Are you looking for a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city? Do you want to experience the beauty and diversity of Indonesia's culture and nature? If yes, then Bintan is the place for you. Bintan is a stunning island in the Riau archipelago, just an hour away from Singapore and Jakarta by ferry or plane. Bintan offers something for everyone, whether you are looking for luxury resorts, pristine beaches, golf courses, spas, historical sites, wildlife, or local villages. In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about Bintan tourism, from how to reach, where to stay, what to do, what to eat, and when to visit. Read on and discover why Bintan is a tropical paradise for travelers.
How to Reach Bintan
Bintan is easily accessible from various locations, especially from Singapore and Jakarta. The most common and convenient way to reach Bintan is by ferry, which takes about an hour and costs around $50-$70 per person. There are two ferry terminals in Bintan: Bintan Resorts Ferry Terminal and Tanjung Pinang Ferry Terminal. The former is closer to the resorts and beaches, while the latter is closer to the city and cultural attractions. You can choose the terminal that suits your itinerary and preference.
Alternatively, you can also fly to Bintan by plane, which takes about 45 minutes and costs around $100-$150 per person. There is only one airport in Bintan: Raja Haji Fisabilillah International Airport. The airport is located near Tanjung Pinang, the capital city of Bintan. From there, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to your destination.
If you are feeling adventurous, you can also reach Bintan by yacht, which takes about 2-3 hours and costs around $200-$300 per person. There are several marinas in Bintan, such as Nongsa Point Marina, Bintan Lagoon Resort Marina, and Lagoi Bay Marina. You can enjoy the scenic views of the sea and the islands along the way.
Where to Stay in Bintan
Bintan has a wide range of accommodation options, from budget hotels to luxury villas. Depending on your budget, style, and location, you can find the perfect place to stay in Bintan. Here are some of the best hotels and resorts in Bintan, categorized by budget, luxury, location, and amenities.
- Budget: If you are looking for a cheap and comfortable stay in Bintan, you can choose from several budget hotels, such as Hotel Laguna, Hotel Furia, and Hotel Bintan Nirwana. These hotels offer basic facilities, such as air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, TV, and hot water. They are located near the city center, the ferry terminal, and the local attractions. You can expect to pay around $10-$20 per night for these hotels.
- Luxury: If you are looking for a lavish and pampering stay in Bintan, you can choose from several luxury resorts, such as Banyan Tree Bintan, Angsana Bintan, and The Sanchaya. These resorts offer premium facilities, such as private pools, spas, golf courses, restaurants, and bars. They are located near the beach, the golf club, and the nature reserve. You can expect to pay around $200-$400 per night for these resorts.
- Location: If you are looking for a convenient and strategic stay in Bintan, you can choose from several location-based hotels and resorts, such as Bintan Lagoon Resort, Nirwana Resort Hotel, and Mayang Sari Beach Resort. These hotels and resorts offer easy access to the main attractions, such as the beach, the golf course, the spa, and the cultural sites. They are located near the ferry terminal, the airport, and the city center. You can expect to pay around $50-$100 per night for these hotels and resorts.
- Amenities: If you are looking for a special and unique stay in Bintan, you can choose from several amenity-based hotels and resorts, such as The Canopi, The Residence Bintan, and The Anmon Resort Bintan. These hotels and resorts offer distinctive features, such as glamping tents, infinity pools, safari lodges, and desert-themed villas. They are located near the lagoon, the mangrove, and the desert. You can expect to pay around $100-$200 per night for these hotels and resorts.
What to Do in Bintan
Bintan has a lot to offer for travelers, from relaxing on beautiful beaches, playing golf, enjoying spa treatments, exploring historical sites, observing wildlife, and experiencing local life. You will never run out of things to do in Bintan, as there is something for everyone, whether you are a nature lover, a history buff, or a culture enthusiast. Here are some of the best activities and attractions that Bintan has to offer.
- Relaxing on beautiful beaches in Bintan Island: Bintan is famous for its stunning and serene beaches, where you can soak up the sun, swim in the clear water, or indulge in water sports. Some of the best beaches in Bintan are Lagoi Bay Beach, Trikora Beach, and Tanjung Berakit Beach. Lagoi Bay Beach is a popular and lively beach, where you can find many resorts, restaurants, and shops. Trikora Beach is a quiet and peaceful beach, where you can enjoy the scenic views of the fishing boats and the coconut trees. Tanjung Berakit Beach is a secluded and romantic beach, where you can witness the beautiful sunset and the starry sky.
- Home to world-class golf course, and luxurious spas: Bintan is also known for its golf and spa facilities, where you can unwind and rejuvenate your body and mind. Some of the best golf and spa facilities in Bintan are Ria Bintan Golf Club, Banyan Tree Bintan, and Angsana Bintan. Ria Bintan Golf Club is a world-class golf course, designed by Gary Player, that offers 27 holes of challenging and scenic golf. Banyan Tree Bintan is a luxury resort that offers a range of spa treatments, such as massages, facials, and body scrubs, using natural and local ingredients. Angsana Bintan is another luxury resort that offers a variety of spa services, such as aromatherapy, reflexology, and acupuncture, using essential oils and herbs.
