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3D2N Bintan Itinerary — The Perfect Fuss-Free Weekend Getaway

Bintan really blew my expectations out of the water, into the sky and out into the galaxy. Seriously. Just like any one of you, I too had the impression that Bintan wouldn’t be the most exciting place for a vacation. But boy, was I wrong.  

Sure, Bintan is all about that relaxing island resort life, but there’s also way much more: racing against the tides on your jetski, wildin’ up at a pool foam party, speedboating through mangroves, and affordable yet amazing massages!

The best part is you don’t have to take forever to plan your Bintan itinerary. It’s only 45 minutes away from Singapore, and the minute you arrive at your resort, everything is just a walking distance away (especially for the one we stayed at, Cassia Bintan — but more on that later!).

If you just wanna skip the planning and dive right into it, this is the Bintan itinerary you need for a fuss-free weekend getaway!

Pre-trip Essentials

Getting from Singapore to Bintan: The roundtrip ferry from Singapore costs between S$58 and S$70 depending on peak periods, and departs Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal several times a day. Do note you have to check in 1.5 hours before departure!

Connectivity : We got a 5GB SIM card (S$15) from a shop directly at Bintan’s Bandar Bentan Telani terminal.

Accommodation in Bintan:  Most of the activities in this Bintan itinerary are super close to Cassia Bintan , a modern resort under the Banyan Tree group that’s more youthful and affordable. All the fun activities were only a short walk away!

Sun Protection: I came back with a sunburn, so I feel compelled to make sunscreen a point on its own.

Day 1: All-day Relaxation

Check in at cassia bintan.

We checked in at Cassia Bintan , Bintan’s only apartment resort that’s fully equipped with a kitchen. Talk about a perfect, homey staycation! The rooms are insanely big, but the real deal is the view of the beach right at your doorstep. A royal life without royal prices 😌

Cost : From S$120 How to get there: Cassia Bintan provides round trip complimentary shuttle services from the terminal (it takes about 10 minutes).

Relaxing Massage at Angsana Spa

A resort getaway is never complete without a mind-numbingly relaxing massage. We got a one-hour massage (750,000Rp, ~S$73) at Angsana Spa, just a stone’s throw away, and didn’t even feel the time pass.

For the full service experience, there’s also the Angsana Signature (From 1,500,000Rp, ~S$147), which is a package with massages, body wraps, facials, and scrubs. Shiok not? Opening Hours: 9AM – 11PM

Lunch at Vista Restaurant

Don’t have to travel far out to hunt for delicious food when it’s right under your nose. Vista Restaurant , located right at the lobby of Cassia Bintan, serves both Western and Italian fare from nasi goreng to pasta.

Cost: 200,000Rp, ~S$19.50/pax Opening Hours: 10AM – 10PM

Lounge On the Beach (or Dip in the Pool!)

Continue your wind down weekend with cocktails by the beach and enjoy the stunning sunset in front of you. If you wanna cool off from the tropical heat instead, jump into the sea or pool! Opening Hours: 10AM – 10:30PM

Cassia Bintan’s Very Own Foam Party

What’s cooler than a pool party? A pool party with… bubbles! Cassia Bintan’s infinity pool hosts an epic foam party every Saturday, perfectly timed to coincide with a stunning view of the sunset from the pool.

Cost: Free Activity Timing: 3PM – 7PM. Saturdays only.

Epic Dinner Buffet at XANA Beach Club

Here’s another reason to take a weekend break to Bintan: this amazing dinner buffet at XANA Beach Club that happens only every Saturday, and is less than two minutes away from Cassia Bintan.

What’s on the menu — pretty much everything you can think of. There was tenderloin beef, curry chicken, grilled seafood (yummy squid and prawn!) and even chilli crab. But do not get me started on the desserts — we’re talking macarons, tiramisu and panna cotta. Mmm.

Cost: 579,000Rp (~S$58++ per pax) Opening Hours: 6PM – 11PM. Saturdays only.

Day 2: Heart-pumping Activities In Bintan

Morning yoga on the santai deck.

I am not a morning person. Neither am I a yoga person. But getting this view of the sunrise out on the deck was well worth the effort! We were guided by an in-house yogi, Dinesh who went through with us some basic poses to get our bloodflow going for the rest of the day ahead.

Cost: Free Activity Timing:  5:30AM – 7AM

Breakfast Buffet at Vista Restaurant

And what better to treat yourself after yoga with a full spread of international breakfast buffet? Dishes run the gamut from freshly baked croissants to fried rice and sayur lodeh (curry vegetables), so dig in!

Cost : Incl in room rate for hotel guests Opening Hours: 6:30AM – 10:30AM

ATV Through the Forest (or On the Beach)

Reminds you of Bali or Phuket ? Except in Bintan, you get access to ATV experiences mere steps from your doorstep.

Speed through the surrounding forest and beach in a half-hour circuit session, where you’ll even get to explore small kampong s peppered throughout the forest! The forest added a little more thrill (i.e. bumpiness) with its undulating terrain, too.

Cost: 590,000rp, (~S$59) Meeting Point: Marine Centre, beside the Cassia Bintan infinity pool

Luxurious Mookata Lunch in the Comforts of Your Room

Does this feel like home or what? Indulge in a mookata (Thai-style BBQ) lunch right at home — all you have to do is tell the reception what ingredients you’d like, and what time you want it served. That’s it! Once everything is delivered to your doorstep, the ease of set-up is phenomenal due to your very own in-house kitchen. If you feel like cooking a little extra something, you can head down to Market 23 and get some ingredients to add your own twist to the mookata. Once you are done, just leave everything outside your room and it will be cleared by the next morning! 10/10 room service.

Cost: From 410,000Rp (~S$40) *Pro-tip: Eat your mookata on the balcony to prevent the smoke from lingering in your room longer than you’d like.

Snorkelling and Jet-skiing

The picture above is testament enough to how clear the turquoise waters are at Barracuda Island, just a short speedboat ride away from our resort. There were plenty of fish and corals to look at, too! Our instructor was kind enough to hand us some bread to feed the fishies. Fun!

If you’d rather stay above the surface, jet-ski and feel the breeze in your hair instead — this was easily one of the most exhilarating jet-ski experiences I had!

The special ingredient for this one was the one-hour safari tour. It’s not just a circuit which contains you within the same area, you get to ski to another island altogether. You’re in a private beach as well, so the open seas are really peaceful and quiet.

If you feel like your heart can take it, max your throttle! Trust me, you will be flying.

Snorkelling Tour Cost: 374,000Rp (~S$36) Activity Timings: Between 9AM and 4PM Meeting Point: Marine Centre, beside the Cassia Bintan infinity pool

Jet-ski Cost: From 443,000Rp (~S$43) for 15 min. 1,632,000Rp (~S$160) for 1 hr Safari Tour Activity Timings: Between 9AM and 4PM Meeting Point: Marine Centre, beside the Cassia Bintan infinity pool

Read also : 13 Ways To Take Your Bintan Getaway To The Next Level — Cassia Bintan Staycation

Authentic Indonesian Street Food At Rimba Jaya

You are in Indonesia! How can we not recommend some authentic local food in a Bintan itinerary? Head down to Rimba Jaya and eat to your heart’s content. It’s a bit of a drive away from the resort but it’s definitely worth the travel.

The best part is that it runs all the way till midnight, so your supper spot is settled.

You must try the goreng pisang (fried banana) in this street. The portions are huge, and the banana is fried perfectly crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Did we also mention it’s doused in chocolate sauce and sprinkled with cheese?

Opening Hours: 4PM – 12AM Address: Rimba Jaya, Jl. Gudang Minyak, Kemboja, Tanjungpinang Bar., Kota Tanjung Pinang, Kepulauan Riau 29115, Indonesia

Day 3: Experiencing Bintan’s Lush Nature

Mangrove discovery tour.

The Mangrove Discovery Tour sails you down the Sebung River, going through the fisherman village and some charcoal kilns. If you’re as lucky as we were, you might spot some wild animals like pythons, mangrove snakes and even monkeys on the one-hour ride!

This tour is also available at night at 7:30PM, with an added touch of magic as you’ll get to witness fireflies lighting up the area — so feel free to adjust your Bintan itinerary accordingly if you wish to see that.

Cost: 380,000Rp, ~S$38 Activity Timings: Day tours start 9AM, 10:30AM, 1PM, and 3PM. Night tour start 7:30PM. Meeting Point: Roundtrip pick-up to and from Cassia Bintan

Lunch On an Actual Kelong at Aneka Seafood

A kelong is a floating wooden platform primarily made for fisherman to go out to sea to fish, but it was also where we had a sumptuous seafood feast at huge feast at  Aneka Seafood Restaurant !

With seafood caught right from the ocean, this is easily some of the freshest seafood in town. A must try in this restaurant is a uniquely Bintan delicacy, sea snails, also known as gong gong (143,000Rp, ~S$14).

Cost:  ~160,000Rp (~S$15) per pax Opening Hours:  9AM – 9PM Address:  Jl. Panca Marga, Tj. Uban Utara, Bintan Utara, Kabupaten Bintan, Kepulauan Riau, Indonesia

Take Awesome Instagram Photos at Gurun Pasir Busung and Telaga Biru

Bintan continues to surprise with these sand dunes at Gurun Pasir Busung , only 30 minutes away from our hotel! It’s definitely a breathtaking spot with landscapes that go as far as the eye can see.

There’s also  Telaga Biru up ahead, where an unbelievably bright blue lake sits. Picture time!

How to get there:  40-min drive from Cassia Bintan. Alternatively, take the 3hr  Tanjung Uban Explorer Tour  (450,000Rp, ~S$44) which includes a stop at Gurun Pasir Busung, the majestic Giant Turtle God Statue, and other iconic Bintan sights.

Visit the 500 Lohan Temple

End your day off exploring the majestic 500 Lohan Temple . There are more than 500 unique life-sized statues in this space, some modelled after Chinese icons like Tripitaka from Journey to the West and Guan Gong from Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

Entrance Fee: ~S$3 Opening Hours: 7AM – 5PM, closed on Mondays & PH Address: Jalan Nusantara, KM 13 Kijang Koota Tanjungpinang Provinsi Kepulauan Riau – Indonesia

Affordable Luxury at Cassia Bintan

I’ve always had the impression that luxurious getaways are generally exorbitant (like, sell-a-leg-or-an-arm kind of exorbitant), but resorts like Cassia Bintan made me realise that there are affordable luxury options out there.

It’s one thing to enjoy the same premium experience and service as you would in a full-fledged resort, but what really made this weekend for me was the sheer convenience at Cassia Bintan.

From the ATV adventure to jet-ski water activities, all the fun stuff are no more than two minutes away from our hotel. We barely broke a sweat getting anywhere!

Many resorts manage to impress me but not many manage to steal my heart. Cassia Bintan was one of the lucky few who did because of their involvement in conservation.

Endangered hawksbill turtles lay their eggs near the resort, and Cassia Bintan’s Marine Conservation Lab takes them in to nurture them in order to ensure their survival. They then release the babies back into the ocean once they are about two to three months old. Guests even get the chance to release them twice every year (check  Cassia Bintan’s Facebook for updates)!

Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts is celebrating its 25th birthday this year, so from now till 18 December 2019 , enjoy 25% off the Best Available Rate, F&B, Spa and Gallery Retail , along with daily breakfast and 1 complimentary Exceptional Experience ! Start planning your getaways with Cassia Bintan now!

Win A 3D2N Staycation For 2 At Cassia Bintan!

– Contest is closed –

We are here to make your life even easier. Beyond planning the entire holiday for you with our Bintan Itinerary (Thank you, we are great), you can now also win a FREE staycation for 3D2Ns with a pal! Imagine staying in a 1-Bedroom Apartment with complimentary breakfast and land transfers. We are sure your pal will worship you. 

So if you are looking to strengthen your relationships, here’s how to win (Read Carefully): 1) Head to this Facebook post 2) Like , share the post and in your caption, tag a friend you wish to go on a staycation with (make sure the post is public so we can see it)!

