9 Top Rated Things to Do & Eat in Bintan & Batam (2024)
The sunny beachfronts of Bintan and Batam have always mesmerised Singapore, coupled with its fresh, decadent seafood and luxurious massages, all for a fraction of regular costs. It's no wonder that it's a popular location for many Singaporeans, especially for short weekend getaways!
From trekking to firefly tours and unwinding at the beaches, we've got you covered.
Travel Insurance for Your Trip to Bintan and Batam
Now, when it comes to short trips like a weekend getaway to Batam or Bintan, chances are that you’d want to avoid splurging on costly one-off travel insurance premiums.
Thankfully, FlexiTravel Plus Insurance provides you with the peace of mind for all things travel and is affordable to boot.
FlexiTravel Plus Insurance
FlexiTravel Plus Insurance is a travel insurance plan that gives you coverage by the hour to destinations in ASEAN and Asia, with easy and instant activation through the My Income App. You can opt to shorten your trip coverage if you return to Singapore early1 (and extend your coverage if need be, too!). On top of that, you could get reimbursements for unused entertainment tickets purchased for your trip2.
The travel insurance coverage is inclusive of loss of baggage and personal belongings due to theft and unauthorised charges made to your bank card while you’re abroad. You’re also protected against medical expenses (including of COVID-19 )incurred overseas, food poisoning, accidental injury and more. Minimum hours of coverage apply3.
Further details on key benefits, eligibility requirements and more are right here.
Top-rated things to do and eat in Bintan
Why you should have Bintan on your travel bucket list
You could opt for Bintan as a resort destination, with luxurious hotels and incredible pools giving you the ideal breakaway from the bustle of the city. Picture savouring that icy cold drink while your hours tick away, and you’re already halfway there.
Yet, there’s a bunch of things you could do while in Bintan, from checking out the arresting blue waters of Danau Biru to dropping by a turtle conservatory.
1. Explore the Gunung Bintan Adventure Trek
If trekking and all things adventurous excite you, tick Bintan’s highest mountain off your list. At the top, you’d be able to soak in the entire island’s view.
It’d take about 2-4 hours to hike up, and there’s many killler view shots, from a mesmerizing waterfall to giant trees that reach 40 metres in height!
You could opt to go with a tour guide via Bintan Resorts, which offers you a two-way land transfer, a personalised fully guided tour and bottled drinking water.
Be sure to wear or bring along solid trekking boots or sneakers (and avoid slippers as it has less grip and durability), sunblock, mosquito repellent, long-sleeved clothing and a raincoat and hat.
2. Visit Bintan’s desert at Gurun Pasir Busung
Who’d have thought you’d find a desert so close to home? Situated close to Tanjung Uban, this is probably one of the most clicked spots on the island (after the beaches, that is!). This low-key tourist destination is still low-key, making it a hidden gem.
There’s no public transport to reach Gurun Pasir Busung, so you might need to rely on private transport instead.
Address: Busung, Seri Kuala Lobam, Kabupaten Bintan, Kepulauan Riau 29152, Indonesia
3. Shop your heart out at Plaza Lagoi
With the difference in currency exchange, it makes perfect sense to shop while you’re in Bintan, and Plaza Lagoi is the ideal place to do just that!
You’d be able to get small souvenirs as you walk around local shops. But if you’d rather shop for everything under one roof (especially for wooden craft items and batik gonggong, featuring motives of gonggong snails) and unwind at a spa after (and even grab a decadent Indonesian meal post that), Plaza Lagoi is the place to go.
Some resorts offer complimentary shuttle services to the plaza, so check that out with the hotel’s front desk staff.
Address: Jl. Gurindam Duabelas, Teluk Sebong Lagoi Bintan Utara, 29155, Kepulauan Riau – Indonesia (open Monday - Sunday)
4. Watch fireflies dance at night with the Bintan Fireflies Discovery Tour
Why leave the night to rest when you can explore the mangrove waters of Bintan by boat, navigating the waters of Sebong River for a magical ride just after you catch sights of the sunset?
Bintan Holiday, one of the tour providers charges S$38 for adults and S$25 for children. This includes two-way land transfers (from either BBT Terminal or Lagoi Hotel), a guided tour and an option for dinner too (extra cost applies).
You’ll not only see fireflies amid the darkness of the night, but get to know the mangrove ecosystem, and maybe see other animals like monitor lizards, kingfishers and monkeys in their natural habitat!
