Indonesia Ferry Network: Routes, Prices, and How to Book (2026 Map)
✅ Last verified on-the-ground: 2026-07-17
Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago, with over 17,000 islands and no real road network between them. Ferries are not optional here; they are the highway system. This indonesia ferry map guide covers every route Indian backpackers use: cross-border ferries from Singapore and Malaysia, the famous Bali crossings, and the messy inter-island network that confuses first-timers. It is a useful companion piece to our broader first trip abroad from India checklist. Planning the wider region? Our Southeast Asia backpacking hub covers the full multi-country route.
Prices are verified against operator sites and traveller reports from late June 2026.
Quick Answers
| What | Answer | Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore to Batam (fast ferry) | 45 minutes, multiple daily | From ₹3,363 (~45 SGD or ~$34.88) |
| Singapore to Bintan (fast ferry) | 60 minutes, multiple daily | From ₹3,736 (~50 SGD or ~$38.76) |
| Singapore to Bali (direct) | No direct ferry. Fly or transit via Batam/Jakarta | , |
| Malaysia (Penang) to Medan (Belawan) | Overnight, ~13 hours | From ₹5,208 (~220 MYR or ~$54.02) |
| Dumai (Sumatra, Indonesia) to Melaka (Malaysia) | 1-2 hours | From ₹829 (~35 MYR or ~$8.59) |
| Java to Bali (Banyuwangi to Gilimanuk) | 45 minutes, every 20 min | ₹51 (~9,500 IDR or ~$0.53) |
| Bali to Lombok (Padang Bai to Lembar) | 4-5 hours, several daily | ₹321 (~60,000 IDR or ~$3.33) |
| Lombok to Flores (Labuan Bajo route via Sumbawa) | 8-12 hours, overnight option | IDR 150,000-250,000 (~₹795-₹1,325) |
| Currency note | Verified 2026-07-17 at 1 INR = 188.68 IDR; 1 SGD = ₹74.69; 1 MYR = ₹23.64 | , |
Tip: if you are locking in the FX rate before you fly, see our best forex card for India comparison for cards that work smoothly across Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia.
The Indonesia ferry network is run by PELNI (national long-distance fleet), ASDP (short-distance ro-ro ferries), and a tangle of private fast-ferry operators. Each uses its own booking system. That’s the first thing to understand.
What Is the Indonesia Ferry Network?
The Indonesia ferry network is a tiered system of boat services connecting the country’s 17,000+ islands. PELNI handles long-distance routes (multi-day cruises between major ports like Jakarta, Surabaya, and Makassar). ASDP runs the short-hop roll-on/roll-off ferries that carry vehicles and foot passengers across narrow straits, including the Java-Bali and Bali-Lombok crossings. Private operators like Blue Star, Sindo Ferry, and Batam Fast fill in the cross-border and resort-island routes from Singapore and Malaysia. There is no single integrated booking platform; you book PELNI on one site, ASDP at the port, and private ferries through operator websites or third-party platforms like 12go.
Step-by-Step: How to Book an Indonesia Ferry
Step 1: Identify your route category
Pick which bucket your trip falls into:
- Cross-border from Singapore: Bintan, Batam, or onward to Sumatra
- Cross-border from Malaysia: Dumai (Riau Islands), Belawan (Medan), or Borneo
- Domestic short-hop: Java-Bali, Bali-Lombok, Sumatra-Java
- Domestic long-distance (PELNI): Jakarta-Surabaya-Makassar-Ambon routes
The booking system is different for each. If you skip this step, you’ll waste time on the wrong website.
Step 2: For cross-border ferries, check visa and arrival rules first
Ferry arrival in Indonesia gets you a Visa on Arrival (USD 35) or a free stay if you hold a valid B211A or e-VOA. Malaysian citizens enter visa-free, and Indian passport holders get VOA at every major ferry port. Singapore citizens are visa-free. Before booking, check the official Indonesian immigration portal for your nationality’s current rules.
