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Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal – Your Gateway to Bintan

  • Writer: Bintan Holiday CSO
    Bintan Holiday CSO
  • 2 days ago
  • 3 min read
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If you’re planning a trip to Bintan Island, then Bandar Bentan Telani (BBT) is the key entry-point. This ferry terminal is the only dedicated terminal for accessing Bintan Resorts, making it a vital part of your travel plan. The journey from Singapore to BBT is straightforward, efficient, and designed to get you on island time as fast as possible. Below is a detailed guide covering how to reach the terminal, the ferry route, and a major new visa benefit that makes visiting the Riau Islands easier than ever.




Getting There: The Ferry Route from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (Singapore) to Bandar Bentan Telani (Bintan)


The prime route for visitors is from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (TMFT) in Singapore direct to BBT in Bintan Resorts. The service is operated by Bintan Resort Ferries (BRF). According to the official site, the high-speed catamaran ride takes about 60 minutes.


Ferry schedule details show multiple departures weekly between TMFT and BBT. For example, as of July 2025, Monday to Thursday sailings include departures at 08:10, 11:10, 14:00 and 17:00 (Singapore time) from Tanah Merah.


Tickets can be booked online via the BRF website or purchased at the counters at TMFT or BBT.


Why this route matters: BBT is directly inside the Bintan Resorts zone, which means once you arrive you are working within the resort area with easier transfers to villas, beaches, and resort facilities. According to BRF, the terminal “offers efficient immigration and customs clearance processes” to make the journey smoother.



Why Bandar Bentan Telani Matters


  • Only ferry terminal into Bintan Resorts: BBT is specifically designed for the resort zone on Bintan Island. Visitors arriving via this terminal get easy access to resort transport, hotels, beaches, and activities.

  • Port of entry for the Riau Islands: The terminal is designated as a port of entry where immigration and customs are handled. This is important for international travellers.

  • Fast ferry access from Singapore: With a ferry ride of approximately one hour or less from TMFT, BBT enables a quick transition from Singapore to island holiday mode.



New 7-Day Visa on Arrival (VOA) for the Riau Islands, Pay at Arrival


Great news for international visitors: as of December 17, 2024, the Indonesian government introduced a 7-Day Visa on Arrival (VOA) scheme specifically for the Riau Islands, including Bintan Resorts. 

Here are key details:


  • Valid for tourism (and business) in designated areas including Bintan Resorts.

  • Price: IDR 250,000 (plus a small bank processing fee) for the 7-day VOA.

  • Payment is offline (cash in Indonesian Rupiah) at the BRI counter inside the Bandar Bentan Telani terminal. It cannot be paid online.

  • Entry and exit must be via approved ports in the Riau Islands, and BBT is one of them.


This new VOA option makes short getaways easier — no need for e-Visa application prior, just arrive with your passport and get the visa at BBT.



Tips for Smooth Arrival & Travel


  • Book your ferry tickets with Bintan Resort Ferries ahead of time to secure your preferred departure time.

  • Arrive at Tanah Merah ferry terminal early to allow for check-in and immigration.

  • At BBT terminal, after disembarking your ferry, head straight to the BRI counter if you need the 7-day VOA. Bring Indonesian Rupiah cash.

  • Once your visa is processed, proceed to immigration and then collect your luggage and transfers to your resort in Bintan.

  • Many resorts in the area offer free transfer services from BBT, check in advance with your hotel.



Why Bintan Resorts via BBT Should Be Your Next Getaway

With the combination of a short ferry ride from Singapore, seamless immigration at BBT, and the 7-day Visa on Arrival, Bintan Resorts has never been more accessible. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape, a well-deserved break, or a spontaneous island holiday, arriving via Bandar Bentan Telani gets you into the tropical vibe quickly and with minimal hassle.


Start your trip at the ferry terminal, settle into your resort, and within hours you’re on a white sandy beach or enjoying resort activities, all thanks to the connectivity via BBT.


The Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal is more than just a port, it’s your first step into the paradise of Bintan Resorts. With direct service from Singapore’s Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal via Bintan Resort Ferries and the new 7-Day VOA option for the Riau Islands, traveling has never been easier.


Ready to plan your island escape? Book your ferry, arrange resort transfers, and secure your visa via BintanHoliday.com today. Get ready for sunshine, waves, and beach time without the long travel.



 
 
 
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