Fly or Ferry? Here’s the best way to get to Batam from Malaysia
Original unedited image on the left by Bidgee via Wikimedia Commons.
When planning your trip to Batam, the first consideration is how you’re going to get there. Malaysians have two options - a plane flight or a ferry ride.
Both have their advantages, but also some setbacks to consider. Here’s a comparison to help you make your choice.
Price - Winner: Ferry
Return flight ticket price as of January 10th 2026
For shorter term planners, a return flight between KLIA and Batam will cost you between RM500 - RM600 for a direct flight. In comparison, a return trip via ferry from Berjaya Waterfront will cost you RM234 including port charges on the Malaysian and Indonesian side.
Return ferry ticket price as of January 10th 2026
While booking your plane ticket several months in advance will get you better prices, the reason why ferries win out is because the RM234 price is fixed regardless of when you buy your ticket.
This also extends to parking, with parking at KLIA airport costing RM52 a day compared to RM5 a day at Berjaya Waterfront.
Flexibility - Winner: Ferry
Most airlines have one flight per day to Batam, and usually with night flights from KLIA and morning flights from Hang Nadim Airport. This doesn’t only mean that you don’t have a choice in flight times, but that you’ll be losing two days from your trip.
On the other hand, Berjaya Waterfront has ferries leaving almost every hour, every day. Not just that, your return ticket is open for 3 months, meaning that you can extend your holiday on a whim.
Travel time - Winner: Flight
Photo Source : @UiHua Cheah
Check-ins notwithstanding, a flight from KLIA to Hang Nadim Airport takes approximately 70 minutes, compared to approximately 150 minutes by ferry.
However, once check-in times and clearance is taken into consideration, that time difference becomes smaller, although flights still win out.
Convenience - Winner: Ferry
Other than the departure options mentioned above, taking the ferry also puts you closer to the city centre. Whether from Batam Centre International Ferry Terminal or Gold Coast Bengkong International Ferry Terminal, you’ll be able to start (or end) your holiday right at the terminals’ doorstep.
Arriving at Batam Centre International Ferry Terminal means you’ll be in the city centre, while Gold Coast Bengkong puts you right in the newest, trendiest section of Batam - in walking distance to the best cafes and the legendary Bluefire Beach Club with pink-sand beaches.
Comfort - Tie
Photo Source : @UiHua Cheah
Although the air-conditioned ferries generally offer better seat comfort and legroom, they can be challenging for travellers prone to seasickness - especially during rough weather.
Flying avoids this issue, but it may not be suitable for those who experience airsickness. That said, flights are significantly shorter than ferry journeys, which often makes flying the more tolerable option for travellers sensitive to motion.
Ultimately, comfort comes down to personal tolerance, whether you prefer motion on water or in the air.
Baggage - Winner: Ferry
The ferry gets an easy win in terms of baggage. Ferries are a lot more tolerant of baggage sizes and weight, and there are no check-ins - your luggage is taken and stored when you board the ferry.
Not just that, many flight item restrictions (especially liquids and powerbanks) don’t apply to the ferry as well. The full list of restricted items on the ferry is available in Section 7 of this document.
Best of all, you already get a 20kg baggage allowance with your ticket, so extra charges only apply if you plan to do a lot of heavy shopping in Batam.
Ferries are often the smarter way to get to Batam
Photo Source : @UiHua Cheah
While many of us default to flying when it comes to travelling overseas, it’s different when it comes to Batam. Here, ferries are an overwhelmingly better choice.
Our comparisons in this article uses KL as a departure point, so your (air) mileage might vary if you live in a different state. However, the recently-launched ETS high-speed train to Johor Bahru makes it possible to get to Johor without the hassle of driving.
Why not experience it for yourself? Click here to get started on booking your ferry tickets to Batam.