Did you know there’s an exotic island in Indonesia just a short hop away from Singapore? In just about an hour by ferry, you can find yourself on Bintan Island, part of Indonesia’s Riau Archipelago. Think soft white sands, calm turquoise waters, and luxury resorts—Bintan has all the ingredients for a perfect tropical escape.
But Bintan isn’t just about beaches and relaxation. It’s also a bustling island with a rich maritime history. Located along key trade routes, you’ll often see large ships passing by, reminding you that Bintan plays an important role in regional commerce. It’s also the capital of the Riau Islands Province, adding a dash of city energy to its coastal charm. Nearby Batam Island is a duty-free zone, perfect for picking up branded goods at friendly prices.
So if you’re in Singapore and craving a quick change of scenery, Bintan might just be your ideal escape.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to get to Bintan, what to do and see while you’re there, what to prepare, and of course—some handy tips to make your trip as smooth as possible.
What to Do and See in Bintan
Trikora Beach
Just about 25 kilometers (or a 20-minute drive) east of Tanjung Pinang, Trikora Beach offers a serene escape with its white sandy shores and clear blue waters. If you’ve ever been to Belitung, you might find Trikora’s atmosphere quite similar—with granite boulders scattered along the coast. The rocks here may not be as massive, but they still add a charming, natural touch to the scenery.
Curious about Belitung? Discover everything this beautiful island has to offer in our full Belitung guide.
Despite being fairly popular among travelers, the beach remains clean and well-kept. Its shoreline stretches quite far, with several sections of the beach often referred to as different parts of Trikora Beach.
Nearby, you’ll also find a few other spots worth visiting—Grotto Maria, a pilgrimage site for Catholic visitors, the Trikora Beach Club & Resort for those wanting to stay longer, and even a peaceful mangrove forest if you’re up for a little nature exploration.
Lagoi Bay
Located on the northern tip of Bintan Island, Lagoi Bay is the most developed beach area on the island—offering everything from pristine white sand beaches to luxury resorts and water activities. The coastline stretches beautifully for about 3.5 kilometers, with full facilities including shopping centers, spa services, mangrove tours, and even the Treasure Bay Bintan, the largest swimming pool in Southeast Asia, covering a massive 6.3 hectares.
If you visit in the morning or late afternoon, a walk along the beach can be incredibly relaxing. And for those seeking deeper relaxation, the resorts here also offer soothing spa treatments to help you unwind completely.
As evening falls, take the chance to explore the mangrove forest, where you might spot fireflies glowing among the trees. Not far from there is Danau Liku-Liku, a serene, grassy lakeside spot that feels almost un-Indonesia in its vibe—clean, quiet, and peaceful.
If you’re coming from Singapore, the closest ferry port is Bandar Bentan Telani, just about 3 km from Treasure Bay Bintan and around 11 km (a 14-minute drive) to Blue Lake Lagoi—making it super convenient for a quick escape.
Busung Sand Dunes & Blue Lake
Believe it or not, you can experience a desert-like view in Bintan. At Busung Sand Dunes and Blue Lake, you’ll find wide stretches of golden sand—almost like something you’d see in Egypt or the Middle East—along with a beautiful blue lake that looks like an oasis. This unique landscape was actually formed from an old mining site, and today it has become a popular photo spot. The mix of yellow sand and bright turquoise water makes the view look almost surreal, a bit like the famous Kaolin Lake in Belitung.
This spot is located about 33 km south of Lagoi Bay, or around 50 minutes by car.
If you drive about 15 km north from the sand dunes, you’ll reach Vihara Dharma Shanti, known for its giant golden reclining Buddha statue. The presence of this and other temples shows how strong the Chinese-Indonesian community is in Bintan, living side by side with the local Malay people. That’s why you’ll find many beautiful places of worship and cultural landmarks across the island.
Penyengat Island
If you’re visiting from Tanjung Pinang city center, make sure to take a short trip to Penyengat Island—a small island full of Malay history and culture. It’s only about 2 kilometers away and you can get there easily by a short ride on a small boat.
On the island, you’ll find several important historical sites. One of the most famous is the Sultan Riau Grand Mosque, known for its unique green and yellow colors. Locals believe the mosque was built using a mixture that included egg whites to help make the structure stronger. Another place worth visiting is the Balai Adat Indra Perkasa, a traditional Malay building that’s over 100 years old and reflects beautiful local architecture.
While you’re there, try joining in a traditional game called Perahu Jong—where small sailboats are placed on the water and left to sail with the wind. It’s a fun and unique way to experience a part of Bintan’s cultural traditions.
Vihara Patung Seribu (Thousand Statue)
About 10 kilometers east of Tanjung Pinang, you’ll find one of the most unique temples in Bintan: Vihara Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, more popularly known as the Temple of a Thousand Statues or Lohan Temple.
This large temple complex is home to hundreds of life-sized stone statues of Buddha’s disciples (Arhats), each with a different expression and posture—some smiling, others serious, and some even playful. The detailed carvings and the arrangement of the statues give off a vibe similar to the famous Terracotta Army in China.
