A Bintan weekend getaway is the easiest overseas reset a Singaporean can make: a one-hour ferry across the water, powder-soft beaches, big resort pools and prices that still make sense in SGD. With National Day 2026 falling on Sunday, 9 August and Monday, 10 August observed as the public holiday, you have a ready-made long weekend for exactly this kind of escape. Here is how to plan it, from ferry times to where to stay.
Why Bintan for a long-weekend escape
Bintan sits in Indonesia’s Riau Islands, directly south of Singapore. The northern coast around Lagoi is a purpose-built resort enclave, so you get international hotels, clean beaches and organised watersports without a long transfer. If you have done Batam and want something quieter and more resort-focused, Bintan is the natural next step. Prefer to stay closer to home? Our Desaru Coast guide covers the Johor alternative.
Getting there: ferries from Tanah Merah
Ferries to the Bandar Bentan Telani (BBT) terminal in Lagoi leave from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal. Operators including Bintan Resort Ferries, Sindo Ferry and Majestic Fast Ferry run the crossing, which takes roughly 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes.
Times and fares
The first sailing is usually around 08:10 and the last around 17:00, with about four crossings a day. One-way adult fares run roughly SGD 35 to 55 depending on operator, day and class; return tickets to the resort side generally start around SGD 100 to 159 per adult. Children’s fares are lower. Book at least a month ahead for the 8–10 August long weekend, as the popular morning and return slots sell out first.
At the terminal
Arrive at least 90 minutes before departure; check-in typically closes 40 minutes before sailing. Note that Bintan (Western Indonesia Time) is one hour behind Singapore, so factor the clock change into your return booking.
Where to stay in Lagoi
Lagoi covers most budgets. Nirwana Gardens is the reliable family all-rounder, with an 18-hole golf course, a watersports centre and kids’ programming, typically around SGD 180 to 400 a night. At the top end, The Sanchaya offers all-inclusive villas with butler service from roughly SGD 400 to well over SGD 1,000. Club Med Bintan is the classic full-board pick for families who want everything bundled, while Treasure Bay’s Crystal Lagoon and the Anmon glamping domes suit couples and groups after something different.
Things to do
The beaches are the headline, but a Bintan weekend getaway rewards a little activity. Popular options include kayaking, jet-skiing and stand-up paddleboarding along the Lagoi coast, mangrove tours, golf, spa treatments and the mangrove firefly cruises after dark. For a slower day, head to the east-coast Trikora beaches for calmer sands and local seafood kelong restaurants. Plaza Lagoi is the walkable dining-and-shopping hub if you want a break from your resort’s buffet.
Entry, money and practical tips
Singapore passport holders travel visa-free to Indonesia for tourism for up to 30 days, so no visa is needed for a weekend. Check your passport has at least six months’ validity. The currency is the Indonesian rupiah, though resorts quote and accept SGD and cards widely; carry some small rupiah for tips and beach stalls. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent for evening mangrove trips and a light cover-up. As with any overseas trip, travel insurance is worth the few dollars.
National Day 2026: book early
The 8–10 August long weekend is one of the busiest of the year for the Bintan run, and taking Friday 7 August off stretches it to four days. Ferries and the better-value resort rooms price up quickly, so lock in your crossing and accommodation together as early as you can. If Bintan fills up, our guides to cruises from Singapore and Scoot flight deals offer easy long-weekend alternatives.
Prices and schedules are indicative as at 2 August 2026 and vary by operator, season and availability. Confirm current fares and timings with your ferry operator and resort before booking.
