Stuck on ideas for a weekend getaway from Singapore? Here are five places you can reach by ferry!

There are two international ferry terminals in Singapore: Tanah Merah and HarbourFront, both of which offer ferry rides to neighbouring countries. Perfect for those seeking a short holiday without the hassle of air travel, here are five places just a ferry ride away!

Batam

Batam is synonymous with Singaporeans as a weekend getaway, thanks to its proximity and several available ferry routes to terminals such as Batam Center and Sekupang. The island is home to a variety of guest accommodations such as Montigo Beach Resort and Turi Beach Resort. While one can easily spend the weekend within the confines of the resorts, there’s much more to see and do in Batam. Affordable shopping and massages aside, interesting sites to visit include the Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia.

Bintan

Bintan is another popular island to visit by ferry, the more laidback equivalent of Batam. Venturing towards Bintan’s eastern coast reveals its secret: long stretches of white sandy beaches with crystal clear water, shaded by palm trees. Trikora Beach Club offers villas with direct access to the beach, providing a much-needed break from Singapore’s hustle and bustle. Don’t forget to bring your snorkels if you’re going to Bintan, as the relatively shallow waters are teeming with marine life.

Nikoi Island

Just a stone’s throw off the east coast of Bintan, Nikoi Island, is a private island that is only open to its guests. The journey involves a ferry ride to Bintan, followed by an hour’s journey by car, closing with a 20 minutes speedboat ride to the island. While the best part of this eco-friendly resort is the chance to wind down in its pristine surroundings, this 15-hectare island comes all-inclusive with activities such as snorkelling, kayaking, and fishing. If you visit Nikoi Island between February and September, you may even see sea turtles nesting!

Pulau Pangkil

Another private island accessible from Bintan, Pulau Pangkil offers a rustic atmosphere for a laidback getaway, and the opportunity to enjoy a digital detox – there are no televisions in the rooms, and the only spot to initiate or receive a call is where the mobile phone booster is at, all the way at the end of the island!

If the journey to Pulau Pangkil has whetted your appetite for more exploration, there’s also the option to go island hopping to nearby islands such as Pulau Murbai and Pulau Mapur on its speedboats.

Desaru

A recent addition to Tanah Merah’s ferry service portfolio is Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal, the gateway to a family-friendly destination in Johor. There’s, of course, the town’s crown jewel – Desaru Beach – where its clean, sandy beaches and calm waters create the perfect backdrop for a picnic. Attractions in Desaru include the Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark, with plenty of thrilling rides and slides for a day out. Not your type of vacation? There are plenty of family-friendly hotspots such as Desaru Fruit Farm, or if you’re looking for a close encounter of the feathered kind, Desaru Ostrich Farm.

Find Your Own Piece of Paradise!

If you see yourself as an intrepid explorer, why not open up new worlds by becoming the captain of your own boat? Before you splash out on a fancy vessel, however, you’ll need the licences to do so, starting with the Powered Pleasure Craft Driving License, which allows you to drive an engine-powered or jet-propelled pleasure craft for up to 24 meters in length (with SZ or SZH licence prefixes) within Singapore’s port limits. To sail internationally, you will also need to get your Basic Competency Course, followed by the International Yacht Training License. Once you’ve got them under your belt, you’re all set to go!

To get sailing, AA members can get 10% off Pleasure Craft Courses at The Boat Shop Asia (TBSA), which provides educational and training services for the pleasure craft community. TBSA offers a comprehensive range of courses for learners to start on their boating journey by allowing them to obtain a Power Pleasure Craft Driving License (PPCDL) and IYT License. TBSA has a fleet of boats available for bareboat charters, which learners can charter after they have gone through the competency course.

Dine and Sail into the Sunset

If you’re tight on time yet still keen on a boating experience, check out The Royal Albatross Sunset Dinner Experience. The yacht itself, with its traditional riggings and towering sails, is a sight to behold. Your night begins with a four-course dinner with 360-degree sea views, and doesn’t end until you’ve enjoyed the spectacle of seeing dusk fall. Now, how’s that for a unique and utterly romantic date night?

AA Members enjoy 15% off Sunset Dinner Cruise and all Royal Albatross experiences!