Just across the Singapore Strait from buzzy Singapore itself, beautiful Bintan Island is a restful idyll of white sands framed by swaying palms. The largest of the Riau Islands, this Indonesian gem is hugely popular with visitors from both Singapore and Malaysia. This is reflected in a wide array of accommodation options, with the best places to stay in Bintan including everything from exquisite honeymoon hideaways to family-friendly glamping resorts.
Famed for its exceptional beaches, Bintan is first and foremost a destination for an epic beach break. Spend your days strolling along the sand and soaking up the sunshine on private beaches galore. The watersports scene is superb, with sailing, kayaking, wind surfing, fishing and paddle boarding easily accessible for guests of all ages. Inland, you can cycle or hike through tropical forests filled with wildlife, or play a round or two at the island’s world-class golf courses. Nature lovers will delight in spotting fireflies, monkeys and iridescent kingfishers from aboard traditional boats in the verdant Sungei Sebung Mangrove Forests.
For a sense of the island’s rich cultural heritage, admire Dutch and Javanese architectural landmarks, or see stilt houses and Chinese temples in the fishing village of Senggarang. The Buddhist Vihara Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is a particular standout, as is the Grotto of the Virgin Mary. Nearby Penyengat Island, with its magnificent mosque and palace ruins, is another must-see. Round things off with delicious regional dishes and fresh seafood on lively Potong Lembu Street, Sebung Village or at the best places to stay in Bintan.
