From idyllic beaches and azure waters to lush forests and fun shopping, Bintan Island has it all and it is little wonder it’s such a popular destination for a weekend getaway.
Planning a Holiday
The island can be found in the Riau Archipelago of Indonesia and is 30 minutes from Batam and around a one hour ferry ride from Singapore. Staying at Bintan resorts beside the beach are great options to spend time lazing on the sand, engaging in water sports or embarking on island exploration.
A Rich Heritage
There is much to experience in terms of the culture here. You can plan an excursion from resorts the likes of The Residence Bintan by Cenizaro to the Chinese village of Senggarang home to stilt houses used by fishermen and 17th century temples. Other noteworthy sites include the Sea Gypsy Village in Panglong and Penyengat Island with its Grand Mosque and restored palace.
Nature & Wildlife
Nature lovers can embark on a mangrove tour along the Sebung River where you can observe wildlife during the day and fireflies at night. You can also visit Safari Lagoi home to endangered and rescued animals or take a trip to nearby Mapur Island ideal for some snorkelling and diving.
Retail Therapy
For some shopping in Bintan, there’s the Tanjungpinang City Centre mall and the Plaza Lagoi which offer entertainment and dining options too. Local street markets are also well worth visiting and are where one can find some great souvenirs be it Indonesian batiks to intricate handicrafts.
Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+
