Kirill Petropavlov, Unsplash License, Source

Bintan

Sun‑kissed shores and tranquil lagoon retreats

Bintan Island lies in Indonesia’s Riau Archipelago, about fifty kilometers southeast of Singapore. The island features wide beaches with soft sand and calm waters ideal for swimming or kayaking. Local villages preserve traditional ways of life through fishing and small-scale farming. Visitors can explore mangrove forests by boat and taste fresh seafood at simple warungs along the shore. Bintan balances quiet relaxation with cultural experiences, making it a practical choice for travelers seeking both peace and local interaction without extensive planning or high costs.

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Island in Indonesia

$$$

$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

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Safety: 6.2

General Safety:	8
Health & medical:	4
Accessibility:	4
Tap water:	2

Read details

3/5

In Bintan, many locals working in tourism and hospitality speak basic English, especially around resorts and popular beaches. Tourists will find communication smooth for directions, dining and booking services.

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Last update: 16 Oct 2026

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Bintan Summary

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‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

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Great at delivering pristine beaches and world‑class resort stays, Bintan also offers vibrant coral reefs, calm waters for diving and championship golf courses.

Place score

8.1

Best at:

Islands

Sea

Golf

Beaches

Luxury

Personal score

Suited for

👶 8

Families

🧓 6

Seniors

🕌 9

Halal

❤️ 8

Couples

Indonesia – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F Type C: Type F: Read about power adapters
Currency:	Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) £1 ≈ IDR 24,141.20
Cashless info:	Rating 4/5 Cashless payments are becoming more common in urban areas of Indonesia, particularly in larger cities. Credit cards and mobile payment apps like GoPay and OVO are widely accepted in many establishments. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in Indonesia. A 5-10% tip is common in restaurants, and taxi drivers may expect small tips for good service.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is not commonly seen in Indonesia. Alcohol is consumed mainly in licensed establishments such as bars, restaurants, and hotels.
Public smoking:	Smoking is prohibited in many indoor public spaces, including restaurants, shopping centres, and public transport.

Independence Day (17 August)	A national holiday with celebrations and ceremonies
Nyepi (March/April)	The Balinese Day of Silence, celebrated with unique rituals and festivities

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 112
Taxi apps:	GoJek, Grab
Other:	Indonesia is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including beaches, volcanoes, and jungles. It is a great destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Bintan, Indonesia

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Jan

🔥

Feb

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Mar

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Apr

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May

🌦️

Jun

🌦️

Jul

🌦️

Aug

🔥

Sep

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Oct

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Nov

⛈️

Dec

High season:	June - Aug.
Shoulder season:	Feb. - May, Sep. - Oct., Dec.
Crowdedness:	5 (Moderate tourist numbers)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Northeast monsoon November to March brings heavy rain and rough seas, ferry crossings from Singapore can be delayed or cancelled

Weekends and Singapore school holidays are busiest, weekdays are very quiet

Don't miss

🏖️ Explore Tanjung Pinang's historic waterfront market
🍤 Savor fresh seafood at a beachfront warung
🛶 Kayak through mangrove channels of Bintan Nature Park
🏝️ Relax on Tanjung Balai's pristine white sand beach
🎨 Discover local art at the Bintan Cultural Center

You've been here?

Why travel to Bintan?

Bintan Island, part of Indonesia’s Riau Archipelago, offers a balanced mix of natural beauty and practical amenities that appeal to travelers seeking both relaxation and convenience. The island’s coastline features long stretches of white sand and clear waters, ideal for swimming, snorkeling or simply unwinding on the beach without the crowds found in more popular destinations. Inland, lush mangrove forests and freshwater lakes provide opportunities for kayaking, birdwatching and guided nature walks that showcase local flora and fauna. For those interested in culture, Bintan’s small towns preserve traditional Malay architecture and host markets where visitors can sample fresh seafood, tropical fruits and handmade crafts. The island’s history is reflected in its colonial-era buildings and the nearby Fort Kuta, offering a glimpse into Indonesia’s past. Accommodation ranges from budget-friendly homestays to mid-range resorts, many of which emphasize sustainability and local engagement. Transportation is straightforward: regular ferries connect Bintan with Batam and Singapore, while local taxis and rental scooters allow easy exploration of the island’s attractions. Overall, Bintan provides a practical yet scenic escape for travelers who appreciate natural settings, cultural authenticity and accessible logistics without excessive hype.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Bintan Cabana Beach Resort
2 Museum Bahari

🎡Places for activities

1 Golf Club House

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Knowledge before you go

Pack light, breathable clothing for humid tropical climate.
Bring a reusable water bottle and stay hydrated while exploring beaches and villages.
Check local weather forecasts; monsoon season can cause sudden heavy rains and limited beach access.
Explore the island’s lesser-known mangrove forests early morning to avoid crowds and enjoy unique wildlife sightings.

