[UPDATED 24th January 2022]
Indonesia is planning to reopen Bintan and Batam to travellers from Singapore, and we know how much you miss your beach getaways in Bintan and Batam! If you're wondering about things to do in Bintan, we've rounded up this list of 10 places you have to visit when in Bintan.
P.S. Going to Batam instead? We compiled a list of 12 resorts in Batam that are perfect for the relaxing retreat you deserve!
What we know about the Bintan-Batam-Singapore travel bubble:
- Travellers from Singapore are allowed to enter Indonesia via Nongsapura ferry terminal in Batam and Bandar Bentan Telani ferry terminal in Bintan.
- Both areas have been equipped with health protocols as well as supporting facilities and infrastructure to carry out activities in the new normal.
- They must be fully vaccinated and must have stayed in Singapore for at least 14 days prior to their arrival.
- A negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test must be shown and taken within three days before departing Singapore.
- Travellers must take another PCR test when they arrive in Indonesia.
- Travellers who test positive with no or mild symptoms will be referred to an isolation facility while those with moderate or severe symptoms will be referred to a hospital.
- Other requirements under the travel bubble also include a holiday insurance package that would cover hospital treatment worth $30,000 for the travellers.
- For now, there is no fixed reopening date yet.
1. Lagoi Bay
Credit: Banyan Tree Bintan on Facebook
Like the popular Nusa Dua in Bali, Lagoi is a luxury resort area in Bintan. The panoramic view of the sea and refreshing air make Lagoi a perfect spot to relax with various activities that you can do. From water sports like snorkelling and diving to more family-friendly activities provided by your preferred resort, Lagoi is a great place for a relaxing holiday!
P.S. For a more in-depth experience in Bintan, read more about our trip to Bintan in 2019!
2. Danau Biru, Busung
Credit: @puudarmawan for Instagram
Bintan and the neighbouring Batam island are former mining sites. As a result, former mining basins have turned into blue lakes, like this one at Danau Biru Busung. Even though you can't swim there, the panorama of Danau Biru (or blue lake) never fails to amaze visitors. The area around Danau Biru is also an abandoned sand mine that'll remind you of the limestone formations in Turkey's Cappadocia.
3. Trikora Beach
Credit: @promotourbintan for Instagram
Trikora Beach is a beautiful beach in Bintan with a panoramic view of stunning clear and shallow waters. Trikora Beach is actually made up of a number of separate beaches, each with its own charms. But what makes the area beautiful is its white sand and turquoise waters. The areas around the beach are dotted with large granite boulders. There are water sports facilities around as well like kite-surfing and jetski as well as local food hawkers.
4. Crystal Lagoon
Credit: @treasurebaybintan.official for Instagram
Did you know that Bintan Island has the largest swimming pool in Southeast Asia? Yes, we're talking about Crystal Lagoon, which is shaped like a huge water lagoon! You can do various water sports here - from swimming to freediving, kayaking in a transparent canoe and more.
5. Gurun Pasir Busung
One of the places that’s become a must-visit for tourists these days is Gurun Pasir Busung (also known as Gurun Pasir Bintan). This large open area was a sand mine that was abandoned after sand-exporting from Bintan was banned. In recent years, locals started flocking to the area due to its extraordinary landscape filled with sand dunes and bright blue pools of water.
6. Rumah Arang
Credit: @irma_jacob for Instagram
Igloos in Indonesia?! Yes, there is! These dome-shaped, brick huts were once the furnaces for the nomadic Sea Gypsies, or Orang Laut in Malay. It fell out of use after the traditional way of burning mangrove to produce charcoal was prohibited. But good news for us, they have become a tourist attraction that serves as a great backdrop for your photos!
7. Trail Of The Sea Gypsies
Credit: @iriskok for Instagram
There's another hidden side of Bintan that lies somewhere far beyond the private pools and thrilling water sports. To catch a glimpse of the island’s magic, follow the trail of the Sea Gypsies. Visiting their village of brings you up close and personal with them and you get to witness everything from traditional boat making to houses built on stilts over water. It truly is an eye-opening experience to a more localised, authentic side of Bintan!
8. White Sands Island
Credit: @_septiindriyanifor Instagram
The island also actively takes part in conservation for baby turtles. The White Sands Island Turtle Conversation program focuses on building a sanctuary for baby turtles and protecting turtle eggs! Such miracle of seaside life can't be missed at all!
9. Gunung Bintan Adventure Trek
Credit: @alam_sahabatku1 for Instagram
Us Singaporeans have gained a new love when we went into circuit breaker: hiking around Singapore's hilly places. If you're an avid hiker, or you just wish to explore new hiking trails beyond Singapore, take your vacation to new heights at Gunung Bintan Adventure Trek! Hike up to the 340-metre summit and be rewarded by jaw-dropping 360-degree panoramic view of the island. Apart from gorgeous views, you’ll encounter exotic flora and fauna, and a mesmerising waterfall too!
10. Aroma River Spa
Credit: @italycai for Instagram
Get zen at Bintan’s one and only floating spa! Enjoy heavenly massages and healing spa treatments while you're surrounded by the lush beauty of a pristine mangrove river. After blissing out on a Traditional Riau Body Massage or going all out on a De-stress River Spa Package, take leisurely boat ride down the tranquil river, and let the lush green vistas take all your stresses away. Truly a nice breather from the hustle and bustle of our city life. ?
While you're waiting for more details about the travel bubble between Singapore, Bintan and Batam, it's time to start planning for your trip!