hassle of flying.
The island is divided mainly into two areas: Bintan Resorts (on the northern coast) and Tanjung Pinang (the local town area). Bintan Resorts is where most of the international hotels and beach clubs are located, while Tanjung Pinang offers a glimpse of local culture, temples, and traditional markets.
Attractions in Bintan
Lagoi Bay Beach: Pristine white-sand beach perfect for swimming and relaxing under the sun.
Crystal Lagoon at Treasure Bay: Southeast Asia’s largest man-made seawater lagoon for paddleboarding, kayaking, and water slides.
Ria Bintan Golf Club: Award-winning seaside golf course designed by Gary Player.
Penyengat Island: A small historic island featuring the iconic yellow mosque and Malay heritage sites.
Local Seafood Villages: Try authentic Indonesian seafood like chili crab and grilled prawns at coastal restaurants near Tanjung Pinang.
Luxury Resorts & Spas: Stay in world-class beachfront resorts offering spa retreats, infinity pools, and sunset dining.
Travel Tips
- Bring Indonesian Rupiah for local transport and food purchases.
- Note that Bintan time is 1 hour behind Singapore (GMT+7).
- Most resorts offer complimentary shuttle transfers from the ferry terminal—confirm with your accommodation.
- Book ferry tickets in advance, especially during weekends and public holidays.
Best Time to Visit Bintan
March to October, during the dry season. You’ll enjoy sunny days, calm seas, and ideal beach weather.
The monsoon season from November to February, rainfall can be frequent, but prices tend to be lower and the island less crowded.
Ferry Operators
| Ferry Operator | Departure Time | Pick-up Point | Drop-off Point | Fare From | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bintan Resort Ferry (Economy) | 08:10 – 17:00 | Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal | Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal | SGD 56 |
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| Bintan Resort Ferry (Emerald) | 08:10 – 17:00 | Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal | Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal | SGD 83 |
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| Majestic Ferry | 11:30 – 17:00 | Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal | Tanjung Pinang Ferry Terminal | SGD 55 |
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| Sindo Ferry | 11:00 – 17:10 | Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal | Tanjung Pinang Ferry Terminal | SGD 53 |
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Desaru Coast
Located just across the Johor Strait, Desaru Coast is a scenic seaside destination about 90 minutes by ferry from Singapore. Known for its wide sandy beaches, luxury beachfront resorts, and family-friendly attractions, Desaru makes for a perfect weekend escape.
The island is divided mainly into two areas: Bintan Resorts (on the northern coast) and Tanjung Pinang (the local town area). Bintan Resorts is where most of the international hotels and beach clubs are located, while Tanjung Pinang offers a glimpse of local culture, temples, and traditional markets.
Attractions in Desaru
Desaru Beach: A 22km stretch of pristine coastline, ideal for swimming, jet skiing, or just enjoying a peaceful seaside stroll.
Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast: One of the largest waterparks in Malaysia, featuring thrilling slides and Southeast Asia’s biggest wave pool.
The Els Club Desaru Coast: A world-class golf course designed by Ernie Els with stunning ocean views.
Desaru Coast Ostrich Farm & Desaru Fruit Farm: Great for families, offering educational tours, animal feeding, and local fruit tasting.
Luxury Beach Resorts: Stay at renowned resorts like The Westin, Hard Rock Hotel, or Anantara Desaru Coast for full-service relaxation and spa experiences.
Desaru Coast Riverside: A vibrant retail and dining area perfect for evening strolls, cafes, and local seafood dining.
Travel Tips
- Bring Malaysian Ringgit (RM) for local expenses.
- The ferry terminal in Desaru is located at Tanjung Pengelih / Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal, with resort shuttle services available upon arrival.
- Free shuttle buses run between Desaru Ferry Terminal and major hotels like The Westin and Hard Rock Hotel.
- Book ferry tickets early, especially during weekends and school holidays.
Best Time to Visit Desaru
March to October is the best time to visit Desaru, offering sunny weather and calm seas for beach and water activities.
November to February is the northeast monsoon season; expect occasional rain, but resort rates and crowds are lower.
Ferry Operators
| Ferry Operator | Departure Time | Pick-up Point | Drop-off Point | Fare From | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Batam Fast Ferry | 10:10 (one trip per day) |
Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal | Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal | SGD 70 |
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Kusu Island
Kusu Island is a peaceful retreat famous for its cultural heritage, temples, and calm beaches. The name “Kusu” means “tortoise”, inspired by local legend that a giant turtle transformed into the island to save shipwrecked sailors.