Step 3: Book PELNI long-distance routes online
PELNI’s official site is pelni.co.id. Book 1-2 weeks ahead for popular routes (Jakarta-Makassan and Makassar-Ambon fill up around Ramadan and Lebaran). Economy class runs ₹1,072-₹2,679 (~200,000-500,000 IDR or ~$11.12-$27.79) depending on route and ship; private cabins cost more. Payment by Indonesian bank transfer or credit card; the site does not always accept foreign cards smoothly, so carry backup IDR cash.
Step 4: Book private fast ferries (Singapore/Batam/Bintan)
Use 12go or the operator’s own site:
- Batam Fast: Singapore to Batam (Harbourfront to Batam Centre), ₹3,363-₹5,231 (~45-70 SGD or ~$34.88-$54.26) one-way.
- Sindo Ferry: Singapore to Bintan (Tanah Merah to Bandar Bentan Telani), ₹3,736-₹6,726 (~50-90 SGD or ~$38.76-$69.77) one-way.
- Blue Star: Bintan to Batam inter-island, ₹1,495-₹2,242 (~20-30 SGD or ~$15.50-$23.26).
Book 1-3 days ahead on weekdays, 1 week ahead on weekends. Prices spike around Singapore school holidays (March, June, November-December).
Step 5: Book ASDP ro-ro ferries at the port or via 12go
The Java-Bali (Banyuwangi-Gilimanuk) and Bali-Lombok (Padang Bai-Lembar) ferries don’t need advance booking for foot passengers. Walk up, buy a ticket, queue. 12go lists these routes and lets you pre-purchase tickets, useful during peak season (July-August). Vehicle bookings open 3 days ahead on the ASDP Ferry app.
Step 6: Arrive 60-90 minutes early for international ferries
Cross-border ferries have immigration clearance on both ends. Singapore’s Harbourfront and Tanah Merah terminals process arrivals quickly, but the Indonesian side (Batam Centre, Bandar Bentan Telani) can be slow at peak times. Have your passport, VOA payment proof, and onward ticket ready.
Common Mistakes Indians Make
Mistake 1: Searching “ferry to Bali from Singapore” and booking the first result
There is no direct Singapore-Bali ferry. Any site that lists one is either wrong or selling a multi-leg route via Batam with a long surface transfer. The realistic options are: fly (1 hour 45 minutes, ₹8,000-₹15,000 (~$82.92-$155.47)), or ferry Singapore to Batam, then a separate connection onward to Jakarta and a domestic flight. Don’t book multi-leg ferries expecting a smooth ride; the connection times rarely work.
Mistake 2: Assuming “Bali ferry” means the same as “Bali fast boat”
The Padang Bai-Lembar (Bali-Lombok) ferry is a large vehicle ferry, slow, and prone to delays in bad weather. The “fast boats” from Bali to the Gili Islands are a separate service, smaller, faster (1.5-2 hours), and cost more (₹1,072-₹1,875 (~200,000-350,000 IDR or ~$11.12-$19.45)). Travellers often confuse the two and book the wrong service.
Mistake 3: Not checking whether the ferry includes port tax
Operator websites quote “base fare” that excludes the ₹54-₹134 (~10,000-25,000 IDR or ~$0.56-$1.39) port tax (retribusi) collected at the terminal. PELNI fares include meals and basic bedding on long routes; private ferries include nothing. Budget ₹268-₹536 (~50,000-100,000 IDR or ~$2.78-$5.56) for snacks, water, and tax on any trip longer than 2 hours.
Mistake 4: Arriving at the wrong terminal in Singapore
Singapore has two ferry terminals serving Indonesia: Harbourfront (to Batam) and Tanah Merah (to Bintan). They are 25 minutes apart by MRT. If your booking says Harbourfront but you show up at Tanah Merah, you miss the boat and the ticket is non-refundable.
Mistake 5: Booking PELNI in peak season without backup
PELNI’s online booking system goes offline routinely during high-demand periods (Lebaran, Christmas, New Year). Travellers report losing bookings to overbooking at the port. If your plans are time-sensitive, book PELNI through a local travel agent in Jakarta or Surabaya as backup.
