Bintan Island: The Exotic Tourism Hub for Your Getaway

Known as one of the exotic tourist destinations in Indonesia, Bintan Island offers so many different exciting activities that you have to experience. Luxury resorts, world-class golf courses, magnificent coastal beauty in just one island would be the perfect getaway for those who look for a place for leisure and adventure activities. 

As the largest island out of around 3,000 islands in Riau Archipelago, statistics record more than 350,000 tourists come to visit Bintan Island. Now, let’s check why it’s attracting hundreds of thousand travellers.

The Wonders of the Island

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In recent years, Bintan has also become a world-class sport-tourism destination attracting thousands around the world to compete in its marathons, triathlons, extreme sports, and golf challenges. The Bintan Resorts have been a home for the world-renowned yearly Triathlon in the past years. With those alluring qualities, there are several attractions in Bintan that might capture your interest.

1.  Bintan Resort

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The stunning Bintan Resorts is one of the chief tourist attractions in Bintan. Located on the northern tip of the island, this spectacular resort stretches along the sandy white coast of South China Sea. Bintan Resorts hosts several exclusive beach resorts and championship golf courses and offers a variety of recreational facilities and attractions that are located within this integrated resort. Bintan Resorts is the perfect tropical escape for those of you who love to indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments, fresh delicious seafood, and unbeatable beach views. Choose your favorite hotel and enjoy a unique experience with your loved ones.

2.  Penyengat Island

This Island was once the epicenter of the Malay Riau-Lingga empire. The restored Sultan’s palace is enriched with historical monuments and relics of the past. An interesting blend of Javanese and Dutch architecture. Another well-known landmark in this island is the astonishing Sultan of Riau Grand Mosque, which was built using a mixture of egg white and lime as cement.

3.  Trikora Beach

Head on to the eastern shores of Bintan island and you would come across Trikora Beach. With breathtaking long stretch clear crystal water beaches, a popular seaside playground for locals an as well as neighboring country Singapore and Malaysia. Enjoy some tranquility and relaxing and fun quality time with loved ones in this picturesque and stunning surroundings.

4.  Senggarang and Sebung Village

Those who share an interest in the local’s way of life might find Senggarang and Sebung village a treat.

Senggarang is one of the most prominent Chinese villages in the Riau Archipelago. The village has a strong Chinese tradition presence in its surroundings. This small fishing village is filled with rows of fishermen’s stilt houses lining its coast. The village is also home for ancient Chinese temples.

Sebung Village is the place to go for the best seafood in Bintan. Located near Sebung River, Sebung Village is an abundance of fresh seafood served in Kelong-style restaurants. While observing the locals, the village also offers fantastic views of the mangrove river.

How to Get Here

By Ferries

Situated just a ferry ride away from Singapore and Johor Bahru in Malaysia, most visitors enter Bintan by sea. 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 at Tanjung Pinang and Bandar Bentan Telani Terminal at Bintan Resorts. From Johor Bahru Malaysia, five ferries serve the daily schedule between Johor Bahru Ferry Terminal to Sri Bintan Pura Terminal, Tanjung Pinang.

By Air

Bintan’s airport, Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport, does not cater international flights. Riau Airlines is the main operator and connects the Island to Jakarta, Palembang, Jambi, Pekanbaru, and Natuna Islands. From the capital city of Jakarta, there are also daily flights to the Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport in Bintan Island, served by Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and Sriwijaya Air. For more information on the Airport and the flight schedule, log on to this link.

How to Get Around

Taxi and car rentals are commonly available at Ferry Terminals and also Resorts. Note that it is advisable to use taxis and car rentals recommended by your hotel.  Online services are also available around the city. They guarantee their drivers are fully vaccinated, so you don’t have to worry about traveling around with them. Those who love adventure could also choose a fun and more convenient way to explore the beaches around the Island by renting scooters. Scooter rent can easily be found in many areas along the island. Another available mode of transportation is buses. Major resorts are usually equipped with shuttle buses to take the guests around the area surrounding the resorts. The main bus terminus is located on the outskirts of Tanjung Pinang at Batu Tujuh. These bus destinations are Trikora, Kijang, and Tanjung Uban. There are also mini buses operating on fixed routes.

Now, it’s settled, right? Reasons above are convincing enough that Bintan Island is worth visiting. If you are a first timer in Bintan Island, no need to worry, you can find more information here. Find the tour that is right for you in your next visit to Bintan Island!