Air-sea transfers via Changi Airport a boon for both regulars and tourists

Some, like those travelling to and from Bintan and Batam, cite cost savings and convenience

- Esther Loi, Samantha Lee and Savanna Tai

All of Mr Saze Lim's family vacations — including his most recent one to Bangkok in early June — begin with a ferry ride from Batam to Singapore.

His family prefers flying out of Changi Airport, instead of taking a domestic flight to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta.

The 36-year-old Indonesian, a publisher, likes travelling via Changi Airport not only because the route is cheaper, but also because the airport is more efficient, has better facilities, and is a "more enjoyable travel experience" for his family.

A shuttle bus jointly operated by Changi Airport Group and Singapore Cruise Centre, which manages Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (TMFT), connects the airport and the ferry terminal in 12 to 24 minutes.

Over eight hours on June 2, The Sunday Times observed more than 32 passengers with big luggage arriving at TMFT from or heading to the airport — none of them arrived at the ferry terminal by shuttle, and around five took the bus to Changi Airport.

Seventeen of them live in Bintan or Batam, while others were travellers from China, Melbourne, Australia and Thailand.

A British consultant living in Batam since 2017, who wanted to be known only as Paul, had just come from Changi Airport after holidaying in Hong Kong.

The 65-year-old, who takes the ferry regularly when he travels, lamented that the shuttle bus service to the airport, which runs from 10am to 7.30pm with 13 trips a day, comes at odd intervals that are misaligned with ferry arrival timings. The mini bus also has little space to accommodate huge luggage.

He had taken a cab to the terminal, but noted that the short ride between airport and ferry terminal is unpopular with taxi drivers. Getting a ride from TMFT to the airport is even more difficult, he added.

"The taxi queue is slow, and taxis don't generally come here. Most people I know catch bus service 35 to take the MRT to the airport rather than wait or try to book a taxi."