A getaway from Singapore without flying can be a local island day trip, a land journey into Malaysia or a quick ferry to Indonesia for an island stay. Telunas uses the ferry from HarbourFront to Sekupang, then an escorted onward local ferry. It avoids the airport, but travellers still need passports, entry preparation and connection time.
What kinds of no-flight getaways are available?
The practical options fall into three categories. Once you have chosen one, the short getaway planning guide covers the planning in full. Stay within Singapore for a simple local day trip. Travel by road into Malaysia for a city, food or coastal break. Take an international ferry to the Riau Islands for Batam, Bintan or a connected resort such as Telunas. Each option replaces the airport with a different set of logistics.
Choose by desired experience and available nights. Organizers planning a group programme should also read the yoga retreat organizer guide. A day outdoors does not need a hotel. A land trip offers flexible stops, while a ferry-based resort stay creates a clear transition from city to sea. For Telunas, the team helps organize the correct ferry and times and hosts the connection from Sekupang.
| No-flight option | Good for | Planning focus |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore island day | Nature, cycling and a simple reset | Local boat operation, weather and return timing |
| Malaysia by land | Dining, city visits, road trips and flexible itineraries | Border conditions, road time and onward transport |
| Batam or Bintan by ferry | Overseas short breaks with city or resort choices | Property guidance for the ferry, entry preparation and transfer |
| Telunas via Sekupang | Resort-centred beach and nature time | Recommended international ferry and escorted onward connection |
How does the Telunas journey work?
Telunas currently instructs Singapore guests to take a ferry from HarbourFront Centre to Sekupang. Staff meet arriving guests after immigration, guide the movement to the domestic side and accompany the onward local ferry. The full sequence is published on the Telunas travel page.
Contact Telunas and the team will assist you in booking the correct HarbourFront-to-Sekupang ferry and times. Staff will meet you at Sekupang ferry terminal, guide you between the terminal areas and accompany the onward local ferry, helping make the journey as stress-free as possible.
What does avoiding the airport actually save?
It replaces the airport routine with a waterfront departure and a journey by sea. For Telunas guests, the resort assists with booking the correct ferry and times, meets arrivals at Sekupang ferry terminal and guides the onward local ferry connection, helping make the travel day feel like the beginning of the island experience.
Travellers still complete the normal ferry check-in and Indonesian entry process, but they do not have to organize the resort connection alone. Share the booking details with Telunas, follow the current guidance and let the team handle the hosted handover at Sekupang.
Which Telunas property suits the trip?
Both Telunas properties welcome families, couples and groups and offer a varied programme of fully inclusive scheduled activities, plus many other included resort activities such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Explore the current Beach Resort activities and Private Island activities. Telunas Beach Resort offers rustic overwater rooms and bungalows beside the larger beach. Telunas Private Island offers larger, more comfortable overwater villas, Kampung Kids Club, an infinity pool and daily boat access to Beach Resort activities. Ridge Villas are the adults-only accommodation option.
Match the property to the accommodation and facilities the travellers want. Couples weighing villa options can start with the couples villa guide. A group that wants shopping and restaurants should remain in Batam rather than choosing an island resort and expecting a city break.
How should you pack for ferry travel?
Use a small accessible bag for passports, arrival documents, ferry confirmation, medication, motion-sickness supplies and one light layer. Add sun protection and a change of clothing if travelling with children. Keep important items with you rather than inside luggage that may be out of reach during the journey.
Telunas recommends casual island clothing and explains that Wi-Fi is limited to designated public areas. Download tickets and essential information before leaving. If work connectivity is unavoidable, confirm the actual arrangements instead of assuming room-level internet.
How does Telunas help the journey run smoothly?
The Telunas team assists guests in booking the correct ferry and times, checks the booking details, meets them at Sekupang ferry terminal and guides the onward local ferry connection. If weather or operations require an adjustment, the team explains the current arrangement and keeps guests informed.
Travellers should keep passports and current Indonesian entry documents ready, while using the live Telunas guidance for the journey. With the resort coordinating the connection, guests can focus on the island stay rather than managing each transfer themselves.
When is a land journey better than a ferry?
Choose a land route when the trip depends on flexible stops, a private vehicle or destinations that are easier to reach from Johor. Choose a ferry when the water crossing and island setting are part of the desired break. Neither is automatically faster once border conditions and final transfers are included.
For a group, compare the weakest link. The Bintan versus Batam guide compares the two most common ferry destinations. Young children, luggage, motion sickness, road comfort and mobility can change the best route. The right no-flight trip is the one everyone can complete without using all their energy before arrival.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I go from Singapore by ferry?
Popular international ferry directions include Batam and Bintan in Indonesia, with different terminals serving different areas. Telunas guests use the HarbourFront to Sekupang route, then continue by onward local ferry. Confirm the exact connection with your accommodation.
Where can you travel from Singapore without flying?
Choose a local day trip within Singapore, Malaysia for a land journey, or the Riau Islands for a ferry-based island stay. Telunas suits travellers who want a resort-centred island stay after entering through Batam.
Where can I go for a short trip from Singapore?
Nearby choices include Singapore islands, Johor, Batam, Bintan and the Riau Islands. Telunas suits a two- or three-night island stay, with the resort helping guests select the recommended ferry and guiding the transfer from Sekupang.
Sources and review date
This guide was reviewed against the current Telunas site and the sources below on 29 July 2026. Always confirm time-sensitive travel information before departure.
- Telunas Resorts: Travel Information: Getting Here (retrieved 29 July 2026)
- Indonesia Travel: Riau Islands (retrieved 29 July 2026)
