Sara Koh
Cassandra NervaCoined as the next best thing to Bali or Phuket, Bintan has long prided itself as a hotspot for holidays and quick getaways for Singaporeans. Hearing the island’s name brings to mind luxurious resorts, pristine pools and seaside escapades. With that in mind, here are all the things to do in Bintan for your next relaxing island getaway!
1. Stay at a lush resort
Image credit: Banyan Tree Bintan
The most important thing when it comes to any vacation is deciding where to rest your head at night. Luckily, Banyan Tree Bintan and Cassia Bintan are among the beach resorts available for guests to book. These resorts offer iconic and luxurious tropical retreat experiences ranging from stays at glamorous pool villas to delightful seaside dining experiences.
2. Go bodyboarding and ride the waves
Image credit: alfcermed
We’ve heard of surfing and wakeboarding, but what if you’re not too adept at these water sports yet? Enter bodyboarding! Similar to surfing, bodyboarders will use a hydrodynamic board (shaped like a surfboard, but is only half the length) and ride the crests, faces, and curls of the wave on their bellies. Pro tip: put on swim fins to give yourself added control when riding a breaking wave.
3. Try not to fall off an ATV or go-kart
Image credit: KKday Official Website
Have the ride of your life on an ATV or go crazy go-karting! All these activities will definitely get your heart pumping and make for extremely thrilling experiences and fond memories. Multiple resorts around Bintan offer these two activities. You can go ATV-riding at Nirwana Gardens or try your hand at go-karting, check out Bintan Usahatama; they will confirm the pricing upon booking.
4. Go snorkelling and make friends with the fishies
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The amazingly clear waters and healthy marine life will have you spending so much time in the water, you’ll be a prune by the time you’re willing to get out! A typical two-hour snorkelling trip in Bintan will cost you between S$18 and S$45. At Nirwana Gardens, a 90-minute snorkelling tour lands at approximately S$35.
Also read: Top 11 Things to Do in Lombok, Indonesia’s Island Gem
5. Spam your Instagram feed with picturesque spots around the island
Image credit (L-R): Bintan Resorts Official Instagram Page; Imam Fahroji via Canva Pro
While we won’t deny that food is always worthy of a photo, these vibrant spots and kelongs (a wooden platform fishermen use when offshore) are simply beautiful, too! So, why not snap a photo here to commemorate that restful holiday?
6. Spend an afternoon at the popular Lagoi Beach
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You can’t talk about things to do in Bintan without heading to the popular Lagoi Beach, whose white sand and emerald waters are perfect for an array of afternoon activities — from suntanning and people-watching, to surfing and swimming.
7. Explore the impressive mangroves
Image credit: Bintan Resorts Official Website
But, if you want to add some nature to your time here, then why not rent a kayak and join a Mangrove Discovery Tour, too? Row yourselves out along the rich mangroves of Sebong River. This 60-minute eco-adventure lets you explore the impressive mangroves and kingfishers that call Sebung River its home, assuring you an afternoon that’s both educational and relaxing.
8. Watch turtles hatching
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If you’re in Bintan around the peak hatching periods (mid-May to end-June and August to September) take the opportunity to head down to Lagoi Beach to watch some hawksbill and green turtles hatch and be released into the ocean! It’ll definitely make for a unique beach experience.
9. Eat your way through sinfully good Indonesian cuisine
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Even though travel within Bintan is currently only restricted to Lagoi, that doesn’t mean you won’t have an array of food choices to stuff your faces with. With famous local dishes like ayam presto and ayam penyat, you’ll be feasting the day away!
After that, it only makes sense to burn those calories off by exploring the impressive wilderness of Lagoi, from go-karting and kayaking to beaches and safaris.
10. Conquer the heights at Gunung Bintan
Image credit: Bintan Resorts Official Website
Bookmark this landmark for when you can travel further out into Bintan’s breathtaking natural landscape. Gunung Bintan, a small 340-metre mountain, takes you just 40 minutes to reach the top.
On your way down, reward yourself with a dip in the pool at the base of the waterfall; local legends say that doing so will bring you good fortune! Bask in nature’s goodness as you burn some calories from that ayam penyat you just ate.
Also read: 10 Mountains to Climb in Indonesia With the Most Stunning Views
11. Paint your friends red in a game of paintball
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Paintball is super fun, especially if you have equally adventurous friends who don’t mind getting dirty! If you’re up for a game, Nirwana Gardens offers an exciting skirmish game at S$33 for four people (inclusive of 100 pellets per person)!
With all these exciting activities in store for you in Bintan, there’s really no good reason why it shouldn’t be on your list for your next travel destination!
