Completing my first ever tri-country trip this year by exploring Asia’s biggest archipelago. Selamat pagi from Indonesia!
Frankly speaking, when it comes to traveling to Indonesia, the first destination that would normally come into one’s mind is either the tourist-favored Bali or capital city Jakarta. Composed of some 17,500 islands, Indonesia is undoubtedly the largest country in Southeast Asia. Googling about the places to visit in Indonesia, Bali and Jakarta are the two top-rated attractions. No need to elaborate but I totally get it why they’re popular among tourists. But if you prefer less crowded attractions, then you ought to know that there’s more to Indonesia than Bali or Jakarta that are worthy to be explored.
Planning about the tri-country trip was not without challenges. Amidst the Covid-19 outbreak, it was really difficult to plan out everything in just three days time. There are a lot of articles available online regarding the usual tri-city route such as Singapore-Johur Bahru-Batam Island but I personally find it boring. Pardon me for my preference! Not sure about what’s in store for us for our Indonesia leg after two successful jaunts in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, so I researched about islands near the Lion City aside from Batam Island and found one destination that inspired the wanderlust in me the most – Bintan Island.
With the overtourism we are seeing all over the world, traveling in Bintan Island, Indonesia is a breath of fresh air. You will be rewarded with stunning nature from mini desert to the serene temples scattered around the island, all of which are less touched by mass tourism. If you are looking for a real adventure, this is the place to be.
Accessible by ferry from Singapore (1 hour ride), Bintan Island could be the next traveler and urban fugitives’ dream destination. With so many alluring qualities of the largest island in Riau province, there are several attractions in this offbeat gem that will surely satiate your itchy feet. So, featuring some of the must-visit tourist spots that we explored in Bintan Island, a paradise less traveled in Indonesia.
1. Gurun Pasir Biru
It could have been a winter trip. But with this kind of shining, shimmering, splendid view of dry sand dunes under the high scorching heat of summer in the middle of nowhere, ah can’t complain.
Let the fantastic beauty of Indonesia take you wonder by wonder, (over, sideways and under) on a bumpy magic carpet ride ‘coz it’s gonna be a whole new world! 👌
Originally a mining site, Gurun Pasir Busung was abandoned and now it resembles an Arabian desert. Its white, golden or pink sandy hills and pathways make for a nice little expedition and is a favorite among photographers looking to capture a stunning view of dry sandhills. This artificial desert is located about 50 km from the city of Tanjung Pinang, Indonesia, just a short distance off the coast of Singapore.
2. Danau Biru
Bintan Island, Indonesia would never run out of amazing well-kept secrets to discover. For one, exploring a barren land overlooking a blue lake is for sure a visual treat – a post-apocalyptic oasis!
Discover a surreal lagoon with crystal-clear turquoise water at the heart of otherworldly Indonesian landscape.
Though Bintan Island is surrounded by clear blue ocean on all sides, those picturesque shores might just pale in comparison to the mesmerizing shades of blue you will discover at Danau Biru.
3. Vihara Avalokitesvara Graha
Bintan Island offers more than pleasant resorts. Guan Yin Temple in Tanjung Pinang, for example, is one of the magnificent sights hosting unique stone sculptures and Buddhist artifacts.
Locally known as Vihara Avalokitesvara Graha, it is the largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia, with an area of 10 hectares of land. The walls inside this temple are decorated with lots of Chinese Buddha Statues. Visitors who come here are finding the peace and tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This serene place makes this destination a great escape for your trip to Bintan.
4. Plaza Lagoi
Shop and dine at Plaza Lagoi. Don’t leave Bintan Island without buying local crafts and beautiful merchandise from Plaza Lagoi. Restaurants and other retail stores can also be found in the area. Seafoods are abundantly being offered by most eateries around the area, but local cuisine such Nasi Goreng (Indonesian fried rice) is also a must-try. You can also visit Lagoi Bay just in front of Lagoi Plaza if you have more time to spare. Don’t worry if your car rental time is up, scheduled shuttle buses ply to Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal from Plaza Lagoi for free.