Cross-Border Ferry Routes from Singapore (2026)
| Route | Operator | Duration | Price (one-way) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore Harbourfront to Batam Centre | Batam Fast / Sindo | 45-60 min | ₹3,363-₹5,231 (~45-70 SGD or ~$34.88-$54.26) | 8-12 daily |
| Singapore Harbourfront to Sekupang (Batam) | Batam Fast | 45 min | ₹3,363-₹4,484 (~45-60 SGD or ~$34.88-$46.51) | 5-8 daily |
| Singapore Tanah Merah to Bandar Bentan Telani (Bintan) | Sindo Ferry | 60 min | ₹3,736-₹6,726 (~50-90 SGD or ~$38.76-$69.77) | 6-10 daily |
| Singapore to Tanjung Pinang (Bintan, full island) | Sindo / Pelni | 90 min-2 hr | ₹4,110-₹7,099 (~55-95 SGD or ~$42.63-$73.64) | 3-5 daily |
| Singapore Harbourfront to Karimun (Riau Islands) | Batam Fast | 90 min | ₹5,231-₹7,473 (~70-100 SGD or ~$54.26-$77.52) | 2-3 daily |
All cross-border ferries depart from Singapore’s Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal or HarbourFront Centre. Tickets can be booked via 12go, the operator’s official site, or at the terminal counter (walk-up rates are sometimes 10-15% higher than online).
Singapore to Bali: Why There’s No Direct Ferry
Indonesia’s geography makes a direct Singapore-Bali ferry impractical. The route would cross the equator, navigate around Sumatra and Java, and take 2-3 days minimum even at speed. PELNI’s Jakarta-Belawan-Singapore route exists for cargo and is not a passenger service. Realistic Singapore-to-Bali options:
- Fly: 1 hour 45 minutes direct. Scoot, Jetstar, AirAsia, Garuda. ₹5,978-₹14,946 (~80-200 SGD or ~$62.01-$155.03).
- Ferry to Batam + flight: Singapore to Batam (45 min, ₹3,736 (~50 SGD or ~$38.76)), then a 1.5-hour connection to Batam’s Hang Nadim Airport, then fly to Denpasar (2 hours, ₹3,215-₹6,430 (~600,000-1,200,000 IDR or ~$33.35-$66.69)). Total travel time 6-8 hours, total cost ₹11,209-₹18,682 (~150-250 SGD or ~$116.28-$193.79).
- Ferry + overland to Java + ferry to Bali: Multi-day trip for the adventurous. Not practical for a Bali beach holiday.
Cross-Border Ferry Routes from Malaysia (2026)
| Route | Operator | Duration | Price (one-way) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penang to Belawan (Medan, Sumatra) | Pelni / ALS | 13-15 hr overnight | ₹5,208-₹8,996 (~220-380 MYR or ~$54.02-$93.31) | 2-3 weekly |
| Dumai (Sumatra, Indonesia) to Melaka (Malaysia) | Various | 1-2 hr | ₹829-₹1,420 (~35-60 MYR or ~$8.59-$14.73) | 3-5 daily |
| Tanjung Balai (Sumatera) to Kukup (Johor, Malaysia) | ASDP / Local | 90 min | ₹947-₹1,657 (~40-70 MYR or ~$9.82-$17.19) | 4-6 daily |
| Nunukan (Kalimantan) to Tawau (Sabah, Malaysia) | Local | 30 min | ₹592-₹947 (~25-40 MYR or ~$6.14-$9.82) | Hourly daytime |
The Penang-Medan ferry is the most popular Indian backpacker route from Malaysia to Sumatra. The boat is a converted cargo vessel with basic bunk beds. Food is available on board but limited; bring your own water and snacks. Arrival at Belawan is 15 km from Medan city; a taxi into town runs ₹536-₹804 (~100,000-150,000 IDR or ~$5.56-$8.34).
