Bintan Island
Island Riau island popular for resorts and beaches
A short ferry from Singapore, Bintan Island blends resort beaches, golf courses and mangrove-lined waterways. Visitors choose beach resorts, snorkeling and water sports, ferry day trips and seafood served in local coastal villages.
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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.
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.
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.
January
January is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (230 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (164 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (186 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Heavy rain (221 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is the hottest month, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Heavy rain (216 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (166 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Significant rainfall (171 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (150 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (177 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (213 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (282 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (323 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
