Who says you need a plane ticket to get from Singapore to Bali? If you have a healthy sense of adventure, a love for slow travel, and a fraction of the budget a flight would cost, this overland and overseas journey is one for the bucket list.
We are trading cramped airport security lines for open ocean breezes, dynamic local train stations, and incredible cultural connections. Here is exactly how to cross international waters, traverse the length of Java, and land on the shores of Bali—all without a single flight.
Leg 1: Singapore Harbourfront to Batam
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Our journey begins at the HarbourFront Centre in Singapore. If you arrive early, it’s worth checking out VivoCity, the massive connected shopping mall. It is packed with everything from high-end retail to incredible local food courts. Right across the water, you can spot the rollercoasters of Universal Studios Singapore on Sentosa Island.
But don’t get too distracted by the rides; we have a ferry to catch.
Head to the ferry terminal and board a Sindo Ferry bound for Batam, Indonesia. The ticket will set you back 35 SGD. At today’s exchange rates, that translates to roughly:
$27.30 USD
£20.40 GBP
Pro Tip: If your schedule allows, arrive in Batam a few hours early. The local seafood and Indonesian dishes here are phenomenal, much cheaper than Singapore, and the perfect way to fuel up for the long journey ahead.
Leg 2: The Mighty PELNI Voyage (Batam to Jakarta)
This is where the true slow-travel magic happens. From Batam, you will board a massive PELNI ferry bound for Tanjung Priok port in Jakarta. The ticket costs 382,000 IDR, which is right around 22.00 USD (approx. £16.40 GBP).
Booking & Logistics
Reservation: You can easily reserve your ticket online.
Payment: If you prefer to pay in cash after making a reservation, you can walk into any Indomaret or Alfamart (omnipresent convenience stores across Indonesia) to settle the bill.
Boarding: Once you arrive at the port, show your booking barcode to get your official boarding pass. Make sure to get to the port a couple of hours before departure—PELNI terminals get incredibly busy.
Life Onboard: Noodles, Music, and Warm Smiles
The journey takes exactly 1 day and 8 hours. While basic food is provided, the real joy comes from exploring the onboard options. There is nothing quite like sitting on the deck, enjoying a piping hot bowl of local noodles paired with some of the extra amazing, refreshing local drinks available on board.
The atmosphere completely transforms at night. The ferry hosts live music sessions, bringing travellers and locals together to sing, unwind, and chat. What truly makes this voyage unforgettable, though, is the incredible hospitality. The constant, genuine smiles from the local people on board make you feel instantly welcome, turning a simple budget journey into a heartwarming community experience.
Unless you are on an absolute shoestring budget, it is highly recommended to upgrade to your own private room (cabin class). The economy decks are entirely communal and can get intensely crowded, so having your own comfortable sanctuary to retreat to after the nightly music is a game-changer.
Leg 3: Crossing the Heart of Java by Modern Rail
Once the ferry docks at Tanjung Priok in Jakarta, bypass the expensive private taxi drivers outside the terminal. Instead, book a quick ride using a rideshare app like Grab or Gojek to take you straight to the nearest station.
If you haven’t travelled through Indonesia recently, you are in for a wonderful surprise. The country’s train stations have been beautifully modernised and nicely designed. They are clean, architectural marvels that offer a very comfortable, smooth, and highly efficient transit experience.
Your goal is to cross Java from west to east using this excellent rail network.
Train 1: Jakarta (Pasar Turi) to Surabaya
First, catch a train from Jakarta to Pasar Turi Station in Surabaya. This ticket is remarkably cheap at just 104,000 IDR. At today’s great rates, that is only:
$5.85 USD
£4.40 GBP
Train 2: Surabaya (Gubeng) to Ketapang
Once in Surabaya, make your way to Gubeng Station to catch your final train across the easternmost tip of Java to Ketapang (the station right next to the Banyuwangi ferry port). This ticket costs a mere 56,000 IDR, which translates to:
$3.15 USD
£2.35 GBP
Leg 4: The Final Stretch to Bali
From Ketapang, you will take a very short, cheap public ferry across the strait to Gilimanuk Port in Bali. 10600 IDR (less than 1 USD)
Welcome to the Island of Bali! You have officially arrived without flying. To get from Gilimanuk to your final destination (like Ubud, Canggu, or Kuta), look for the local buses waiting outside the port.
The bus fare should cost between 60,000 IDR and 70,000 IDR (roughly $3.40 to $3.95 USD). Note that you may need to negotiate a little bit with the drivers here, as they often try to quote higher prices to tourists coming off the ferry. Stay firm, smile, and aim for that 60k-70k sweet spot!
The Trip Ledger (Ultra Budget): Total Cost Breakdown
Let’s add up the baseline transportation expenses for this epic adventure. (Note: This excludes personal spending on extra snacks, Grab rides, or PELNI cabin upgrades).
Leg of the Journey Cost in Local Currency Cost in USD Cost in GBP
Singapore to Batam (Sindo Ferry) 35 SGD $27.30 £20.40
Batam to Jakarta (PELNI Ferry) 382,000 IDR $22.00 £16.40
Jakarta to Surabaya (Train) 104,000 IDR $5.85 £4.40
Surabaya to Ketapang (Train) 56,000 IDR $3.15 £2.35
Ketapang Gilimanuk (Ferry) 10600 IDR 0.60 USD 0.45 £
Gilimanuk Bus (Bali Local Transport) ~65,000 IDR $3.65 £2.75
TOTAL BASELINE COST — $62.55 £46.75
For just over $60 USD / £46 GBP, you get a multi-day maritime and overland adventure through the shifting landscapes, beautiful modern stations, and warm, musical communities of Southeast Asia. Safe travels, road warriors!
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