Kusu Island offers a tranquil escape from the city with sacred shrines, nature trails, and quiet beaches. It’s also a key pilgrimage site for devotees who visit the Tua Pek Kong Temple and Malay Keramat Shrines, especially during the Kusu Pilgrimage Season (October–November).
Attractions in Kusu Island
Kusu Island Chinese Temple: A 200-year-old Chinese temple dedicated to the God of Prosperity and Goddess of Mercy.
Malay Keramat Shrines: Located atop a small hill with 152 steps, these shrines are dedicated to three Malay saints and attract both locals and visitors seeking blessings.
Tortoise Sanctuary: Home to dozens of tortoises, believed to bring good fortune; a popular stop for families.
Quiet Beaches: Shallow turquoise waters and picnic-friendly beaches perfect for a short escape or a family outing.
Scenic Trails: Walkways surrounded by greenery ideal for leisurely strolls and photography.
Travel Tips
- The Kusu Pilgrimage Season runs for about a month annually (October–November); ferry frequency increases during this time.
- Visit early in the day for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
- Overnight stays are not allowed; all visitors must return on the last ferry.
Best Time to Visit Kusu Islands
March to October for pleasant weather and calm seas. For a unique cultural experience, you can visit during the Kusu Pilgrimage Season, when thousands of devotees make the trip from Singapore.
Ferry Operators
| Ferry Operator | Departure Time | Pick-up Point | Drop-off Point | Fare From | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore Island Cruise and Ferry Services Pte Ltd | 09:00 – 15:00 | Marina South Pier | Kusu Island Jetty | SGD 15 |
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St John’s Island
Just a short 30-minute ferry from Singapore, St John’s Island offers a tranquil escape from the city without leaving the country. Known for its peaceful beaches, picnic spots, and scenic walking trails, it’s a favorite among families, couples, and nature enthusiasts looking for a relaxing day trip. The island is also connected to Lazarus Island by a small causeway, giving visitors access to one of Singapore’s most beautiful hidden beaches.
Originally a quarantine island in the 19th century, St John’s has transformed into a serene leisure destination managed by Sentosa Development Corporation, ideal for picnics, swimming, fishing, and even educational marine exploration.
Attractions in St John’s Island
Lazarus Island Beach: Accessible via a short bridge from St John’s, featuring crystal-clear waters and white sand—perfect for swimming and photography.
St John’s Lagoon: A quiet, sheltered spot great for picnics and a quick dip in the sea.
Marine Park Outreach & Education Centre: Managed by the National Parks Board (NParks), this center showcases Singapore’s rich marine biodiversity and conservation efforts.
Cottages & Overnight Stays: Book chalets or campsites for an affordable overnight getaway close to nature.
Nature Walks & Wildlife Spotting: Trails offer opportunities to see butterflies, birds, and tropical flora along the coastal paths.
Travel Tips
- No public transport operates on the island; walking and cycling are the main modes of getting around.
- Wear light clothing, sunblock, and comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to explore both St John’s and Lazarus.
- Public toilets and changing facilities are available near the jetty.
- Ferries usually run in combination routes (St John’s–Lazarus–Kusu), so check the return schedule carefully.
Best Time to Visit St John’s Island
The dry season (March to October) is ideal for outdoor activities, photography, and swimming, with calmer waters and cooler sea breezes. Avoid weekends or public holidays if you prefer a quieter experience, as the island can get crowded with local visitors.
Ferry Operators
| Ferry Operator | Departure Time | Pick-up Point | Drop-off Point | Fare From | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore Island Cruise and Ferry Services Pte Ltd | 09:00 – 15:00 | Marina South Pier | St John’s Island Jetty | SGD 15 |
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Book a Ferry from Singapore with BusOnlineTicket
Plan your next island getaway and book a ferry from Singapore today on BusOnlineTicket.com or BusOnlineTicket mobile app to make your travel smooth.
FAQ
Do I need a passport for these ferry trips?
Yes — for Batam, Bintan, and Desaru, you’ll need a valid passport as these destinations are outside Singapore. Kusu Island and St John’s Island doesn’t require one.
How early should I arrive at the ferry terminal?
It’s best to arrive at least 1 hour before departure for international routes, and 30 minutes for local trips.
Can I book round-trip ferry tickets?
Definitely — most operators allow round-trip booking and flexible rescheduling when you book online.
Can tickets be refunded or changed?
Yes. with BOT GoFlexi, you get greater flexibility. You can reschedule or cancel your booking under terms that may apply (subject to the policy). Please check our Reschedule Policy and Refund Policy pages on BusOnlineTicket for full details, or refer to our Reschedule Booking Guide and Cancel Booking Guide. If your trip plans change, GoFlexi makes it easier to adjust without hassle.
