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Bintan Island is a large island in the Riau Archipelago, part of Riau Province, Indonesia. It lies roughly 45 kilometres southeast of Singapore, making it one of the most accessible international escapes from the city-state. Despite its proximity, Bintan feels distinctly different — quieter, greener, and at a noticeably slower pace.
The island's north coast, around the Bintan Resort area, has been developed since the 1990s into a cluster of international beach resorts spread across a large coastal concession. Beyond the resort strip, Bintan has fishing villages, mangrove estuaries, a working port town in Tanjung Pinang, and stretches of relatively undisturbed coastline.
Bintan attracts a broad mix of visitors: Singaporean families and couples on short breaks, surfers heading to the south coast swells, and travellers interested in Malay and Peranakan heritage in Tanjung Pinang. The island is large enough that experiences differ significantly depending on which part you visit.
Before You Go
Visas
Indonesia operates a visa-on-arrival scheme for many nationalities, but policies change. Do not rely on secondhand information. Check the TravelerPulse Visas section and the official Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration website before you travel.
Health
Consult your doctor or a travel health clinic before visiting any tropical destination. Mosquito-borne illnesses including dengue fever are present in the region. Bring effective insect repellent and use it, particularly at dawn and dusk. Drinking tap water is not recommended — use bottled or filtered water.
Currency and cash
ATMs are available in Tanjung Pinang and at some resort areas, but supply can be inconsistent outside town. Bringing an adequate amount of Indonesian Rupiah from Singapore is advisable. Many resort properties also accept credit cards and SGD, but confirm this before you travel.
What to pack
- Lightweight, breathable clothing; a light layer for air-conditioned ferry terminals and rooms
- High-SPF sunscreen — UV levels are strong year-round
- Reef-safe sunscreen if you plan to snorkel or dive
- Personal insect repellent
- Any prescription medication you need, with sufficient supply
Getting There
From Singapore by ferry
The standard route is by high-speed ferry from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore to Bandar Bentan Telani (for the Bintan Resort area) or to Tanjung Pinang (the island's main town). The crossing typically takes around 55 minutes to just over an hour depending on the terminal and sea conditions. Multiple operators serve the route; check schedules and book tickets in advance, especially on weekends and Singapore public holidays when ferries fill quickly.
Arrival formalities
You will clear Indonesian immigration on arrival at the Bintan ferry terminal. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. Have your accommodation details and onward travel information accessible.
Flying
Bintan does not have a major commercial airport handling regular international or domestic jet services as of this writing. Most visitors arrive via Singapore and take the ferry. Verify current flight availability locally if this is relevant to your plans.
Getting Around
Within the Bintan Resort area
If you are staying at one of the north-coast resorts, most guests move between facilities by resort shuttle, golf buggy, or bicycle. The resort concession is spread out, and distances between properties are significant — check whether your chosen resort offers adequate internal transport.
Tanjung Pinang and wider island
In Tanjung Pinang, the main town on the southeast coast, ojeks (motorcycle taxis) and conventional taxis are the primary local transport. Ride-hailing apps may have limited coverage outside of town — verify locally. Renting a scooter is possible and gives flexibility, but road conditions vary and traffic rules differ from Singapore's.
Between the resort area and Tanjung Pinang
The two main visitor areas are on opposite ends of the island and are not easily connected by public transport. Hiring a car with driver for a day trip is the most practical option if you want to combine both. Arrange this through your resort or a reputable local operator.
Where to Stay
Bintan Resort area (north coast)
The north coast hosts a concentration of internationally branded and independently operated beach resorts ranging from mid-range to luxury. Properties are spread along several kilometres of coastline; each tends to have its own beach, pools, and dining. The atmosphere is self-contained and relatively quiet.
Tanjung Pinang
The town offers guesthouses, budget hotels, and a smaller number of mid-range hotels that cater largely to Indonesian domestic travellers and those exploring the town's heritage sites. Staying here gives a more local, less packaged experience.
Booking advice
Book well in advance for Singapore school holidays, public holidays, and long weekends — these are high-demand periods when resorts fill up and ferry tickets become scarce. Verify cancellation and ferry-coordination policies directly with your accommodation.
Things to See & Do
Beaches and water sports
The north coast beaches within the resort area offer calm, clear water suitable for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Speedboat excursions, banana boat rides, and jet skiing are widely available at resort beaches. Snorkelling trips to nearby smaller islands can be arranged through most resorts — water clarity varies by season.
