Hubby & I @ Blue Lake –
Who doesn’t know Singapore? One of the smallest countries/islands in the world with its boasting latest technologies. It is so expensive to be there and the fact is, after hearing some experiences from some, they prefer to have something more traditional and natural to be enjoyed there.
Metropolitan Singapore
Well, what if I tell you there is an alternative for a cheap, simpler, yet relaxing holiday just about one hour boat ride from Singapore? Let me introduce you to an island where I was born, Bintan island.
How to go to Bintan?
There is a direct ferry with only 90 minutes to reach the island. Note, don’t book Tanjung Pinang since you will end up in my hometown and it is not an ideal holiday destination.
Take your ferry from here in Singapore
I bought my tickets from here for 45 USD.
Important – Please check your visa requirements for Indonesia before visiting.
What can you actually do in Bintan island?
My island is popular in the industry world for its bauxite, which is rocks that serve as a main source of aluminium. And I assume since you are not interested in mining, we can skip it and go to the beautiful parts.
Teaser of beautiful Bintan – A secluded resort in Lagoi, Bintan
8 TOURISTY THINGS YOU CAN DO IN BINTAN
1 – 500 Lohan Temple
This temple is popular by the locals as a temple with 1000 statues hence the name. Do admire the stone carved God statues since they are well made. You can also challenge yourself to actually count how many statues there are.
Price – 1.60 USD per person cash only
What await you on the entrance
Details on temple pillars
Not 1000 statues
2 – Pagoda Sata Sahasra Buddha
I loved my visit here because it is very serene. This temple has a big Buddha statue and a high built pagoda. You can climb up to the pagoda and get a panoramic view of Bintan.
Price – free
Pagoda from afar
The view from pagoda
pagoda
The Buddha statue inside the temple
This place used to be a former mine and now it is popular for its desert lookalike and its man made blue lagoon. It is often visited by locals and foreigners.
Price – 1.60 USD per person cash only on the spot buying
The desert or gurun Bintan
The famous Bintan blue lake from above
In case one is tired or want to avoid the sun, one can take this car for exploring the desert or going from the entrance to the Blue Lake
4 – Poyotomo
Poyotomo is a fishing park which offers Gunung Bintan as its beautiful backdrop. Don’t worry if fishing is not your thing since one can go there just for a walk or its gastronomy.
Price – 6 USD for 1 Car & 4 People (gastro consumption not included)
Fishing lake @ Poyotomo with Bintan mountain in background
Hubby & I @ Poyotomo, Bintan
Still inside Poyotomo
If you don’t eat seafood when you are in Bintan, then you haven’t eaten properly. Honestly, after trying seafood from all over the world I am proud to say there is no seafood like at home. The shrimps are sweet since they are fresh and they have fresh fish selections.
Price – It depends on what you take, but for all out seafood experience I would put a minimum 10 USD per person in minimum 4 people dining setting
This is where your fish will be caught from
Eating with a view
6 – deCliff Cafe
deCliff offers a beautiful greenery setting for you to enjoy your food and drinks. They even have lodging with their eco themed rooms with a private pool if you want to have a premium rest and just stay on the spot.
Price – Ca. 1.60 USD per coffee
Lush deCliff surrounding
Hubby mandatory menu picture
And they have beautiful kois too
7 – Explore Lagoi
Unlike the rest of Bintan island, Lagoi boasts an overseas standard suitable for vacation. It is popular for its resorts and the pricing is considered expensive for locals. But, you can enjoy pristine beaches without rubbish there as well as hotels with standard to premium amenities.
How long should you stay – 2-3 Nights
What to do – Slow vacation Where to stay – Click this official Bintan island resort list to see your options (it is always updated)
Sunset @ Lagoi – not so crowded in a super clean beach
Standard hotel bedroom @ Grand Lagoi, Bintan
Capturing moment @ Lagoi
8 – Try Durian (only seasonal)
You must have heard of the stinkiest fruit on earth, which is durian. It is often banned in hotels, public transportations, and even planes. BUT, durian is tasty! It has a custardy texture, creamy and sweet. True, it has a strong smell. However, it is not a bad smell. I have been lovin since I was a kid and it is worth trying for those of you who haven’t tried it yet. Good news is Bintan is popular for its durian (usually in season from June until July). You will see the sellers on the road or ask your hotels to arrange it for you in a more convenient way.
I call it discrimination towards durian (jk~)
9 – What else to do on the island?
I checked this link and there are available mangrove day tours, firefly night tours, snorkeling tours and ATV tours available. Can’t say anything though since I have done neither, but do let me know if you finally did one or more from above 🙂
Note – There are no ads in this article. Text is based solely on personal experience and not legal advice. Prices are from May 2025 travel.
@globustrotterin 
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