Known as one of Indonesia’s exotic tourist destinations, Bintan Island in Indonesia is a must-experience with a variety of exciting activities. Luxury resorts, world-class golf courses, and a beautiful coastline on just one island make it the perfect getaway for anyone looking for a place for leisure and adventure activities.
As the largest of the Riau Archipelago, Bintan has approximately 3,000 islands, statistically, over 350,000 tourists visit Bintan Island.
How to Get to Bintan Island
By Sea
Most travelers arrive at Bintan Island Indonesia by sea, by ferry from Singapore and Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
From Singapore, there are three operators (Penguin, Indo Falcon, and Berlian/Webmaster) that offer frequent services from Tanah Merah Terminal in Singapore to Sri Bintan Pura Terminal in Tanjung Pinang and Bandar Bentan Telani Terminal in Bintan Resort.
From Johor Bahru Malaysia, 5 ferries operate daily between Johor Bahru Ferry Terminal and Sri Bintan Pura Terminal in Tanjung Pinang.
By Air
Bintan Airport, Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport, does not serve international flights. Riau Airways is the main operator, connecting the island with Jakarta, Palembang, Jambi, Pekanbaru, and Natuna. There are also daily flights from the capital Jakarta to Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport on Bintan Island.
Where to Go in Bintan Island
In recent years, Bintan Island has also emerged as a premier sporting destination, attracting thousands of people from all over the world to participate in marathons, triathlons, extreme sports and golf challenges.
Bintan Island is more than just luxury resorts and world-class golf courses. There are other great natural attractions worth exploring throughout the island.
Gurun Pasir Busung
Gurun Pasir Busung transports you to a magical and Instagrammable photo spot of rolling sand dunes, mysterious, and picturesque. It’s hard to imagine coming across a ‘desert’ in the middle of a tropical Indonesian island.
Gentle slopes in varying shades of tan and yellow and red tones in the sand make this place one of the most Instagrammable spots on Bintan Island.
Take your unique experience to the next level by hopping into one of the Saharan-inspired photo spots available and immortalize the moment with the perfect pose.
Trikora Beach
Continue to the east coast of Bintan Island and you’ll come to Trikora Beach. Long stretches of stunning beaches with crystal clear waters, make it a popular seaside playground for locals and neighboring countries Singapore and Malaysia. Relax and enjoy your time with your loved ones in this scenic and stunning setting.
Bintan’s Mangrove Forests
Embark on an adventure back to nature, rocking through dense mangrove forests. Experience Bintan’s lush nature and vibrant green rainforest firsthand.
The river is home to a wide variety of native flora and fauna, including wildlife such as snakes, monkeys, kingfishers, and even otters. For a special experience, travel through the forest at night. You will feel calm and peaceful and you can watch the water shimmer under the pale moonlight.
Also read: Extreme Sports You Need to Try to Pump Up Your Adrenaline
Blue Lake (Danau Biru Kawal)
The lake is surrounded by white sand dunes and its surreal blue waters are truly beautiful. Knowing that this place, rather than a natural oasis, actually arose as a result of mining activity and active mining discoveries in the area.
Where to Sleep in Bintan Island
Bintan Island Resorts
The beautiful Bintan Island Resort is one of the main tourist attractions on Bintan Island. Located on the northern tip of the island, this spectacular resort stretches along the white sands of the South China Sea.
Home to several exclusive beach resorts and championship golf courses, Bintan Resorts offers a variety of leisure facilities and attractions within this integrated resort.
Bintan Resorts is the perfect tropical resort for those looking for rejuvenating spa treatments, fresh and delicious seafood and unsurpassed beach views.
Natra Bintan
A blend of camping and glamour, Natra Bintan allows guests to sleep in the great outdoors without sacrificing one inch of luxury and luxurious comfort.
Natra Bintan consists of 41 tents surrounded by a lush tropical setting with mangrove rivers and the shimmering sea in the distance.
Air-conditioned, with plush four-poster beds, outdoor hot tubs, and excellent WiFi, each tent is a campground that even the most discerning traveler will appreciate.
Putri Pandan Resort
Putri Pandan Resort is conveniently located in the popular Trikora Beach area for travelers and business travelers. They offer a variety of facilities to ensure a comfortable stay. The hotel provides car park, family room, restaurant, airport transfer, room service to ensure the guests with comfort.
Their comfortable rooms guarantee a restful night’s sleep. Some rooms are equipped with amenities such as air conditioning, fans, showers, working desks, and blackout curtains.
The hotel’s garden, private beach, water sports (non-motor sports) are ideal places to relax and unwind after a busy day.
Where to Eat in Bintan Island
Culinary tourism has increased significantly in Indonesia. Restaurant and small business owners are adapting to this trend by combining innovative cuisine with delicious restaurant ambiance to enhance the overall dining experience for their customers.
From Sabang to Merauke, Indonesia is rich in culture and each region, including Bintan Island, has its own culinary flavor.
Here is a list of restaurants, cafes, and bars that you can visit.
Restaurants
- Kelong Seafood Restaurant
- Pujasera Food Centre
- Warung Yeah!
- Casa Italia Pizzeria
- The Compass Rose
Cafes
- Marine Cafe
- Yeah! Lounge
- Lotus Cafe
- Mama B
- Haskell’s Cafe
Bars
Bars in Bintan Island are usually not available in this area as the locals are generally Muslim and they do not usually drink alcoholic beverages. However, the major shopping malls and hotel concierges can tell you where to buy them.
Get Around in Bintan Island
Taxis and rental cars are usually available at ferry terminals and resorts. You can take a taxi or rent a car as recommended by the hotel. Online services are also available throughout the city.
They ensure their drivers are fully vaccinated, so you don’t have to worry about traveling with them. You can also choose a fun and convenient way to explore the beaches.
Scooter rentals are easy to find in many parts of the island. Another transportation that you can take is the bus. Larger resorts are usually equipped with shuttle buses that take guests into the resort.
The main bus station is located on the outskirts of Tanjung Pinang in Batu Tuju. Destinations of these buses are Trikora, Kijang, and Tanjung Uban. There are also microbuses that run on fixed routes.
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