A New Way of Life

A realization – one does not need to be working and living in the bustle of Batam and Singapore to enjoy its myriad attractions when it is just a ferry ride away

Batam for a break on Weekend

Shall we have a problem moving around without our vehicle? Can we drive our vehicle all the way into Batam?

Well, if you live in Bintan and want to go to Batam on weekend, there should no be a problem.

Traveling from Bintan to Batam (and vice versa) taking along your vehicle with you is now made possible with Roll-On Roll-Off (RORO) vessel service. RORO vessel service was increased to twice a day in 2009 and subsequently to its current six trips a day, making day trips a day trips possible for visitors to both islands.

The trips, plying between the ferry terminals at Bintan (Pelabuhan RORO Tanjung Uban) and Batam (Pelabuhan RORO Telaga Punggur) are served by three giant vessels, namely KMP Kuala Batee II, KMP Barau and KMP Swarna Bengawan. KMP, which stands for Kapal Motor Penumpang (Vehicle Passenger Vessel) clearly differentiates itself from the smaller, alternate “water exist” service, a passenger-only speedboat service. The RORO vessels have vehicle-carrying capability of between 25-30 vehicles, or more with the combination of vehicles and motorcycles and a passenger-carrying capacity of between 200 to 300 passengers. The vessels also have air-conditioned and television-equipped business class travel in addition to economy class travel.

Vehicles entering the vessel through the ramp are neatly parked in the tower deck while passengers are housed in the upper deck of the vessels. Journey time is about 60 minutes compared to the 20-minute journey via speedboat.

There are six trips from each Island per day, seven times a week at two-hourly intervals. It’s interesting to note that one can carry cargoes in one’s vehicle at a cost of Rp 9,500 per tonne.

The RORO vessel service had indeed provided greater convenience for residents of both islands, be it for visiting relatives and friends, for leisure or for work.