Bintan Island is a beautiful Indonesian island in the South China Sea nearby Singapore. It is a favorite weekend getaway for Singaporeans. It takes just about 1 hour by motorized catamaran across the Singapore Strait to get there. Ferries depart from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal and dock at Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal. There is a regular daily schedule in both directions.
Lagoi, in the north of the island, offers an upscale resort with spectacular accommodation, private beaches, water sports and championship golf courses. Dinner on the beach at sunset is truly memorable.
The Trikora strip in the northeast has less developed beaches. Trikora Beach is popular with locals who come here to relax on holidays and weekends. At a nearby fishing village you van see how traditional boat building is done.
Grotto Santa Maria, about 20 min from Trikora Beach, features the 14 stations of the cross, tableau's and a statue of The Virgin Mary standing on a globe.
The provincial capital, Tanjung Pinang, in the south, features some Dutch colonial architecture and has a rich history as a trade port.For foodies, Tanjung Pinang is well known for local delicacies such as ayam penyat, ayam presto, dried seafood and crackers and of course fresh seafood.
Bintan also features beautiful 3-D street art painted by a local artist. The art can be seen at JL Pos Road, near Dermaga Pulau Penyengat.
Bintan is also home to beautiful mangrove forests. The mangroves are protected and conservation ensures that this precious natural heritage can be enjoyed by future generations.
Important things to remember:
Passport
Visa, if required