5.) Doulos Phos The Ship Hotel
This one is interesting. When we first saw it from afar, it looked like a passenger ship that’s docking for a while. However, when I googled it, it’s something far more functional. As per research, MV Doulos (first set sail in 1914) once held the title “World’s Oldest Active Ocean Going Passenger Ship” in the Guinness World Records.
Renamed as Doulos Phos “The Ship Hotel”, she now seats majestically on her own purpose-build Anchor Isle right beside the Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal in Bintan Island. With a history of 105 years, she has been lovingly transformed into a Ship Hotel with 104 cabins as well as both on-land and on-board amenities which includes a maritime museum.
How To Get To Bintan Island from Singapore
Situated just a ferry ride away from Singapore or Johor Bahru in Malaysia, most visitors enter Bintan by sea. From Singapore, there are various operators that offer frequent services from Tanah Merah Terminal in Singapore to Sri Bintan Pura Terminal at Tanjung Pinang and Bandar Bentan Telani Terminal at Bintan Resorts. We booked our round trip ferry from Klook with route from Tanah Merah Terminal to Lagoi Bintan Resorts (via Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Teminal). Plying across the Singapore Strait, the motorized catamaran has comfy seats, entertainment facilities, toilet and canteen available on-board.
In order to reach Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal from your hotel in Singapore, head to Tanah Merah Station (via MRT) and take a bus (number 35 or 35M for 2.1 SGD fare) for 25 minutes. Upon arrival, head directly to the ticketing office inside the terminal for check-in and boarding procedures. Passenger(s) are advised to check-in and collect boarding passes at BRF or BBT Ticketing Counter at least one and half (1 1⁄2) hours before departure time. Please read the terms and conditions of the confirmed booking for more information.
Philippine passport holders can travel to Indonesia without the need for a visa if they will only stay there for one month or 30 days. Travel time from Singapore to Bintan, Indonesia is only hour, with Indonesia’s time zone behind one hour than that of Singapore. The ferry’s estimated time of departure from Singapore is at 8:10 AM and estimated time of arrival in Bintan, Indonesia is also at 8:10 AM. With such time difference, it looked like you never left.
Getting Around Bintan, Indonesia
Taxi and car rentals are commonly available at Ferry Terminals and also in resorts. Scooter rental is also available for those who love adventure and who’d choose a fun and more convenient way to explore the beaches around the Island.
To maximize our day tour in Bintan Island, we chartered a private car (good for 7 pax) for 5 hours with English-speaking driver. Make sure to book via Klook 2-3 days in advance for a smooth arrangement and score a discounted price. Rates for a weekday trip is cheaper compared to weekends. Upon arrival at the ferry terminal, your driver will meet you, most notable for someone who’s probably holding a placard with your name on it.
Budget Tips in Bintan Island
It’s best to have Indonesia Rupiah with you when you travel to Bintan Island. While in Singapore, before crossing the border to Indonesia, there is a money changer inside Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (where ferries bound for Bintan Island depart). You can purchase Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) with this exchang rate 1 IDR = 0.0037 PHP (0.000097 SGD).
Transportation cost (both sea and land travel) constitute the major expense in our Bintan Island trip. If you’re traveling in a group, the cost of the car rental can be divided among you so lesser expense per person. All in all, the food is relatively cheap and mostly there are no entrance fees to tourist spots around Bintan. Budget allocation as follows:
- Accommodation – Php 0 (day tour only)
- Ferry fare (roundtrip SG to Bintan) – Php 2,066
- Private Car Rental (good for 7 pax) – Php 1,833
- Food (lunch only) – Php 259 (70,000 IDR)
- Entrance Fee (Gurun Pasir) – Php 37 (10,000 IDR)
- TOTAL BUDGET = PHP 4,195
I really had a wonderful time in my last leg of tri-country trip, albeit short of time. Haven’t visited all of the tourist spots in a day but I will surely return one of these days to explore the best offerings of this exotic tourism hub leisure island!
Terimah Kasih Indonesia!