Address: Sebung River, Sungai Sebong, 29152 Lagoi, Sebong Lagoi, Tlk. Sebong, Kabupaten Bintan, Kepulauan Riau, Indonesia
5. Soak in the sun at Natra Bintan, Treasure Bay
Imagine chilling at the biggest swimming pool Southeast Asia has to offer, and being able to snorkel or surf to boot. Natra Bintan by Marriott offers more than just an idyllic glamping spot.
Have a barbeque with friends and family at night, and enjoy the views of the stars. Explore its private mangrove nature trail during the day, or just dip your toes into the mammoth sized Crystal Lagoon, which spans 6.3 hectares.
For parents with kids, there’s oodles of fun activities, including the Pirate’s Adventure Indoor Playground and Robot Rides.
Address: Jln. Raya Haji KM 01 Kawasan Pariwisata, Teluk Sebong Lagoi, Bintan, 29152 Kepulauan Riau, Indonesia
6. Bintan’s Blue Lagoon is a sight for sore eyes - Danau Biru
A quiet lagoon that’s tucked away and amidst white sand. That’s what Danau Biru is. Oddly enough, it’s not a natural occurrence, but more a by-product of mining activities.
A must-tick off your Bintan travel itinerary, but as there are no shops nearby, you might want to pack a snack or two when you head out!
Address: Gn. Kijang, Kec. Gn. Kijang, Kabupaten Bintan, Kepulauan Riau 29151, Indonesia
7. Drop by the 500 Lohan Temple
Indonesia’s religious heritage is rich and has strong roots in Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity and Islam.
In this particular tourist location, there are 500 statues of arahats (beings who have achieved perfection and enlightenment) dedicated to Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.
Stroll through the maze of sculptures and admire each statue, unique and somewhat brimming with lifelike features, despite being set in stone.
Address: Kijiang, Riau Islands Province, Indonesia (Open Tues-Sun, 9am - 5pm)
8. Grab some drinks at the Calypso Floating Bar
The greatest views of the sunset in Bintan come from one location in particular, and that’s Calypso Floating Bar. Walk down its woody pier and you’ll reach the bar that’s in the midst of the seas. It gives out Caribbean-esque vibes, and is the best spot to chill and unwind after a long day riddled with tourist spot trips!
Address: Jalan Panglima Pantar | Nirwana Gardens, Lagoi, Bintan Resorts, Indonesia (4pm-10.30pm, every day)
9. Check out Trikora Beach for a laid-back beach holiday
Located on the island’s northeast coast, Trikora beach is an awesome place for snorkeling and soaking up the sun. The beach is split into four parts, aptly named Satu, Dua, Tiga dan Empat in Indonesian. An ideal place for a quiet, romantic getaway.
Address: Kawal Trikora, Kabupaten Bintan, Kepulauan Riau 29151
Top-rated things to do and eat in Batam
Why you should have Batam on your travel bucket list
Sure, you’ve probably known Batam from the vacation stories your buddies shared with you. But what really makes it a favourite holiday pick?
The biggest city in Riau’s province has water adventures, high-end golf courses, and iconic tourist spots like Barelang Bridge, which is six bridges connecting three islands to each other.
Here’s 10 things you can do while on the island:
1. Drop by the Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple
This Buddhist temple is one of the top picks for travelers to visit, with various Buddha statues on display (the Laughing Buddhas are a favourite). When you’re done soaking in the sights, you can head over to a vegetarian restaurant within its premise, which is reasonably priced too.
Address: Komplek Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Bukit Beruntung, Sungai Panas, Kec. Batam Kota, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29432, Indonesia
2. The Amazing Barelang Bridge
Barelang Bridge is an Indonesian architectural work of art, and connects Batam islands to a number of smaller islands, including Galang, Rempang, Tonton and Nipah. The perks of dropping by this particular spot is that you’d be able to end your visit by savouring Indonesian seafood, from the seas to the table. Take your pick from the freshest sea items, ranging from lobsters, crabs, prawns, clams and other shellfish and they’ll be cooked in a jiffy!
Address: Jl. Trans Barelang, Sembulang, Galang, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29481, Indonesia
3. Explore Nongsa Beach
If all you wanna do during your break is laze by a beach and little else, head on to Nongsa Beach. Go for a slow swim and then have a bite to eat at one of many eateries along the beachside.
Address: Batam City, Riau Islands, Indonesia
4. Visit the stilt houses at Tanjung Uma
Batam is a marriage of the old and the new, with modern architecture prevalent in some parts, and in the others, historical places and old-age charm.
