SINDO Ferry is the Singapore – Batam passenger ferry branch of Penguin Ferry Services, the favourite ferry operator of most Singaporean guys transitioning from boys to men and possibly the first ferry operator that may come to mind among the older generation who do not frequently take ferries.
On my journey though, there seemed to be an unintended race to Batam.
View the Singapore – Batam (Indonesia) Ferries Service Guide here.
You can get your ferry tickets online at BusOnlineTicket or Easybook. Head upstairs to Level 3, unit number #03-43 of HarbourFront Centre to check-in and get your boarding pass.
My boarding pass for my onward journey to Batam.
You can proceed for immigration 45 minutes before the departure time.
Once you’re done with immigration, pick a seat at the waiting area for boarding calls to be made, or have a look at the duty-free shop at the corner of the waiting area.
Boarding my 11.30am ferry for Sekupang. This departure also proceeds onwards to Waterfront (Marina Teluk Senimba Ferry Terminal).
The SINDO 6 will be operating on my trip today.
Proceeding to board the ferry. The boarding pass will be collected by the staff ahead of the gangway.
Inside the SINDO 6. Surprised to see bus-like reclining seats instead of the typical rigid ferry seats.
The SINDO 6 also has an open-air upper deck with actual bus seats from Vogel-Sitze familiar to Singaporeans.
I spent my journey time here instead of the air-conditioned cabin as the air is fresher and it made for better scenery photos.
Following my departure today is the Jet Flyte I on a BatamFast departure to Batam Centre.
Speeding up after exiting the port limit.
Bypassing Beach Station.
And the fake but ever-popular southernmost point.
The actual southernmost point of Sentosa (not Continental Asia) is marked by this red Sentosa beacon, and is located within Sentosa Cove.
Bypassing ONE°15 Marina Club where I can’t afford to depart from.
The Jet Flyte I overtaking us after ONE°15 Marina Club and stayed on our port side for the route to Batam Centre.
Speeding up to overtake my ferry.
Since it was a rather light ferry, it did get bumpy when it crossed our wake. Pity the passengers on the open-air top deck of the Jet Flyte I who probably got more than they bargained for.
The Jet Flyte I officially spoiling my picture of the Singapore skyline. Oh well. But the weather didn’t help much anyway.
Stealing the limelight from the Singapore skyline.
A slightly better shot without any ships blocking the view, but it’s a little too far and too dark.
Glad I’m just heading to Batam and not further out to the South China Sea today.
The Jet Flyte I maintaining her position at my port beam.
Once the ship crossed into Indonesian waters, one of the crew members hoisted up the Indonesian flag along with the Quebec and November flags.
The Jet Flyte I parting ways to head towards Batam Centre.
Entering Sekupang.
Berthing at Sekupang Ferry Terminal.
The SINDO 6 at Sekupang, which will proceed onwards to Waterfront shortly.
Overall, it’s a regular commuting ferry service and there’s not much to compare among the operators aside from the departure time. However, my personal preference would be to spend the journey on an open-air deck instead of inside an air-conditioned cabin unless it’s raining or there isn’t an open-air deck. You can always spend time in air-conditioned comfort almost anywhere but how often will you get the sea breeze in your face?
You can get your ferry tickets online at BusOnlineTicket or Easybook.
View the Singapore – Batam (Indonesia) Ferries Service Guide here.