Want to get more chances to win? Do any or all of the following to increase your winning chances: +1 Chance : Comment on our Facebook post why you and your friend deserve a perfect getaway +1 Chance : Tag friends who need a break in the comment section of the post +1 Chance : Follow Cassia Bintan’s Facebook Page GOOD LUCK! 😉

Giveaway ends : 20th October 2019 11:59PM

This giveaway is only open to Singapore residents. If you are concerned you don’t have any time in the upcoming month to jet off for a weekend getaway, fret not, this voucher is valid for 6 months from date of issue!

Blackout dates of the resort apply. You need to make advance reservations and rooms are subject to availability. The voucher is non-refundable, non-replaceable and non-redeemable for cash. Stay voucher cannot be used in conjunction with special promotions or discounts. Lastly, please remember to bring the original copy of stay voucher as it must be presented to hotel upon arrival. Do note that Bintan Ferry Tickets are not included.

And that’s how you plan a fuss-free weekend getaway! We hope you found this Bintan itinerary useful.

Read also: 13 Ways To Take Your Bintan Getaway To The Next Level

Anything we missed out from this Bintan itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

This post was brought to you by  Cassia Bintan .

For more travel inspiration, follow us on  Instagram ,  YouTube , and  Facebook !

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Travel Intern (@thetravelintern) on Feb 25, 2019 at 4:56am PST

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A Complete 3D2N Bintan Itinerary Perfect for Lazy Planners

• By. Bintan Resorts
• Mar 30, 2017

Table of Contents

In need of an idyllic escape away from the city but unwilling to do all that research?

Well, if you’re looking for your next weekend getaway destination, then Bintan’s your best bet! Save yourself the headache and follow this 3D2N itinerary perfect for your next sojourn overseas.

All the lazy planners out there – this one’s for you.

Getting there.

Rejoice, for you don’t even have to fly to get to Bintan! The island is easily accessible from Singapore via a 60-minute ferry ride that departs from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, eliminating any pre-flight jitters and clearing the way for those #TropicalGetawayFeels . It’s easy to lose track of time; before you know it, the ferry begins to slow and you are in sunny Bintan!

Unwind and Explore Around Your Resort

Now that you’ve reached the shores of tropical Bintan, it’s time to officially get started on your vacation. With a plethora of accommodation options to choose from, it’s no wonder you’re spoilt for choice. Depending on who you’re travelling with – family, partner or friends – let us make your life easier by recommending the best accommodations for your needs.

Families — Nirwana Gardens

  It’s no secret that it’s hard to please everyone on family holidays. Nirwana Gardens, however, comes pretty close! Nirwana Gardens offers five accommodation options, comprising Nirwana Resort Hotel , Mayang Sari Beach Resort , Nirwana Beach Club , Banyu Biru Villa and Indra Maya Pool Villa .  

There is no shortage of things to do –  the resort has its own adventure centre that offers flying fox, rock climbing and paintball, its own beach club for water sports and even its very own mini-zoo (Update: No longer in operation). Explore the resort grounds on a ninebot, zip through the air from a 25-metre tower at Happy Valley, try your hand at archery or simply relax by the beach.

After a fulfilling afternoon indulging in all these activities, you’re probably famished and wondering where to head to for dinner. Nirwana Gardens has just the perfect place for you; a kelong seafood restaurant located within its compound. How convenient is that?!  

As seen by its “Crab of Fame” wall, it’s not hard to guess that Nirwana’s Kelong restaurant’s signature dish is black pepper crab. The crab meat is sweet with just the right amount of spice from the pepper for that added kick. Their other must-try dishes are the stir-fried butter prawns and gong-gong  (sea snails). The breezy open kelong setting of the restaurant gives it a nice laid-back atmosphere for dinner.  

The most ideal time to visit would be just before sunset, where you’ll be rewarded within a stunning, panoramic view of the golden orb slowly disappearing in the horizon, lighting the sky awash with bright hues of pink and orange. You can also head over to Calypso Floating Bar located next to the kelong restaurant, for after-dinner drinks and a chill time!

Tips:  There’s an internal shuttle bus that brings guests all around Nirwana Gardens. The compound is really huge, and you’d be better off hopping onto the bus than attempting to walk from place to place.

Friends — Holiday Villa Pantai Indah

Perfect for a tropical getaway with your group of friends, Holiday Villa Pantai Indah is every individual’s dream come true. Boasting 139 pool villas with one or two bedrooms, the immaculate furnishings and luxurious facilities will definitely leave you with a vacation to remember. For that perfect insta-worthy shot, rent an inflatable float at the lobby.    

Head to the Sunset Bar for a cocktail against the backdrop of a gorgeous sunset. If you feel peckish, the property also offers 24-hour in-villa room service! Simply ring the concierge and have a piping hot meal delivered to you in the wee hours of the night.  

Couples – Banyan Tree Bintan

The luxurious Banyan Tree Bintan comprises 64 exclusive villas nestled on top of a cliff overlooking the South China Sea. Each villa boasts a personal panoramic view of the South China Sea. What couples will appreciate most about this property is the feeling of exclusivity – you hardly see anyone around, and it pretty much feels like a stay in your own little private bubble. Incredibly cosy, and complete with a stunning view, you’ll not want to step out of your villa at all.

Tips: Attend a cooking class with your other half! Compete to see who can whip up the best dish or simply enjoy the experience together. Either way, it’s a great bonding activity!  

When dusk falls, head to the Lagoi Bay Lantern Park (Update: no longer in operation) at Lagoi Bay for an illuminating time. The lantern park is home to 21 different kinds of animal lanterns, featuring the endangered species in Indonesia, such as the Orangutan and the Javan rhino.

On top of that, be transported into the underwater world; delve into their world and spot some familiar characters there! Don’t these multi-coloured jellyfish look incredibly stunning when lighted up in the dark? They make for awesome Insta-worthy backdrops too!

Tips: If you’re feeling peckish after an evening stroll, head down to Warung Yeah which is just a stone’s throw away. Take your pick from local fares such as mee goreng and ayam penyet at pocket friendly prices.

Explore a different side of Bintan.

To travel is to gain insight into local culture and way of life; spend this day delving into the side of Bintan that you never knew existed! Take your pick from a range of tours offered by Bintan Holidays or BRC Tours, but here’s a list of things that we recommend doing:

• Feast on local food and bargain buys at Tanjung Pinang

The capital of the Riau Islands, Tanjung Pinang offers you a unique glimpse into the lives of the locals, as you wander and explore the bustling streets. You’ll be able to satisfy your shopaholic urges right here as you pick out bargain buys from street vendors, ranging from dried goods to local souvenirs. If that isn’t enough, head to the new mall – Tanjung Pinang City Center to continue your shopping spree!

Tip:  The local markets only accept local currency and cash. Also, take a stroll along the jetty where you catch a boat ride to Pulau Penyengat, and admire these wall murals which depict the everyday life here on the island.  

• Go back in time on a historical escapade at Penyengat Island

Penyengat Island is a tiny island about a 10-minute boat ride away from Tanjung Pinang. Once you set foot on the island, the tiny roads and quaint architecture bring you back to the time of the Last Malay Kingdom in the 1800s.  

The island is the final resting place of the last kings and queens of the Malay Kingdom, where the tombs of national hero Raja Ali Fisabililah and poet & writer of Gurindam Dua Belas, Raja Ali Haji lie. It is said that, of the 2,500 residents on the tiny island, about one-third of them are related to royalty! The island is also home to the oldest mosque in Bintan – the Sultan of Riau’s Grand Mosque. The most interesting thing about this bright yellow and green building is that it was built using egg white as mortar to cement it together!

Penyengat Island, along with its heritage sites, are nominated and pending listing as a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

Tip:  The island is a religious community, so do take care not to wear revealing clothes. Long pants and sleeved shirts are recommended.

• Dig your toes into the sand at Trikora Coast

If you are looking for a white sandy beach in Bintan that is hidden away from tourists, Trikora Coast is your answer! There are four beaches that line the Eastern part of the island –  Trikora Satu  ,  Trikora Dua  ,  Trikora Tiga  ,  Trikora Empat  . The coastline is dotted with rows of colourful wooden huts you can kick back and relax in.  

A favourite local hideout, many locals come here on the weekend to unwind in one of these coloured huts; having a picnic with family and friends or just frolicking on the beach. In addition, you can even visit a local boat-maker here and learn how traditional fishing boats are made!

Tip:  Buy a plate of  Remis (a local shellfish type)  and a glass of lime juice, and have a picnic in one of the huts.

• Immerse in local culture

There are many cultural and heritage sites around Bintan, each with a unique story of its own. Located on the Southwestern part of the island is the first Chinese settlement in Bintan. This village is also home to a collection of temples, built to give thanks for the safe sea passage of the early Chinese settlers. Vihara Dharma Sasana has three temples within its grounds, and a series of majestic deity sculptures in its back garden.

Another must-see in this village is the 200-year-old temple that has become entwined with a massive banyan tree. Legend has it that this was actually the home belonging to a very kind man who had helped the homeless. After he passed, the villagers converted his house into this temple and believe that by coming to pray here, they will receive good fortune.  

Right at the Eastern tip of Bintan lies Panglong Village, the largest sea gypsies village in Bintan. It is the largest sea gypsies village situated right at the Eastern tip of Bintan. Traditionally, sea gypsies, or  Orang Laut  , are a nomadic tribe that thrive living off the sea. Today, most of the  Orang Laut  communities have become semi-nomadic. Their way of life, however, is still very much reliant on the symbiotic relationship with their surrounding mangrove swamps, rivers or sea.  

As you roam around the stilt houses and makeshift boardwalks, catch a glimpse of the residents going about their daily business such as mending fishing nets, drying salted fish, and repairing their wooden boats.

Tip:  It’d be great if you could bring along some snacks as a treat for the children.  

After a long day of exploring, head to Rimba Jaya , a local hangout that comes alive in the night. The entire Rimba Jaya area is literally a foodie’s paradise; it’s home to a food centre and other unique cafes. Head to the night market for cheap local delicacies and feast on tender sticks of satay, fried mushrooms and more! Or if you’d like to check out Bintan’s burgeoning cafe culture, there’s a Canopy Cafe which is known for its delightful matcha latte, Tomo restaurant for Japanese and Korean delights, and Loco for refreshing Taiwanese shaved ice.

Tips:   Come with an empty stomach and get ready to FEAST! The cafes in the area can get quite crowded, so try and head down around 5pm local time.

Indulge in more local fare at Pujasera.

Our mantra is always to start the day off with a good breakfast. Dine with the locals at Pujasera, a local hawker centre that offers a huge spread of authentic flavours at reasonable prices.

The  nasi padang  ,  maggi goreng  and  goreng pisang  (deep-fried bananas) at Pujasera are popular choices, but we especially like the  goreng ketan hitam  (deep-fried black glutinous rice). The batter is crisp and light and the glutinous rice is fragrant without being too sweet. To top it all off, pair your meal with a cup of  kopi susu (coffee with milk). Utter perfection!

Tip:  Buy your local SIM card here, and there is also a bank nearby if you need more local currency.  

• Get your adrenaline pumping with some water sports

If you like to have a splashing good time, Treasure Bay is the place to be! Treasure Bay is home to a dazzling 6.3-hectare Crystal Lagoon, with tons of water activities. Day passes are available for public entry. The Crystal Lagoon is a man made seawater lagoon, allowing you to frolic in it without worrying about strong currents or sea creatures. If you’re feeling adventurous, we highly recommend trying the Jetovator or underwater scooter. Plus, you can also do stand up paddling, wakeboarding, kayaking and more!  

  If you just can’t get enough, go kayaking through Treasure Bay’s own private mangroves. You’ll be led by an experienced guide who will give you a comprehensive look at the greenery and exotic wildlife, including silver leaf monkeys, snakes, monitor lizards, kingfishers, mudskippers, crustacean and small fish. Alternatively, if you’re not afraid of getting down and dirty, go on an ATV adventure drive for that dose of exhilarating speed and thrill! Sure, you’ll get muddy, but that’s just a small price to pay for all that fun!

