New year, new adventures! The new year has just begun but we all need something to look forward to. Why not plan your next getaway to Bintan?
Short weekend getaways are a great way to scratch that travel bug itch. They can be inexpensive, don’t eat up too much of your annual leave, and are a great way to break out of the hustle and bustle of life. Just an hour away by ferry, Bintan has stunning beaches, luxurious resorts, and thrilling activities that you can take away over the weekend. Here’s a list of things to do in Bintan that offers a good mix of culture and nature, and there’s definitely something for everyone.
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How to get to Bintan:
Image credits: Bintan Ferry
The best way to get to the largest island in Indonesia’s Riau Archipelago is by ferry via Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal. Bintan Resort Ferries offers round trips that will take you to Bandar Bentan Telani (for resorts) while Sindo Ferry and Majestic Fast Ferry Terminal each offer round trips to and from Tanjung Pinang (for local attractions).
Tanjung Pinang is about 50 minutes away, while Bandar Bentan Telani takes about 60 minutes to get there. There are about three round trips per day on weekdays, and up to five ferry timings available on weekends, making it super convenient to head over anytime. Prices range from about S$35 to S$50.
Pro Tip: Make the most of YouTrip Perks and get up to 5% cashback when you book your ferry tickets via Klook.
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Overview of the best things to do in Bintan:
- Relax at Trikora Beach
- Explore Lagoi Bay and Plaza Lagoi
- Visit Bintan’s Sand Dunes & Blue Lake
- tee off at Ria Bintan Golf Club
- Go snorkelling or diving at White Sands Island
- Visit the 500 Lohan Temple
- Explore the Grotto Santa Maria Cave 💜
- Go on a thrilling ride at Treasure Bay Bintan
- Go on a Mangrove River Tour in Sebung River
- Explore Tanjung Pinang’s Local Markets
- Visit Penyengat Island for Cultural Heritage
- Discover Hidden Waterfalls at Gunung Bintan 💜
- Go glamping at the Anmon Resort Bintan 💜
💜 = off-the-beaten-track / unique experience
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1. Relax at Trikora Beach
Image credits: Trikora Beach Club and Resort
Trikora Beach is the picture that comes to mind when you think ‘beach getaway’. White sandy beaches with clear blue waters overlooking the endless horizon, it’s the best place to kick back and chill by the ocean. Just 45 minutes away by car from Tanjung Pinang, the best way to enjoy the beach is at one of the beach clubs like the Trikora Beach Club & Resort with access to a private portion of the beach, bicycle rentals, water sports and the Island Spa.
Address: Jl. Pemuklman, Tlk. Bakau, Kec. Gn. Kijang, Kabupaten Bintan, Kepulauan Riau, Indonesia
Opening Hours: 24 Hours
Contact number: +62 8117700898
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2. Explore Lagoi Bay and Plaza Lagoi
Image credits: TripAdvisor
A bustling area with resorts, restaurants, and shopping, Lagoi Bay is the place to go if you’re looking for a nice seaside town vibe. Take a break from the sun and wander around Plaza Lagoi for some retail therapy, then head over to their food trucks and stalls set up around the plaza.
During festive seasons, there are usually carnivals and stalls set up to soak in the atmosphere. Also, check out the Lantern Park, with life-sized lantern displays!
Address: 8Jl. Gurindam Duabelas Teluk Sebong, Lagoi, Bintan Regency, Riau Islands Province 29155 Indonesia
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 8 PM
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3. Visit Bintan’s Sand Dunes & Blue Lake
Image credits: Klook
Also known as the Busung Desert, the Bintan Desert is home to white, sparkly sand dunes and crystal-clear blue waters that make it a unique photo opportunity and are definitely a sight to behold. Take photos with eagles, hop onto an ATV, or just wander around and enjoy the serene beauty of the place for a unique adventure! It’s best to go on a guided tour of the place to hit the best spots and get around with ease.
