Backpacking from Batam to Singapore is an appealing and economical choice for travelers who want to explore a neighboring country without breaking the bank. Here’s a comprehensive guide for backpackers traveling from Batam to Singapore, covering everything from preparation and transportation to budget-saving tips during your trip.
Preparation Before Departure
What should you prepare before backpacking to Singapore from Batam?
Passport and Visa
The first step before traveling is to ensure all your travel documents are ready. Your passport is the primary document you’ll need, and make sure it’s valid for at least six months before your departure date. Indonesian citizens do not need a visa for tourist visits to Singapore for up to 30 days. It’s also wise to bring a photocopy of your passport as a backup.
Itinerary
Creating an itinerary is a crucial step in preparing for your trip. Decide on the places you want to visit in Singapore. Look for information on free or low-cost attractions to save on your budget. Singapore offers many interesting places to visit without spending a lot, such as Gardens by the Bay, the Botanic Gardens, and the Marina Bay Sands area.
Accommodation
Accommodation is another important aspect to plan carefully. Choose lodging that fits your budget. Hostels or guesthouses can be economical options. Some platforms you can use to find affordable accommodations are Agoda, Booking.com, and Hostelworld. Comparing prices and reading reviews from previous guests can help you choose the best lodging.
Budget
Setting a daily budget for food, transportation, and entrance fees to attractions is crucial to ensure your trip goes smoothly. Make sure to bring enough cash in Singapore Dollars (SGD). Using a credit or debit card is also an alternative, but ensure your card works abroad.
Ferries: A Common Public Transportation from Batam to Singapore
Ferry
The most common and practical way to backpack from Batam to Singapore is by ferry. Several ferry operators serve the Batam-Singapore route, such as Batam Fast Ferry, Sindo Ferry, and Majestic Fast Ferry. The ferry ride takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the weather conditions and the ferry you choose.
The main ferry terminals in Batam for departures to Singapore are Batam Centre Ferry Terminal, Harbour Bay Ferry Terminal, and Sekupang Ferry Terminal. In Singapore, you’ll arrive at HarbourFront Centre or Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal.
Ferry Ticket Prices and Travel Procedures to Singapore
Ferry tickets to Singapore usually cost around IDR 400,000 for a one-way trip. However, you can get a cheaper rate if you buy a round-trip ticket at once.
Ferry check-in must be completed at least 30 minutes before departure, and boarding takes place 15 minutes before the ferry leaves. To ensure comfort and avoid delays, it’s advisable to be at the terminal at least one hour before the scheduled departure.
Before boarding, you’ll go through baggage screening and an immigration checkpoint for passport and document checks.
The ferry ride from Batam to Singapore takes about 50 minutes. Including time for check-in, boarding, and immigration checks, the total journey can take around 1.5 hours.
Before arriving in Singapore, make sure you have arranged a roaming package from your Indonesian mobile operator to stay connected while abroad.
Upon arrival at Singapore’s HarbourFront terminal, passengers will disembark and proceed directly to the immigration checkpoint. Here, officers will check documents, review your travel itinerary in Singapore, and perform facial and fingerprint scans.
Fill Out the Singapore Arrival Card Before Traveling to Singapore
The Singapore government requires all visitors to complete an arrival document called the Singapore Arrival Card. This document is different from a visa and must be filled out separately.
You can fill out the Singapore Arrival Card form up to three days before your arrival in Singapore. This process can be done online through the MyICA app.
After completing the data, you can show the online form in the MyICA app to immigration officers if requested upon arrival.
Visitors entering Singapore must provide personal information, passport details, arrival date, length of stay in Singapore, and hotel or accommodation name (if staying more than one night).
Arriving in Singapore and Passing Through Immigration
After completing the immigration process, you can continue your journey and start exploring Singapore. Make sure you’ve collected all your belongings before leaving the port, and ensure your communication devices are functioning well.
The HarbourFront and Tanah Merah Ferry Terminals are directly connected to Singapore’s MRT network. This makes it easy to continue your journey to your hotel or directly to tourist destinations.
For convenience when using MRT and bus services, you can purchase a Singapore Tourist Pass (STP) at the ticket counters or automated machines available at the ferry terminals.
Tips for Buying Ferry Tickets
To get the best prices and ensure seat availability, it’s best to buy ferry tickets online. Some websites you can use to purchase ferry tickets are Direct Ferries, Easybook, and FerryTicket. Buying tickets online not only saves time but is often cheaper than buying directly at the port.
Transportation in Singapore
MRT and Bus
The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and buses are the most popular public transportation options in Singapore. These systems are fast, efficient, and affordable. For convenient payment on the MRT and buses, you can buy an EZ-Link card or a Singapore Tourist Pass.
EZ-Link Card
The EZ-Link card can be purchased at MRT stations, convenience stores, or bus terminal ticket counters. You can top up the card at top-up machines available at MRT stations or convenience stores. With this card, you can travel easily without the hassle of buying a ticket every time you take the MRT or bus.
Walking
Singapore is a very pedestrian-friendly city. Many attractions are close to each other and can be reached on foot. Walking is not only healthy but also allows you to enjoy the city’s atmosphere up close.
Free or Affordable Tourist Attractions in Singapore
Marina Bay Sands
The area around Marina Bay Sands offers beautiful views, especially at night. You can walk around Marina Bay, see the Merlion statue, or enjoy the free light show at Gardens by the Bay. The night view around Marina Bay is one of the best in Singapore.
Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is a park with many interesting spots like the Supertree Grove, which can be enjoyed without an entrance fee. However, if you want to enter the conservatory domes, there is a ticket fee. This park is perfect for picnics or just relaxing while enjoying nature’s beauty.
Botanic Gardens
Singapore Botanic Gardens is a beautiful park ideal for picnics. The park is free and has many interesting spots. You can stroll around and enjoy the park’s beauty or sit and relax in the designated areas.
Chinatown and Little India
Chinatown and Little India offer rich cultural experiences and delicious, affordable food. In Chinatown, you can shop for inexpensive souvenirs, while in Little India, you can enjoy the vibrant Indian atmosphere and try various traditional foods.
Haji Lane
Haji Lane is a small street famous for its unique murals and boutique shops. It’s a great place for a stroll and photos. The artistic ambiance makes Haji Lane a favorite destination for tourists.
Budget-Saving Tips in Singapore
Eat at Hawker Centres
Hawker Centres are food courts that offer a variety of local Singaporean cuisine at affordable prices. Some well-known Hawker Centres in Singapore are Maxwell Food Centre, Lau Pa Sat, and Chinatown Complex. Eating at Hawker Centres is not only cheap but also provides an authentic local culinary experience.
Bring Your Own Water Bottle
Tap water in Singapore is safe to drink. Bring your own water bottle to refill and save on buying bottled water. Many public places like parks and MRT stations have water refill stations.
Utilize Free Wi-Fi
Many public places like cafes, libraries, and shopping malls offer free Wi-Fi. Take advantage of this to save on data plans during your trip. Using free Wi-Fi also allows you to stay connected with family and friends without additional costs.
With thorough preparation and these budget-saving tips, you can enjoy a comfortable and enjoyable backpacking trip from Batam to Singapore. Happy adventuring!