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Leaving the urban sprawl of Johor Bahru for the laid-back island of Bintan means crossing the busy waters of the Singapore Strait. This journey takes you from the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula to Tanjung Pinang, the capital of Indonesia's Riau Islands province. Unlike the resorts on the northern shores of Bintan, Tanjung Pinang offers a more local glimpse of life, with stilted houses over the water, morning markets and a history as a trading port.
It is a popular route for those exploring the Riau Archipelago or looking for a gateway to other Indonesian islands.
Johor to Tanjung Pinang by Ferry
The ferry is the way to make this international crossing. Ferries leave from the Berjaya Waterfront Ferry Terminal at Stulang Laut in Johor Bahru, an official seaport with customs and immigration facilities, and sail to Tanjung Pinang on Bintan Island.[1]
The Ferry Experience
The ferries are air-conditioned high speed monohull and catamaran vessels, and the terminal quotes approximately 220 minutes to Tanjung Pinang.[1] Two ferries a day leave Stulang Laut for Tanjung Pinang, at 09:45 and 15:45 Malaysian time, and two return, at 07:00 and 13:45 Indonesian time. The schedule is subject to change without notice, for example because of the weather.[2]
The adult fare is RM130 one way and RM210 return, and RM95 one way for a child. These fares exclude a surcharge of RM35.[2] You can check availability and book through GoAsia.cc, which helps avoid queuing at the terminal on the day of departure.
Arrival and Customs
On arrival in Tanjung Pinang you pass through Indonesian immigration. Foreigners entering Indonesia must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival. Indonesia's immigration directorate lists a single-entry Visitor Visa valid for 30 days for tourism, with a fee of IDR 500,000, so check which entry option applies to your nationality.[3] From the ferry terminal, local transport such as taxis can take you to your accommodation or toward the nearby historic island of Pulau Penyengat.
Indonesian time on Bintan is exactly one hour earlier than Malaysian time, so adjust your watch on arrival.[1]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferry | RM130 one way plus RM35 surcharge[2] | About 220 minutes[1] | Standard |
Tips for Traveling from Johor to Tanjung Pinang
- Arrive early: Since this is an international departure, aim to be at the Berjaya Waterfront Ferry Terminal well before departure to allow for check-in and Malaysian immigration clearance.
- Check visa requirements: Indonesia's entry rules depend on your nationality. Have the necessary documents ready, and check the immigration directorate's information before you travel.[3]
- Currency: Have some Indonesian rupiah on hand for your arrival in Tanjung Pinang.
- Motion sickness: If you are prone to seasickness, consider taking medication before boarding, and expect the ferry schedule to change in bad weather.
Timetable
| Ferry Johor Bahru - Bintan $ 39.00 2h 12m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Johor to Tanjung Pinang, including current prices and schedules.
The ferry from Stulang Laut is the direct way to cross. The adult fare is RM130 one way, plus a surcharge of RM35.
The direct ferry from the Berjaya Waterfront Ferry Terminal, which the terminal quotes at approximately 220 minutes.
The terminal quotes approximately 220 minutes on the water. Allow extra time for check-in and immigration, and note that Indonesian time is one hour earlier than Malaysian time.
Yes, this is an international trip from Malaysia to Indonesia, so a valid passport is mandatory. Foreigners entering Indonesia must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival.
Ferries to Tanjung Pinang depart from the Berjaya Waterfront Ferry Terminal at Stulang Laut in Johor Bahru.
Yes, booking ahead on GoAsia.cc is a good idea, as only two ferries a day leave for Tanjung Pinang and weekends and public holidays can be busy.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Berjaya Waterfront Ferry Terminal: Travel Information. Retrieved October 18, 2026.
- [2] Berjaya Waterfront Ferry Terminal: Schedule. Retrieved October 18, 2026.
- [3] Directorate General of Immigration, Indonesia: General Information (Visitor Visa). Retrieved October 15, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.