Address: Busung, Seri Kuala Lobam, Bintan Regency, Riau Islands 29153, Indonesia
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
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4. Tee off at Ria Bintan Golf Club
Image credits: Ria Bintan Golf Club
Go for a round of golf set against the backdrop of breathtaking sea views at the Ria Bintan Golf Club. It’s known to be one of the top golfing destinations in Asia, with an award-winning 18-hole Ocean Course facing the South China Sea, and the 9-hole Forest Course that’s nestled within the woodlands.
Prices include land transfer between Bintan Ferry Terminal and Ria Bintan Golf Club, too, one less thing to worry about!
Address: Jl. Perigi Raja, Lagoi North Bintan, Sebong Lagoi, Kec. Tlk. Sebong, Kabupaten Bintan, Kepulauan Riau 29152, Indonesia
Opening Hours: 7 AM – 7 PM
Price: IDR1,800,000 (~S$150) – 2,640,000 (~S$220)
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5. Go Snorkelling and Diving at White Sands Island
Image credits: Klook
White Sands Island is a private island located 15 minutes away from Trikora. The island is great for day trips, where you can go on snorkelling and scuba diving adventures. If the ocean’s not for you, hang out by the beach, play a round or two of volleyball and just soak in the gorgeous sea views. The island is also a conservation site for turtles, with a sanctuary on the island too.
Tickets to the island are not available for pre-booking online, so the best way to get there is from Trikora directly. Alternatively, sign up for this snorkelling island tour to put your mind at ease!
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
Rate: IDK 340,000 (~S$30) for entry and boat transfer
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6. Visit the 500 Lohan Temple
Image credits: Anmon
One of Bintan’s best-kept treasures, the 500 Lohan Temple is home to more than 500 life-sized Lohan stone statues, known to be stone carvings of the enlightened disciples of Buddha. Most temples have just a few statues, so the sea of unique faces you’ll be greeted with is truly a captivating sight.
Address: Jalan Nusantara, KM 13 Kijang Kota Tanjungpinang, Kepulauan Riau
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Rate: IDR30,000 (~S$2.50)
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7. Explore the Grotto Santa Maria Cave (Off-the-beaten-track)
Image credits: Bintan Resorts
Unknown to many, Bintan used to be a migrant settlement with migrants transiting through en route to Malaysia in search of work. Workers prayed for protection in a makeshift chapel as the journey from Bintan to Southern Johor was known to be treacherous.
The chapel now has a trail with 14 limestone statues depicting the story of Jesus’ journey to the cross, leading to a preserved statue of Mary nestled within a cave. This lesser-known attraction serves as both a cultural landmark and a reminder of the past.
Address: Malang Rapat, Gunung Kijang, Bintan Regency, Riau Islands 29151
Opening Hours: 24 hours
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8. Go on a thrilling ride at Treasure Bay Bintan
Image credits: Klook
Treasure Bay Bintan is the spot to hit with activities for days! Float around in Southeast Asia’s first man-made seawater lagoon with crystal clear waters. Ride around on a paddle boat, trek through the jungle on an ATV, ride around on electric scooters, jump around the indoor playground, gather around the bonfire at night, you get the picture!
Address: Kawasan Pariwisata, Jl. Raja H. No.KM 01, Sebong Lagoi, Kec. Tlk. Sebong, Kabupaten Bintan, Kepulauan Riau 29155, Indonesia
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM
Admission Fee: IDR 120,000 (~S$10)
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9. Go on a mangrove river tour in Sebung River
Image credits: Pelago
Meet the oldest guards of Bintan’s coasts – the mangrove trees. The roots of the tree prevent soil erosion by holding soil firmly to the ground, reducing the impact of tsunamis and providing a natural water treatment system that keeps the waters clear and healthy. Go on a mangrove river tour and learn more about the ecosystem, and you’ll get to observe colourful kingfishers and active monkeys in their natural habitat too.
Pro-Tip: Go for a slot later in the evening and you might just get to see thousands of fireflies light up too!
