For Singaporeans craving sand and sea without a long flight, Bintan is the obvious answer. A short ferry from the city brings you to an Indonesian island of beach resorts, mangroves and quiet kampungs, perfect for switching off over a weekend. Planning is simple when you Traveloka Singapore and pair the ferry with a comfortable resort. With minimal travel time and a noticeably slower pace once you arrive, Bintan packs a genuine sense of holiday into just two or three days away from the city.
Getting There and Around
Fast ferries depart from the Tanah Merah terminal and reach Bintan in around an hour, making it one of the easiest international getaways from Singapore. Most beach resorts cluster along the north coast in the Lagoi area, with shuttle transfers from the ferry terminal included or easily arranged. Once you have checked in, many travellers happily stay put, drifting between pool, beach and restaurant. If you want to explore further, resorts can arrange taxis and tours to reach the island’s quieter corners and local towns.
Beaches and Water Activities
Bintan’s calm, shallow waters and long stretches of sand are made for relaxed days by the sea. Resorts offer kayaking, paddleboarding, banana-boat rides and jet skis, while gentler souls can simply float in the warm shallows or laze under a sun lounger with a book. Several properties have lagoon-style pools and spas for variety. The sheltered coves mean swimming is generally easy and safe, and the lack of strong surf makes Bintan especially appealing for families with younger children.
Beyond the Resorts
While it is tempting never to leave your sun bed, Bintan rewards a little exploration. Mangrove tours by boat reveal fireflies after dark and birdlife by day, while the old town of Tanjung Pinang offers temples, markets and a taste of everyday Indonesian island life. Adventurous visitors can sandboard down the curious sand dunes of Gurun Pasir or visit a quiet Buddhist temple complex. These half-day outings add a sense of place to what could otherwise be a purely poolside trip.
Food and Relaxation
Fresh seafood is the highlight of dining on Bintan, with grilled fish, prawns and chilli crab served at resort restaurants and local kelong seafood spots built over the water. Many travellers come specifically for the spas, where affordable massages and treatments stretch a relaxing weekend even further. Sunset drinks on the beach, with the lights of distant ships on the horizon, are a fitting way to end the day. The unhurried rhythm of eating, swimming and resting is precisely the point of a Bintan break.
Planning Your Weekend
Book your ferry and resort together to smooth the logistics, and remember to bring your passport for the short international crossing. Weekends and school holidays are busiest, so reserve ahead for the best rooms and rates. Bring sunscreen, insect repellent and some Indonesian rupiah for tips and local purchases. With its quick access, calm beaches and choice of resorts, Bintan is the ideal recharge for Singaporeans who want a real holiday feeling without committing to a longer trip.