Bintan is one of the easiest weekend escapes from Singapore. The ferry ride is short, the island is calm, and you can go from a busy week to a resort pool without taking leave.
For Filipinos in Singapore, it is also a chance to reset without flying home. No long airport queues, no big time difference, no heavy jet lag.
What to do in Bintan
Most trips fall into two buckets: resort stay or simple island exploring.
Beach and resort time. Many visitors book a resort and barely leave it. Pools, private beaches, and spa treatments are the main draw.
Water activities. Depending on the season and operator, you can try kayaking, snorkelling, or a mangrove river tour. A mangrove tour runs from Rp500,000 (SGD50) for morning or sunset slots.
Local food and markets. Seafood is common, along with Indonesian staples. At Pujasera hawker centre, each meal costs an average of SGD2 and a drink goes for less than SGD1.
Golf and spa. Bintan has golf courses and spa packages that appeal to short-stay visitors.
Day trips around the island. Some visitors hire a driver to see temples, fishing villages, or viewpoints. A private car charter around Bintan starts from $50.85 on Klook.
If you only have two days, pick one main activity and leave the rest loose. Bintan works best when you are not rushing.
What to spend
Costs depend on your resort, ferry timing, and how much you eat and drink outside your package.
Ferry tickets. Ferries leave from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal and Pelabuhan Tanjung Pinang Ferry Terminal.
Accommodation. Budget resorts, mid-range hotels, and luxury villas all exist. Rates start from $67 per night, with options like Banyan Tree Bintan from $464 per night.
Food and drinks. Resort prices are higher than local warungs. At Pujasera, meals average SGD2 and drinks under SGD1.
Activities. Water sports, spa, and tours are usually paid separately. A 20-minute seaplane flight costs SGD120, and a full video of the flight is SGD35.
Transport on the island. A private transfer from the ferry terminal to your resort starts from $5.35 on Klook.
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A simple rule: set a budget before you book the ferry. The ferry and hotel are the fixed costs. Everything else is optional.
What Filipinos in SG should prepare
This is the part that matters most. Bintan is in Indonesia, so you are crossing an international border.
Passport validity. Check your Philippine passport has enough remaining validity for entry.
Visa and entry rules. Visa-free or visa-on-arrival rules can change. Verify with the Indonesian embassy or the official Indonesian immigration site before you travel.
Re-entry to Singapore. If you are on a work pass, make sure your pass and passport are in order for your return. Check with MOM if you are unsure about travel while on a pass.
Ferry terminal and timing. Ferries leave from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal. Arrive early for check-in and immigration.
Money. Bring some Indonesian rupiah for small purchases. Cards may not work everywhere.
Weather. Rain can affect ferry schedules and outdoor activities. Check the forecast before you go.
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If you are unsure about any immigration rule, do not guess. Ask the relevant authority or your employer's HR team.
Practical takeaway
Bintan is a good short break if you plan the boring parts first: passport, ferry, hotel, and budget. Once those are set, the island is easy to enjoy.
For border and pass questions, always go back to the official source. For work pass matters, check MOM. For Singapore immigration and re-entry, check ICA.
