About Bintan

Where is Bintan?

Bintan is the largest island in the Riau province, area 1.140 sq. km, with a coastline of about 105 km. It is truly an unique paradise. Simple life, beautiful beach, friendly people which bring us the leisure. The island gives the refreshment to our mind and body. Tanjung Pinang, Kijang, Kawal, Trikora Beach, Senggarang, Tanjung Uban and Lagoi / Bintan Resort sites, are places that should not missed when you are in Bintan.

Bintan People

The island has a population of about 200.000, and like the rest of Riau this is a true mix of cultures like Malay, Bugis, Chinese and the Orang Laut (sea people).

Bintan Currency

According to Bank of Indonesia regulations that from September 2014 onwards, all the transactions in Bintan island are using Indonesia Rupiah (IDR) so you're required to exchange your currency to Indonesian Rupiah when you plan to visit Tanjung Pinang city. You can also find many money changers are available in Tanjung Pinang city.

Activities in Bintan

Recreational activities include snorkeling, jet-skiing, canoeing, wind surfing, golfing, fishing, sailing, diving, island hopping and shopping. Sun seekers may take a leisurely stroll along then white sandy beaches and enjoy sun bathing in the warm sunshine.

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Bintan Climate

Bintan is very close to the equator and have a tropical climate throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 21° to 32°, with an average of 26° Celsius. Humidity ranges from 61 to 96 percent. The period between October to March is characterized as the north monsoon season with more rainfall and stronger winds, but the weather is generally sunny all year around. Bintan Monsoon period starting from November to March.

How to go to Bintan?

You can reach Bintan From Singapore, Malaysia (Johor Bahru) or Indonesia (Batam) by Ferries. Most international travelers arrive from Singapore and Johor Bahru. Bintan is also the major domestic seaport for the Riau Islands and is a port of call for Indonesia's major passenger shipping company Pelni. Please click here to view more detail on getting to Bintan

Things to do in Bintan?

Located just one hour ferry ride from Singapore, Bintan Island offers a convenient heavenly sanctuary from hustle bustle of the city. This tropical paradise with its wide array of attractions and activities will surely fulfill all your needs for a fun and refreshing holiday. Discover Bintan attractions that the island has for your holiday.

Visit Temples

Bintan Island has many temples you can visit to offer a prayer while in Bintan. There is 200 years old Banyan Tree Temple in Senggarang Village. You can also visit the Avalokitesvara Temple which house one of the South East Asia tallest Guan Yin Statue. At 500 Lohan Temple you will be greeted by the sight of magnificent 500 life sized lohan statue, the temple is built with Chinese architecture you might feel that you teleported to China when stepping in the temple.

Spa and Massage

Loosen your tense muscle and relax your mind with spa or massage treatment. In Singapore, such service might be quite costly. Seize the chance to have a professional spa and massage service in affordable price while you are in Bintan. You can find many great massage center in the town area, resorts in Bintan also provides spa and massage services. Some of the massage services even offer their services with great view from massage room you can enjoy while having your body treated. Experience the Aroma River Spa which is set in the middle of mangrove forest.

Taste Local Food and Fresh Seafood

You don’t want to miss the chance to have a taste of some Indonesian and Bintan specialty local food. Enjoy the unique taste of local dishes with Indonesian spices as well as local traditional desert that will make you addicted to them.

As an island with many fishermen, it is common that you find many seafood and other processed seafood in Bintan. You must have at least one seafood meal when you visit Bintan Island. The seafood here are fresh and cheap so you can eat to your heart content and the bill won’t burn your pocket.

Beach

Beach is the ultimate draw of Bintan Island. The island beaches offer a magnificent view of dazzling white sand, clear vast sea and blue sky not inferior to the famous Bali Island. You can stay at one of the Bintan beach resort during your holiday and enjoy sunbathing on the resort private beach. Waking up in one of the resorts sea view room will definitely helps you relax your stressful mind.

