How to Experience Indonesia’s Bintan Island – Discover a Destination of Enchanting Wonders

In fairly recent times, Bintan Island has acquired a reputation as one of Indonesia’s foremost holiday destinations. This is hardly surprising as this lovely island has so much that visitors can enjoy. Offering everything from pristine beaches and mystical temples to varied landscapes and fine golf courses, this destination will meet the expectations of travellers with diverse tastes and preferences. Some of the outstanding activities to be enjoyed on your visit to Bintan are described below.

Take a mangrove tour at sunset 

A marvellous experience for visitors to Bintan is undertaking a scenic sunset boat tour on the Kawal River which will take you across picturesque areas of mangroves. This excursion which would enthral nature lovers will take you through a lush and pristine ecosystem. As you make your way through dense jungle, you may have the opportunity to spot interesting kinds of wildlife; you may catch sight of monkeys, kingfishers, monitor lizards, snakes and so on. Possibly, even more captivating is a night-time tour on which you could view the illuminations of fireflies that create a magical, fairytale-like scene! 

Relax at Trikora Beach 

Bintan is known for its lovely beaches and undoubtedly an excellent one to visit is the alluring Trikora Beach. The inviting white sands and shimmering clear waters to be found here make it a delightful place at which to relax and enjoy leisure. During your outing, you will also have the opportunity to make your way to the nearby fishing village where you could observe the eye-catching stilt houses. Another attraction in this area is a small workshop where you can observe the manner in which the local boats are constructed.

Adamina, Trikora Beach, CC BY 2.0

Visit the 500 Lohan Temple 

An interesting religious attraction that would draw the interest of the sightseer is the well-known 500 Lohan Temple. This Buddhist place of worship is renowned for the numerous statues of lohans or enlightened beings that it features. You will see that each of the life-sized statues has unique facial features and physical attributes. Within the selection of statues, you may spot famous characters from the folklore of China. This temple is also famed for its outstanding architecture which is sure to catch your attention.

Explore Tanjung Pinang

Naturally, your stay on this island wouldn’t be complete without exploring its captivating capital, the town of Tanjung Pinang. By paying a visit to this charming and engrossing town, you may gain an authentic insight into the area’s culture, lifestyle and inhabitants. Shopping is a highlight here, with tourists having the chance to avail themselves of attractive bargains on goods like genuine antiques and locally made handicrafts. Your tour of this town wouldn’t be complete without enjoying a tasty meal at one of the inexpensive but appealing local restaurants. 

Join a cooking class 

An engrossing experience that you could enjoy during your sojourn on this island is joining a local cooking class. You may take part in a healthy culinary adventure, preparing delicious dishes with wholesome natural ingredients. You will have the opportunity to select organic ingredients at an herb garden and proceed to learn the art of cooking delectable Indonesian and Javanese creations. A skilled chef would guide you and provide fascinating tips regarding the preparation of authentic local dishes. An accommodation choice to consider that additionally offers such a cooking class is The Residence Bintan where you could stay in pleasingly located Bintan beach villas as well.

Tour Penyengat Island 

An entrancing attraction for the history and culture lover is the fascinating Penyengat Island which boasts numerous features of interest. Here, you will encounter many historically significant monuments as well as other engrossing cultural sites. An enthralling sight is an imposing stone fortress which was constructed to protect the island in times past. As you explore this isle, you will also notice numerous old palaces, a picturesque citadel and various royal graves.