Taking over 2 hours from Singapore and Jakarta by reputable taxi service, Bintan Island is still a favourite escape from busy city life. This stunning destination is also home to luxury, adventurous attractions, beautiful characters, and exciting local culture. From hiking experiences to parties galore, find eight ideas on what to do on Bintan Island, Indonesia.
- See Panglong Village
The village is home to the Orang Laut (Sea Gypsies), some of the oldest settlers on Bintan. These sailors were nomadic people before settling back on Panglong beach, building wooden houses by the beach and making a living from casting bait with their conventional boats. Tourists can observe the island’s history in the appeal of Panglong’s old buildings, such as the legendary brick igloo that the natives once used to make charcoal.
- Relax in the Spectacular Crystal Lagoon
With a diameter of 60 hectares, this see-through lagoon may feel like a bold sea, very quiet and clean. The Crystal Fireplace at Treasure Bay is Southeast Asia’s first synthetic saltwater lagoon – and it’s stunning too. Besides relaxing while enjoying the beauty of white sand, you can also do some water sports activities here. The Jetovatora, a jetpack-like mechanism that allows you to fly over water, is very popular with the brave.
- Admire the Thousand Faces Shrine
Called the temple of a million faces, the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Vihara is flawless with rich image and allure. This magnificent Buddhist worship site includes 500 life-size Lohan statues in its garden, all covered with various expressions and faces. The temple club and shrine are vast, and it is as if China is on a tropical island.
- Eating Local Dishes
Home to many fishing grounds, Bintan has nothing short of delicious fresh fish. Kelong Seafood Restaurant serves some of the best grilled fish on the island, against the backdrop of a stunning sunset over Royal Lagoi Bay. After dinner hours, the island’s youthful energy is transported into the evening with the trendy bars dotted along the beach. Lagoi Bay includes some great waterfront bars such as the Terrace Sports Bar and Calypso Dramatic Bar.
- Experience Senggarang
This is a magical fishing hamlet and home to the indigenous people of Bintan. The village looks like a simple variant of Venice, along with a canal that divides the wooden houses that float on the water. Since the island’s first Chinese settlement, Senggarang has hosted many temples and shrines, easily recognizable for their cheerful and bright colors – compared to the area’s humble and homely houses. Don’t forget to try the local specialty shark fillet (shua that he pia) or prawn porridge (that he moi).
- Witness the Beauty of Trikora Beach
Trikora Beach is the heart of Bintan Island’s first tour. This chain of four beaches is still dotted with conventional bungalows and restaurants, and it will be the opposite of luxurious and adventurous Lagoi. Tourists can do many things on this beach: swim, snorkel, and relax in a beachside cabana while tasting conventional snacks.
Also, enjoy outdoor activities on Bintan Island. Tasks like shooting air guns and paintball are offered at hotels like Nirwana Gardens and the Bintan Lagoon Resort. Tourists can go to the public route via ATV or visit various golf clubs on the island, such as Ria Bintan.
- Stop by Tanjungpinang and Penyengat Island
Tanjung Pinang is the capital of the Riau Islands. The city is an old town with a colonial and traditional environment to research. This is where tourists can fight over locally made handicrafts and authentic traditional dishes such as the famous sea snail Gonggong. Penyengat Island is only a 15-minute boat ride from the Tanjung Pinang interface, home to 18th century temples, mosques, palaces, and other historical landmarks.
- Go up to Mount Bintan
Further inland, Bintan Island is covered in tropical forest, with all the hiking trails leading up to the majestic Mount Bintan. The intrepid traveler may soon be rewarded with views of the island’s most diverse landscape comprising forests, rivers, beaches, and villages. On the way, it was time to see Bintan’s beautiful tropical birds, wild orchids, and temples.
Whether your trips take you on a long stroll on beaches, delicious cuisines, relaxing spas and resorts or urban attractions, extra research will give you the best experience for your visit. Get to know more about Bintan by visiting Wonderful Indonesia.
