Bandar Bentan Telani ferry terminal guide

Bandar Bentan Telani is the ferry terminal that serves the Bintan Resorts area around Lagoi. The operator lists the crossing from Tanah Merah in Singapore at approximately one hour and ten minutes, and says Bintan is one hour behind Singapore time ^[1]. The sailing is short, so the real effort lies in the legs on either side.

For the island overview, start with our Bintan guide. Then use this page to plan the first hour at the terminal.

What does the journey look like from start to finish?

Think in legs, not in one crossing time. Each leg has its own wait.

1. Reach the Singapore terminal: allow travel time from where you start and a buffer for check-in.
2. Check in and clear departure: queues vary by sailing.
3. The crossing: the operator’s listed time is about one hour and ten minutes ^[1].
4. Arrival and immigration at Bandar Bentan Telani: allow time for the queue and bags.
5. The transfer to your resort: confirm the vehicle and the drive time with the resort.

If your leave is tight, leave the evening of arrival light. A late sailing followed by a long transfer leaves little room for dinner plans.

What should you check about your passport?

The operator says you need an international passport valid for at least six months on your travel date ^[2]. Rules can change, so check the entry requirements on the official Indonesian immigration pages before you pay for anything. Carry the passport in your hand luggage, not in a checked bag.

Our Singapore gateways guide explains the other ways in if you start from Malaysia.

What should you ask your resort about the transfer?

Put the questions in writing so you can check the answers.

• Does the resort meet every sailing, or only some, and who pays for the shuttle?
• Where do you meet the driver or the coach after immigration?
• What happens if the ferry arrives late?
• How long is the drive from the terminal to the resort, on the resort’s own estimate?
• What is the contact number on arrival day?

Our guide to Bintan resort stays and the transfer legs needed lists the legs in more detail.

Which resort area suits your plan?

A Lagoi resort stay keeps the road leg short, while a stay in Tanjung Pinang or on the east coast adds distance. Compare the options in choosing a Bintan resort area around your transfer and see who Lagoi suits.

If your plan starts from the other terminal on the island, read the Tanjung Pinang Sri Bintan Pura ferry guide.

What is the fallback if the plan slips?

Agree a fallback before you leave. If the sailing is delayed, tell the resort and keep your first evening open.

If the shuttle does not appear, ask the resort for a taxi contact and confirm the fare before leaving. If the weather affects the crossing, ask the operator about rebooking and your agency about changed hotel nights.

Better options when the plan feels too long

If the full chain of legs feels long for a short break, a Batam stay may fit better. Use the ferry vs flight planner to compare, and read the Bintan three-day, two-night plan to see how the legs fit into a short stay.