Indonesia

Singapore's Surrounding Islands

Bawah Reserve, Indonesia
Sea Turtle, Bawah Reserve, Indonesia
Batam, Indonesia
Anambas Islands, Indonesia

Why visit Singapore’s surrounding islands?

Just beyond the skyline of Singapore, nearby Indonesia’s Riau Islands offer a welcome contrast to the city’s pace. Islands such as Nikoi Island and Cempedak Island can be reached in just a few hours by ferry and boat, while Bawah Reserve lies further afield in the Anambas Islands, accessed by seaplane. Despite the differences in journey, each offers clear waters, quiet beaches and a slower rhythm of life, with time spent snorkelling, kayaking or simply unwinding by the sea.

What makes these islands so appealing is the balance they bring. After time in Singapore, they offer space, simplicity and a strong connection to nature, with low-key, thoughtfully designed stays that prioritise privacy and sustainability. It is a natural shift in pace, and while easy to combine with the city, these islands feel distinctly removed from it.

Did you know?

The Riau Islands are made up of over 1,700 islands, many of which are uninhabited, creating a scattering of remote, castaway-style escapes just a short distance from Singapore

Did you know?

The Riau Islands lie along one of the world’s busiest historic trade routes, once travelled by Malay sailors, Chinese merchants and European explorers.

The Riau islands, Indonesia

Highlights Singapore’s surrounding islands

  • Island escapes: Just beyond Singapore, the nearby Riau Islands offer a range of island experiences, from simple, nature-led stays to more exclusive private island retreats.
  • Access: Islands such as Nikoi and Cempedak are reached via ferry from Singapore to Bintan, followed by a boat transfer. More remote options, including Bawah Reserve, require a combination of ferry or short flight and onward seaplane transfer.
  • Beach and water activities: Warm tropical waters in the region are well suited to snorkelling, kayaking and paddleboarding, with conditions generally best in the dry season.
  • Nature and wildlife: Expect tropical forest, coral reefs and marine life across the islands, alongside birdlife in more untouched areas.
  • A slower pace: These islands provide a clear contrast to Singapore’s urban energy, offering space, simplicity and a more relaxed rhythm.

Good to know

Getting to Singapore's surrounding islands

The main airport in Singapore is Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), where direct flights from both the UK and the US operate regularly.

From Singapore Changi Airport, access to the surrounding islands varies depending on the destination.

For the Riau Islands, you first take a short drive from Changi Airport to Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, followed by a ferry to Bintan Island. From there, onward transfers by car and boat are arranged to reach islands such as Nikoi or Cempedak.

Reaching Bawah Reserve involves a longer journey, typically including a transfer from Singapore to Batam by ferry or flight, followed by a seaplane arranged by the resort directly to the island.

Where to combine with Singapore's surrounding islands

The surrounding islands of Singapore are best combined with a wider city stay in Singapore itself, where you can base yourself for a few nights before or after your island time. This works particularly well as the city offers excellent international connections and a strong contrast of culture, dining and architecture.

They also combine naturally with southern Malaysia, especially if you are planning a longer journey. After time in Singapore and its nearby islands, you can continue north into Malaysia for rainforest, heritage cities and coastline, creating a varied itinerary that moves from urban experiences to nature and then to the sea.

When to go

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OUR FAVOURITE TIME TO VISIT

The best time to visit the islands around Singapore is February to early April. This period offers the most reliable weather across the region, with generally sunny skies, lower rainfall and calmer sea conditions, making it ideal for both island stays and boat journeys.

This window also works well if you are combining the islands with nearby parts of Malaysia or the Riau Islands, as conditions are typically drier and more consistent for outdoor activities, beach time and jungle experiences.

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