Are you looking for a perfect getaway that offers you a blend of relaxation, adventure, culture, and nature? If yes, then you should definitely consider visiting Bintan Island, a stunning island in Indonesia that has something for everyone. Whether you want to soak up the sun on the pristine beaches, explore the rich and diverse heritage, enjoy the world-class golf courses and sports activities, discover the breathtaking and varied nature and wildlife, or indulge in the delightful and authentic shopping and dining experiences, Bintan Island has it all. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on the best things to do in Bintan Island for different types of travelers and preferences.
Relax and Rejuvenate at the Stunning Beaches and Resorts of Bintan Island
One of the main reasons why Bintan Island is a popular destination for beach lovers and resort goers is its amazing coastline that boasts of white sand, turquoise water, and lush palm trees. Bintan Island has some of the most beautiful and luxurious beaches and resorts in Southeast Asia, where you can relax and rejuvenate in style and comfort. Some of the best beaches and resorts in Bintan Island are:
Lagoi Bay:
This is the most developed and modern area of Bintan Island, where you can find a range of high-end resorts, restaurants, shops, and entertainment options. Lagoi Bay also has a gorgeous beach that offers a variety of water sports, such as kayaking, jet skiing, banana boating, and snorkeling. If you are looking for a lively and convenient place to stay and enjoy the beach, Lagoi Bay is the place for you.
Trikora Beach:
This is the opposite of Lagoi Bay, as it is more rustic and authentic, and less crowded and commercialized. Trikora Beach is a long stretch of beach that has a more local vibe, where you can see the traditional fishing boats and villages along the shore. Trikora Beach also has some budget-friendly and cozy resorts, such as the Bintan Agro Beach Resort and the Mutiara Beach Resort, where you can experience the charm and hospitality of the locals.
Bintan Lagoon Resort:
This is one of the most popular and prestigious resorts in Bintan Island, as it offers a complete package of luxury, leisure, and fun. Bintan Lagoon Resort has its own private beach, two golf courses, a spa, a pool, a kids club, and several dining options. You can also enjoy activities like archery, paintball, ATV, and biking at the resort. Bintan Lagoon Resort is ideal for families, couples, and groups who want to have a memorable and hassle-free vacation.
Nirwana Gardens:
This is another resort that offers a variety of accommodation and entertainment options for different tastes and budgets. Nirwana Gardens has five different properties, ranging from the elegant Nirwana Resort Hotel, the cozy Mayang Sari Beach Resort, the spacious Nirwana Beach Club, the exclusive Indra Maya Pool Villas, and the adventurous Banyu Biru Villas. You can also enjoy the facilities and activities of the resort, such as the mini zoo, the elephant park, the bowling alley, the karaoke lounge, and the water sports center.
Explore the Rich and Diverse Culture and Heritage of Bintan Island
Bintan Island is not only a paradise for beach lovers, but also a cultural hub that offers a glimpse into the history and traditions of various ethnic groups and religions, such as Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Buddhist. Bintan Island has some of the most impressive and interesting temples and cultural sites that showcase its charm and diversity. Some of the must-see temples and cultural sites in Bintan Island are:
500 Lohan Temple:
This is a remarkable temple that features 500 life-sized statues of Buddhist arhats, or enlightened beings, each with a unique facial expression and posture. The temple is located in a serene and scenic area, surrounded by hills and greenery. You can also see a giant statue of Guanyin, the goddess of mercy, and a reclining Buddha at the temple. The 500 Lohan Temple is a place where you can admire the artistry and spirituality of Buddhism.
Banyan Tree Temple:
This is a unique and mysterious temple that is literally built around a huge banyan tree. The temple is dedicated to a local deity named Datuk Gong, who is believed to grant wishes and blessings to the devotees. The temple is also decorated with colorful flags, lanterns, and statues of various gods and animals. The Banyan Tree Temple is a place where you can experience the wonder and faith of the locals.