Tip:  There are public washing facilities available at Treasure Bay.  

• Take a speedboat out to a nearby kelong

Before you head back to the ferry terminal and back to Singapore, end your trip with a little more adventure by taking a speedboat out to a nearby kelong to feast on superbly fresh seafood. Transport to and fro is available at most resorts, simply arrange with your resorts accordingly! It’s complimentary, and the speedboat ride only serves to add to the fun! Once at the kelong, be spoilt for choice with a large array of seafood – from local shellfish gonggong, to the usual fare of crabs and prawns, we only wished we had more than one stomach.

There’s just so much to do in Bintan, and spending 3D2N in this gorgeous part of the world is just the right duration to see the best of the island. There’s really no time to waste in planning that next weekend getaway – Bintan awaits!  

*** This article was originally published on TripZilla . All information is correct at time of publication.

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10 of the Best Things to do in Bintan Island, Indonesia

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Home » 10 of the Best Things to do in Bintan Island, Indonesia

I’m going to be straight-up honest with you all – Bintan is not my favorite Indonesian island to visit.

We were left disappointed after our visit to Bintan, but I think it is due to the fact that none of the blogs that I read or videos that I watched actually explained what to expect very well.

So before we jump into our post on the top things to do in Bintan, I wanted to talk to you about who Bintan would be perfect for. Because we don’t want you to go on holiday and be left feeling disappointed.

Bintan Island is a very short ferry ride away from Singapore, which means that if you are staying in Singapore, then Bintan Island can very well be a great place to go for a short getaway.

Bintan has basically sectioned off a piece of their island into a resort-filled tourist-focused area. The section is called Bintan Resorts and it is NOTHING like the local Bintan Island that lies behind the pristine roads and hedges found in the resorts area.

In this area, you can find budget, mid-range and luxury resorts. There are some fabulous resorts and they do a good job of offering everything a tourist could need to be pampered. So if you would like to visit a resort and just relax and you have enough $$$ to spend, Bintan Resorts could be perfect for you.

Tip: Check out guide to finding the best Bintan resort for family  holidays. Some of those resorts also offer amazing couples villas!

We found that they were all super pricey (in comparison to other Indonesian Islands). Food, cocktails, massages in the resort area were so much more expensive than what we expected.

Cocktails in the resort worked out to be around AUD $16-20, which is similar to what we would pay in Australia. Food was super standard and in my opinion not worth what they charged.

Whilst it was nice to explore Bintan Island once you leave the resort, you will need to expect lots of driving in order to see small and humble attractions.

The beaches were nice but didn’t blow us away and we found trash in many locations on the beaches.

Even this photo below that we took, whilst the section you can see in the photo had been cleared of trash, the section that you can’t see had loads of trash on it. We realize that the whole of Indonesia has a trash problem, but still.

So after our honest review of the island, just to reinforce – Bintan is a great destination for those living in Singapore who would love to hop over to a beachy tropical destination for some pampering in a beautiful resort.

But if you love holidays that involve a mix of pampering in the resorts, with a good dose of culture and some fun sightseeing or adventure, then I think you should look at some of the other beautiful Islands in Indonesia – such as Lombok.

But enough of the talking, let’s move on to our list of things  on your trip to Bintan .

How to Reach Bintan, Indonesia

Bintan Resorts Ferries (BRF) run speedboat ferry services between Singapore’s Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (TMFT) and Bandar Bentan Telani (BBT) Ferry Terminal in the Bintan Resorts area.  The transfer takes 60 minutes. 

You will need to check in at least 1.5 hours before the ferry departure time. Large suitcases will need to be checked in and you will need to go through immigration before boarding your ferry.

Once you arrive at Bintan, you will need to go through immigration before hopping on your transfer to your hotel. Most hotels offer free pick up and drop off to the Bintan Resorts Ferry Terminal so make sure to check with them first before you fork out the $$$ to arrange your own transfer.

The process is really simple, the ferry is comfortable with soft seats and aircon. Our ride was a bit choppy, so make sure to take some seasickness tablets if you are prone to motion sickness.

Ferry tickets can be booked online at  www.brf.com.sg .

What to do in Bintan

Find below our list of the top things to see in Bintan Island.

1. Relax and Enjoy your Resort (Pool, Beach, Spa Treatments)

You can choose not to do anything particular in Bintan and just laze around by the poolside in one of the island’s many resorts.

There are multiple resorts tucked away in cozy corners.

We absolutely LOVED the beach area at Club Med Bintan.

They are an all-inclusive resort, and it was one of the few places where we enjoyed both the food as well as the beach area in Bintan. (Plus drinks are included, so if you love cocktails this is a great way to avoid the expensive price tag on drinks at other resorts)

You can also hang out at a spa and rejuvenate your body along with your spirit and mind.

We didn’t get to try these out as the prices were a bit too expensive for us, but there sure was plenty of resorts and venues that offered massage and spa treatments.

2. Enjoy a morning at Gurun Pasir Busung

The more outdoorsy gals and guys can visit Gurun Pasir Busung.

You will need to pay a driver to take you to this attraction (and they ain’t cheap!). Expect to be in the car for around 45 min in order to reach this site.

It’s a showcase of how diverse the landscape can be in Indonesia. But don’t expect to only find nature as many tourist flock to this area as it is becoming more and more of an Instagram-Hot-Spot.

3. Eat Pizza Next to the Ocean at Pizzeria Casa Italia

How would it feel to bite into a hot, scrumptious pizza after frolicking on the beach? Blissful, isn’t it?

Quite close to the Trikora beach, a major destination in Bintan is a shack-like structure called Pizzeria Casa Italia.

Run by a lovely Italian family, the place has become a hit with weary travelers.

Don’t go by its unassuming appearance, this little restaurant is known for its great hand-made pizzas – I also really loved their thick dark coffee.

4. See the Natural Phenomenon at Danau Biru, Kawal

Places to visit in Bintan is not limited to oceans and beaches.

Take, for instance, the Danau Biru in Kawal. Danau Biru literally means blue lake, and it is indeed, mesmerizingly blue.

If anything, the waters of Danau Biru is bluer than those of the neighboring high seas.

The Danau Biru got its brilliant shade of blue owing to mining activities nearby. Mining is still carried out in the vicinity; therefore, there is no threat of Danau Biru losing its hue.

We found it really tricky to find Danau Biru, so if you are using your own transport, these coordinates might come in handy (and don’t be afraid to ask the locals).

We loved checking this attraction out, but as a warning, it will take you 1hr30min to reach. Danau Biru is pretty small, so you will only spend around 20 minutes here and there isn’t much to do in the vicinity. Just so you know.

5. Enjoy a Day at Treasure Bay Bintan’s Crystal Lagoon

Treasure Bay Bintan, as the name suggests, is a treasure trove of a place. Set amidst lush tropical greens, this resort offers a range of facilities to its visitors. 

The Crystal Lagoon is Southeast Asia’s first man-made seawater lagoon. There is a small section for the little ones to swim in. Add in other fun activities such as kayaking,  flying with the Jetovator, hopping on a water tricycle or trying out an underwater scooter – and so, so much more.

You could easily spend a day here, but bring LOTS of money as you will have to pay an entrance fee, as well as pay for each water sport activity that you would like to try out.

6. Take a Day Trip to White Sands Island

White Sands Island is a gorgeous private island that you can visit on a day trip from Bintan. It is located within just a 15 minutes boat ride from Trikora Km.

You can do a ton of fun activities on the island. You can go snorkeling in the clear blue waters, do some kayaking around the borders of the island or you can just relax. 

7. Visit the Local Favorite Trikora Beach

Before the development of the resort culture, Trikora beach was the most popular beach on the island.

There are four beaches of Trikora – Satu, Dua, Tiga, and Empat. We visited most of those and only saw locals enjoying their own beaches.

In my opinion, the resort beaches in the Bintan Resorts area are prettier than the ones you will find at Trikora Beach, but we did enjoy getting away and being amongst the locals for a bit. (And maybe our crappy weather on the day didn’t help).

8. Join one of the Mangrove Discovery Tours

If you are more of the adventurous kind, I’d highly recommend opting for a Mangrove Discovery Tour.

Get to witness the local wildlife and enjoy the calmness of nature. The Mangrove tour is a splendid way to soak in the beauty of nature and gawk at the wildlife, close in action.

You might even get a glimpse of local fishermen working which is extremely fascinating if you haven’t seen something like that.

And if you are feeling even more adventurous, then go for the night tour! Enjoy the starry sky and the serenity of a jungle river at nighttime.

9. Grab a Massage at Aroma River Floating Spa

This one is a must, especially, if you love a spa! Who doesn’t anyway? Also, this is an interesting experience, to say the least.

Immerse yourself in the heavenly massages in an environment that is completely in harmony with the nature around it.

Let yourself lose and enjoy the serenity while getting a Traditional Riau Body Massage or extend your stay by going for a De-stress River Spa Package.

10.  Meet Bintan’s Nomadic Sea Gypsies

Apart from the turquoise blue water, Bintan also has a thing or two to offer to those who want to savor local culture.

The nomadic gypsies, who still live in stilt houses, can take you back to a time when life was less complicated and idyllic.

So, that’s it. 

In Conclusion

We’ve have summarised all the things you need to do during your stay in Bintan! There are other  Bintan attractions that we haven’t included on our list.

We went and stopped by the so-called ‘ghost ship’ that many bloggers talk about and we weren’t allowed to get up close to it. Whilst it was interesting to see, I don’t think it is worth noting on the ‘best’ list.

Of course, you could visit the 500 Lohan Temple, but it is a long way to go and except for the impressive 500 statues there, there isn’t much else to see.

Private drivers are expensive in Bintan, so it will be important for you to plan our your attractions and sights.

I hope our post on what to do in Bintan island has been helpful and hopefully our honest feedback will be helpful for you. Of course, if you had a different experience to us in Bintan, please leave your story below because it will be helpful for our readers to read through your story as well.

Jolene Ejmont

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Best Kept Secrets of the Riau Islands: Guide to Bintan

Bintan, an Indonesian island offbeat to the world and popular to nearby locals, makes for a real getaway from touristy destinations in SE Asia.

It’s no more than a 2-hour ferry ride south of Singapore. Unlike its industrial hub neighbor – Batam Riau – the pace of life is noticeably slow here. When I visited, it felt more or less like a countryside visit.

Most people go to Bintan to relax at its sparkly serene beaches. Apart from relaxing and cafes, honestly, there isn’t much to do here. But I found those few places to visit worthy to experience.

So here goes my list of things to do in Bintan ! In this article, I’ve also added itinerary tips and handpicked recommendations to make the best of your trip.

Table of Contents

Things to Do in Bintan: Heads Up!

Many are usually doubtful about visiting Bintan. So here’s more about the place before you go:

Is Bintan Worth Visiting?

Yes, Bintan is definitely worth visiting! Apart from the fantastic beaches, it’s the low-key air with less traffic, serene temples, and homely accommodations that make Bintan all worth it.

Most shores are also backwaters in Indonesia making for calm waters as well. Also, it’s the unique local experiences close to Bintan like the Senggarang water village that make Bintan attractive.

How to Get to Bintan?

Ferry is the most convenient route to get to Bintan. From Singapore (Tanah Merah terminal), take the Bintan Resorts Lagoi Ferry to the Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal on the North of Bintan.

It takes 1 hour and 30 minutes from Tanah Merah depending on the route and costs SGD 90 for a round trip (weekends are higher).

I recommend booking the ferry tickets online using Klook.com for better-discounted deals and earning points to save on other Bintan day trip packages. Grab your Bintan tickets today!

From Batam Riau , get on the ferry from Punggur Ferry Terminal to Sri Bintan Pura Ferry Terminal in Tanjung Pinang. Another adventurous alternative (I recommend it) is the speedboat service that takes you to Tanjung Uban Domestic ferry terminal.