At the entrance, you’ll be greeted by a towering statue of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, standing over five meters tall.
Private Islands in Bintan
If you’re looking for total peace and privacy, Bintan offers a number of exclusive resorts located on private islands. These islands offer a mix of natural beauty, calm waters, and eco-friendly luxury. Here are a few standout options:
- Nikoi Island – Located off Bintan’s eastern coast, Nikoi is surrounded by lush forest and crystal-clear, calm waters. It’s ideal for snorkeling and enjoying untouched nature.
- Joyo Island – Found south of Tanjung Pinang, this island offers a similar vibe to Nikoi, with white sandy beaches, calm seas, and eco-conscious beachfront villas.
- Cempedak Island – Not far from Joyo, Cempedak is a newer destination with unique, seashell-shaped villas nestled among trees. The design is both eco-friendly and visually stunning.
- Pangkil Island – If you’re after complete exclusivity, this is the one. The entire island is rented as a private resort, meaning you’ll have the whole place to yourself.
To reach these private islands, you’ll need to take a boat transfer—usually arranged by the resort itself. And while they sound luxurious, the nightly rates are still relatively reasonable, starting from around IDR 5,000,000 (USD 299,22), offering a stay that’s both memorable and worth the splurge.
How to Get to Bintan from Singapore (and from Indonesia)
From Singapore → Bintan Island
Getting to Bintan from Singapore is easy and convenient.
- Head to Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, take the MRT to Tanah Merah Station, then continue by taxi or Bus (SBS Transit Service 35) directly to the ferry terminal.
- Hop on the Bintan Resort Ferries (BRF): From Tanah Merah, board a BRF ferry to Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal in the Lagoi area of Bintan. The ferry ride takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes across the sea.
Tickets & Check In
You can book tickets online via the official BRF website (www.brf.com.sg) or buy them at the terminal. Make sure to check in at least 90 minutes before departure to allow time for immigration and boarding.
Ferry tickets start from around SGD 55 (roughly IDR 650,000) for a one-way trip, depending on the class and departure time.
Backindo Tip: Want a smoother trip? Go for Emerald Class, which gives you fast-track immigration and access to the priority lounge at the terminal.
From Jakarta or Sumatra → Bintan
If you’re already in Indonesia and planning a trip to Bintan, the most straightforward way is to fly from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) in Jakarta to Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport (TNJ) in Tanjung Pinang, Bintan.
If you’re coming from Sumatra, one option is to fly from Padang to Batam, then continue your journey by ferry or speedboat from Batam to Bintan.
Flights to Bintan from other Indonesian cities often require transit stops and can be time-consuming. So if you happen to be in Singapore, planning your Bintan getaway from there might actually be the most convenient and time-efficient option.
Thinking about exploring Sumatra? Check out our detailed Sumatra guides and start planning your adventure.
How Long Should You Stay in Bintan?
Bintan is a fairly large island with plenty of attractions, so to truly enjoy the experience, I’d recommend staying for at least 3 days and 2 nights. It’s the perfect balance—not too short, not too long. If you try to squeeze everything into a 2-day weekend trip, you might end up rushing around and feeling more tired than relaxed.
Giving yourself a few days to slow down, explore, and soak up the island’s atmosphere is definitely the better way to go.
Where to Stay in Bintan
When it comes to accommodation, Bintan has no shortage of options. You’ll find everything from luxury beachfront resorts to budget-friendly homestays, especially around the coast. Here are some recommended areas and places to stay:
Lagoi Bay is one of the best areas to stay, especially if you’re looking for a beachfront escape. Located on the northern shore, it features calm waters, white sandy beaches, and is close to major attractions. Top picks include: The Sanchaya, Hotel Indigo Bintan, Cassia Bintan, Banyan Tree Bintan – known for its villas overlooking the ocean.
For a more affordable and laid-back experience, Trikora Beach is a great choice. It’s scenic and peaceful, with options like Mutiara Beach Resort, Bintan Exotica Resort, and other cozy beachfront stays.
If you prefer staying in town or are traveling on a backpacker’s budget, Tanjung Pinang offers plenty of low-cost hotels and guesthouses, such as: Alltrue Hotel Tanjung Pinang, Nite & Day Laguna Bintan, Sunset Curly Bay.
Visa Exemption for Riau Islands
Starting December 17, 2024, a special 7-day Visa on Arrival (VOA) is available for travelers visiting selected areas in the Riau Islands, including Bintan.
The fee is IDR 250,000 and the visa cannot be extended. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date and that you enter through the designated entry point.
Is Bintan Island Worth It?
If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and refreshing escape from Singapore, Bintan Island ticks all the right boxes—easy access, tropical beach vibes, and a wide range of activities to suit any mood. Whether you’re up for a luxurious resort stay or a private island retreat like Nikoi Island, Bintan lets you choose the kind of getaway that fits your style.
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