Penyengat Island:
This is a small island that was once the seat of the Johor-Riau Sultanate, a powerful Malay kingdom that ruled the region in the 18th and 19th centuries. The island is rich in historical and cultural heritage, as you can see the remnants of the palace, the royal mosque, the tombs, and the fort. You can also learn about the history and culture of the Malay people at the Penyengat Island Cultural Center. Penyengat Island is a place where you can immerse yourself in the glory and legacy of the Malay civilization.
Senggarang Village:
This is a quaint and charming village that is home to the Chinese community of Bintan Island. The village is known for its old and beautiful temples, such as the Banyan Tree Temple, the Sun Te Kong Temple, and the Tian Shang Miao Temple, where you can see the influence of Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. You can also stroll around the village and see the traditional houses, shops, and fishing boats. Senggarang Village is a place where you can appreciate the culture and lifestyle of the Chinese people.
Enjoy the Thrill and Challenge of the World-Class Golf Courses and Sports Activities of Bintan Island
Bintan Island is also a paradise for golfers and sports enthusiasts, as it offers some of the best golf courses and sports activities in Southeast Asia, where you can enjoy the thrill and challenge of the game. Bintan Island has some of the most outstanding and fun golf courses and sports activities that cater to different levels and preferences. Some of the top golf courses and sports activities in Bintan Island are:
Ria Bintan Golf Club:
This is one of the most prestigious and award-winning golf clubs in Asia, designed by the legendary Gary Player. The club has two courses, the Ocean Course and the Forest Course, that offer stunning views of the sea and the forest. The courses are also challenging and exciting, as they feature bunkers, water hazards, and elevation changes. Ria Bintan Golf Club is a must-visit for golf lovers who want to experience the best of golfing in Bintan Island.
Laguna Golf Bintan:
This is another golf club that offers a superb golfing experience in Bintan Island, designed by the renowned Paul Jansen. The club has an 18-hole course that is set in a tropical landscape, with natural rock formations, lagoons, and coconut groves. The course is also fun and varied, as it has different themes, such as the Rice Paddy, the Jungle, the Beach, and the Rock Quarry. Laguna Golf Bintan is a great choice for golfers who want to enjoy the beauty and diversity of golfing in Bintan Island.
Treasure Bay Bintan:
This is a massive and modern integrated resort that offers a wide range of sports and leisure activities for all ages and interests. Treasure Bay Bintan has a 6.3-hectare crystal lagoon, the largest in Southeast Asia, where you can enjoy activities like swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and sailing. It also has a land-based adventure park, where you can enjoy activities like zip-lining, rock climbing, and obstacle courses. Treasure Bay Bintan is a perfect place for families, couples, and groups who want to have a fun and adventurous time in Bintan Island.
Bintan Adventure Park:
This is an outdoor adventure park that offers a variety of thrilling and challenging activities for the adrenaline junkies. Bintan Adventure Park has a flying fox, a high ropes course, a paintball arena, and an ATV track, where you can test your skills and courage. It also has a camping site, where you can stay overnight and enjoy the nature and the stars. Bintan Adventure Park is a suitable place for those who want to experience the excitement and challenge of the outdoors in Bintan Island.
Discover the Breathtaking and Diverse Nature and Wildlife of Bintan Island
Bintan Island is also a haven for nature and wildlife lovers, as it offers a diverse and fascinating range of flora and fauna that can be found in its forests, mangroves, wetlands, and islands. Bintan Island has some of the best nature and wildlife attractions that showcase its wonder and beauty. Some of the must-visit nature and wildlife attractions in Bintan Island are:
Mangrove Forest:
This is a natural reserve that covers an area of 6,000 hectares, where you can see the amazing ecosystem of the mangrove forest, which is home to various species of plants, animals, and birds. You can take a boat tour or a kayak tour to explore the mangrove forest, and see the sights and sounds of the wildlife, such as monkeys, snakes, otters, kingfishers, and eagles. You can also witness the magical phenomenon of the fireflies at night, as they light up the forest with their bioluminescence.
Fireflies Tour:
This is a special tour that takes you to the mangrove forest at night, where you can see the enchanting spectacle of the fireflies, or kelip-kelip in Malay, as they glow and flicker in the dark. The fireflies tour is a romantic and memorable experience, as you can enjoy the serene and starry night, and listen to the soothing sounds of the water and the forest. The fireflies tour is a must-do for couples and nature lovers who want to see the beauty and mystery of nature in Bintan Island.