Keep in mind, that Tanjung Pinang is Bintan’s capital. Tanjung Uban is a rural side with more village-like homestays rather than resorts. I’ve been to both, but I preferred Tanjung Uban. It’s less touristy.

Which is better, Batam or Bintan?

Batam and Bintan both have amazing beaches and resorts. But Bintan has way more options to pick from and has more attractions. Thus Bintan is a better pick!

On a day’s trip to attractions around Batam, there isn’t much to explore in Batam aside from its malls, shopping complexes, and eateries (Read my Batam blog post ). However, Bintan has plenty of places to check out and also gives more of a town-life experience. Batam, on the other hand, is a city.

To those who love food-hopping or have a larger variety of options, I recommend Batam’s restaurants .

Is Bintan expensive? Compared to Batam, Bintan is around the same range itinerary. On both islands, transport gets expensive as public transportation isn’t very reliable.

Guide to Picking Bintan Tour Packages

As mentioned earlier, transportation in Bintan (taxis and private charters) gets expensive. So when you’re here, I’d recommend picking day tours to Bintan’s attractions to save more.

You see Tanjung Pinang is easy to get around for local eateries and shopping. But places like the Blue Lake, Mangrove River, and 500 Lohan Temple are far from the city and simply cost too much for taxis.

Rental vehicles are one option. Another great option is booking these day trip packages. I recommend Klook.com to book Bintan Tour Packages as they’re acquainted and offer budget-friendly packages.

I handpicked day-trip packages that I believe are worth the penny:

Top Things to Do in Bintan

Some things like the Blue Lake and sitting by beaches are must-visits. But I’ve compiled this list of things to do in Bintan based on experience. Feel free to drop them in the comfort of your itinerary.

But it’d totally be worth it if you could make it to most if not all of them!

Suggested post to read next: This Batam resort has no road connectivity!

Explore the Blue Lake and its Dunes!

Never having looked up at the blue lake prior, the first time I saw the blue lake – it was surreal. The pictures are unbelievable, but visiting is even more. And fun fact, this is NOT man-made! …well, kind of.

This ‘lake’ was once a mining site and the residue minerals made the waters here bright blue. While harmless, they however don’t let visitors swim here. But even straining my eyes, I couldn’t see the bottom through thick blue. So that was convincing enough not to jump.

Another popular thing is the ‘desert’ here. It isn’t a real desert and another outcome of the mining spot but it made for picturesque dunes. Oh, and ATVs are pretty popular here.

Use Klook.com to book all Bintan attractions in one place. It saves you lots! Book your Blue Lake round trip today:

When we asked for pricing, they were quite expensive. Anyway, the blue lake amidst the dunes is quite a sight. But there’s this small cute boat on the lake that makes it cooler (we paid for a ride, it was a little boring).

Suggested post to read next: My experience of Nuvasa Bay Batam

Go on a Bintan Mangrove River Tour

The Bintan Mangrove River tour is a 60-minute boat ride through the Sebung River. This forest lies in Northern Bintan and an hour away from Tanjung Pinang, thus making for an authentic nature experience.

With the silent mangroves rich with living habitats, the animate beings are super-noticeable here. Nevertheless, I highly recommend taking the 7:00 / 8:00 pm slot – the Mangrove River is famous for its pretty evening fireflies.

The night sky stars bright due to non-existent city-light pollution here is just another cherry on top! The night ride is simply wonderful.

Speaking of the tour, most agencies offer pickup and drop from Tanjung Pinang, so you needn’t worry about the transport hustle here.

Visit the Vihara Avalokitesvara Graha

This is a Chinese Buddhist Temple close to Tanjung Pinang, Bintan. One reason I urge you to visit is because of the wondrous size of the garden areas, the temple itself, and the statue of Dewi Kuan Yin.

The enormous space is one thing. But the expensive build of the temple’s pillars, paintings, wall carvings, and dozens of marble statues are worth exploring. Another fun fact – the Dewi Kuan Yin statue at the main temple is 16.8 meters high and made of 40-ton copper. It’s further plated with 22-karat gold.

Suggested post to read next: Indonesian Language Basics – Travelers’ Guide

I remember visiting as a kid and visiting it again in 2023, and it looked exactly the same! It tells a lot about the preservation and maintenance of the temple over the years.

Stay by Offbeat Shores of Bintan

This is my favorite part about Bintan – staying at a homestay-style accommodation in the offbeat parts. While most people prefer resorts with white sand beaches, pools, and villas, I recommend staying one night in a seaside homestay.

I stayed at one in Tanjung Uban and loved it! The seashore didn’t have white sand but these clear backwaters were filled with seashells, corals, and a variety of fish. The evening orange sky with gentle waves lapping against the shore was magical.

I had a little extra adventure when I noticed local farmers holding out nets in their hands at midnight. They walked far into the low tide with their pant rolled up and torches in their hands – they were catching crabs!

Suggested post to read next: Indonesia Visa for Indians: A Detailed Guide to Scoring One!

Take a boat ride to Senggarang Island, a Water Village

The Senggarang island is also called the floating village and is well-known for its historic bits in Bintan. This small fishing village that lies on the waters saw its first settlements by early Chinese immigrants. Thus it happens to have the oldest temple here in Bintan.

Explore the daily lives of local farmers and fishermen and strolling narrow concrete and wooden boardwalks that connect stilt houses. It reminded me of Abang Island village in Batam. Two key attractions here are the Banyan Tree temple (yes, the tree literally hugs around the tiny temple), and the Vihara Dharma Sasana built by the early settlers.

I recommend taking along a guide to explain about Senggarang. This tour is a boat ride away from Bintan and it’s best to book a package tour to save individual costs.

Book your Senggarang Water Village tour from Klook.com today:

Relax at Nirwana Resort Beach

Bintan Guide – The Nirwana Resort is only an option among the many 5-star hotels in Bintan. In this Bintan blog, I handpicked resorts and spas that people look forward to most along with their reviews. Some offer great pools and others offer canopy-style accommodation:

Nirwana Resort Hotel

Nirwana Resort is a 4-star luxury hotel with all-rounder facilities like amazing spa and fitness centers. It also has a magnificent infinity pool in full view straight from the rooms! It also offers a variety of continental cuisines.

Banyan Tree Bintan

Though pricey, the Banyan Tree Resort in Lagoi, Bintan offers the best seaside views through its Balinese-style villas. The accommodation seamlessly blends in nature elements with its luxury facilities. Added to it, it boasts its world-class spa and an outdoor pool.

Anmon Resort Bintan

Anmon Resort stands unique with its tent (canopy) rooms while being equipped with luxury amenities – thus considered a 4-star hotel. The unique style of rooms and its mix with elegant bathrooms is worth the stay.

Natra Bintan/ Treasure Bay Resort

Natra Bintan is no doubt a treasure with its outdoor pool considered to be the largest in Southeast Asia. It’s so large that I thought it was the sea at first! Its impressive canopy-style accommodation comes with bathrooms well-blended with their gardens.

Check out the 500 Lohan Temple

Bintan Guide : The 500 Lohan Temple aka the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Vihara is one of the recent additions to the Buddhist temples in Bintan. However, it has gained crazy traction within the short span – among both locals and tourists.

As the name suggests, you’ll find 500 Arahat(in simple terms – Enlightened Beings) sculptures that are life-size and all possess unique facial expressions and postures. Placed perfectly distanced from one another in a semi-circle, it’s an enigmatic view.

Through the Vihara’s entrance is an enormous statue behind which you’ll pass by a super-impressive archway where most people end up getting Instagrammable shots.

Notice the beautiful gardens and ponds here and don’t forget to check out the main temple on the right side of the Arahats at the top of the garden hill.

Shop like a local at Tanjung Pinang!

Last but not least, go crazy with shopping in Tanjung Pinang! And I am serious about being ‘local’. Some packages take you to the big malls of Bintan, but I highly recommend visiting the local markets for an authentic experience.

Bintan Guide – Some things to keep an eye out for are handicraft souvenirs, traditional Indonesian clothing, and cheap local street food. The best part is both shopping stalls and street delicacies usually lie in the same markets.

There are many to pick from but some popular market names are Pasar Oleh Oleh (Pasar means market!), Rimba Jaya Night Market (yes, Bintan has a night market), Pujasera Shopping Center (best for local seafood), and Plaza Lagoi (ideal for families on the weekends).

Less Popular Things to Do in Bintan

These are some more things to do in Bintan if you’ve got all the time in the world. Places that wouldn’t hurt to miss or some that you would find in any part of Southeast Asia.

• Local Seafood : When in Bintan, don’t miss out on well-known local seafood places. Some are included in the package tours, make sure to pick them!
• Vihara Guan Ti Gong Temple : Another Buddhist Temple that features a 15-meter tall statue of Guan Yu behind the temple. The lifesize turtle is another Instagrammic spot at its entrance.
• Visit the Elephant Park : This park features 7 Sumatran elephants. There are also plenty of other animals and an exciting park to check out here. I didn’t put it on the main list as I don’t wish to promote more people visiting a place where elephants are usually tortured to perform for the public.
• Vihara Dharma Shanti : Though smaller than other temples, I found this temple the most photogenic and well-detailed. This place boasts a large gold-plated statue of the Sleeping Buddha. It is easier to access when in Tanjung Uban, Bintan.
• Go Snorkeling on White Sands Island : Another offbeat one-day activity for sealife and snorkeling enthusiasts. People don’t prefer it as there are better snorkeling spots in Riau Islands or it costs too much. But those who visit it never regret it :)

That brings us to the end of this Things to do in Bintan . I hope this article finds you well. Let me know how your Bintan itinerary went!

Happy Traveling :)

Manas Patil

Hi there! I'm a 22-year-old dude all the way from India, I love traveling and building itineraries! Sign up and get your FREE COPY of my travel checklist to get the best of your next vacation!

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The ultimate guide to Bintan Island

Just a ferry ride away, Bintan Island offers a cool sea breeze, quiet beaches and gorgeous resorts

Instead of saving up for a flight ticket to your next holiday destination, why not pack your bags for a weekend getaway at Bintan? Less than an hour ride away from Singapore by ferry, the Indonesian island's sandy white beaches, grand golf courses and gorgeous resorts make it the perfect beach vacation sans the obnoxious crowds of Bali or Phuket.

Even if you're not one to soak up a tan or relax with a spa session , the island is loaded with a range of heart-pumping land and water activities as well as idyllic nature trails. Alternatively, you can learn more about Bintan by embarking on a cultural and heritage trail. Ready for an adventure? Here's our guide on where to stay, eat and do at Bintan.

RECOMMENDED: The ultimate guide to Singapore's offshore islands and the best short day trips from Singapore

An email you’ll actually love

How to get to and around Bintan

The best way to get to Bintan is via ferry which is operated by Bintan Resort Ferries, departing to and from Singapore’s Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Bintan’s Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal.

Visit brf.com.sg for more information and bookings.

Shuttle bus

There are complimentary shuttle bus services that run regularly between the resorts, Bandar Bentan Telani (BBT) Ferry Terminal, Plaza Lagoi and Safari Lagoi.

Visit bintan-resorts.com for the latest updates.

Car rental or taxi services

Taxis and private cares are available for hire to take you around the island. Book via the respective counters:

Indorent Car Rental Call +62 770 691 992 (Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal) or +62 770 692 505 Ext 1113 (Nirwana Gardens) or email [email protected]

Global Bintan Transportation Visit globalbintan.com , call +62 770 691 818 or +62 813 7254 8288 or email [email protected]

StarCab Taxi Call +62 813 7808 2390 or email [email protected]

Stay at these resorts and hotels

Bintan Lagoon Resort

Bintan's largest integrated resort, this tropical paradise boasts top-notch deluxe accommodation including 450 rooms, suites and villas. Each room features amenities such as a furnished private balcony with stunning views overlooking the majestic South China Sea, high-speed Wi-Fi and suites have interconnecting rooms for large families or a group of friends. But if you're travelling in a group, you'll want to splash out for a villa. Equipped with a kitchen complete with cooking and dining utensils, three or four rooms, private pools and barbecue pits for most – it's perfect for a seaside party.

