8 Things to Do in Bintan That Involve Sand Dunes, Newborn Turtles & A Ship Hotel – So Much to Do, So Much to See

It might seem somewhat strange to find a sprawling desert in Bintan, but that's exactly what you'll find in Gurun Pasir Busung. This seemingly endless desert is made up of pure white sand that stretches for miles. These accumulate at certain locations to form giant sand dunes that are simply breath-taking to witness up-close. Be sure to take your camera with you when touring the desert, you'll start seeing landscapes that you simply must capture.

Bintan has a host of great restaurants you can choose from, and you should definitely take this opportunity to try out some traditional southeast Asian flavours. One-stop you absolutely need to make is the Doulos Phos – a ferry-turned hotel! The ship itself had spent decades stranded along the shores of Bintan until it was turned into a hotel in 2019.

If you're staying at one of the Bintan resorts that's close to the beach, say, for example, the Bintan Lagoon Resort, be sure to stop by the Nirvana Gardens. This turtle hatchery collects turtle eggs and keeps them safe until they are ready to hatch – at which point the hatchlings are released into the ocean. If you got your timing right, you might even be able to witness this remarkable phenomenon.

Along the beaches of Bintan, you'll find extensive mangrove forests that are dense and bursting with life. These are ideal for a canoeing tour – either during day or night. Keep your eyes peeled on the canopy for rare avifauna and on the water's surface for lurking crocodiles.

If you're into water sports, you'll definitely want to make a stop at the Chill Cove. From water-skiing to rafting and surfing, there are a plethora of options for you to choose from here. What's more, it's so close to the city centre that it'll only take you around 20 minutes to reach the location.

Surrounded by the Bintan Beach and white sand dunes, the Blue Lake is a serene pool of water that shimmers in azure under the bright tropical sun. This is a fantastic location to visit if you're looking for a bit of seclusion and peace-of-mind.

A stunning work of architecture and an ode to the Chinese influences that resonate through Bintan, the 500 Lohan temple is an amazing location to visit if you're looking to absorb some of the local cultures. Here, you'll find 500 life-sized statues, all wearing different facial expressions.

Perhaps the most popular stretch of coastline you'll find on the island, Trikora Beach is full of charm and atmosphere. Despite its popularity, the beach is never too crowded, so you can enjoy a bit of quiet seclusion here if you prefer.