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Guide to a Day Trip from Singapore to Bintan Squeezing So Much Fun into 24 Hours

| Last Updated: September 2024

Bintan Island has a lot to offer, and I still don’t get why it remains a criminally underrated destination for many tourists. It’s a top holiday destination for my friends and family, and it only takes an hour on the ferry to reach it! 

The island is famous for its beaches, seafood, traditional massages, and laid-back vibe. 

The best part is that you can explore its best spots in just 24 hours! If a short island-hopping trip is what you’re after, I curated a day trip from Singapore to Bintan guide to help you get on your way! 

Where is Bintan?

Bintan Island is part of Indonesia’s Riau Archipelago and is located just southeast of Singapore. 

How long is the journey from Singapore to Bintan?

The ferry ride from Singapore to Bintan can take between 60 to 90 minutes, depending on weather conditions and the type of vessel you ride on. 

Just note that there are two terminals in Bintan: Tanjung Pinang and Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry. They are about 30 minutes away from most tourist spots on the island by car. 

Ferry Options and Ticket Prices

Ferry OperatorTerminal Ticket Price
Bintan Resort FerriesTanah Merah Ferry TerminalOne-Way: 
$57 (Economy)
$84 (Emerald Class)

Round Trip: 
$90 to $100 (Economy)
$144 to $154 (Emerald Class)
Majestic Fast Ferry Tanah Merah Ferry TerminalOne-Way: $54
Round Trip: $108
Sindo Ferry Tanah Merah Ferry TerminalOne-Way: $43
Round Trip: $86

Do I need a visa to enter Bintan from Singapore?

It varies. Singaporean citizens and tourists from neighbouring Southeast Asian countries do not need a visa to enter Bintan.

However, if you are not a citizen of a Southeast Asian country and are travelling from Singapore, you must obtain a short-term or tourist visa before entering the island. Visas usually range between 30 days to 90 days, depending on your country’s policy. 

What to Do On Your Day Trip to Bintan

Pretend you’re in Dune at Bintan Desert and Blue Lake

Media from thatjournalistlouisa

Address: Jl. Raya Busung, Busung, Kec. Seri Kuala Lobam
Contact Details: +62 851 5712 8881
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
Average Duration: 1 hour
Pricing: IDR 25,000 per person
Website

Bintan Dessert, also known as Busung Desert, is an otherworldly place in Bintan. Many associate the island with beaches, and not a lot know about these sand dunes, which deserve more attention. 

Right beside the small desert is a blue lake called the Bintan Blue Lake. The whole area used to be a mining site, but now many people venture into the dunes to take otherworldly pictures in the sand and by the crystal-blue lake. 

Tips: 

  • Bring some protective gear like sunglasses and hats to keep your eyes and head safe from any flyaway sand. 
  • The best time to visit the dunes and lake is in the morning when there are fewer crowds and the sky is clear. Dropping by close to noon is good for clear shots of the pristine water, but it gets very hot!

Go on an off-road adventure with Treasure Bay Bintan’s ATV trail

Media from treasurebaybintan.official

Address: Kawasan Pariwisata, Jl. Raja H. No.KM 01, Sebong Lagoi, Kec. Tlk. Sebong
Contact Details: +62 770 691682
Operating Hours: Time slots will vary based on booking 
Average Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Pricing: 

  • IDR 900,000 per person (25 minutes)
  • IDR 1,800,000  per person (60 minutes)

Website

ATV rides are an absolutely fun way to explore nature trails and rugged forest paths on the island. The best operator for this activity is Treasure Bay Bintan, and I highly recommend booking the experience from them. 

The ATV ride lasts for approximately 25 minutes and the route is fairly beginner-friendly. You can, however, opt to get the 1-hour package if you get enough of the thrill of the experience! 

Tips: 

  • Wear protective shoes that cover your feet because the ATV trail features muddy paths. Expect to get wet and dirty during this activity.  ,
  • You may encounter wildlife on the trail. Keep the ATV operator or group leader in your sight and simply wait for the animals to pass through. Don’t try to anger them by revving up the engine or by speeding past them.

Swim with turtles at White Sands Island

Media from whitesandsisland

Address: Teluk Bakau, Gunung Kijang, Bintan Regency
Contact Details: +62 822 7772 9988
Operating Hours: Time slots will vary based on booking 
Average Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Pricing: Rates will vary, contact phone number for more information 

What’s a trip to Bintan without some beach day fun? Just a few minutes away from the Trikora Coast by boat is White Sand Island, a popular tourist spot known for its crystal blue waters, white and fine sand, and vibrant marine life. 

It’s the best place to go sunbathing, snorkelling, kite flying, and scuba diving on the island if you don’t want to stay too far away from the terminal. If you brave the waters, you might spot a sea turtle and schools of fish swimming past you! 