- Encounter local life: Bintan is also rich in culture and history, where you can learn about the past and present of the island and its people. Some of the best cultural and historical sites in Bintan are Penyengat Island, Banyan Tree Temple Senggarang, and Bintan Elephant Park. Penyengat Island is a small island that was once the center of the Malay Riau-Lingga empire, where you can visit the Sultan of Riau's Grand Mosque, the royal tombs, and the fort. Banyan Tree Temple Senggarang is an ancient Chinese temple that is surrounded by a giant banyan tree, where you can admire the statues, carvings, and architecture. Bintan Elephant Park is a wildlife sanctuary that houses several Sumatran elephants, where you can interact with, feed, and ride the gentle giants.
What to Eat in Bintan
Bintan has a delicious and diverse cuisine, influenced by the Malay, Chinese, and Indonesian cultures. You can find a variety of dishes, from seafood, rice, noodles, to desserts, that will satisfy your taste buds and appetite. Here are some of the best dishes and delicacies that Bintan has to offer.
- Seafood: Bintan is a paradise for seafood lovers, as you can find fresh and succulent seafood, such as fish, crab, shrimp, squid, and lobster, cooked in different ways, such as grilled, fried, steamed, or baked. Some of the best seafood dishes in Bintan are gong gong, chili crab, and ikan bakar. Gong gong is a local delicacy that consists of boiled sea snails, served with a spicy sauce. Chili crab is a popular dish that consists of crab cooked in a thick and tangy chili sauce. Ikan bakar is a grilled fish dish that is marinated in spices and herbs, served with rice and sambal.
- Nasi lemak: Nasi lemak is a traditional Malay dish that consists of rice cooked in coconut milk, served with various side dishes, such as fried chicken, fried egg, anchovies, peanuts, cucumber, and sambal. Nasi lemak is a hearty and flavorful dish that can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You can find nasi lemak in many restaurants and stalls in Bintan, especially in Tanjung Pinang and Penyengat Island.
- Otak-otak: Otak-otak is a snack that consists of fish paste mixed with spices and coconut milk, wrapped in banana leaves, and grilled over charcoal. Otak-otak is a soft and savory snack that can be eaten on its own or with bread or rice. You can find otak-otak in many street vendors and markets in Bintan.
- Kueh lapis: Kueh lapis is a traditional dessert that consists of steamed layers of rice pudding, flavoured with coconut milk and sugar. Kueh lapis has a soft and springy texture, and can be peeled off layer by layer. Kueh lapis comes in different colours, such as pink, green, and yellow, depending on the food colouring used. Some kueh lapis also have pandan or rose flavouring for extra fragrance. Kueh lapis is a popular snack that can be found in many markets and stalls in Bintan.
When to Visit Bintan
Bintan has a tropical climate, with warm and humid weather throughout the year. The average temperature is around 27°C, and the average rainfall is around 200 mm per month. The best time to visit Bintan depends on your preference and activities. Here are some factors to consider when planning your trip to Bintan.
- Weather: Bintan has two seasons: dry and wet. The dry season is from June to September, and the wet season is from November to March. The dry season is ideal for outdoor activities, such as beach, golf, and wildlife. The wet season is suitable for indoor activities, such as spa, museum, and temple. However, the weather can be unpredictable, and there can be occasional showers or sunny days in any season. Therefore, it is advisable to check the weather forecast before your trip and pack accordingly.
- Festivals: Bintan has a diverse and vibrant culture, and celebrates various festivals throughout the year. Some of the major festivals in Bintan are Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, Hari Raya Haji, and Christmas. Chinese New Year is celebrated in late January or early February, and is marked by lion dances, fireworks, and red lanterns. Hari Raya Puasa is celebrated in May or June, and is marked by prayers, feasts, and visits to relatives and friends. Hari Raya Haji is celebrated in July or August, and is marked by sacrifices, donations, and pilgrimages. Christmas is celebrated on December 25, and is marked by carols, decorations, and gifts. Visiting Bintan during these festivals can be a great way to experience the local culture and traditions.
- Prices: Bintan has different prices for accommodation, transportation, and activities depending on the season and demand. The peak season is from June to August, and from December to January, when the prices are higher and the crowds are larger. The off-season is from September to November, and from February to May, when the prices are lower and the crowds are smaller. If you are looking for a budget-friendly and quiet trip, you can visit Bintan during the off-season. If you are looking for a lively and festive trip, you can visit Bintan during the peak season.
Conclusion
Bintan is a tropical paradise for travelers, as it offers a variety of attractions, activities, accommodation, and cuisine. Whether you are looking for relaxation, adventure, culture, or gastronomy, you can find it all in Bintan. Bintan is also easy to reach, and has a pleasant weather throughout the year. Bintan is a destination that you should not miss, as it will give you an unforgettable and memorable experience.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Bintan now and discover its beauty and charm. For more travel tips and guides, visit our website or follow us on social media. Thank you for reading and happy travels!
