Joanna James
Situated close to Singapore, Bintan Island is a place filled with fun. This exotic tourist hub is visited by people from all around the world, and it offers them an incomparable getaway.
Offering a wide range of diversions, including golf courses, Bintan resorts and a lovely coastline, Bintan Island is inviting to those who are after things exotic. The island became a major tourist destination in a very short period of time, and this is where you find the likes of The Residence Bintan. The Bintan accommodation sector equipped with Bintan resorts is not wanting in any way.
Getting to Bintan Island is easy. Most people arrive here by sea. The island is a mere ferry ride away from Johor Bahru and Singapore; there are regular Singapore ferries that travel to the island. The island's airport is not an international airport and, therefore, only caters to flights from Jakarta, Pekanbaru, Jambi and Natuna Islands. All the flights are administered by Lion Air, Garuda Indonesia and Sriwijaya Air.
Tourists can find taxis at ferry terminals. Most resorts offer taxi services as well. Keep in mind that it's best to use a taxi found by your resort, especially if you are a first-time visitor here. Resorts offer shuttle bus services to those who want to explore the island. The more adventurous way of getting around would be by scooter. Needless to say, it isn't safe as much as a taxi, but it sure is more fun.
Once the most important administration area of the Malay Riau-Lingga empire, Penyengat Island is now attracting tourists with its historical charm. The Sultan's palace is the main highlight, and it's been restored with its imperial character still intact; the palace is the coming together of Dutch and Javanese architecture. Riau Grand Mosque is another place of interest that highlights the intricacies of ancient Javanese architecture.
If you head to the eastern shores, you'll come across Trikora Beach, another gem found at Bintan Island. The crystal-clear waters lined up against the beach create a breath-taking sight. People from other regions of the country, as well as people from Singapore and Malaysia, visit this beach regularly.
This is the most unlikely thing you'd find here as Indonesia is predominantly Muslim. The small cave is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is located a few steps away from Trikora Beach, which means you can visit the grotto on the same trip to the beach
The night market at Jalan Potong Lembu street is a must visit. During the day, it is a parking space, but come nightfall, the street turns into a buzzing night market packed with locals and vendors. Food stalls line up the street serving a variety of local dishes.
The mangrove forests found on the island maintain rich biodiversity. They were once the source of wood for locals, but now they are left alone, allowing them to return to their original state. Sungei Sebung Mangrove Forest is bisected by a river; tourists can take a boat ride on the river and admire the pristine natural beauty that's abundant here. Otters, tree reptiles, monkeys and kingfishers are the most common sights.
Opened for visitors in 2017, the Vihara Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Temple is a religious site. It houses 500 statues that symbolise the state of nirvana. All the statues are impressively carved and lifelike. The temple is the inspiration for many photographers.
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.