Tips: 

  • In order to do most of the water activities at White Island, you’ll need to book a tour operator ahead of your visit. It’s a private island, so you can’t simply hire a local to take you there. You can book one via Whatsapp!
  • The island is a known conservation area for sea turtles. If you spot a baby sea turtle on the shores, do not catch them. Simply leave them be to crawl back into the sea. Moreover, try not to chase the sea turtles swimming about the island!

Join the Bintan Fireflies Tour

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Address: Mangrove Jetty, Kabupaten Bintan, Kepulauan Riau 
Contact Details: +62 813 8777 5744
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm
Average Duration: 1 hour
Pricing: IDR 400,000 to IDR 600,000 per person 
Website

Do you love the movie Tangled? If you do, then you can recreate the magical lantern seen in a somewhat similar fashion with the Bintan Fireflies Tour. 

You go on a boat and the tour operator will slowly row you towards the mangrove forest where the fireflies are mostly found. Then you spend about an hour basking in the beautiful views under the moonlight. 

Tips: 

  • This evening tour has only two trips at 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm every day. You need to book your slots in advance to avoid missing out. Note that the tour requires a minimum of 2 people per booking! 
  • Don’t try and catch a firefly, even when they’re close to you. If you want to see one up close, the tour operator can safely catch one for viewing. Don’t try to reach out far off the boat, either, for your safety!

Take the stress out of your shoulders with a spa session at Banyan Tree Spa

Media from banyantreebintan

Address: Resort, Banyan Tree Bintan, JL Teluk Berembang Laguna Riau, Sebong Lagoi, Kec. Tlk. Sebong
Contact Details: +62 770 693100
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 10:00 pm
Average Duration: 1 hour
Pricing: IDR 400,000 to IDR 600,000 per person 
Website

Banyan Tree stands out for its focus on Indonesian massage techniques using local ingredients. If you ask me, I never miss out on an opportunity to get a relaxing massage when I’m in Indonesia. 

You can enjoy a massage in a private room or on the beach. My favourite is the Nusantara Massage, which blends techniques from across Indonesia (a definite must-try if it’s your first time in the country!). 

Tips: 

  • Keep an eye out on their website for offers and promotions to get discounted rates on spa packages. 
  • I recommend booking the spa package where you get 90 minutes of your chosen massage treatment in a villa. The villa gives you a lot of privacy and stunning views of the beach and ocean. It’s a little pricier, but I think it’s worth every penny!

Where to Eat and Drink in Bintan

Warung Yeah! 

Media from yeah.bintan

Address: Sebong Lagoi, Teluk Sebong, Sebong Lagoi, Teluk Sebong, Bintan Regency
Contact Details: +62 813 1311 1128
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:00 am to 9:00 pm
Pricing: $
Website

Right at the heart of Plaza Lagoi is Warung Yeah!, a casual restaurant that serves up Indonesian fare with a modern twist at very affordable prices. It’s honestly one of the best places on the island to get your fill of traditional food. 

You’ll find roasted chicken closed in a charcoal grill, a tofu egg omelette drenched in Indonesian sweet soy sauce, and the classic beef rendang. If you’re looking for something lighter, there’s always the famous IndoMie (fried noodles) to devour! 

Tips: 

  • The restaurant is very popular on the island, so you might find that tour operators include a stop here in their itinerary. There’s an option in the Bintan Fireflies Tour or the activity tours of Treasure Bay Bintan wherein you can include lunch at Warung Yeah!. 
  • Bring some wet wipes with you to wipe down the tables. It’s a very casual eatery with long queues, so sometimes getting a table means that you’ll often do the cleaning yourself. This was based on my experience, but it may be different now than last time (still, bring some just in case).

Treetops at Banyan Tree

Media from banyantreebintan

Address: Sebong Lagoi, Teluk Sebong, Sebong Lagoi, Teluk Sebong, Bintan Regency
Contact Details: +62 770 693100
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 6:30 am to 10:30 am, 11:30 am to 5:00 pm, 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Pricing: $$$
Website

Not only is Banyan Tree known for its luxurious spa packages but also for its good food offerings. The spa’s Treetops restaurant serves up Indonesian food that’s perfect for anyone feeling they need to pamper their stomachs after a treatment! 

The price point isn’t the most affordable in the area, but their potions are good enough for sharing. The bestsellers include beef rendang, oxtail soup, grilled chicken, and egg omelette. 

Tips: 

  • A lot of their dishes are paired with spicy sauce, so expect high heat levels. If you can’t tolerate spicy food well, you can always ask the staff members to adjust the spice level for you. 
  • The restaurant prioritises guests who are staying at the spa’s adjoining hotel. You can still make restaurant reservations, but they’re usually full by dinner time. I recommend dining here for lunch to get more chances for free tables.