Golf
Bintan has several golf courses set within the resort concession, designed by well-known course architects. It is a notable draw for golfers from Singapore. Confirm current operating status and green fees directly with each course.
Tanjung Pinang's heritage
Tanjung Pinang is worth a half or full day. Penyengat Island, a short sampan ride from the town waterfront, holds the ruins of a Riau-Lingga Sultanate palace and the distinctive Yellow Mosque (Masjid Raya Sultan Riau), which local tradition holds was constructed partly using egg whites in the mortar. The town itself has a preserved Peranakan shophouse district and a working Chinese temple.
Mangroves and nature
Mangrove boat tours can be arranged from the resort area, offering a look at coastal ecosystems and occasionally fireflies in the evening. Ask your resort or a local operator about current tour availability.
South coast surfing
Bintan's south coast, around Trikora Beach, has surf during the November–March northeast monsoon season and draws a modest surfing crowd. Infrastructure is basic compared to Bali. This area is a significant drive from the north coast resorts.
Food & Drink
Resort dining
Most north-coast resorts have multiple restaurants and bars covering a range of cuisines — Indonesian, Asian fusion, and Western options are common. Quality is generally reliable, though prices reflect the resort setting. Check whether meal packages are available when booking.
Local food in Tanjung Pinang
The town has a lively food scene centred on Malay, Chinese-Indonesian, and Peranakan cooking. Seafood is a highlight — grilled and stir-fried fish, prawn, and squid are staples at local seafood restaurants along the waterfront. Nasi lemak, mie goreng, and various kueh (snacks) are widely available and inexpensive.
Alcohol
Indonesia has a majority Muslim population, and while alcohol is available at resort bars and some restaurants in Tanjung Pinang, it is not universally sold. Be respectful of this context. Alcohol prices at resorts can be high.
Food safety
Stick to freshly cooked food served hot, and avoid raw or undercooked shellfish if you have concerns. Drink bottled water.
Shopping
Bintan is not a major shopping destination. The resort area has small boutiques and souvenir shops selling beachwear, local crafts, and Indonesian textiles. Prices in resort shops tend to be higher than elsewhere.
In Tanjung Pinang, the waterfront market area and local shops sell everyday goods, fresh produce, dried seafood, and basic souvenirs at prices closer to local norms. Bargaining is standard in informal market settings.
Note that bringing certain goods — particularly food items, plants, and large quantities of tobacco or alcohol — back into Singapore is subject to Singapore Customs regulations. Check Singapore Customs rules before purchasing.
Practical Information
Communications
Indonesian SIM cards (from providers such as Telkomsel and XL) can be purchased at Tanjung Pinang and offer reasonable data coverage in populated areas. Signal in more remote parts of the island may be limited. Your home SIM roaming charges in Indonesia may be significant — check with your carrier.
Power
Indonesia uses Type C and Type F plug sockets, with a standard voltage of 220V/50Hz. Singaporeans and travellers from most of Europe will need only a plug adapter, if anything. Travellers from North America should bring a voltage converter for sensitive devices.
Tipping
Tipping is not obligatory but is appreciated in restaurants and by service staff. A small tip for good service is courteous. Check restaurant bills for service charges before adding a tip.
Emergency contacts
Emergency numbers in Indonesia differ from Singapore's. Verify the current local emergency contacts — police, ambulance, and hospital numbers — on arrival or through your resort's concierge. Do not assume Singapore's 999 or 995 will function.
Safety
Bintan is generally considered a low-risk destination for travellers, particularly within the resort area. Standard travel precautions apply: keep valuables secured, be aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and avoid isolated beaches or roads alone after dark.
Sea conditions can change; pay attention to flags and warnings at resort beaches, and do not swim in areas marked as unsafe. If participating in water sports, use reputable operators with proper safety equipment.
Healthcare facilities on the island are limited compared to Singapore. For serious medical situations, evacuation to Singapore is likely necessary. Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly recommended.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Bintan is predominantly Malay Muslim in its local population, though there are also significant Chinese-Indonesian and other communities, particularly in Tanjung Pinang. Visitors should dress modestly when visiting religious sites — cover shoulders and knees, and remove shoes before entering mosques and temples.
During Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours is considered disrespectful to fasting locals. Many local restaurants may not be open during the day in this period, though resort facilities typically operate normally.
Bintan moves at a relaxed pace compared to Singapore. Patience and a respectful attitude go a long way, particularly when dealing with local transport or government processes at the ferry terminal.
