Bintan is a tranquil island located just an hour’s ferry ride from Singapore, offering an idyllic escape filled with pristine beaches, upscale resorts, and tropical golf courses. As part of Indonesia’s Riau Archipelago, Bintan blends laid-back island living with refined hospitality, making it a favorite for weekenders and luxury seekers alike.
For golf travelers, Bintan is a top-tier destination. The island is home to some of Southeast Asia’s most scenic seaside courses, often integrated with five-star resorts. With fewer crowds and lush landscapes, Bintan provides a peaceful and premium golfing experience just a stone’s throw from the city.
Regions or Areas
- Lagoi Bay (North Bintan)
The island’s main resort enclave, featuring white-sand beaches, luxury golf resorts, international hotels, and water sports activities. Ideal for first-time visitors. - Trikora Beach (East Bintan)
A serene stretch of coastline known for rustic seaside charm, local seafood stalls, and eco-resorts. - Tanjung Pinang (Southwest Bintan)
The capital of Bintan, rich in local culture, markets, and heritage architecture. A good stop for authentic Indonesian experiences. - Sebung & Nirwana Gardens Area
Home to some of the island’s best golf courses, integrated resorts, and ferry access points. - Bintan Industrial Estate & Local Villages
Offers glimpses of daily life and local crafts. Suitable for cultural tours and off-the-beaten-path exploration.
Quick Highlights
- Only 60–75 minutes by ferry from Singapore
- Lush, uncrowded beaches and private coves
- Integrated luxury golf resorts with full amenities
- Clear waters ideal for kayaking, snorkeling, and paddleboarding
- Local seafood and cultural day trips to Tanjung Pinang
- Great for romantic getaways, corporate retreats, and group golf trips
- Visa-free for many nationalities and efficient entry process
- Less commercial than Batam – more nature and space
Best Visiting Season
Bintan enjoys a tropical climate with steady warmth throughout the year. Dry season is preferred for golf and water activities:
- Dry Season: March to October (sunny skies and calm seas)
- Wet Season: November to February (showers are usually brief)
- Weekdays: Less crowded at resorts and courses – ideal for golf getaways
Recommended Duration
- 2 to 3 Days – Perfect for a weekend golf and beach break
- 4 to 5 Days – Ideal for full resort experiences, multiple rounds, and spa time
- Day Trip from Singapore – Possible but less recommended due to limited ferry timings
Bintan’s tranquil environment and efficient connectivity make it a go-to destination for short yet luxurious escapes.
Local Travel Tips for Bintan
Bintan offers a relaxed travel experience with a focus on resort living, ocean activities, and golf. Navigating the island is easy, especially with most travelers staying in integrated resort zones. While English is spoken at major hotels, a bit of Bahasa goes a long way in local markets or excursions.
- Getting There: Ferries depart daily from Singapore’s Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal. Book round-trip tickets early.
- Transport: Resorts offer transfers; taxis and private cars are also available.
- Currency: Indonesian Rupiah is required; exchange counters available at terminals and resorts.
- Language: Basic English is spoken in resorts. Learning a few Bahasa phrases is helpful for markets or tours.
- Dining: Try local seafood specialties like grilled fish and gonggong (sea snails).
- Cultural Etiquette: Dress modestly when visiting villages or temples.
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Top Golf Courses in Bintan
Bintan is home to some of Indonesia’s most prestigious and visually stunning golf courses, each offering world-class facilities and tropical charm. These courses are easily accessible from luxury resorts and welcome both beginners and seasoned golfers.
- Ria Bintan Golf Club (Lagoi) – Designed by Gary Player, this award-winning course features an Ocean Course with dramatic seaside holes and a Forest Course offering jungle terrain.
- Laguna Golf Bintan (Sebung Bay) – A scenic 18-hole championship course with rolling fairways, granite outcrops, and ocean breezes. Part of an integrated resort.
- Bintan Lagoon Golf Club (North Bintan) – Featuring two signature 18-hole courses (Jack Nicklaus Sea View and Ian Baker-Finch Woodlands), this resort offers variety and stunning views.
Golfers often stay in resort properties offering direct access to the greens and exclusive booking benefits.
Why Visit Bintan?
Bintan Island, part of Indonesia’s Riau Archipelago, is a tropical getaway located just a ferry ride from Singapore—but worlds away in atmosphere. Known for its upscale resorts, white-sand beaches, and natural beauty, Bintan is a favorite destination for those seeking short yet relaxing escapes. With a combination of wellness retreats, eco-parks, and cultural heritage, Bintan caters to both leisure travelers and curious explorers.
The northern coast is home to the Bintan Resorts area, where luxury properties offer private beaches, golf courses, and spa experiences. Lagoi Bay is the center of this enclave, featuring beach clubs, adventure parks, and a picturesque lake perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding. Wellness tourism thrives here, with yoga sessions, organic dining, and tranquil nature paths enhancing the retreat atmosphere.
In contrast, the southern side of Bintan offers a glimpse into local life. Tanjung Pinang, the capital, showcases bustling markets, seafood restaurants, and traditional Malay villages. Visit Penyengat Island just offshore—a cultural jewel featuring a historic mosque, royal tombs, and reminders of Bintan’s role in Malay literature and politics.
Nature lovers will enjoy mangrove tours along the Sebung River, where fireflies dance over the water at night, and eco-resorts work hand-in-hand with conservation. Snorkeling and island-hopping to places like Trikora Beach or Nikoi Island complete the tropical adventure.
Bintan strikes a unique balance between luxury and authenticity. It’s perfect for a romantic escape, family holiday, or a peaceful solo journey with sand between your toes and cultural stories in every sunset.
Latest Travel Stories from Bintan
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Useful Resources in Bintan
Expedia – Hotels + Packages
Book top-rated golf resorts and bundled deals in Asia, all in one place with Expedia.
Hotels.com – Golf Resorts in Asia
Discover and compare the best golf-friendly hotels and resorts across Asia with ease.
Orbitz – Travel Deals for Golfers
Find hotel and travel deals near Asia’s top golf courses with Orbitz.
