The largest island in Indonesia’s Riau archipelago, Bintan is a glamorous haven with white-sand beaches, fascinating historical sites and rich royal history. Independent beach resorts and championship-level golf courses give Bintan an opulent vibe, while pristine mangrove forests and the Sungei Sebung river offer enthralling nature experiences.
Things to do in Pulau Bintan
The capital city, Tanjung Pinang, is the best place on Bintan to experience the local history and culture. Here you can visit the famous village of Senggarang, which is built entirely on stilts to keep the buildings above the water. Visit the Museum of Sultan Sulaiman Badrul Alamsyah to discover historic artefacts, before seeing the revered waterfront and intricate Monumen Raja Haji Fisabilillah monument.
Catch a short ferry ride across to the historic Penyengat Island, where you can explore Bintan’s history with the Johor-Riau kingdom and Malay’s former cultural capital. You can see fascinating artefacts and royal trinkets at the Heritage-listed museum, Balai Adat Pulau Penyengat. Don’t miss the restored Grand Mosque of the Sultan of Riau, built in 1844 and blessed with a unique blend of Javanese and Dutch architecture.
Save time for Bintan’s alluring beaches, especially the picturesque white sand and cocktail-blue waters of Lagoi Beach. Kick back on the soft sand or splash around in the calm, protected water. If you’re visiting with the kids, take them to Areca Water Park, which is home to high-speed water slides and tube rides.
Looking for indulgent pampering? Head over to Aroma River Spa for rejuvenating and relaxing massage treatments. Parks Fishing Poyotomo, located in the middle of the island, is ideal for chilled-out picnics and fishing.
Getting around Pulau Bintan
Bintan is easily reached by flying into Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport or catching a ferry from Singapore or Johor Bahru. You can get around by hailing taxis or riding the public minivans called “mikrolets”. You can also hire cars or scooters for self-drive holidays.