Planning a trip to Bintan Island? We’ve gathered top activities you can do to make the most of your time there.
Last month, Indonesia announced a quarantine-free travel arrangement between Bintan and Singapore, and to say we’re excited is an understatement! We can’t wait to sprawl on those sandy beaches and get pampered at some of Bintan’s best resorts.
Take note that you’ll need to be fully vaccinated and hold a negative PCR test result before boarding that ferry to Bintan. The current agreement only covers Lagoi at the moment, and you’ll have to serve Stay-Home Notice for seven days when you arrive back in Singapore (for now, at least), but if all of this isn’t a deterrent for you then check out these fun activities that you can get up to in Bintan Island!
Things to do in Bintan Island
1. For the active adventurer: Chill Cove
There’s no shortage of recreational and sporting activities at Chill Cove. Whether you want to kayak through a mangrove, stir up dust trails on ATVs, or paddleboard in Crystal Lagoon, Southeast Asia’s first man-made seawater lagoon has everything you need. Is this one-stop attraction park a dream come true for adventure seekers? We’d say so.
Chill Cove, Kawasan Pariwisata, Sebong Lagoi, Teluk Sebong, Kabupaten Bintan, Kepulauan Riau, Indonesia 29155
2. For the curious traveller: Bintan Resorts Tours
There’s no better way to immerse in Bintan’s culture and heritage than to explore some of its off-the-beaten-path trails and hidden spots. If you don’t know where to start, just sign up for a guided tour. We particularly love the tours carried out by Bintan Resorts! It offers myriad tour packages that take you through Bintan Island’s dense rainforests, remarkable temples and quaint fishing villages.
Bintan Resorts Tours, view tour packages online
3. For the animal lover: Safari Lagoi Bintan
Safari Lagoi Bintan is definitely top on our must-visit list. This Bintan Island destination is a refuge for rescued and endangered animals that include elephants, sun bears, birds of every colour and orangutans. Aside from learning about conservation in Indonesia, you can also go on a tour of the eco-farm and walk away with a deeper understanding of nature’s eco-cycle.
Safari Lagoi Bintan, Baru City, Teluk Sebong, Bintan Regency, Riau Islands, Indonesia 29152
4. For the shopaholic: Plaza Lagoi
If a trip overseas isn’t complete without a load full of shopping to return with, then Plaza Lagoi is the place for you. Looking for more? Once you’re done exploring the mall, you can unwind at one of the spas or spend an exciting couple of hours at Bintan Island’s very own Trick Eye Museum with friends or loved ones.
Plaza Lagoi, Teluk Sebong Lagoi Bintan Utara, Kepuluan Riau, Indonesia 29155
5. For the tai-tai: Aroma River Spa
Looking to destress? We’ve got just the thing. Stop by Aroma River Spa at Mutiara Beach Resort for a body massage that will leave you feeling pampered and refreshed. This floating spa sits on a mangrove river and specialises in traditional Riau-style massage to knead out those tough muscle knots! You can also book a full weekend staycay at one of the guest houses.
Aroma River Spa, Malang Rapat, Gunung Kijang, Bintan Regency, Riau Islands, Indonesia 29151
6. For the foodie: Pujasera Township & Food Centre
Can you really say you’ve been to Bintan if you haven’t had the nasi padang there? Drop by Pujasera Township & Food Centre for traditional Hidang-style nasi padang, and don’t forget to try other local dishes like the ayam penyet and goreng pisang. You can stop by the wet market afterwards for snacks to tide you through your weekend adventure.
Pujasera Township & Food Centre, Sebong Lagoi, Teluk Sebong, Bintan Regency, Riau Islands, Indonesia 29152
Ready for your next holiday? Check out how to maximise those long weekends in 2022, and book those ferry tickets to Bintan Island, stat!