Domestic Ferry Routes: Java, Bali, Lombok, Flores (2026)
| Route | Operator | Duration | Price | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banyuwangi (Java) to Gilimanuk (Bali) | ASDP | 45 min | ₹51 (~9,500 IDR or ~$0.53) foot / ₹804 (~150,000 IDR or ~$8.34)+ car | Every 20 min, 24/7 |
| Padang Bai (Bali) to Lembar (Lombok) | ASDP | 4-5 hr | ₹321 (~60,000 IDR or ~$3.33) economy / ₹643 (~120,000 IDR or ~$6.67) VIP | 6-10 daily |
| Padang Bai (Bali) to Gili Islands (Trawangan, Meno, Air) | Private fast boats | 1.5-2 hr | ₹1,072-₹1,875 (~200,000-350,000 IDR or ~$11.12-$19.45) | 4-8 daily |
| Lembar (Lombok) to Benoa (Bali) | Private / ASDP | 4-5 hr | ₹321-₹536 (~60,000-100,000 IDR or ~$3.33-$5.56) | 2-3 daily |
| Labuan Bajo (Flores) to Sape (eastern Sumbawa) | ASDP | 4-6 hr | ₹429-₹643 (~80,000-120,000 IDR or ~$4.45-$6.67) | 1-2 daily |
| Makassar to Bira (South Sulawesi) | Pelni | 8-10 hr | ₹536-₹964 (~100,000-180,000 IDR or ~$5.56-$10) | 2 weekly |
The Java-Bali crossing at Banyuwangi-Gilimanuk is the busiest ferry route in Indonesia, with thousands of vehicles crossing daily. Foot passengers walk on, pay at the ticket counter, and board immediately. No advance booking needed.
Bali to Gili Islands: The Fast Boat Decision
If you are still finalising your itinerary and budget across Southeast Asia, the Southeast Asia trip cost from India guide breaks down typical daily spends across the region.
If you’re heading to the Gili Islands from Bali, you have two choices:
- Slow ferry (Padang Bai-Lembar) + overland to Bangsal + local boat to Gili: Total 5-7 hours, ₹536-₹804 (~100,000-150,000 IDR or ~$5.56-$8.34) total. Budget option.
- Direct fast boat (Padang Bai or Sanur to Gili Trawangan): 1.5-2 hours, ₹1,072-₹1,875 (~200,000-350,000 IDR or ~$11.12-$19.45). Sea conditions can be rough; not recommended if you get seasick.
Most backpackers take the fast boat for time savings. Book through 12go or your hostel; walk-up prices at Padang Bai are higher.
What Most Guides Don’t Tell You
PELNI schedules change without warning
PELNI’s online timetable is “indicative.” Actual departures shift by hours, sometimes days, due to weather, port congestion, or mechanical issues. Delays of 6-12 hours past scheduled departure have been reported on PELNI services. Build buffer time into any tight connection.
The Padang Bai-Lembar ferry has a “VIP” tier worth knowing about
The standard IDR 60,000 ticket gets you a seat in a crowded, air-conditioned (sometimes not) hall. The IDR 120,000 VIP ticket gets you a small air-conditioned room with reclining seats and separate waiting access. Worth the upgrade if you’re doing a daytime crossing in peak season.
Sea conditions matter more than the operator
Fast boats from Bali to Gili cancel more often than they run during July-August (the windy season). Operators will sell you a ticket regardless and you’ll find out the boat is cancelled at the dock. Check local conditions the morning of departure; have a backup plan to take the slow ferry and overland route.
Indonesian ferry ports don’t all accept credit cards
Major terminals (Batam Centre, Harbourfront, Banyuwangi, Padang Bai) accept cards. Smaller terminals (Sape, Bira, Labuan Bajo for non-tourist routes) are cash-only. Withdraw IDR before heading to remote ports; ATMs are scarce outside major towns.
Immigration on the Indonesian side can be slow at ferry ports
VOA processing at Batam Centre and Bandar Bentan Telani is fast (10-15 min) but Tanah Merah’s Singapore side can take 30-45 minutes during peak times (weekend mornings, school holidays). Arrive 90 minutes before departure, not 30.
