The pretty island of Palau Bintan is full of interesting culture and history and ideal for those who want to combine a beach vacation with learning about this region of Indonesia.
Destinations: Lagoi • Pantai Trikora • Tanjung Pinang
Tanjung Pinang is the main town on the island and where you will find a large number of restaurants, guest houses, a bustling port and a vibrant market place. The east coast of Bintan is dotted with pretty fishing villages, stretches of golden sand and beach resorts.
Palau Bintam is blessed with a number of beautiful beaches where visitors can take part in a range of water sports or simply lay on the beach and get a little toasty. Among the most popular beaches are Trikora and Sumpat, and both of these areas offer plenty of accommodation and restaurants for visitors to make use of.
Palau Bintan is a fun and interesting place to explore. There are good roads running around the island, making hiring a motorbike or bicycle a particularly good option here. Although there are plenty of upscale beach resorts on Palau Bintan, those on a budget can still find a number of reasonably cheap places to spend the night.
Pulau Bintan spans an area of approximately 2,402 square kilometers and features a diverse landscape of sandy beaches, dense forests, and rolling hills. The island’s tropical climate is characterized by warm temperatures and high humidity year-round, with distinct wet and dry seasons.
- Bintan is part of the Indonesia-Malaysia-Singapore Growth Triangle, which aims to boost economic cooperation and development in the region.
- The island is a melting pot of cultures, with significant influences from Malay, Chinese, and Bugis communities.
- Bintan is home to several conservation areas and eco-tourism projects focused on preserving the island’s natural beauty and biodiversity.
Where to Go
- Trikora Beach: A long stretch of white sandy beach on the eastern coast, known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. Ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
- Bintan Resorts: A collection of luxurious resorts in the northern part of the island, offering world-class accommodations, golf courses, and water sports facilities.
- Penyengat Island: A small island near Tanjung Pinang, rich in historical and cultural heritage. Visit the Sultan of Riau’s Grand Mosque and other historic buildings.
- Tanjung Pinang: The island’s capital city, known for its bustling markets, traditional shops, and a blend of Malay, Chinese, and Indonesian cultures.
- Lagoi Bay: A popular tourist area featuring upscale resorts, pristine beaches, and a variety of recreational activities, including water sports and eco-tours.
- Gunung Bintan: A 340-meter high hill offering hiking opportunities and panoramic views of the island and surrounding sea.
- Banyan Tree Temple: An ancient Chinese temple with a massive banyan tree growing through its roof, creating a unique and picturesque sight.
When to Go
The best time to visit Pulau Bintan is during the dry season, which runs from March to October.
Dry Season: (March to October) Warm and relatively dry, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F). This period experiences less rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and beach outings. Perfect for water sports, golfing, sightseeing, and exploring the island’s natural beauty. The clear skies and calm seas provide excellent conditions for snorkeling, diving, and other water-based activities.
Wet Season: (November to February) Higher humidity and frequent rainfall, with occasional thunderstorms. Temperatures remain warm, typically between 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F). While some outdoor activities might be limited due to rain, this season is suitable for indoor attractions, spa treatments, cultural tours, and enjoying the island’s culinary offerings. The island is less crowded during this time, which can be an advantage if you prefer a quieter experience.
Things to Do
- Water Sports: Bintan offers excellent conditions for snorkeling, diving, jet-skiing, and paddleboarding. The clear waters and vibrant marine life make it a haven for water enthusiasts.
- Golfing: The island boasts several world-class golf courses, such as Ria Bintan Golf Club and Laguna Bintan Golf Club, attracting golf enthusiasts from around the region.
- Spa and Wellness: Bintan is renowned for its luxurious spas, offering a range of treatments and therapies designed to relax and rejuvenate.
- Cultural Tours: Explore the rich cultural heritage of Bintan by visiting historical sites, traditional villages, and participating in local festivals and events.
- Dining: Enjoy a diverse culinary scene with fresh seafood, traditional Indonesian dishes, and international cuisine available at various restaurants and food stalls across the island.
Getting There
Palau Bintan is served by Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport, which has regular connections with several international airports such as the one at Jakarta (1 hour). There are also direct ferries from Singapore (1 hour) as well as from a number of surrounding islands.
By Air
- From Jakarta: Multiple airlines, including Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and Citilink, operate daily flights from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta to Raja Haji Fisabilillah International Airport (TNJ) in Tanjung Pinang, Bintan. The flight duration is approximately 1.5 hours.
- From Other Indonesian Cities: There are direct flights from several major Indonesian cities, such as Surabaya and Medan, to Raja Haji Fisabilillah International Airport.
By Sea
- From Singapore: Several ferry operators, including Bintan Resort Ferries, Majestic Fast Ferry, and Sindo Ferry, provide frequent services from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore to Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal in Bintan. The ferry ride takes about 50 to 60 minutes. Another option is taking a ferry from HarbourFront Centre in Singapore to Tanjung Pinang Ferry Terminal in Bintan, which takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
- From Johor Bahru, Malaysia: Ferries operate from Stulang Laut Ferry Terminal in Johor Bahru to Tanjung Pinang Ferry Terminal in Bintan. The journey takes approximately 2 hours.
- From Other Riau Islands: There are regular ferry services connecting Bintan to other islands in the Riau Archipelago, such as Batam and Tanjung Pinang.
Getting Around
- Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services: Taxis are readily available, and ride-hailing services like Grab are popular and convenient.
- Car Rentals: Car rentals are available for those who prefer to drive themselves around the island.
- Shuttle Services: Many resorts provide shuttle services for their guests, making it easy to get around the island’s tourist areas.