Is it safe to travel from Singapore to Batam by ferry?

Question

I have already read the general question here about ferry safety in Indonesia. However since the trip is supposedly only 20 miles, I am trying to find if it would be safe for a 20 member group to use this as a reliable means of transport both up and down from Singapore.

The primary reason to ask this question is that someone has already planned this trip and they did not seem to factor in the safety part at all and I need to either say yes to participate, no to participate or altogether shoot down the idea if it would be too unsafe for anyone. Reading this page on travelfish adds to the confusion.

Anyone have experience of this route? Just so that I add the detail (in which spirit answers have been made) to ensure that this question isnt too broad or opinion based, I was only worried about accidents and personal life safety being a cause of concern.

Answer 1

I live in Singapore, and have taken ferries to Batam and Bintan (another nearby island).

Let me first clear up the confusion you have acquired by reading that page on Travelfish.org. They mention that the ferry to Indonesia takes "a couple of days" and "is no cheaper than flying." They are not referring to the ferry to Batam, but rather to the overall journey from Singapore to Java, which as outlined in the article takes three legs, Batam being the first, easiest, and least significant.

With that out of the way: these ferries are extremely safe. The terminal and vessels bear some resemblance to a small airport, and none to the sometimes-chaotic "bumboat" ferries that make short trips elsewhere in the region. The ships are proper ships, with proper seating, very seaworthy in appearance, and completely sealed against the weather (which is often calm anyway).

The ferry trip is not very long and the crew are professional. Singaporeans in general are not people who tolerate unsafe conditions (and there are plenty of them taking these ferries, due to work and also the many golf courses in Batam and Bintan).

Enjoy the trip. If it weren't for the interesting scenes of cargo ships everywhere, you'd probably find it boring!

Answer 2

Background: I'm reading "The Lunatic Express" at present, which tries to open travellers' eyes to the fact that these 'terrifying' roads, buses and ferries are part of thousands of peoples' daily commutes. Yes, they're probably more dangerous than your car ride this morning at home, but people take them every day without concern.

In the book, Carl Hoffman takes the most dangerous ferries, flights and more that he can find. At the end, he asks an actuary to calculate the risk of his trip. The actuary calculates that if he did the whole trip 100 times (ie travelled non-stop on these dangerous transportation methods for 44 years) there'd be a 95% chance of him still being alive(!).

So one trip from Singapore (a very modern and safe city) on a ferry is likely to be pretty safe - it's more the thought of danger that is upsetting. Indeed, if it helps, the Batamfast ferry states:

"All ferries are certified for the ISM (International Safety Management) Code in 1998 as directed by the IMO (International Maritime Organisation). "

Not sure which one you're looking to take, but odds are you're probably going to be fine.

Answer 3

I have taken the ferry to Batam before, and they operated really well. It was clean, on time, spacious. Many Singaporeans (who are very safety-conscious) take this mode of transportation.

Answer 4

The ferries do sink- and you can live. Sinking is a part of being on the water. Ride at your own risk or never leave the house for fear of death- then again there is always carbon monoxide. I missed this boat by pure luck last night. Wow! http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/about-100-passengers-rescued-after-batam-singapore-ferry-strikes-floating-object "About 100 passengers rescued after Batam-Singapore ferry hits floating object"