Quick Booking Reference
| Route Type | Best Booking Method | Lead Time |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore-Batam/Bintan | 12go or operator site | 1-3 days |
| Malaysia-Sumatra (Penang-Medan) | 12go or Pelni | 1-2 weeks |
| Bali-Lombok (Padang Bai-Lembar) | Walk-up at port, or 12go | Same day |
| Bali-Gili fast boats | 12go or hotel | 1-3 days |
| Java-Bali (Banyuwangi-Gilimanuk) | Walk-up | Same day |
| PELNI long-distance | pelni.co.id | 1-2 weeks |
| Lombok-Flores (cross-Sumbawa) | Walk-up at Sape or 12go | Same day-1 day |
Safety and Insurance
Indonesian ferries are generally safe, but accidents happen, especially on overcrowded ro-ro ferries and during the rainy season periods (November-March). Always:
- Check the boat’s manifest and life jacket locations before departure
- Avoid ferries visibly overloaded beyond their deck markings
- Carry a copy of your passport and visa separately from the original
- Get travel insurance that covers sea travel and medical evacuation
For broader SEA travel planning, our Thailand sleeper train guide covers the equivalent overland transport option on the mainland, and the Mekong slow boat guide explains the Laos-Thailand river crossing if you’re extending your trip beyond Indonesia.
Subodh’s Take
The Indonesia ferry network looks chaotic from the outside, and it kind of is. There is no single booking platform, no integrated schedule, and prices vary by terminal, operator, and how you pay. Travellers managing costs across multiple Southeast Asian countries can compare with our Vietnam budget trip for couple breakdown for context on regional pricing. But once you understand the tiered system (PELNI for long-distance, ASDP for short-hops, private operators for cross-border and fast boats), it clicks. Book the big legs (Singapore-Batam, Penang-Medan, Bali-Lombok) online through 12go or the operator. Walk up for the Java-Bali crossing and any short ro-ro. Carry cash for smaller ports. And always, always check sea conditions the morning of a fast boat departure.
FAQ
Is there a direct ferry from Singapore to Bali?
No. There is no passenger ferry service from Singapore to Bali. The realistic options are flying direct (1h 45m) or taking a ferry to Batam and connecting by domestic flight.
How much does the Singapore to Bintan ferry cost?
From ₹3,736 (~50 SGD or ~$38.76) one-way for the basic Sindo Ferry service (60 minutes). Premium cabins and peak-time tickets run ₹5,978-₹7,473 (~80-100 SGD or ~$62.01-$77.52).
Can I take a ferry from Malaysia to Indonesia?
Yes. The main routes are Penang to Medan (Belawan) overnight ferry (₹5,208-₹8,996 (~220-380 MYR or ~$54.02-$93.31)) and Dumai to Port Dickson / Tanjung Balai to Kukup short crossings (₹829-₹1,657 (~35-70 MYR or ~$8.59-$17.19)).
Do I need a visa for a day trip from Singapore to Bintan or Batam?
Most nationalities, including Indian passport holders, get a Visa on Arrival (₹3,374 (~35 USD)) at the Indonesian ferry terminal. Singaporeans enter visa-free. The VOA is valid for 30 days and extendable.
How do I book the Bali to Lombok ferry?
Book via 12go, or walk up at Padang Bai harbour. Economy tickets cost ₹321 (~60,000 IDR or ~$3.33); VIP is ₹643 (~120,000 IDR or ~$6.67). Ferries run 6-10 times daily.
Is the Java to Bali ferry free or cheap?
It’s ₹51 (~9,500 IDR or ~$0.53) for foot passengers. The Banyuwangi-Gilimanuk crossing runs every 20 minutes, 24/7. No advance booking needed for foot passengers.
What’s the cheapest way to get from Bali to the Gili Islands?
The slow ferry from Padang Bai to Lembar (₹321 (~60,000 IDR or ~$3.33)) plus a 2-hour taxi to Bangsal (₹804-₹1,072 (~150,000-200,000 IDR or ~$8.34-$11.12)) plus a local boat to Gili (₹107 (~20,000 IDR or ~$1.11)). Total ₹1,232-₹1,500 (~230,000-280,000 IDR or ~$12.78-$15.56) and 5-7 hours. The fast boat is faster but 3x the price.
