Bintan Island

Pulau Bintan

An upscale island destination featuring luxury resorts, pristine beaches, and water sports opportunities in the Riau Islands. It is popular with tourists seeking beach relaxation, diving, and cultural experiences in a more developed setting.

Things to do

• Lagoi Beach — A long sandy beach in the northern part of Bintan lined with luxury resorts, ideal for swimming and sunset viewing.
• Diving at Bintan Marine Park — Explore vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life at several dive sites around the island, suitable for both beginners and experienced divers.
• Trikora Beach — A quieter, more secluded beach on Bintan's western coast known for white sand and clear waters, perfect for a peaceful retreat.
• Bintan Island Heritage Museum — Learn about the island's history, traditional culture, and sultanate heritage through artifacts and exhibits in Tanjung Pinang.
• Snorkeling at Coral Island — Take a boat trip to nearby coral islands to snorkel among pristine reefs and tropical fish in shallow, accessible waters.
• Spa and Wellness Retreats — Experience traditional Indonesian massage and spa treatments available at most luxury resorts, often incorporating local herbs and techniques.

Food to try

• Garang Asam — A tangy and spicy fish soup from the Riau region made with tamarind, chili, and aromatic spices, often served with rice.
• Seafood Grilling — Fresh grilled fish, prawns, and squid prepared with garlic, lime, and sambal, a staple at beachside restaurants around Bintan.
• Rendang Ikan — Fish cooked in a rich coconut curry sauce with turmeric, galangal, and spices, representing Indonesian coastal cuisine.
• Gonggong (Sea Snail) — A local delicacy of small sea snails cooked with coconut milk and spices, often found in traditional Malay restaurants.
• Nasi Kuning — Fragrant yellow rice cooked with turmeric and coconut milk, traditionally served at festive occasions and special meals.

Local customs & good to know

• Islamic Customs and Respect — Bintan is predominantly Muslim; dress modestly especially outside resort areas, remove shoes before entering mosques, and respect prayer times.
• Bahasa Indonesia and Local Malay — While English is spoken at resorts, learning basic Indonesian phrases is appreciated and helpful in local villages and traditional areas.
• Haggling and Market Etiquette — Bargaining is expected at local markets and traditional shops in Tanjung Pinang, but fixed prices apply at modern establishments and resorts.
• Sultanate Heritage — Bintan has a rich history connected to the Sultanate of Riau-Lingga; visitors should show respect when visiting historical sites and learning about local rulers.