Make the most of your stay with a game of golf at its world-class 18-hole golf course, take part in land activities such as archery, paintball and an ATV drive or take it easy and sign up for cooking classes or batik painting sessions. After a long day, pamper yourself with a spa day and more. There's always something for the whole fam. 

Visit bintanlagoon.com  for rates and reservations.

Jalan Indera Segara Site A12 (+65 6223 3223 or +62 770691388)

Natra Bintan

Glamping is the new camping and what better way to spend the night than next to the region's largest man-made seawater pool – the 6.3 hectare Crystal Lagoon. Forget setting up your tiny tent, the luxe safari-themed tents at Natra Bintan (formerly known as The Canopi) are massive and well-equipped with four-poster beds, outdoor jacuzzis, Wi-Fi and a private garden for a barbecue or stargazing. The resort is also a land and water sports playground where guests (and even non-guests) can jetski, stand-up paddle, wakeboard, drive an ATV and motocross ride across the gargantuan space.

Visit bintan-resorts.com  for rates and reservations.

Jln. Raya Haji KM 01 Kawasan Pariwisata (+65 3152 8010 or +62 77069 2252/2253)

Grand Lagoi Hotel

Prefer the suite life? Tucked in the rustic and quaint part of Northern Bintan, this four-star hotel has you sorted with 132 rooms as well as facilities and services including a rooftop infinity pool with a panoramic view of the Lagoi Beach and two modern restaurants serving both Western and Asian cuisines. Right at its doorstep is Plaza Lagoi for a spot of shopping and the Lantern Park where you can snap illuminated installations for the 'gram.

Visit grandlagoihotel.com for rates and reservations.

Jalan Gurindam Duabelas, Plot 27 & 29 Sebong Lagoi (+62 770 692988 or +62 212512 129 or +65 6213 5830)

Fun things to do on the island

Have a splash at Crystal Lagoon at Treasure Bay Bintan

Get your heart pumping and adrenaline flowing with water activities surrounded by the sun, sea and sand. Slip into your swimwear or wetsuit and make your way to the first and largest man-made saltwater lagoon in Southeast Asa – the Crystal Lagoon – for various water activities. The water playground offers over 10 water sports. Burn your energy with a hand at the bumper boat, water tricycle, water stand-up paddle, inflatable kayak, water ZOVB, the Jetovator, cable ski, slip and slide and more.

Kawasan  Pariwisata, Jl. Raja Haji KM 01 ( +62 770 692259 , Treasure Bay Bintan )  

Swing by the Bintan Lagoon Golf Club and Ria Bintan Golf Club

Channel your inner Tiger Woods and challenge yourself at two award-winning 18-hole championship courses at Bintan Lagoon Golf Club . Grab a golf club and head over to the Jack Nicklaus Seaview course which features sculpted bunkers and water hazards on 13 holes. The best bit? Set by the South China Sea, the signature 12 hole allows golfers to challenge themselves against the breathtaking backdrop of the crystal blue sea.

For avid golfers, visit the Ria Bintan Golf Club for some serious hitting. A dedicated golf course, the Ria Bintan Golf Club is a 27-hole championship course designed by Gary Player and is surrounded by the natural forest-scape and stunning coastal ocean features. The gorgeous place was nominated as one of Golf Digest’s Top 100 Courses, and even managed to squeeze in accolades like Asian Golf Monthly’s Best Golf Course in Asia and Best Golf Course in Indonesia under its belt.

Bintan Lagoon Golf Club, Jl. Indera Segara Site A12 (+62 770 691388,   Bintan Lagoon ). Ria Bintan Golf Club,  Jl. Perigi Raja ( +62 770 692839, Ria Bintan Golf Club )

Hop on for a ride around Bintan Resorts

Get off the beaten track by taking a ride on various recreational vehicles available in Bintan Resorts. Brace yourself for a rough ride through the rugged terrain of the island on the ATV. Warning: you’ll get covered in mud, so dress for mess. For breezier alternatives, hop on the electric scooters or the 2-wheeler personal transportation to navigate around with the resort.

Bintan Resorts ( +65 6389 3535,  Bintan Resorts )

Shop till you drop at Plaza Lagoi

Before you leave the island, be sure to visit Plaza Lagoi. The modern shopping centre has a plethora of retail offerings including Indonesian gifts, souvenirs, fashion, art and more. Take a break at one of its dining options like Warung Yeah! for affordable local delights or head to the spa for a rejuvenating fix. Most resorts provide free shuttle services to and from the shopping centre.

Sebong Lagoi ( +62 812 6131 9820, Plaza Lagoi ). Daily 24 hours

Strike a pose at Rumah Imaji

Whip out that camera for Bintan’s very own trick eye museum. There are over 50 different 3D settings including inverted ones such as the interiors of a traditional Malay kampong and interactive ones dotted around the space. Not only is it great for the ‘gram, but it’s a fun immersive experience for the whole family. Once you’re satisfied with all your snaps, find the perfect memento to take home at the gift shop and stop by Food Stargram for the a quick bite.

Plaza Lagoi Block A, 2nd Floor, West Wing ( +62 770 692 917  or  +62 770 692 918, Rumah Imaji ). Daily 10am-9pm

Indulge in a massage and spa session at Banyan Tree Spa

Pamper yourself to a day of relaxation with an authentic Balinese or deep-tissue massage session at Banyan Tree Spa. Most of the treatments here use essential oils and fuse traditional and modern western therapies to soothe both the mind and body. To allow the masseuse to truly understand the type of treatment you seek, there will be a mini consultation prior to your treatment. Once that’s all sorted, let the masseuse work his or her magic against the picturesque view of the sea.

Jln Teluk Berembang ( +62 770 693 100 or +62 770 692 956, Banyan Tree Spa )

Embark on a cultural and heritage trail

Meet the Sea Gypsies Panglong Village

Travel back in time at this rustic village occupied by the Orang Laut – or Sea Gypsies. Observe the way the locals live as their ancestors did. Most of the village occupants are fishermen who rely on the ancient rituals and practices to determine their catch instead of the advanced technologies used by modern fishermen. It’s an eye-opening (and refreshing) experience away from the hustle and bustle of the modern city life.

Berakit ( Panglong Village )

Visit the abode of the old kings at Pulau Penyengat

From the city of Tanjung Pinang, board a pompon (water taxi) and step onto the land where old royalty resided and currently rest. Hop onto a beak (motorised trishaw) and zoom through the village, visiting various historical sites such as the palace ruins and royal mausoleums that were once significant during the last phase of the Malay Kingdom. The Masjid Raya Sultan Riau was awarded the Certificate of Excellence by TripAdvisor, while all the attractions on the island are pending listing as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Pulau Penyengat

Explore the abandoned a Rumah Arang

Rumah Arangs are dome-shaped charcoal kilns made of bricks that were used by the locals to burn mangrove wood into charcoals during the 90s. These charcoal kilns are no longer in use after the Indonesian government prohibited the production as it harms the environment. However, you can still find these empty dotted around the island.

Temple hop in Senggarang Village

Built over the sea, this old village was home to the first group of Chinese immigrants on the island. Here’s where you can also find some of Bintan’s oldest Buddhist temples including the Lau Ya Keng which houses the four temples that pay homage to the different deities. But make your way around the corner to find the Banyan Tree Temple where trunks of ancient trees intertwined around the temple, becoming a part of its architecture.

Senggarang Village

Find peace at Grotto Santa Maria

Located opposite Trikora Point 4 and close to Panglong Village, this small quintessential chapel and  a well-preserved statue of Santa Maria can be found. It is said that the old religious site was built by a French priest with newer additions contributed by refugees from Vietnam and the Catholic community from Singapore.

Malang Rapat, Gunung Kijang ( Grotto Santa Maria )

Tighten your laces for a nature trail

Go on an eco adventure with the Mangrove Discovery Tour

Discover the wonders of the island’s mangrove forests which are significant in the control of soil erosion and filtering siltation of seagrass beds and coral reefs from reaching the shores. Follow the Sebung River and witness wildlife around you, from a snake coiled around a branch and monkeys hanging on the trees to a crocodile lounging in the corner and birds circling the bright sky. Don’t skip the night tour as you’ll get to see (and catch!) plenty of fireflies that light up your journey through the river.

Pertokoan Pujasera Lagoi (+62 812 760 3733 or +62 770 692 917 or +62 770 692 918, Mangrove Discovery Tour ). Day tours: 9am, 10.30am, 1pm, 3pm. Night tours: 7pm

Check out the Gurun Pasir Busung and Telaga Biru

Believe or not, there’s a desert in the middle of this tropical haven. Surround yourself with sand dunes and crystal blue lagoons which gives you the perfect National Geographic money shot. The site used to be quarried for sand mining but years of abandonment caused the sand to form mounds that mirror those in the desert. There are plenty of photo opportunities, so go wild and snap away.

Busung, Seri Kuala Lobam ( Gurun Pasir Busung and Telaga Biru )

Visit rescued and endangered animals at Safari Lagoi

Home to many rescued and endangered animals including the orang-utans, Komodo dragons, sun bears, Asian elephants, crocodiles and more, the sanctuary also doubles as an eco-farm that harvests rice, corn, dragon fruits and other seasonal crops. It’s a great way to witness local produce in their most natural states. Wrap up the day at Safari Lagoi with sweet rosella tea, fresh fruits and rojak made from ingredients harvested from the farm.

Baru City, Teluk Sebong ( +62 (823) 8663 9665 , Safari Lagoi ). Daily 8am-4pm

Soak up the sun at Trikora Coast

Slap on some sunscreen for a gorgeous stretch of separate beaches numbered one to four at Trikora which is an hour long ride from Bintan Resorts. The sand are close to white and the waters are a beautiful shade of blue and green. There are little sheltered huts along the shore that are popularly rented by locals during weekends for seaside picnics – as well as taking refuge from the merciless sun! Drop by a local boat-maker and observe how traditional fishing boats are made.

Trikora Coast

Dine at these restaurants

Dine with a seaside view at one of the top restaurants in Bintan. Facing the stunningly blue South China Sea, Nelayan at Bintan Lagoon Resort offers an extensive Indonesian and Western menu featuring fresh seafood and delectable grilled meat. Coupled with the gorgeous view and a cooling breeze from the sea, this al fresco restaurant makes the perfect venue for romantic celebrations. We'll let you in on a secret: opt for the table d'art menu for an interactive experience – the chef serves dishes fresh from the pan, seasons and decorates your meal on the spot.

Jl. Indera Segara Site A12 (+62 770 691 388 or +65 6223 3223, Bintan Lagoon Resort ). Lunch: noon-3pm, dinner 6pm-10pm, bar: noon to 10.30pm.

Bar 7 Rooftop Bar & Grill

Head to the topmost floor of the Grand Lagoi Hotel and dine under the stars at the hotel's signature al fresco restaurant. Savour the Asian and international flavours of its selection of grilled meats and seafood, coupled with tantalising cocktails to unwind after a day of exploring. We recommend coming during the evening to truly enjoy the amazing sunset dining experience.

Jalan Gurindam Duabelas, Plot 27 & 29 Sebong Lagoi (+62 770 692988 or +62 212512 129 or +65 6213 5830, grandlagoihotel.com ). Daily 4.30pm-10.30pm.

The Kelong Seafood Restaurant

For the uninitiated, kelongs are floating platforms built on stilts that are used for fishing and are usually found in the waters of countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. Located at the western coast of Nirwana Gardens, the floating Kelong Seafood Restaurant offers the freshest seafood in Bintan. Dine on its signature dishes like gong-gong (sea snails), black pepper crab and stir-fried butter prawns cooked in a unique blend of Chinese and Indonesian culinary styles while soaking up the stunning view and enjoying the balmy sea breeze.

Jalan Panglima Pantar (+65 6323 6636, nirwanagardens.com) . Daily 11am-10.30pm. 

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• Bintan Island Guide 2024: For A Rejuvenating, Adventurous, And Luxurious Retreat!