Address: Jalan Kota Kapur, Teluk Sebong Lagoi, Bintan, Kepulauan Riau
Opening Hours: 8 AM – 9 PM (Varies by operator)
Cost: ~IDR380,000 (~S$32) depending on the operator
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10. Explore Tanjong Pinang’s local markets
Image credits: Timeout
There’s no better way to explore a place than with your stomach! There are plenty of local markets with traditional food stalls, souvenirs, dried goods, keropok and more!
1. Bintan Indah Mall
- Address: Tanjungpinang Kota, Tanjung Pinang Kota, Tanjung Pinang City, Riau Islands, Indonesia
- Opening Hours: 7 AM – 5 PM
- Highlights: Local delights like Laksa, Mee Soto, Mie Ayam
2. Tanjung Pinang Traditional market
- Address: Air Raja, Tanjungpinang Timur, Tanjung Pinang City, Riau Islands 29125, Indonesia
- Opening Hours: 4 AM – 3 PM
- Highlights: Dried seafood, local fruits and snacks
3. Rimba Jaya Night Market
- Address: Jl. Gudang Minyak, Kemboja, Kec. Tanjungpinang Bar., Kota Tanjung Pinang, Kepulauan Riau 29115, Indonesia
- Opening Hours: 4 PM – 10 PM
- Highlights: Souvenirs, rides, local food and snacks
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11. Visit Penyengat Island for Cultural Heritage
Image credits: Bintan Resorts
Go back in time and learn more about the history of Bintan. Dating back to the 18th century, Penyengat Island was once home to the Sultan of the Johor-Riau Kingdom. Enjoy the blend of Javanese and Dutch architecture, and explore the Sultan’s Mosque, which is said to have been built with egg whites.
Beyond the ancient architecture, take a tuk tuk tour around the island to visit other features like a Chinese temple and fishing villages. You can easily get to Penyengat Island from Tanjung Pinang Pier via water taxi.
Address: Kota Tanjung Pinang, Kepulauan Riau 29115, Indonesia
Opening Hours: 11 AM – 9:30 PM (Mondays-Saturdays), 1 PM – 9 PM (Sundays)
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12. Discover Hidden Waterfalls at Gunung Bintan (Off-the-beaten-track)
Image credits: Bintan Resorts
Trek up the tallest summit of Bintan at Gunung Bintan, or Mount Bintan. The trek up is relatively easy and doesn’t require much training. Standing at 340m, the area is home to tall trees and all kinds of wildlife like monkeys and eagles, and you might get to see some seasonal fruits like durians, mangosteens, jackfruit and more.
There is a beautiful waterfall on the trek down known as ‘Kolam Puteri’ or Princess’ Pool, and legend has it that a dip in the clear waters brings good luck!
The hike takes about two to four hours, depending on how fast you choose to go. While relatively easy, it may take a bit of navigating to find your way around. Guided tours are available with pick up from your accommodations included.
Address: Bintan Buyu, Teluk Bintan, Bintan Regency, Riau Islands, Indonesia
Opening Hours: 11 AM – 10 PM
Cost: ~IDR550,000 (~S$46) depending on operator
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13. Go glamping at ANMON Resort Bintan (Most unique experience!)
Image credits: Anmon Resort
Grab your best friends and spend a night or two at the ANMON Resort Bintan. Each room is made within a luxurious teepee with a private en-suite bathroom and a patio. Each tent can accommodate up to four guests, making it perfect for a short getaway with the gals (or guys)!
Address: Jalan Raja Haji Fisabililah No.88, Sebong Lagoi, Teluk Sebong, Bintan Regency, Riau Islands 29155, Indonesia
Cost: From S$143 per night on Agoda (Enjoy 7% off when you book with your YouTrip card)
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It’s time for your next getaway!
As we kick off a year of adventure, we hope that this list has been useful in helping you plan your next trip to Bintan! And as always, don’t forget to bring your YouTrip card along for the best exchange rates.
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Happy travels!
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