Joanna James
Set amidst the natural beauty of the Riau Archipelago in Indonesia, the island of Bintan offers an idyllic escape where you can enjoy rest, recreation and rewarding excursions too. Here are some of the top things you can experience for a truly captivating holiday.
The beaches in Bintan provide ideal hideaways to enjoy all the fun you desire be it soaking up the sun, lazing on the sand or frolicking in the surf! There are several key areas that you can plan to visit or be based at; these include the Trikora, Lagoi, Hamid and Pasir Panjang beaches each providing something different to experience. Look to stay at a resort right by the shore overlooking the South China Sea; properties that offer plenty of dining venues, water sports and even beachside massages will help you truly experience the bliss of laid-back coastal living.
The island is also an excellent spot for intrepid travellers craving some thrilling activities. In Bintan, resorts by the beach will often provide a diverse array of water sports for young and old alike. Those with a need for speed can look to try jet skiing, while kayaking, banana boat rides, paddle boating and snorkelling are family favourites. Some properties even offer more unique thrills be it a water walking ball experience, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) rides, guided bike tours or exploration via Ninebots which add to the fun!
This destination is blessed with a rich natural heritage which is worth experiencing too. One of the best ways to do this is to embark on mangrove tours which are conveniently organised at properties the likes of Bintan Lagoon Resort. This excursion will take you on a memorable trip along the Sebung River where you will come across thriving mangroves home to not only flora but fauna as well; you have a chance of seeing kingfishers, monkeys and even snakes. For something different, you can plan a hike (around two hours) along a forest trail to the summit of Gunung Bintan Besar or Bintan Besar Mountain where stunning panoramas await.
There are several temples in Bintan that you can visit when on holiday. One of the most popular is the 500 Lohan Temple which features 500 Lohan sculptures, each with different postures and expressions. The Banyan Tree Temple (more on that coming up!) and the 18th century Grotto Santa Maria are two other sacred sites here. The Avalokitesvara Graha Temple with its statue of the Chinese goddess, Guan Yin that spans nearly 17 metres in height is not to be missed either.
When it comes to soaking up the local culture, one of the best things to do in Bintan is to plan a trip to Senggarang Village; this charming Chinese village is not only where you can see stilt houses of local fishermen but also visit the Banyan Tree Temple, partially cocooned amidst the huge roots of a banyan tree. One can also head to Panglong Village to witness the traditional livelihood of sea nomads / sea gipsies, while an excursion to nearby Penyengat Island offers insights into the time of the Riau royals.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
