About Bintan

Bintan lsland is the largest of 3,200 islands in the Riau Archipelago and the third largest of 27 provinces in . Located at the crossroads of one of the world’s oldest and busiest maritime trading routes, Bintan has provided a safe haven to traders and sailors from Europe , and for over a century. It was on the island of Bintan that the Sultan of Malacca found refuge from Portuguese attack in the 16th century, mapping tales of legendary importance when Bintan grew as the centre of the powerful Johor Riau Sultanate.

Penyengat, on the northern tip of Bintan Island, became home to the Maya-Bugis nobility during the 18th century. Remnants of this glorious royal past are still evident in Penyengat’s Royal Mosque believed to be built on egg whites, Town Hall, the old Dutch fort, mausoleums and palace ruins.

Set foot on the northern shores of Bintan Island , and you'll be greeted by a totally different scene and mood. Bintan Resorts, a 23,000 hectare development, offers just the right setting to rest and relax.

The south of Bintan Island is also home to quaint fishing towns with an easy-going and relaxed kampong (local village) atmosphere. Numerous kelongs (fishing houses built on stilts above sea) flourish on southern Bintan, with some serving up delicious seafood for tourists.

Things to do...

Tanjung Uban, the second-largest town in Bintan, is where the locals depart for Batam. This is an ideal town to shop for local products or view the sunset on its 'pelantar'– boardwalk built over the sea.

Catch a glimpse of the local lifestyle at the capital of Tanjung Pinang, an hour and half from the Resort. Stroll around the fish and fruit markets, or along the 'pelantars' to view the hustle and bustle of this busy harbor.

Experience the thrill of trekking up the 340-m high Gunung Bintan and discover local floran and fauna along the way. Soak in the views from the peak. The mountain was used as a navigational guiding point by sailors in the past

Visit the little Chinese fishing settlement of Senggarang where you will find 300 year-old Chinese temples including one engulfed by a huge banyan tree – a popular pilgrimage site for the local Buddhists.

About 20 minutes from the Resort lies the quaint shopping village of Pasar Oleh Oleh . Visitors can purchase local products such as prawn crackers, dried squid, dried fish, souvenirs, handicrafts, clothes and more at 24 outlets.

Lagoi Park and Reservoir is the largest reservoir on the island covering over 14.7 square kilometers and holding some six million cubic meters of water. This water is collected and treated to WHO standards and provides a source of potable water to the resorts. Relax in the serenity and cool breezes amongst lush greenery.

Embark on an eco adventure of Bintan Resorts' mangrove forests on the Sebung River. These forests protect the coast from erosion whilst trapping sediments in water flowing off the land, helping to create our clear blue coastal waters. It's a fascinating journey through rich native foliage and exotic wildlife which includes Macaque and Silver Leaf monkeys, monitor lizards, snakes and birds such as Kingfisher and Purple Heron. Beneath the water, a variety of sea life such as coral fish, mudskippers, crabs, prawns, mud lobsters, snails, clams and more are found.

Further south, witness scenes of traditional life - orange laut (sea gypsies), kelongs (fishing houses built on stilts over water), bubus (static fishing traps) and the traditional chaorcoal kiln. An evening tour of the river reveals fireflies moving in harmony.

Dolphin Lodge is a Dolphin Island Sanctuary just 35 mins my boat off Bintan Island. Watch the Bottlenose Dolphins display their natural talents and skills. Experience the thrill and joy of interacting with these friendly dolphins face-to-face.

The latest attraction on the island is the Real Bandung Factory Outlet (Bandung's largest factory outlet chain) located next to the Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal. Vistors can stop for quality fashion wear at factory prices from 8am to 8pm daily.

Climate
Bintan is pleasantly warm and sunny all year round. Day temperatures range between 21 and 32 degrees Centigrade, and hover at 28 degrees on average. The humidity levels vary from 61 to 96 per cent. From October to March, the weather turns refreshing cool.

Commonly known as the Northeast monsoon season, days like these see more rainfall and stronger winds. In the tropics, light clothings are advised…do not forget your swimwear and sunblock/suntan lotions!

Time Difference
GMT+seven hours. If coming from Singapore, just set your watch one hour behind Singapore Time.

Language
Bahasa Indonesia is the national language but English is widely used.

Currency
The currency is Indonesian Rupiah (Rp). However, you can also pay for your room, food and purchases in Singapore Dollars (S$). The resort accepts credit card payments, so don’t forget your trusty Visa, Mastercard or American Express.

Travel Documents
You should be able to breeze through the checkpoint if your International Passport is valid for six months from the date of arrival and you have proof of onward or return passage.

Customs
Duty–free concessions for visitors entering Indonesia include a maximum of two litres of alcoholic beverages, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100gm tobacco and a reasonable amount of perfume. Photographic equipment, typewriters, recorders and computers must be declared at customs upon entry. Television and radio sets, drugs, arms and ammunition, printed matter in Chinese characters, Chinese medicines, transreceivers (without advance approval), all uncensored movie films and video cassettes, fresh fruits, plants and animals without quarantine permits are prohibited.

Getting Around
Two-way land transfers between the resort and ferry terminal will be provided by the hotel. Car hire companies located at the ferry terminal are also available to provide transfers to other parts of Bintan Island such as Tanjung Uban, Lobam, Trikora and Tanjung Pinang.