Haskell’s Cafe

Address: Jl. Indera Segara Site A12 Lagoi, Sebong Lagoi, Teluk Sebong, Bintan Regency
Contact Details: +62 770 693100
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Pricing: $$

Dining at Lagoi’s luxury resorts doesn’t have to break the bank, and Haskell’s Cafe at Bintan Lagoon Resort is a perfect example. Situated right next to the golf course, the cafe offers a laid-back and relaxed atmosphere with a fantastic view of the greens. 

The menu features a variety of Western and Southeast Asian dishes, ranging from classic burgers to fried fish. You’ll be surprised that despite the fancy names on most of the menu items, the prices aren’t super expensive! 

Tip: Stay tuned to the cafe’s offers and promotions over at Bintan Lagoon Resort’s official Instagram page! They don’t have a website, but you can make reservations or take up offers through the Instagram page. 

Kelong Seafood Restaurant at Nirwana Gardens

Media from nirwanabintan

Address: Nirwana Gardens Resorts, Jalan Panglima Pantar, Sebong Lagoi, Kec. Tlk. Sebong
Contact Details: +62 811 6918277
Operating Hours: 

  • Tuesday to Thursday, 4:30 pm to 10:30 pm
  • Friday to Sunday, 11:30 am to 10:30 pm

Pricing: $$
Website

Another swanky spot to dine your heart out without breaking your budget is Kelong Seafood Restaurant at Nirwana Gardens. This floating restaurant inspired by the traditional stilt homes of local fishermen offers a wide array of seafood dishes. 

They specialise in Chinese and Indonesian cuisine, so a lot of the menu items look very similar to what you can find at East Coast Park. A few bestsellers include the famous gonggong (sea snail), boiled and seasoned, or the flavorful black pepper crab.

Tips: 

  • This is one of the best restaurants to take your partner out on a date in Bintan. You can make reservations at least a week in advance to ensure you get the best seats inside the floating restaurant. 

    My best bet is to get one right next to the railing for great 360-degree views while dining. Make your reservations by calling them via WhatsApp between 8:00 am and 10:00 pm only. 
  • Wear smart casual clothing. No slippers and shorts for men.

Pizza Casa Italia

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Address: Malang Rapat, Gunung Kijang, Bintan Regency, Riau Islands
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
Pricing: $

Pizza Casa Italia is an Italian family’s love letter to their home country after finding their dream home in Bintan. They serve classic and authentic Italian pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven they brought all the way from Italy! 

It’s a small beachside eatery with classic wooden benches, bamboo stilts, and sandy flooring, so there’s no need to dress up fancy here. My personal favourite is the Margherita pizza and the Indonesian-inspired pizza jagung (corn kernel pizza). 

Tips: 

  • In order for you to enter the pizzeria, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee between IDR 5,000 to IDR 10,000 per person. This gives you entrance to the beach where the pizzeria is located. 
  • You can actually order pizza and then eat by the beach or rent a beach hut from the local vendors. Prices will vary, though, but you can negotiate with the locals regarding the rates.

Where to Shop in Bintan

Plaza Lagoi

Media from bintanresortsofficial

Address: 59GF+X4C, Sebong Lagoi, Teluk Sebong, Bintan Regency
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Website

Plaza Lagoi is one of the best places to go shopping around the island. Not only is it conveniently located near my top restaurants in Bintan, but it’s also close to the beach!

It’s especially known for its weekend bazaar, a must-visit for shopaholics who love to splurge on local knick-knacks when travelling. You can find over 60 stalls here selling keychains, t-shirts, postcards, figurines, seashells, and so much more at low prices! 

Tips: 

  • If you need a ride to the plaza, you get one for free from Club Med Bintan. You can ask the concierge for assistance in case you need a lift!
  • If you rent a car on the island, you can park at Lagoi Plaza Car Park. Parking slots can get full once the evening sets in, so I recommend doing your shopping earlier in the day!

Pondok Bintan 11

Media from pondok_bintan_11

Address: Jl. Lintas Bar. No.39, Penaga, Kec. Tlk., Kabupaten Bintan
Contact Details: +62 812 3828 1150
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:00 am to 9:15 pm

Oleh oleh translates to “small gifts” in English, and the best place to buy oleh oleh for your family is at Pondok Bintan 11. Located just a few minutes away from Bintan Dessert by car, this little souvenir shop sells woodwork, jewellery, snacks, and more. 

It’s also a great place to get good deals on souvenirs because many stores near the resorts have marked-up prices. All of the goods are of good quality, you just need to spend a bit more time searching for what you want here (because there are so many!). 

Tip: Most vendors can rack up the prices if they are selling to foreigners, so my advice is to seek the help of a local to negotiate prices! 

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