At Tanjung Uma, you’d be able to see first-hand stilt houses just above the sea waters, where fishermen and their families live.
Address: Lubuk Baja, Batam City, Riau Islands, Indonesia
5. Bring the kids out to Ocarina Park
Kids deserve some fun spells too, and Ocarina Park offers just that. There are tons of fun waiting, from a gigantic Ferris wheel to a 3D movie theater and a whole range of water slides and rides.
According to ticketspromo, adult tickets are IDR25,000 (S$2.35) while for kids between 2-12 years, tickets are at IDR15,000 (S$1,41).
Address: Sadai, Bengkong, Batam City, Riau Islands 29444, Indonesia (daily 8am-10pm)
6. Get a break and go for a massage
Batam has many places for you to get massages, ranging from simple setups to luxurious spas. Top names that pop up for massages there include Martha Tilaar Spa Express Gideon, GO! Massage and Kalea SPA Batam.
Marta Tilaar Spa is well-regarded for its Javanese massages that are traditional Indonesian massages with herbal products, while Go! Massage specialises in beauty treatments and modern day wellness. Kalea SPA is a great pick simply because it’s 5 minutes from the Batam Centre Ferry Terminal - you’d be able to get your massage fix right after you step into Batam!
All spas mentioned here operate from 10am to 10pm, every day. Check out more options on this spa and wellness list by Tripcetera.
Marta Tilaar Spa: Komp. Penuin Center Block AA no. 1, Batu Selicin, Kec. Lubuk Baja, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29444
GO! Massage: Komplek Nagoya Centre Block B No.1,2&3, Jodoh, Jodoh River, Batu Ampar, Batam City, Riau Islands
Kalea SPA Batam: Ruko Palm Spring A2 no. 6&7 Batam Center, Indonesia
7. Go on a golfing spree
Batam is a golfer’s paradise, with seven different golf ranges on the island. Padang Golf Sukajadi, for instance, is an 18-hole championship golf course, measuring 6,340 meters that suit golfers of all expertise levels.
As far as green fees go, Padang Golf Sukajadi charges Guest Members IDR 475,000 (S$44.70) for weekday 9-hole golfing, and IDR 650,000 (S$61.17) for weekends and public holidays.
Other golf courses that are top picks are the Palm Springs Golf and Beach Resort and the Batam Hills Golf Resort.
Address: Padang Golf Sukajadi, Club House Sukajadi, Jl. Sudirman, Sukajadi, Batam Kota, Sukajadi, Kec. Batam Kota, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29432, Indonesia.
8. Hop onto Penyengat Island
Known for its stunning waterfront views, Penyengat Island is also famous for the Sultan’s Mosque. According to local tales, a major part of the mosque was built using eggs, hence it is also known as Masjid Kuning. The Sultan’s palace showcases a unique blend of Dutch-Indonesian workmanship. The island is also home to the legendary Bugis historian Raja Ali Haji.
Address: Penyengat Island, Riau Islands
9. Tua Pek Long Temple beckons tourists to drop by
This is the oldest Buddhist temple Batam has to offer, and was inaugurated in 1986. Compared to other temples in Batam, Tua Pek Long Temple has prominent Chinese architectural features, with bright red lanterns dangling from its rooves. Visitors from around the world drop by the temple with prayers and offerings, including from Japan, Malaysia and India.
Address: Vihara Budhi Bhakti, Jl. Pembangunan, Lubuk Baja Kota, Kec. Lubuk Baja, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29432, Indonesia
With a good idea of the things to do in Bintan and Batam, it's worth considering these destinations for your next holiday! Whether you're a couple on a romantic getaway or a family searching for a kid-friendly vacation, you'll be spoilt for choice with the number of activites in Bintan and Batam.
Perhaps it’s time to plan a vacation to Bintan and Batam for the next long weekend?
1 You must sign up for the coverage prior to leaving Singapore, except if the post-departure purchase extension under Section 25 applies, and end your coverage upon arrival in Singapore through My Income app. If you are intending to make a claim under Section 6 Shortening your trip, you are not to shorten your trip through the My Income app, as your period of insurance needs to include the whole duration of your original trip.
2 We will only pay for the unused entertainment ticket expenses if you are prevented from using it due to reasons like serious sickness or serious injury resulting in your hospitalisation, if it happens on the day of the entertainment event or on the date of expiry of the entertainment ticket, whichever is later. Please refer to Section 8 of the policy terms and conditions for more details.
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