Bintan Island (or Negeri Segantang Lada in the local dialect) in Indonesia is becoming the next best tourist spot in the country after Bali.
This island offers a number of beach-front hotels and resorts.
It has been known as the âPirate Islandâ because of its rich seafaring history.
It is close to Singapore, being only a 45 minute ride away by boat and its waters are a part of the South China Sea.
There are very few locals living on Bintan Island which makes it less crowded and more relaxing.
If relaxation and seclusion are on your list of holiday requirements, then Bintan Island is the place to go.
Types of
Holidays
Bintan is a great place to take the family for a quiet and relaxing get-away as it is very family friendly.
Most holidays here last from a few days up to a week.
With so many hotels to choose from, holiday travellers will not have a hard time finding a place to stay. Much of the accommodation is reasonably priced as well so they donât put too much of a strain on the budget.
It is possible to find all-inclusive type holidays on Bintan, however, these may be on the pricey side.
The Main Holiday Season
Bintan is an island that is very close to the equator which means that visitors can expect a tropical climate all throughout the year.
The average temperature all year is around 26°C but it can get as high as 32°C.
From March to early November is the monsoon season so temperatures are a little cooler and there is a higher chance for rain.
December, January and February are the busiest months on Bintan Island and will therefore be the most crowded and most expensive months to visit.
Popular
Activities/Excursions
This island offers a variety of different ways to have an enjoyable holiday.
Aside from sunbathing, swimming, snorkelling or sports on the seashore, there are other activities such as windsurfing, kayaking, banana boating and sailing that are also popular.
There are also several golf courses catering to everyone from children and beginners to professional golfers.
Bintan has a few interesting wildlife tour packages that offer holiday visitors the chance to explore and get a glimpse of the indigenous animals and fishing areas.
Visitors are also able to try traditional activities such as fishing.
The mangrove forests are also very famous. And of course there are also lots of places to go shopping for souvenirs and such.
Beaches
Being an island, Bintan has a number of beaches to enjoy.
Bintan Resort is very much like a Singaporean resort situated in Indonesia. Prices are in US Dollars or Singaporean Dollars.
Bintan Lagoon Resort however is the largest to be explored. They have two golf courses overlooking the wide blue ocean, cycling tracks and an archery grounds.
Mayang Sari Beach Resort is one example of an unspoiled beach area. It is located in the northeastern coast of the island. This beach resort is great for swimming and other water activities although the food may be a little pricey.
Nightlife
Pubs and bars are what you will usually see in Bintan Island. Theyâre generally limited to some big hotels and resorts only, though.
Other establishments only have karaoke lounges that stay open until late at night. Silk located at Bintan Lagoon Resort was the first ever nightclub on the island. It is also considered the main hub to party the night away.
Calypso Bar, which is located near Indra Maya Villa, features reggae and calypso music and is Caribbean inspired. It is also known as the âfloating barâ.
Nirwana Resortâs The Pub alternatively is a karaoke lounge where you can drink and sing the night away.
La Luna which is in Nirwana Beach Club, by contrast, is an open-air disco pub.
For family night-outs, Buddha Bar offers entertainment for the whole family that even children can enjoy like performances and skit shows.
Accommodations
The Aston Tanjung Pinang Hotel is good value for those on holiday. Itâs a bit far from the harbour but they provide free shuttle service to and from the ferry.
The Nirwana Gardens - Nirwana Resort Hotel is also fantastic value. Located on one of the nicest beaches on the island, visitors will find the view amazing. There is a bar/restaurant on site as well as a swimming pool and childrenâs activity area.
Mutiara Beach Guesthouse is a budget B&B that is perfect spot for peace and relaxation beside the beach. There is a restaurant on-site cooking authentic Indonesian foods as well as continental cuisine. They offer air conditioned rooms with free breakfast and the beach is private and exclusive for guests of the resort. They also have an on-site spa offering traditional spa services.