The Ultimate Bintan Guide: Getting There, Things to Do and Must Eats

Just an hour by ferry from Singapore, Bintan has long been a favourite weekend escape for city dwellers seeking sandy beaches, luxurious resorts, and a laid-back pace of life. Whether you are planning a quick two-day getaway or a longer holiday, this guide covers everything you need to know. From how to get there, to the best places to stay, things to do, and what to eat.

Also read: 11 Seriously Cool Things to Do in Bintan on Your Next Getaway

Getting to Bintan from Singapore

Reaching Bintan is straightforward. Ferries depart regularly from Singapore’s Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, with the journey taking about 60 minutes to Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal on the northern coast. This terminal is the main entry point for most visitors heading to the resort areas. Immigration is usually smooth, though it is advisable to arrive at least an hour before departure to clear security and collect boarding passes.

How to get around

Transport within Bintan is limited, so planning ahead is key. Many resorts provide private transfers, which are the most convenient option. Taxis are available but scarce, and prices are typically higher than in neighbouring Indonesia. If you are keen to explore beyond the resort enclaves, hiring a driver for the day is a practical choice. For adventurous travellers, scooter rentals are available in Tanjung Pinang, though driving is best left to those experienced with local road conditions.

Where to stay

Bintan offers a wide range of accommodation, from high-end resorts to family-friendly hotels and more rustic stays.

Natra Bintan

Set along the famous Crystal Lagoon, Natra Bintan is a glamping resort that combines the comforts of modern amenities with the adventure of staying close to nature. Guests can enjoy water sports, lagoon views, and spacious safari-style tents, making it a great choice for families and groups.

Address: Jalan Raya Haji Km 01 Kawasan Pariwisata, Sebong Lagoi, Bintan Island, Riau Islands 29152, Indonesia

Kamuela Villas Lagoi Bay

Kamuela presents a more secluded, boutique villa experience. With 28 private villas, guests enjoy generous living spaces, private pools, sundecks, and often views either over lush gardens or directly facing the sea. The design is refined and understated, offering privacy, style, and a sense of retreat away from more crowded resort offerings. It’s ideal for couples, small groups, or anyone wanting something peaceful yet luxurious.

Address: BAY-BINTAN Pulau, Jalan Gurindam Duabelas Kav.T30-32, Sebong Lagoi, Kec. Tlk. Sebong, Kabupaten Bintan, Kepulauan Riau, Indonesia

Madu Tiga Beach & Resort

A more modest, family-friendly resort that offers a relaxed beach environment. It’s less about luxury and more about enjoying sunsets, simple food, the sea, and easygoing lounge or pool time.

Address: Jl wisata bahari, Pantai, Trikora, Gunung Kijang, Bintan Regency, Riau Islands 29153, Indonesia

Things to do in Bintan

Bintan is not just about lounging on the beach, although you could happily spend your stay doing exactly that. The island also offers activities that suit every traveller, from outdoor adventures to cultural discoveries and wellness escapes.

Beaches

Lagoi Bay is Bintan’s most popular stretch, with soft golden sand, calm waters, and easy access to nearby resorts and dining. For something quieter, Trikora Beach on the eastern coast offers a more rustic charm, with palm trees, fishing villages, and long, peaceful shores.

Golf

Bintan has earned a reputation as a golfing paradise. Ria Bintan Golf Club, designed by Gary Player, is particularly well known for its sea views, while Laguna Golf Bintan winds through tropical forests and rock formations. Both courses combine stunning scenery with world-class design.

Adventure activities

Thrill-seekers will find plenty to do. Water sports such as jet skiing, paddleboarding, and kayaking are widely available, while the Crystal Lagoon in Lagoi offers everything from wakeboarding to inflatable obstacle courses. Inland, mangrove tours reveal wildlife-rich waterways, and ATV rides bring a dose of adrenaline.

Culture and history

A visit to Penyengat Island near Tanjung Pinang offers a glimpse of Bintan’s past, with its historic Sultan’s Mosque, royal tombs, and traditional Malay houses. In Tanjung Pinang itself, markets and temples showcase the island’s cultural mix of Malay, Chinese, and colonial influences.

Wellness

Resorts across Bintan are known for their spa offerings, from traditional Javanese massages to aromatherapy treatments. Many take place in serene settings with ocean or garden views, making them the perfect way to end a day of exploration.

What to eat in Bintan

Food is a highlight of any trip to Bintan. Expect fresh seafood, Indonesian classics, and a few surprises.

Seafood

Head to Kelong-style restaurants built on stilts above the water. Grilled fish, chilli crab, and butter prawns are must-tries.

Local dishes

Do not miss ayam penyet (smashed fried chicken), gado-gado (vegetable salad with peanut sauce), and nasi padang (rice with a variety of dishes).

Resort dining

Many of the island’s upscale resorts feature fine-dining restaurants, offering everything from Japanese to Mediterranean cuisine.

Also read: Batam vs Bintan: Which Island Near Singapore Is Better for Long Weekend Trips?

Final tips

Currency: The Indonesian rupiah (IDR) is used, though some resorts accept Singapore dollars.

Time zone: Bintan operates on Western Indonesian Time (WIB, UTC+7), which is one hour behind Singapore, so plan your schedule accordingly.

When to go: The dry season (May to September) offers the most reliable weather, though the island is a year-round destination.

Whether you are planning to unwind by the pool, dive into local culture, or feast on seafood by the sea, Bintan offers a slice of Indonesia just a ferry ride away from Singapore.