Safari Lagoi:
This is a wildlife park that houses more than 40 species of animals, both native and exotic, such as orangutans, sun bears, elephants, crocodiles, snakes, and birds. You can take a safari bus or a buggy to see the animals in their natural habitats, and learn about their behaviors and characteristics. You can also interact with some of the animals, such as feeding the elephants, holding the snakes, and petting the rabbits. Safari Lagoi is a fun and educational place for families, kids, and animal lovers who want to get close to the wildlife in Bintan Island.
Bintan Elephant Park:
This is an elephant sanctuary that rescues and cares for the endangered Sumatran elephants, which are native to Indonesia. You can see the elephants in their spacious and comfortable enclosures, and watch them play, bathe, and eat. You can also ride the elephants, and experience their gentle and intelligent nature. Bintan Elephant Park is a place where you can support the conservation and welfare of the elephants, and appreciate their majesty and grace.
Indulge in the Delightful and Authentic Shopping and Dining Experiences of Bintan Island
Bintan Island is also a great place for shopping and dining, as it offers a diverse and delicious range of products and cuisines that reflect its multicultural and multiethnic identity. Bintan Island has some of the best shopping and dining places that cater to different tastes and budgets. Some of the top shopping and dining places in Bintan Island are:
Plaza Lagoi:
This is the main shopping and dining hub of Bintan Island, located in the Lagoi Bay area. Plaza Lagoi has a variety of shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars that offer local and international products and cuisines. You can find souvenirs, handicrafts, clothing, accessories, and snacks at the shops, and enjoy Indonesian, Chinese, Indian, Western, and seafood dishes at the restaurants. Plaza Lagoi also has a cultural center, where you can watch cultural performances and learn about the arts and crafts of Bintan Island.
Tanjung Pinang Market:
This is a traditional and lively market that is located in the capital city of Bintan Island, Tanjung Pinang. Tanjung Pinang Market is a place where you can experience the authentic and vibrant culture and lifestyle of the locals, as you can see them selling and buying various goods, such as fruits, vegetables, spices, fish, meat, and household items. You can also find some unique and cheap items, such as pearls, batik, rattan, and antiques at the market. Tanjung Pinang Market is a place where you can bargain and mingle with the friendly and cheerful locals.
Kelong Seafood Restaurant:
This is a famous and popular restaurant that is located on a floating platform over the sea, near the Trikora Beach area. Kelong Seafood Restaurant is known for its fresh and delicious seafood, such as crabs, prawns, fish, squid, and clams, cooked in various styles and sauces, such as chili, black pepper, garlic, and butter. You can also enjoy the scenic and relaxing view of the sea and the mangroves, and feel the breeze and the waves. Kelong Seafood Restaurant is a place where you can savor the best of the sea and the sky in Bintan Island.
Warung Yeah!:
This is a cozy and charming restaurant that is located in the Nirwana Gardens area. Warung Yeah! is a place where you can taste the authentic and mouthwatering Indonesian cuisine, such as nasi goreng, sate, rendang, gado-gado, and soto. You can also enjoy the cozy and rustic ambiance of the restaurant, which is decorated with wooden furniture, colorful cushions, and lanterns. Warung Yeah! is a place where you can indulge in the flavors and aromas of Indonesia in Bintan Island.
Bintan Island is a tropical paradise that has something for everyone, as it offers a wide range of attractions and activities that suit different types of travelers and preferences. Whether you want to relax and rejuvenate at the stunning beaches and resorts, explore the rich and diverse culture and heritage, enjoy the thrill and challenge of the world-class golf courses and sports activities, discover the breathtaking and varied nature and wildlife, or indulge in the delightful and authentic shopping and dining experiences, Bintan Island has it all. Bintan Island is also easy and convenient to travel to, as it is only an hour away from Singapore or Malaysia by ferry, and has a visa-free policy for most countries.
Bintan Island is a destination that you should not miss, as it will give you an unforgettable and memorable vacation. So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Bintan Island now, and experience its wonders for yourself.
