Bintan: A culture-rich island filled with adventure, beaches, and so much more

If picturesque beaches, luxurious resorts, and mouthwatering food fall under your definition of an ideal holiday, you really must visit the nearby Riau island of Bintan. Just an hour away by ferry from Singapore, Bintan boasts a wide variety of activities – for both thrill seekers or those simply looking to wind down after a chaotic week or hectic travel schedule. 

To top things off, getting to the island can’t get any easier. Not only are there regular ferry services from the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (TMFT) to Bintan, if you’re heading over from Changi Airport, Changi’s shuttle service will get you to TMFT for only $2!

Ready for your next travel adventure? Here’s the inside scoop on what Bintan has to offer. 

Forget about mainstream, and check out these off-the-beaten-track activities

Trekking

Get your sweat on and trek through Bintan’s dense tropical forest, where you’ll be rewarded every step of the way. On your way up, you can marvel at the gigantic girths of ancient trees, and if you’re lucky, you may even spot rare animals like the silvered leaf monkey or sun bird! 

With its perfect blend of blue waters and greenery, the magnificent 360° view at the 340m summit will take your breath away.

The forest is also home to delicious tropical fruits like the durian, rambutan, and jackfruit, amongst others. Go ahead and sample the wild fruits, but only if you have a tour guide accompanying you. Trying the durian is definitely a task to put on your bucket list. Be warned that the smell may take some getting used to.

If the heat starts getting to you, you can cool off with a dip in the pool at the base of a waterfall you’ll find on your descent. According to local legend, a swim in the clear waters will bring you good luck.

The Bintan Mangrove Tour

It’s no secret that the continuing threat from the rise in sea levels and coastal developments has left some mangrove species critically endangered. Going on a mangrove tour will allow you to embrace the myriad of plant and animal life forms that thrive along with the island’s rich mangrove forests, and better understand how we can each do our part to preserve nature’s beauty. 

If you’re a city dweller, a glimpse into the simple life of the orang laut (sea nomads) during the tour will give you an idea of how life in Singapore was during her fishing village days. In a world where skyscrapers and huge bungalows abound, living in a kelong (an over-the-water fishing house built on stilts) is almost unheard of today.

Hunt down these Instagram-worthy shots

If it’s not on Instagram, did it really happen? If you are all about the ‘gram, these spots will definitely spice up your Instagram feed!

Head down to Danau Biru (also known as the ‘Blue Lagoon’) for some pictures by the calm blue water, Gurun Pasir Bintan (i.e. sand dunes) to get those artistic angles that only sand dunes can make happen, and build up your street cred by posing for some shots by the street art in Tanjung Pinang.

For stunning sunrise or sunset shots, Trikora Beach has got you covered with its gorgeous view.

Immerse yourself in Bintan's local culture

Vihara Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva

Get cultured at Vihara Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, commonly known as the 500 Lohan Temple. The temple is home to 500 life-sized Lohan statues – each one human-like, unique, and different from the next. Do check out the plaque in front of every statue for some fun facts about each individual Lohan.

Masjid Raya Sultan Riau

The Masjid Raya Sultan Riau is almost like a castle from a fairy tale, peeping out from its surrounding palm trees. It is also home to a 150-year-old handwritten Quran (the central religious text of Islam) on display.

Rumour has it that the original mosque was made mainly of eggs, which were gifts from the Sultan’s loyal subjects during his wedding. Who knew that egg whites made for powerful bonding agents? Maybe we should consider that for our houses today… or not.

Partake in delicious local fare

Pujasera Food Centre

Head down to Pujasera Food Centre for some of Bintan’s local food fare.

The hawker centre is only about a 10-min drive from the main ferry terminal, and can serve as a one stop shop for you to try all the local delicacies that the island has to offer – and at very affordable rates too. From nasi padang (rice served with an assortment of dishes) to kueh lapis (Indonesian layered cake), you’ll be able to experience what it’s like to eat like a local. 

Tapai & Otak Otak

Kawal, a fishery in Bintan, is the go-to place for freshly made otak-otak and tapai.

Tapai refers to a local delicacy, where fermented cassava (the starchy tuberous root of a tropical tree) is wrapped in leaves of forest trees strung with palm leaves, and tastes sweet with a smooth texture. If you’re a food lover, this is definitely a must-try!

Otak-otak is a grilled fish cake made of ground fish meat mixed with tapioca starch and spices. It is widely known across Southeast Asia, and is especially popular in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.

Skip the conventional hotels and go for something unique

Cassia Bintan

With a kitchen in every room, and Instagram-ready walls, what else can you ask for?

Cassia Bintan is known for its neon-coloured, graffiti-styled walls that will not only brighten up your Instagram feed with a slightly more rebellious vibe, but will also make you feel like you’re living in a modern art gallery.

The Canopi

If you always wanted to try camping, but aren’t sure if you can handle tents in the smoldering wilderness, The Canopi is the perfect choice of accommodation for you.

The cozy, island-themed tents are spacious, equipped with an LCD TV, a four-poster bed, and yes – a powerful air-conditioning system. You won’t have to worry about waking up in the middle of the night caked with sweat. Ever.

Essentially, you’ll be staying in a very glamourised tent designed to pamper you in every way possible. 

Whether you’re a thrill seeker, looking to learn more about a new culture, or simply searching for a place to unwind, Bintan has something in store for you!