4 Best Sights in Bintan Island, Indonesia

Lagoi Beach

A public beach situated near the Plaza Lagoi shopping area, this pristine coastal stretch has crystal clear water and a wide variety of water sports such as kayaking, jet-skiing, and snorkeling, plus the odd game of beach volleyball. Amenities: food and drink; toilets; water sports. Best for: sunset; swimming; windsurfing.
Beach Free
Lagoi Beach, Riau Islands, Indonesia

Penyengat Island

Located 15 minutes by water taxi from Bintan's Tanjung Pinang district lies Penyengat Island, once the epicenter of the Malay Riau-Lingga empire. It offers a peek into Malay cultural heritage and has been nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The main landmark is the Sultan’s Palace, rumored to be built from a mixture of egg white and lime. Inside the grounds, there's a restored fort, tombs, and a handwritten and illustrated Qur'an that's more than 150 years old. To get here, hire a speed boat at Tanjung Pinang jetty (US$7).

Senggarang Village

The first settlement for ethnic Chinese immigrants who arrived in Bintan sometime in the 1700s, this rustic village is home to some of Bintan's oldest temples: the complex of Lau Ya Keng and the unusual Banyan Tree Temple, a 200-year-old structure that's become intertwined with the trunk of an ancient banyan tree. The village is best reached via a 15-minute water taxi ride from Tanjung Pinang and can be combined with a visit to Penyengat Island.

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Trikora Beach

Although Bintan has many swanky beach resorts, the coastline toward the east is worth a trek if you prefer to enjoy white-sand beaches without paying five-star resort prices. Located an hour's car ride from Bintan Resorts—where the ferries arrive and depart—Trikora Coast has a number of modest accommodations and eateries and is a popular spot for weekend kite surfers. There are four beaches in total and basic sheltered beach huts for rent. To get around, bring or hire a bicycle, or employ the services of a driver. Amenities: showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: sunset; swimming; snorkeling.

Beach
Riau Islands, Indonesia