Bintan

Get away to where the sand is white and the water is crystal-clear, and the high-end resorts and world-class golf courses are abundant.

As the largest of the Riau Islands, Bintan has gained impressive recognition of its own these past couple of decades. The initial attraction of Bintan lay in its breathtaking coastal panoramas. As years went by, the island also become known and loved for its extensive array of luxury resorts and international-class golf courses, making it the perfect destination for both leisure and adventurous travellers.

Bintan has also made a name for itself by becoming a world-class sport-tourism destination, where sport enthusiasts come for marathon events, extreme sports and golf challenges, as well as the annual triathlon.

The travel attractions in Bintan include Penyengat Island, Trikora Beach, and Senggarang and Sebung Villages, among others. For an enriching historical excursion, Penyengat Island is a charming choice. As the former epicentre of the Malay Riau-Lingga empire, the island is home to the restored Sultan’s palace, filled with ancient monuments and relics, featuring a picturesque combination of Javanese and Dutch architecture.

On the eastern shores of Bintan, you can find Trikora Beach, boasting a long stretch of pristine beach and crystal-clear water. Trikora Beach is a popular destination for locals, as well as travellers from the neighbouring countries of Singapore and Malaysia.

If you want to see historical Chinese cultures and tradition, head to Senggarang Village, the most prominent Chinese village in Riau. As a small fishing village, Senggarang showcases charming views of the fishermen’s stilt houses lining the coast as well as also ancient Chinese temples.

Where to Stay

One of the most famous things about Bintan is Laguna Bintan Resorts – also known simply as Bintan Resorts, covering 23,000 hectares along the white sand beach on the north shore of the island. With soothing views of the South China Sea, the complex comprises more than 10 elegant accommodations that cater to different markets, three golf clubs, and a wide selection of recreational destinations. Some of the famous world-class resorts are Angsana Bintan, Banyan Tree Bintan, and Grand Lagoi Hotel.

How to Get There

Bintan’s Raja Haji Fisabillillah Airport does not cater to international flights, but there are flights to and from Jakarta, Palembang, Jambi, Pekanbaru and Natuna Islands. For neighbouring countries, ferry rides are more popular, with guests arriving by sea from Singapore and Johor Bahru in Malaysia.