Nature

Enjoy the beauty of the nature in Bintan. You can watch rescued and endangered animals in Safari Lagoi and experience planting and harvesting process at Bintan Eco-Tour. Join the Gunung Bintan Adventure Trek for more challenging hiking experience.

Enjoy Bintan beautiful marine life as well with snorkeling and diving. There are many snorkeling spots in Bintan you can try. One of the famous one is snorkeling at whitesand Island with its beautiful white sandy beach and clear water, make it a great snorkeling spot.

Water and Land Activities

For those who love to spend their time outdoor under the sun. There are many things the Island has for you. Water and land activities are ready to keep you occupied. If you stay at Bintan resorts the activities will be right at your doorstep as the resort have their own set of water and land activities inside the resort area.

Shopping

Shopping in Bintan is not referring to shopping at big malls for branded goods. In Bintan, Tanjung Pinang most shopping places are more traditional places with open air venue where you can shop for local products and handicrafts or local snacks to bring home as souvenir. If you’d like to shop in air conditioned building you can visit the plaza lagoi which is opened recently where you can find many stalls and eateries.

Places of Interest in Bintan

	Tanjung Pinang Tanjung Pinang is the main port town in Bintan island or Pulau Bintan, where trader and passenger ships links to all parts of Indonesia with Singapore. Tanjung Pinang has a busy harbour that is strategically located close to the Malacca Strait, one of the world's busiest sea lanes. A large section of the part of town was built in traditional buildings, houses on stilts and over the water. You can also find numerous types of dried seafood and the colourful varieties of crackers and snacks sold here. Tanjung Pinang can be reached by 2 hours ferry from Singapore.
	Tanjung Uban Tanjung Uban is the second largest town after Tanjung Pinang at Bintan Island. It is located on the north western coast of Bintan Island. Tanjung Uban has oil storage facility and is Bintan's district center. Along the seaside there is a charming boardwalk called "Pelantar" with houses, accommodations and restaurants built above the sea. You can find a great variety of shops offering local art works and handicrafts there.
	Senggarang Island Senggarang is the name of a small village on the island of Bintan. Many locals believe that Senggarang was the first home for Chinese immigrants long time ago, who then spread throughout the other island of Riau. You can witness the over 200 years old ancient temple knowed as Banyan Tree temple in Senggarang. Bayan Tree Temple carries a rich historical story on how myseteriously the tree had formed into gigantic inspiring scenery. Other temples are not to be missed such as temple of Xuan Tian Shang-di, ruler of the North Pole Star, with its complex Chinese architechture.
	Penyengat Island Penyengat Island, 6 kilometers away from Tanjung Pinang, can be reached in 15 minutes by sampan boat. The seat of the powerful Bugis descended viceroys of Riau during the 18th century; Penyengat still bears the traces of its illustrious past. Ruins, abandoned for almost 70 years, were recently resorted. The oldest ruler's palace and royal tombs, among them the grave of the book respected Sultan Haji, author of the first Malay language grammar book among the legacies left by the Riau sultanate. A newly built cultural center for stage performances of Malay music and dances can be found.
	Trikora Beach / Pantai Trikora The most popular beach on the east coast is Trikora, where also the locals use to go for relaxation on the holidays. It can be difficult to get there, go by taxi or the occasional bus from Tanjung Pinang. Even if the beach is isolated we can find simple accommodation here, even a more luxurious alternative. The sand is white and the water clean, a great place for relaxation after the hot and busy streets of Tanjung Pinang. We can also visit a fishing village nearby and a small ship building facility to have a look at traditional boat building.
	Santa Maria Cave Santa Maria Cave was built in 18th century by a Dutch Pastor. On every sundays, devotees will come to pack the place and sing songs of praises while enjoying a short get-together with everyone in the community. Until today the place is still very well preserved and maintained. You shouldn't give a miss when you do visit Bintan.
	Sebung Village If you're a seafood lover then Sebung Village is a place you should not be missed when you visit Bintan. You can taste the freshness of Bintan seafoods in the Kelong style restaurant with a very reasonable price too.