How to travel to Bintan

Bintan Island, part of Indonesia’s Riau Archipelago, is accessible primarily by ferry from Singapore and Batam Island. The main ferry terminal is Tanjung Bintan in Bintan Regency, located approximately 50 km southeast of Singapore. Travelers can take high-speed ferries operated by companies like Star Ferry or Batam Fast Ferry, with journey times ranging from 1 to 2 hours depending on the service and weather conditions. Private speedboats are also available for charter but require prior arrangements. Bintan’s proximity to Singapore makes it a convenient day-trip destination, though overnight stays are common due to its resort offerings. No direct flights serve Bintan; access remains sea-based or via short domestic flights to nearby Batam followed by a ferry.

Access summary

From Tangerang (DPS): Ferry to Bintan (45–60 min).
From Jakarta (CGK): Flight to Batam (30 min), then ferry to Bintan (20 min).
By direct charter flight from Singapore Changi (SIN) to Bintan Airport (15 min).

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in Bintan

Bintan’s accommodation scene blends luxury resorts, boutique villas and budget-friendly homestays along its pristine coastlines. The island’s signature offerings are beachfront suites with private infinity pools, often featuring local Balinese-inspired décor and panoramic sea views. Mid-range options include all-inclusive family bungalows that provide easy access to water sports and nearby golf courses. For travelers seeking authenticity, guesthouses in the quieter villages offer homely rooms at modest rates, complete with traditional Indonesian meals. Prices vary from IDR 1 – 2 (£0 – 0) per night for upscale villas to under IDR 300,000 (£12.47) for basic homestays, ensuring options for every budget while maintaining high standards of comfort and service.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Natra Bintan, a Tribute Portfolio Resort

8.7

Grand Lagoi Hotel Bintan

8.4

Pantai Indah Lagoi Bintan

CK Tanjungpinang Hotel and Convention Centre

8.5

Banyan Tree Bintan

8.5

Mayang Sari Beach Resort

8.4

Explore more accommodations

How to get around Bintan

Getting around Bintan Island is best done by renting a scooter or car, as it offers flexibility to explore beaches and resorts at your own pace. Taxis are readily available in major towns like Tanjung Pinang but can be costly for long distances. Ride-hailing apps such as Grab operate here, providing an affordable alternative with English-speaking drivers. For shorter trips between nearby islands or coastal areas, speedboats and ferries depart from Tanjung Bungah or Teluk Bakau harbors to destinations like Batam and Singapore. Public minivans connect key towns on the island, though schedules may be irregular. Always ensure your vehicle has proper insurance and check road conditions before traveling.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

-72 %

Daily expenses in the region are around 72% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-20 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to IDR) is 20% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is considerably cheaper compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£21	£48	£144
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£9	£26	£75
🍝 Food per day	£10	£19	£60
🚕 Transportation per day	£2	£2	£8

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£5.50
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£2.70
🍟 Fast food combo	£2.90
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£3.60
☕ Cappuccino	£1.60
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£2

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	£0.30
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	£5
⛽ Petrol, 1 l	£0.55

Other

🎞️ Cinema ticket	£1.90
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	£10.50
🤧 Cold medication	£1.80
💇 Basic haircut	£1.50

Safety information overview

General safety

Bintan Island offers a generally safe environment for travelers, with low crime rates and friendly locals. Tourists should stay vigilant in crowded areas, avoid isolated beaches after dark and keep valuables secure. Local authorities maintain good security patrols, ensuring peace of mind.

Health & Medical

Bintan offers reliable medical care with well‑equipped local clinics and nearby hospitals in Batam, providing prompt treatment for common ailments. Travelers should stay hydrated, use mosquito repellent to prevent dengue, avoid unfiltered water and be aware of occasional air pollution from regional haze.

Accessibility

Bintan offers mixed accessibility: many resorts feature wheelchair‑friendly rooms and ramps and public transport to beaches is improving. However, older villages lack paved paths and some island roads remain uneven. Travelers should verify lift availability and plan for limited mobility support in rural areas.

Tap water

Tap water on Bintan Island is generally safe to drink after boiling or filtering, though many locals and tourists prefer bottled water for peace of mind. Public fountains are scarce; most accommodations provide filtered tap water, but always check local advisories before consumption.