A melting pot of cultures, Bintan Island and also a tropical island paradise offers more to visitors than just sitting on the beach to do. Over two hours from Jakarta and Singapore, Bintan Island is a convenient escape from city life. The stunning destination is also home to adventurous attractions, lavish, exquisite nature and fascinating local culture. From hiking experiences to feasts, discover the very best things to do on Bintan Island, Indonesia.
- Explore Trikora Beach
This series of four shores are dotted with laidback, well-known restaurants and bungalows, that are the reverse of the adventurous and lavish Lagoi. Travellers can do plenty of things at this beach: snorkel, swim and chill in a cabana whilst tasting popular snacks.
- Explore Senggarang
Senggarang is a magical fishing hamlet and house to Bintan’s indigenous population. This village seems like a smallish variant of Venice, with canals dividing wooden houses that float over the water. In contrast with simple, earthy homes in the neighbourhood, Senggarang homes, temples and shrines recognizable to their vibrant and festive colours – since the first settlement in the island. Don’t forget to try out the regional special shark fillet (shua that he pia) or shrimp porridge (he moi).
- Visit Panglong Village
Panglong village is home to the Orang Laut (Sea Gypsies), a few of Bintan’s oldest settlers. These fishermen were nomadic folk before settling back on the shores of Panglong, constructing beachfront homes and creating a living from casting baits. Travellers can observe the island’s historical objects like the ‘traditional brick igloos’, in the beauty of the old structures of Panglong that the locals utilized to make charcoal.
- See The Thousand Face Temple
Called the thousand face temple, Vihara Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is a peculiar, picture-perfect and culturally rich attraction. This majestic Buddhist site of worship has 500 Lohan figurines in its garden, all lined up with expressions and unique faces. The temple gate and shrines are so grand and authentic. It feels like a piece of China.
- Taste Variety of Food and Drink
Being home to several fishing communities, Bintan isn’t short of delicious, fresh seafood. Kelong Seafood Restaurant serves a number of the island’s best fish, loved with a backdrop of the sunset from the majestic Lagoi Bay. Following dinnertime, the island energy is transported into the night by hip bars. Lagoi Bay includes some outstanding waterfront bars such as Floating Bar and The Terrace Sports Bar.
- Playing at Crystal Lagoon
In 60 hectares in width, this translucent lagoon can certainly feel like a crystal-clear, impossibly fresh and silent sea. Crystal Lagoon at Treasure Bay is Southeast Asia’s first saltwater lagoon – and it’s an impressive one. Hover about on a unicorn float for hours lounge on the powder-white sand or sign up for a few of their own water sports activities. Jetovator, a jetpack-like device that may send you flying above the water, is popular with daredevils.
- Hike Mount Bintan
Further inland, Bintan Island is covered in a tropical jungle, with all hiking tracks leading up to the magnificent Mount Bintan. Dauntless travellers will soon be rewarded with sweeping views of the diverse landscape of the island comprising rivers, jungles, villages and beaches. Be the time to see wild orchids Bintan’s beautiful birds and waterfalls. Don’t be scared to lose as a tour guide can accompany you.
Ready to start your getaway to Bintan Island? Visit Wonderful Indonesia, and don’t miss out on the magic!