24 Nov 2021

Bintan Island is a beautiful Indonesian island attracting visitors from far and near to its surreal white sand beaches. Being the largest amongst the Riau islands of Indonesia, it is a perfect exotic getaway with pleasant coastal temperatures and luxury resorts. The island offers a peaceful retreat amidst the lush green forested beaches. Soak in the beautiful sights of the sea as you sit under the swaying coconut trees on the beautiful white sand beaches.

Best Time To Visit Bintan Island Singapore

The Bintan Island, Singapore is a year-round destination. It sports the spring season from March through May which is also the time when Bintan Island tourism thrives. The summers and fall from June to November see a decreased number of tourists, which provides one with accommodations at bargained prices. December to February again sees a lot of tourists as the Bintan Island weather is quite pleasant and the temperatures lie in between 29°C to 31°C.

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Places To Visit At Bintan Island

Here are all the fascinating avenues you can explore on your Bintan Island tour.

1. Panglong Village

Panglong is a beautiful rustic village located at the northern tip of Bintan Island. The ambiance here is easy going and calm. The locals are very welcoming and one can step back into time, enjoying the little things at the village like learning about the lives of sea gypsies.

Must Read: 11 Best Things To Do In Jakarta: The Indonesia Capital Buzzing With Life!

2. Trikora Beach

An ideal spot for beach lovers, Trikora is a stretch of multiple beaches in Bintan along its northeastern edge. One can reach here through a two-hour ferry ride from Tanjung Pinang or the Bintan resorts. To explore the beaches, one can get a bicycle along on the ferry. Enjoy kite surfing, fishing and picnicking here.

Suggested Read: A Tour Guide To The Java Island in Indonesia

3. Grotto Santa Maria

Image Source

Grotto Santa Maria is an 18th-century creation of a Dutch pastor. This beautiful place of worship is twenty minutes away from Trikora beach. The site has life sized sculptures which look of marble but are actually of limestone. The entrance to the place leads to the Stations of the Cross, at the end of which lies the beautiful Grotto Santa Maria cave.

Suggested Read: 27 Best Places To Visit In Jakarta That Showcase The Other Side Of Indonesia

4. Treasure Bay

This is a waterfront resort city located on Bintan. It is a complete package of adventure and leisure. It has different packages for its visitors including activities like the Chill Cove Experience, Mangrove Tour, Aquaglide Sailboat, and more.

• Kids: INR 350/-
• Adults: INR 500/-

Things To Do At Bintan Island

Here are the top things that you can indulge in if you are wondering what to do at Bintan Island:

1. Air Adventures Flying Club: Air Adventures!

This is a must do thing at Bintan Island. The Air Adventures Flying Club has been operating since 2014 at the Lagoi Bay Lake. It makes you enjoy the unobstructed 360- scenic views of sparkling clear waters and pristine white beaches from high up in the sky. The experience of this open cockpit seaplane flights can be enjoyed at no place else in Asia.

Suggested Read: Top 10 Things To Do In Indonesia For An Unforgettable Holiday Experience!

2. Lagoi Bay Beach: Go Fishing!

The Lagao Beach is a paradisiacal beach of Bintan. Located at a mere distance of 45 kms from Singapore, it sees a lot of tourists from the country. This is an amazing place to go fishing and one can find colorful platforms especially set up for those who want to try their hand at reeling and fishing.

3. Jetovator: Ride It!

This is an adrenaline pumping water activity where you fly above the waters. Riding the Jetovator is a once in a lifetime experience and thus a must do activity at Bintan. A few instructions and pointers from the helpful and trained staff beforehand makes one ready to enjoy this thrilling adventurous water ride!

Suggested Read: 10 Holiday Homes In Indonesia For A Laid Back Island Vacation

4. Local Cuisine: Gorge On Delicious Cuisine!

Bintan is a treasure trove of culinary delights. You will find some amazing street stalls to treetop restaurants at Bintan providing one with both amazing food and gorgeous views. Another must visit place here is the Calypso Floating Bar which offers amazing sunset views alongside refreshing cocktails.

Here are the best resorts in Bintan Island:

Where To Stay At Bintan Island

1. the canopi.

Located amidst the lush green forests of Bintan, the Canopi is an amazing glamping place. It is located within the Chill Cove at Treasure Bay. Apart from enjoying nature and the blue waters, the guests can enjoy the adventure activities which the Treasure Bay has to offer.

Location: Jl. Raya Haji Km 1, Lagoi, Bintan Regency, Riau Islands Province 29152, Indonesia Starting price: INR 7503/- Google rating: 4.4/5 | TripAdvisor rating: 4/5 Website | TripAdvisor reviews

Suggested Read: Indonesia Honeymoon Resorts: Luxury Indulgence For All Budgets!

2. Bintan Lagoon Resort

Situated on the beautiful Pasir Panjang Beach, Bintan Lagoon Resort is a tropical paradise. Overlooking the south China Sea, it gives its guests amazing sea views. It is a huge property with 450 rooms comprising of both suites and villas. The resort also boasts of two picturesque golf courses.

Location: Jl. Indera Segara site A12, Lagoi, Bintan Regency, Riau Islands Province 29155, Indonesia Starting price: INR 7089/- Google rating: 4.2/5 | TripAdvisor rating: 3.5/5 Website | TripAdvisor reviews

3. Club Med Bintan Island

The Bintan Island Club Med is less than an hour ferry ride from Singapore. It provides an escape to ones total rejuvenation. The club overlooks the South China Sea, offering its guests amazing views. Swim in the calm waters of the beachside swimming pool and immerse yourself in the holistic wellness experience here.

Location: Jl. Site A11, Lagoi, Bintan Regency, Riau Islands Province 12920, Indonesia 022 4005 2180 Starting price: INR 25120/- Google rating: 4.5/5 | TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5 Website | TripAdvisor reviews

Suggested Read: The New Cruise To World Heritage Sites Gets You Around The World in 117 Days!

4. Bintan Agro Beach Resort

Nestled in the southeastern coast of Bintan Island, Bintan Agro Beach Resort is a perfect getaway. The beachfront resort offers one with beautiful turquoise water views amidst lush green nature. The warm hospitality makes it a spot of ideal retreat for all its vacationers.

Location: Jl. Pantai Trikora km. 36 | Teluk Bakau, Bintan Regency, Riau Islands Province 29153, Indonesia Starting price: INR 3923/- Google rating: 4.1/5 | TripAdvisor rating: 3.5/5 Website | TripAdvisor reviews

Bintan Island Map

How to reach bintan island.

By air: Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport in Tanjung Pinang is the airport in Bintan Island. One can fly here from Jakarta and Pekanbaru. By ferry: Traveling from Singapore to Bintan Island is easy and one can take a ferry from the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal. It takes in between an hour or two to reach Bintan via ferry.

Further Read: Beyond Bali: 21 Places To Visit In Indonesia For Your Honeymoon

Enticed to visit? Bintan Island is a meserizing island which you must add to your itinerary. So, think no more, pack all that you can, book your trip to Indonesia now and enjoy a fun filled adventurous retreat to the Bintan Island! Do let us know in the comment section below about your blissful vacation!

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Girl Eat World

A girl's adventure in food and travel around the world, the residence bintan: a weekend getaway from singapore (with a toddler).

A few weeks ago, I told my husband I was feeling burnt out and needed a quick getaway from Singapore. Being the great partner that he is, he immediately booked us an impromptu trip to… Bintan!

Now that’s a name I haven’t heard in a while. With Indonesia dropping the PCR requirement for incoming tourists starting mid-May, a weekend getaway to Bintan is suddenly a possibility again. Well, it seems that everyone else in Singapore is also excited that Bintan has reopened to us again – we snatched, literally, the last three spots on the ferry.

➡️ Tip: If you’re looking for a travel guide on Bintan, such as the ferry experience from Singapore and things to do in Bintan, be sure to check out my Bintan travel guide .

We wanted a quiet getaway, so we looked for a resort that’s a bit far away from other resorts in the Gunung Kijang area on the southeast part of Bintan island. We settled on The Residence Bintan , a new resort that was just opened in 2018 before they were forced to close down again when COVID hits.

And without further ado, here is my experience at The Residence Bintan!

Booking The Residence Bintan

The Residence Bintan offers many types of rooms – From 1 to 2-bedroom villas to 1-bedroom suites. The beachfront villas come with private pools and looked super nice!

You can book a room at the residence Bintan from the following websites:

• booking.com – they offer free cancellation within a limited time, so be sure to check the T&C. I also recommend signing up for an account and checking the price again, as they sometimes have discounts for members.
• Klook – like booking.com, Klook also offer free cancellation within a limited time which is stated in their T&C.

I played around with the above sites to see which one will give me the best price. In the end, we booked one bedroom in Garden Terrace on booking.com .

However, upon checking in, we were given a Sea-view suite on the upper level instead. We were okay with it, in fact, we actually prefer the upper level so it worked out for us!

We also brought along our 2-year-old toddler. Although the website states maximum occupancy of 2 people, they did not charge us extras for my son. I’m not sure if this would be the same case if our child was older.

Getting to The Residence Bintan

As outlined in my Bintan travel guide , we took the ferry from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Bandar Bintan Telani (BBT for short). From BBT, The Residence Bintan offers free land transportation in the form of a shuttle bus, which was a huge help! You just need to contact them after booking and give them your ferry timing.

Once we got through immigration at BBT, staff from The Residence Bintan greeted us right at the exit. The Residence Bintan, along with a few other resorts at Bintan, had a small dedicated room in case we need to wait for the bus. But lucky for us, the bus was already there and we boarded right away.

They offered us chocolate chip cookies on the bus. Wifi connection from a mobile router, but the wifi didn’t work when I was there. Despite being one of the first to clear immigration, it still took another 30 minutes to board the bus, because we had to wait for the rest of the guests to clear immigration.

So lesson learned, my friends – you really don’t need to rush through immigration since you’ll have to wait for other guests anyways. Once all the guests have arrived, it was an hour of easy, uneventful drive to the resort.

Checking into The Residence Bintan

Our check-in was done en masse as the guests arrived all at once via the shuttle, including us. Noticing the lobby was getting crowded and we were traveling with a small toddler, the front desk staff (Eric) immediately ushered us to the business center with the welcome drink and cold towel and assisted us in checking in.

We were asked to put down a Rp 2,000,000 deposit (about SG $ 186) which can be used to offset F&B costs and any paid activities you book during your stay. You can put down a cash deposit, or choose to have it all be charged to your credit card. I chose the latter for convenience, but you could save on credit card conversion fees if you chose to bring cash.

The process was very quick – it did not take longer than 15 minutes, and we were soon taken to our room via a buggy by Eric himself, with a quick tour around the resort estate on the way.

The Upper Sea View Suite of The Residence Bintan

As I mentioned before, we were given a sea-view suite on the upper level despite booking a garden terrace suite. All of the rooms are accessible via key card access, which was issued to us on check-in along with a wifi password.

The sea-view suite came with a large balcony with a hammock, a four-seater table (so you can enjoy your room service at a proper table!), a lounge sofa, and a large bedroom.

The suite also came with all the amenities you need – a bathrobe, hair dryer, soap and shampoo, towels, bathtub, coffee machine, lounge chair, and a desk you can work from if you want to (though why would you?!). There is a turn-down service, though we only got it one of the two nights we stayed there.

To get around the massive resort estate, each room is given two bicycles , though I think if you have more people then they’ll give you more bicycles too. I would have loved to use the bike, but they didn’t have a child seat for my toddler.

So, we ended up mostly walking on foot around the resort. I found that it was convenient enough as it was no more than a 10-minute walk to the restaurant, and all of the rooms are within a minute’s walk of the beach. You could also call a buggy if you did not want to walk or cycle, and if it’s raining there are plenty of umbrellas around the resort.

There is wifi coverage with decent speed around the resort, though I wouldn’t expect to be able to do heavy work that requires a fast internet connection with it. You might also lose connection if you’re strolling around the beach part that isn’t close to the pool bar.

