Bintan IslandAbout Bintan Island
Bintan Island is the largest island of the Riau Islands province of Indonesia, known today for beaches, resorts and marine tourism.
Coastal resort developments, sandy beaches and mangrove areas are the principal visitor attractions; the island also supports local fisheries and agriculture. Tourist facilities range from day-trip operators to multi-night resort complexes.
The island has long-standing indigenous settlements and has developed as a regional tourism destination since the late 20th century.
Bintan sits in the Riau Islands group to the east of Singapore and the southern entrance to the Strait of Malacca; it is part of Indonesia’s Riau Islands province.
- Ferry links: Regular ferry services link the island to Singapore and other regional ports, making it a common short-hop destination from the city-state.
- Resort zones: Best-known beaches and resort developments are concentrated on the island’s northeastern and eastern shores, where most tourist infrastructure is located.
What to See#
- Tanjung Pinang: The provincial capital and main port on the island, serving as the administrative and transport hub for visitors arriving by ferry or plane.
- Bintan Resorts: A stretch of developed resort areas on the island’s northern and eastern coasts that contain beachfront hotels, golf courses and tourist facilities aimed at regional visitors.
Best Time to Visit Bintan Island
April-October is generally the best season for calmer seas and outdoor activities.
Weather & Climate near Bintan Island
Bintan Island's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (2499 mm/year), wettest in December.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 23° - 29° | 26° | 230 mm | overcast | 85% | 2.6 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 11.9h |
| February | Good | 23° - 30° | 26° | 164 mm | overcast | 83% | 2.2 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.0h |
| March | Very Good | 23° - 30° | 27° | 186 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 1.8 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Good | 23° - 31° | 30° | 221 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 1.5 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.0h |
| May | Good | 24° - 31° | 31° | 216 mm | overcast | 80% | 1.6 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.1h |
| June | Good | 24° - 31° | 31° | 166 mm | overcast | 80% | 1.8 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.1h |
| July | Good | 23° - 30° | 27° | 171 mm | overcast | 81% | 1.9 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.1h |
| August | Good | 23° - 31° | 30° | 150 mm | overcast | 81% | 1.8 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.1h |
| September | Good | 23° - 30° | 27° | 177 mm | overcast | 80% | 1.8 m/s | 2.0 very high | 12.0h |
| October | Good | 23° - 30° | 27° | 213 mm | overcast | 79% | 1.6 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.0h |
| November | Good | 23° - 30° | 26° | 282 mm | overcast | 82% | 1.6 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.9h |
| December | Good | 23° - 29° | 26° | 323 mm | overcast | 85% | 2.2 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.9h |
How to Get to Bintan Island
Bintan is reached by ferry from Singapore (HarbourFront or Tanah Merah ferries). Ferry operators include Bintan Resort Ferries and others; crossing times vary by service and destination on the island (45-75 minutes). Ferries arrive at ports such as Bandar Bentan Telani or Tanjung Pinang depending on the route.
Tips for Visiting Bintan Island
- If coming from Singapore, book ferry crossings well in advance and check the port of departure (Tanah Merah/HarbourFront) and arrival terminals on Bintan.
- Explore inland villages and the coastal beaches - many resorts sit on the island's sheltered lagoons rather than open ocean beaches.
- Consider a day trip to nearby islands for snorkeling and mangrove tours.