SINGAPORE - To draw more visitors to Batam and Bintan islands, the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism has partnered the tourism sector to introduce tour packages at more affordable prices.

For example, those travelling from Singapore to Batam can get return ferry tickets from Batam Fast at $20 instead of $48 if they choose out of 250 tour packages.

These promotions will last till the end of the year.

In a press release on Monday (Oct 2), the Ministry of Tourism in Indonesia said that Mondays to Thursday will see even lower prices for these 250 packages.

"This program has benefited many parties, stakeholders, and industries by utilising idle capacity, thus the visitors who go on holiday to Batam, Bintan and Tanjung Pinang can really feel the excellent service, with affordable price and packages," the ministry said.

Mr Rizki Handayani, director of promotion for South-east Asia at the Indonesian Tourism Ministry, said the Indonesian government had been working with ferry operators and tour agencies to create these special packages.

"As added value, tourists can also enjoy coffee and traditional snacks on the ferry," he said.