Honestly, I was very happy with The Residence Bintan. However, there were two small issues we encountered in our room:

• The ceiling fan wasn’t working, but we mostly used AC anyway
• We realized there were termites in one of the bathroom’s sliding doors when we noticed brown sand-like things that kept accumulating under the door when it was closed overnight. I was initially freaked out, but I read that termites don’t travel with you and in the end, it didn’t really bother us.

We traveled a mere 4 weeks after Indonesia dropped their COVID PCR requirement so the resort had probably just starting to receive guests again and needed some time to maintain their rooms.

Service at The Residence Bintan

Because we traveled to Bintan very soon after Indonesia effectively dropped its COVID restrictions, I imagine most of the staff are still new at their job. But if that was indeed the case, I wouldn’t be able to tell. Everyone seemed so capable and hospitable.

We noticed throughout the stay that every single staff would always greet us when we pass by – with a smile, even if they are busy driving a buggy or transporting food around. I loved the staff at The Residence Bintan!

But, we did notice some hiccups in the service. For example – although they deliver drinks to the lounges by the beach, the used cups were not cleared for a while. We even noticed our cups from the afternoon before were still not taken away the next morning.

We did also notice that the service got better on Sunday night when there were fewer guests around. We came back to our room to a turn-down service and some sweets. This was not done on our first night on Saturday night.

Anyway, I chalked it up to things being newly re-opened. It was all a minor inconvenience at best. I can imagine a lot of things need to be straightened out so I was okay with being lenient.

Food options at The Residence Bintan

Due to the secluded location of the resort, you’re pretty much dependent on the resort for food. There are three restaurants in the resort, though the Pool Bar and The Dining Room pretty much share the same menu, so there are really only two options in the resort.

Although I found their food to be decent, the quality seems to vary. For example, we ordered pomelo salad on Saturday and Sunday, and we noticed it was a lot tastier on Sunday.

I also found the food price to be… very pricey. The food prices, including the alcohol and beverages prices, are on par with a nice restaurant in Singapore.

Lastly, I really did not appreciate that they charge for water in the restaurants and pool bar Rp 25,000 (SG$ 2.30). They called it “house still water”, but I’m pretty sure it’s just the same filtered water they offer for free in the rooms. My suggestion would be to bring as many snacks and perhaps bottles of water so that when you’re hungry but don’t want to spend $15 on a dish, you can have options.

During our stay, we managed to try all three of their restaurants. Here are my reviews for each of them:

Rica Rica is an Indonesian restaurant serving the usual suspects like beef rendang, satay, oxtail soup, ayam goreng, etc. Currently, they are only open on Saturday and Sunday nights, and reservations are strongly recommended.

We got beef rendang, chicken satay with peanut sauce, and oxtail soup. I loved their chicken satay, which says a lot coming from an Indonesian like myself!

However, I was quite disappointed with my experience in Rica Rica. It was decent food, but the portion was tiny for the price they charged. We also found the restaurant to be understaffed (I had to ask for rice three times), but that’s probably because we came on a Saturday night when it was a full house and they have not had enough time to sort out the operational kinks due to COVID.

But the biggest offender of the night was that they managed to undercook the rice! (gasp) White rice is a staple of Indonesian food and very easy to cook, so I’m not sure how they managed to mess that up.

The Dining Room

This is the default restaurant at the resort, and it serves both local and Western food. They also double up as the breakfast buffet place for your complimentary breakfast in the morning. The food here is slightly cheaper than Rica Rica, though it’s still a minimum of Rp 165,000 (SG$ 15) for the main dish.

I loved the Pomelo salad (an appetizer), the Ayam Goreng (Indonesian fried chicken), and the club sandwich. The breakfast buffet has the usual stuff like an omelet station, sausage/bacon station, noodle station, fruits, hot food, salad bar, yogurt, and pastries corner.

The Pool Bar, just like the name implies, is a small restaurant by the pool. It has its own menu which is just a subset of The Dining Room’s menu plus some pizza options, but if you’re by the pool and you wanted to eat something more substantial, you can request to order from The Dining Room menu!

Also, if it starts to pour torrential rain (as it usually do in this part of the world), the restaurant gets slightly flooded so I wouldn’t want to stick around here.

Other dining options (requires reservation)

• Rimbun – BBQ dinner for Rp 650,000 (SG$60) per person. It’s situated outdoors in a shaded area near the beach, with nice lighting and a picnic-style table. I think this could make a great option if you’re traveling in a large group!
• Private Dining at Romantic Deck – For Rp 3,000,000 (SG$280) per couple, you could have a table set up by the beach, a private chef, and a butler.
• Hotpot in your room – You can also reserve a hotpot to be set up in your room! They will provide the gas stove and all the ingredients for a hot pot night.
• Floating Breakfast – If you stay in villas with a private pool, you might be interested to know that you could order a floating breakfast for your room. Have you seen this highly photogenic yet highly impractical breakfast? Well, everything is worth trying at least once, or so I tell myself.

Activities you can do at The Residence Bintan

There are so many things you can do inside the resort itself, it was almost overwhelming! In fact, we did not feel the need to leave the resort during our 3D2N stay – and we didn’t. Here is a quick rundown of the activities at The Residence Bintan:

Swimming Pool – If you aren’t staying in one of the villas with a private pool, there is a public pool right by the front desk building with plenty of lounge chairs. It overlooks the beachfront, so if you decide to go down to the beach, it’s only a minute away.

Private Beach – The secluded beach along the resort is very nice! It has clear water and no sharp corals around it. The water is actually very shallow, which we realized the next morning when half of it disappeared.

When the tide is low, it reveals a whole new landscape that you can easily explore on foot. You’ll see many sea animals around, a variety of crabs, and a few small sea lice that WILL bite you but I didn’t find it to be a big issue as it does not leave marks. Just be careful to come back to the shore before the tide gets high again – it happens quite fast.

Tip: If you want even more privacy at the already secluded beach, go to the stretch of sand behind Rimbun! Most people don’t know this spot and you’d likely be the only ones there.

Kakatu Kids Club – They offer complimentary and paid activities for kids under 12 (drawing, recycling crafts, games, tote bag painting, etc). Kids under 3 must be supervised by parents, but for older kids, you could leave them alone with the club supervisors. There is also a playground outside the kids club.

Farm feeding at Earth Basket – Behind Kakatu kids club, the resort keeps a small farm and some animals, which your little ones can feed. They have bunnies, chickens, peacock, and ducks! The good man who was giving us a tour around the farm was super nice to the kids. My toddler LOVED this experience and we all had a really good time here. Bring some mosquito repellent though, because I got eaten up alive at the chicken coop.

Water sports – The resort offers some Kayaks and Stand up paddles available from the main beach below the Pool bar. You wouldn’t be able to do this during low tide, so you need to wait until the tide comes back.

And other activities! The resort also has a range of complimentary and paid activities such as a massage and spa, game room, yoga session, jetski, wake boarding, ATV riding, cooking class, and tours around Bintan. You’ll get a brochure sent via WhatsApp / email with prices when you first check in.

Checking out of The Residence Bintan

Upon checking in, we were asked when our return ferry will be, but we were not told what time we need to be at the lobby. We asked the front desk the night before our check out and were told to be there by 10:30 am for our 12:30 pm ferry.

However, on the day of our checkout, it was raining all morning and it happened to be a heavy downpour just as we were ready to leave. It took some time for the buggy to pick us up and we missed the bus by a few minutes as it was actually supposed to leave by 10 am. The kind staff quickly checked us out – which involved settling the food bills we had racked up over the past 3 days.

Once that’s done, the staff arranged a private car to take us to the port. And it was a super nice car too, with seats that fully recline and curtains on the window! We left about 15 minutes after the bus but ended up getting to BBT port before the bus and had ample time to check in for our ferry.

The ferry experience, however, was another story – it was quite chaotic, which you can read about in my Bintan travel guide .

Cost Breakdown of a 3D2N at The Residence Bintan

To give you an example of how much you might spend for a weekend at The Residence Bintan, here is a cost breakdown of our trip as 2 adults with 1 toddler. In total, we spent a little above SG $1,100.

In conclusion: My verdict on The Residence Bintan

If you ask me whether I would come back to The Residence Bintan… the answer is yes !

Food-related complaints aside, I truly did enjoy my stay at The Residence Bintan very much. The beach was nice and private, the food was good even if they are expensive, the staff are marvelous, the room was very nice and clean, and my toddler really enjoyed his time at the farm feeding. We have so many good memories from this trip even though we were only there for one full day (the other two days were half days due to travel).

I would come back, perhaps with more company… maybe with my family or a few friends, and maybe a year from now when the operations kinks have hopefully been ironed out. It would be nice to get one of the beachfront villas or the 2-bedroom ones!

Okay, that’s all for now folks. I hope you find my review useful. And as usual, if there are any questions at all feel free to comment below.

See you next time! 👋🏻

Note: I paid for my own stay at The Residence Bintan. As always, all thoughts and opinions are honest and remain my own.

• March 26, 2024

Hello, we’re heading to the same resort early April so this is a good heads up (: is it possible to order food delivery into the resort? 🤭

Hi Rou, given the location of the resort, I feel it’s not possible. I didn’t see restaurants near it. But maybe you can try!

• October 5, 2023

Hi, I heard from friends that there are lots of sandflies at Bintan beaches. Did you experience that at the Bintan Residence? I will be going to the same resort this November. Thank you!

• October 6, 2023

Hey Jolene, I personally did not experience sand flies at The Residence. There was however small sea creatures (sea lice?) that occasionally bit us in some parts of the shallow water, and the bite hurts a little but did not leave any marks or itchiness after. I think I was bit twice in the entire weekend.

• April 22, 2023

Hi Fantastic 5🌟Bintan Review. We are going Bintan 24/4. (3) Days. Both 66 well travelled Indo. Never been to Singapore or Bintan Island. Thank you for your “Great Bintan” input.

Can you please advise where to eat good foods Singapore, reasonable SG$ I have read Orchard Rd, is the BEST Fds? Staying @ JEN OrchardGateway. (3) Nites. Sincere Thanks, Elizabeth & John Comino. Sydney Australia.

Hey Elizabeth, Hotel JEN is a great location to stay as it’s very central and very close to Somerset MRT (train station). but if you want food it’s really all over Singapore depending what you want to eat. You’d be able to find decent food around the orchard area though!

• January 18, 2023

Loved the review, so informative! Just wanted to ask, do they have a convenience store within the resort?

Hey Sarah, they don’t have a store inside the resort. Buy anything you need before coming here! Food was quite expensive and I wish I had packed some snacks lol

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Bintan Travel Blog: Bintan Lagoon Resort (Day 1)

Over the past weekend we were invited to enjoy a 2D1N stay at Bintan Lagoon Resort . Our task was simple: review the resort and check out its facilities and restaurants. See, this 12 year old resort (highly popular among Singaporeans) has just renovated some of its rooms. We had the luxury of staying in one of these newly refurbished deluxe rooms!

Following a 60-minute ferry ride from Tanah Merah, we arrived at Bintan Ferry Terminal and met Nasir, a guide from the resort who would drive us there. The car ride was a short 15 minutes along roads that seemed well-maintained, flanked by greenery on both sides. In some ways it looked like Singapore! Upon arriving at Bintan Lagoon Resort, we were greeted by a group of dancers performing their traditional dance. There were even music performers banging their drums and playing festive/celebratory music, the whole shebang! Boy, did we feel invited! That’s a really nice way to welcome guests :)

Welcome to tropical paradise!

Checking in was a breeze. Yet another welcome gesture came in the form of wet towels and fruit punch. I enjoyed the same welcome treatment at Contiki Resort Bali too! Very nice!

Public relations manager Sari then gave us a quick briefing and assured us that all meals were on the house and we should just enjoy our stay! Woohoo!

We were allocated a sea-facing room on the fifth level. Yay!

Ta-da! That’s our deluxe room! My first thought was: wow, this room is huge! It even had a large traditional day bed which was unexpected! It’s like having two big beds in one room!

