DEEP DIVE INTO THE BINTAN CULTURE

Cruise to Bintan Island, Indonesia

Pulau Bintan, or Bintan Island, is a short boat ride from Singapore and part of Indonesia's Riau Archipelago. Featuring paradisaical white-sand beaches, colorful Buddhist temples and rustic villages with intriguing cultures, this vacation destination is a must-see. Many exclusive resorts are located on the northern coasts, while the island's cultural heart is situated around the provincial capital Tanjung Pinang — where you can admire Dutch colonial architecture. Cruise to Indonesia and take a small boat to the island of Penyengat to explore the restored palace, the royal tombs and a fairy tale mosque. Venture through Treasure Bay, a waterfront resort city offering adventurous activities, entertainment, nightlife, and even health and wellness experiences.

National Language Indonesian

Currency Accepted Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

Things To Do in Bintan Island

Bintan Island Indonesia Dock of Penyengat Island at Daytime

ROYAL ISLAND

Penyengat island was once the capital of the Riau rajahs. Visit the ruins of the sultan's palace, an interesting blend of Javanese and Dutch architecture with tombs, crypts and a restored fort. Don't miss the stunning yellow and green Masjid Raya Sultan Riau mosque with its many domes and minarets during your Indonesia cruise.

Bintan Island Indonesia Sun Ten Kong Temple Golden Statue

EXTRAORDINARY TREE TEMPLE

In Senggarang, you'll find the Buddhist Sun Te Kong Temple and the Banyan Tree Temple. Sun Te Kong is the oldest temple in Senggarang at around 300 years old. The Banyan Tree Temple dates back to the early 19th century. Today, it is covered in the roots of a giant banyan tree. The wealthy Chinese man who once lived here is said to be buried in the temple. In recent decades, devotees have started visiting to make offerings.

Bintan Island Indonesia Fishing Village at Sunset

A FISHING VILLAGE ON STILTS

Wander around the streets of Berakit, a village where the Orang Laut ("people of the sea") reside in stilt houses built over the water. Thirty kilometers south, in the Museum Bahari Bintan, you can learn more about the background and lifestyle of this nomadic ethnic group.

LOCAL CUISINE

Bintan offers plenty of fresh and affordable seafood dishes. The resorts mainly offer fine dining and buffet options. Try some of the excellent local food, such as nasi padang or sate ayam, from the restaurants or roadside food stalls. Wash down the delicious local cuisine with some fresh coconut water.

SHOPPING

Look out for the local wooden handicrafts from the small shops in the towns. Cruise to Bintan Island and head to Pujasera Township for traditional Bintan souvenirs like coconut head cups, as well as popular local snacks like keropok (prawn crackers). There are also a few other large shopping centers in the southern part of the island.