One thing that I judge a hotel room by is the cleanliness of its bathroom, especially since I have a phobia of dirty bathrooms. Ours was clean enough, and even came with a large full-length mirror on one side of the wall! I liked the shower too. Too bad the ceiling vent was really dusty and, at one point, dropped a furry ball of dust into the bathtub.

Basic toiletries were adequate, with toothbrush sets and a hairdryer provided.

Yay for the flat-screen television too! To our surprise, it had all the Singapore channels… Channel 5, 8, u, suria, you name it. Boy, does this resort cater to Singaporeans! Of course, we stuck to espn and hbo most of the time.

Our balcony had a sea view (and these rattan chairs). Unfortunately, the sea view was a tiny one as it was blocked by all the tall trees. As a matter of fact, the whole resort is shrouded in greenery, with the beach just a couple of minutes’ walk away. Pretty nice don’t you think? But it’s also due to this very fact that you’re surrounded by nature, you would notice many creepy crawlies around, though we didn’t get any within our room.

After finishing our oohing and ahhing at our nice deluxe room, we met sari again for a tour of the resort. She drove us around in a golf buggy (we got one for ourselves later too!) to check out all the facilities.

Besides hotel rooms, bigger (or perhaps richer) groups can opt to stay in villas. This one above is an angsoka villa, the biggest range of villas you would find at the resort. It’s double-storey, with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a mini pool at the back, a barbeque pit and comes with a cute golf buggy for convenient transportation!

Speaking of that golf buggy, we reviewers got one too! Haha! Otherwise, it’s $20 to loan it by the hour. Certainly not a cheap form of transportation!

I might as well mention it now. The currency in use here is Singapore dollars. We were a little shocked when we learned this for the first time. Last I checked, Bintan was still part of Indonesia. And now all the rupiah we had exchanged for this trip had been effectively rendered useless. Can anyone verify if Singapore currency is used throughout Bintan, or just at the resort?

Beware! Raptors inside! Doesn’t that remind you of jurassic park? This is the entrance to the laser quest arena, a fun activity for bigger groups. There’s paintball too!

Various facilities include golf courses, spa, sea sports such as banana boat and jet ski, and even activities catered to kids (face painting). So there’s really something for everybody! One catch is that most of these things come at a price. A good rule of thumb to follow is that as long as it’s something you can play with or use, you’d probably have to fork out money for it.

By the time we finished our tour, it’s 2:30pm in Bintan, or 3:30pm Singapore time as our bodies were accustomed to. To cut the long story short: we were famished! So lunch was at Miyako Japanese Restaurant .

An aquarium of lobsters welcomed us as we walked through the door, so that’s what we had.

Our $180 jo course consisted of a half lobster, sashimi and wagyu beef, served with appetiser, salad, steamed rice, miso soup and dessert. When you bring a food blogger to a nice fancy restaurant, she’s obviously gonna review the food right?

The salad and appetisers were fine, especially since my friend’s a fan of seasoned baby octopus. I’m not so sure what the yellow thing was. It tasted like agar agar.

The sashimi was swimmingly good! These thick slices of fresh fish were so tender, they seemed to melt in the mouth. Oishi desu (yummy)!

Another melt-in-your-mouth sensation came when we tasted the wagyu beef. Now, beef is one thing I never thought could be described as such. But what we had was the tenderest beef we’ve ever had in our entire lives! Excellent stuff!

The half lobster was a generous portion. Unfortunately, it was served with so much fried egg (???) that its natural seafood taste was masked. But it’s been such a long time since I had oodles of lobster meat. too long ! So no further complaints there! I also loved that it came with three different sauces to add flavour.

In the mood for something deep fried, we ordered soft-shell crab. But unfortunately it wasn’t available then so we had the ebi (prawn) tempura instead. It was a good choice, as the prawns were plump and juicy, and the batter light and non-oily. I thought the origami crane was cute too. I can just imagine the kitchen staff sitting at one table folding origami! Haha!

I have a weakness for unagi kabayaki (grilled eel) and it’s one of my staples at any Japanese restaurant. The one here is perfectly grilled and doused in a nice sauce.

The chicken teriyaki on the other hand was quite average. The meat was a tad tougher than I would have liked too.

We ended our extravagant Japanese meal with matcha (green tea) ice cream. Overall, the food was fresh and service was great. Prices were very steep though, and would probably not appeal to the average Singaporean.

After the hearty meal, we relaxed at the main lobby. The lobby is characterised by the high ceiling of intersecting wood beams. Here you can rest on the sofas and day beds and read the day’s papers (local papers and the Straits Times from Singapore!).

You would also find a few lounge areas with these comfy rattan furniture.

A row of shops beside the lobby offers some relief to the shopaholics. There’s a snack shop as well as a big store selling beachwear, sundresses, souvenirs and crafts.

Ralph lauren seemed to have found his way here too. The polo ralph lauren shop at the resort is but one of the many on the island. Is this the real thing, you ask? Well, I have the answer which I’ll post in my day 2 entry. Stay tuned!

And for now, more foodie goodies! Okay, I’m well aware that there is a ton of food pictures here when a resort vacation should be more about the sun, the sand and the sea. But honestly, it was raining throughout our entire trip. (damn the monsoon season!) what else could we do but eat right? Indulge me please!

Dinner was settled at Orzo , a European/Mediterranean restaurant.

From the looks of it, this was a fine-dining restaurant. How do I tell? Why, by the amount of cutlery on the table of course. Immediately I got self-conscious about the fact that I was wearing a spaghetti-strap top and shorts amidst a few tables of well-dressed caucasians and locals! Eventually, it was my countrymen that saved me when a group of equally sloppily dressed Singaporeans clad in bermudas and flip-flops came in for a meal. Phew!

We ordered the crab and mozzarella appetiser. I’m not as big a fan of cheese as I am of crab. So this dish doesn’t get many drumsticks from me given the ample portions of mozzarella and minute amounts of crabmeat. Full marks though, for the artful presentation, especially with the surrounding saffron mayonnaise as a finishing touch. (this being a dark restaurant, my camera failed me as it always does in dark places. But rest assured, the food did look good.)

On the other hand, the lobster bisque tasted divine and boasted a rich seafood taste. Yum!

The main course of lobster ravioli was a disappointment. The pasta wrapping around the ingredients was way too thick while the filling was way too little. We weren’t exactly expecting full-on lobster flesh (although that would have been nice) but there was no way we could tell there’s lobster in this; it could have easily passed off as chicken!

Speaking of chicken, my chicken kebab definitely made an entrance. It turned heads as the waiter brought it out, skewer and meat rack and all. The skewer had chicken chunks alternating with onion, tomato and pepper, served with baked potato and robust dips. Our waiter obligingly waited for me to take a picture before helpfully getting all the edibles off the skewer and onto my plate. The meat was good, with that slight burnt taste.

To close the night, we were invited for a few rounds of drinks at Silk , the resort’s club. Sari said that this is the most happening nightspot in Bintan. They have a deejay, a live band performing English songs, and a dance floor too.

And that’s it for our first day at Bintan Lagoon Resort ! We felt extremely relaxed, pampered and well taken care of by all the friendly people working at the resort :)

Continue to Day 2 →

Looks like a trip filled with fun and food! You lucky gal you!

I stayed in another resort at Bintan that accepted both rupiah and SGD. Then they took us to a small shopping area at Pasar Oleh Oleh. Shops there quoted prices in SGD. Prices weren’t cheap. It was no difference from shopping in Singapore.

Hey! We went to that Pasar Oleh Oleh place too! We didn’t enjoy our time there and couldn’t find anything to buy too, much as we wanted to. More on that in my Day 2 post.

Its my desire to visit that place and i am planning too. lets c how i will get experienced on there, hopefully i will also get enjoy like you but food quite expensive but never mind, i will try to find reasonable too. but a lovely beach experience u got , that is so valuable in this boring life. i will b back when i will return back from bintan. lets go bintan.

My company owns a VILLA over there…guess which one…. Lunch for 2 can cost over S$78 over there and that really scared me away from BINTAN forever….Hahaha

That looks cool. I should check it one the next time I visit Singapore, which is pretty soon! :-)

dipak : Have fun in Bintan!

neo : Everything we saw was expensive, to the extent that we didn’t buy anything at all! I think you would find cheaper stuff outside of the resort areas. If only there was enough time for us to venture out, then I would be sure to report over here :P

Gallivanter : You’re coming to Singapore? Cool! Bintan is an hour’s ferry ride away. The resorts in Singapore are nice too :)

Wow, the resort looks posh now! A nice makeover! And the food looks good too! I’d think about going there now…unlike before!

Good Morning Veron,

Remember staying at one of the villa…..

Can’t remember much about the food…but the Golf Buggy was fun, especially when it was rainning…… the swimming pools are ok….but I prefer the ones at Nirwana somehow….I remember paying some stuffs in IDR…it was allowed and you get a better deal too…..there’re so many local people working there…and most likely they would rather pay in IDR rather than SGD ?

Another interesting thing was having one or two huge Komodo Dragons waiting for us at the door of the Villa ….they gave us quite a big shock, especially the one who opened the door…..

Very magnificent animals….

What? Komodo dragons that opened doors? lol!! What’s that about? Are they mascots or something?

Very nice website and article, I’ll inform some friends of it and subscribe. *w*

hey there, nice blog :) do the resort permit 4 pple to stay in one room? seeing that there is ample space for 4…

My wife and I stayed at the resort over the New Years holiday. The food (like the accomodations) was terrific, but way overpriced. To add insult to injury. my credit card was charged twice for our stay. Have you ever tried to get a refund from an Indonesian Hotel? I recommend you give this place a pass and stay at one of the better value resorts near the ferry.

Veron, thanks for the review. Am thinking of going there during the June vacation with family and friends.

That’s great! Maybe you can visit Tanjung Pinang. I heard that’s the place where locals eat and shop so the things would be more affordable.

hi i have just qualified for 7 days here with my party plan company. can you tell me is the shopping cheap? do you know how much the elephant ride is? is all the stuff in singapore money or is it in indonesia money? any info you can give me would be great thanks Ev

Thanks Veron for sharing your Bintan experience. The japanese restaurant looks really good :)

I would like to add a side note because as far as I understand, Hotels in Bintan don’t accept Sing dollars anymore !

http://www.bintanferry.com/hotels-bintan-longer-accepting-singapore-dollars/

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Look for quick info about Bintan! Here’s some brief info that might help you out

Bintan Island is located in the Riau Archipelago of Indonesia, just a short ferry ride away from Singapore.

Bintan offers a range of activities including water sports like snorkeling, golfing, exploring tourist spot and relaxing on pristine beaches.

The most common way to reach Bintan is by taking a ferry from Singapore. There are also direct flights from some cities in Indonesia. Read detail for getting to Bintan

The best time to visit Bintan is during the dry season, which typically runs from March to October, when the weather is sunny and perfect for outdoor activities.

The currency used in Bintan, as in the rest of Indonesia, is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).

Absolutely! Bintan Island is a great destination for families, with resorts offering kid-friendly activities, safe beaches, and family-oriented entertainment.

Some popular beaches in Bintan include Trikora Beach and Lagoi Bay Beach for a more secluded experience.

Many nationalities can get a visa on arrival in Bintan for stays of up to 30 days. Check with Indonesian authorities for your specific requirements. Read details about Bintan Entry Requirement & Visa on Arrival .

Bintan offers a mix of Indonesian cuisine, Bintan seafood specialties, and international dining options in its resorts and local restaurants.

Yes, Bintan offers excellent snorkeling opportunities, especially around its reefs. Many resorts provide guided tours. Check out Bintan Snorkeling

You can get around Bintan by taxi with private driver or shuttle services provided by resorts. Read about Getting around Bintan .

Yes, many tour operators and guides in Bintan speak English, especially in tourist areas. And our driver also can speak in English.

Yes, many visitors opt for a day trip to Bintan from Singapore, as it’s just a short ferry ride away, allowing for a quick getaway to enjoy the beaches and activities.

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