How to organise a short vacay to Bintan?

There's nothing like being forced to stay indoors in lockdown to awaken the spirit of wanderlust that makes people want to travel! For a vacation, even a short one, a destination that offers both relaxation and recreation is ideal which is why Indonesia's Bintan Island makes such a great choice. Check-out this insightful guide which will help you plan your post-lockdown getaway.

Find Suitable Accommodation

Before focusing on what to see and do, it is important you sort out the accommodation. Ideally, look to stay at properties located right by the beach so you can enjoy endless days in the sun, sand and surf. There are a number of such resorts in Bintan to choose from; select one which offers suitable room or villa options be it for families or couples, diverse dining venues and plenty of activities and excursions too.

Engage in Exciting Activities

After being indoors for so long, you can look to experience the freedom of fun activities and there is a range of water sports in Bintan to choose from; these include snorkelling, jet skiing, kayaking, banana boat rides, paddle boating and even things like trying a water walking ball experience! In addition to these, properties such as Bintan Lagoon Resort feature thrilling land activities too like riding ATVs (All Terrain Vehicles), archery and guided bike tours. Some properties even have their own nightclubs, which is ideal if you are looking to end the day with some dancing!

Embark on Mangrove Tours

The island has a rich mangrove ecosystem which is well worth exploring even on a short holiday. Some Bintan resorts organise special mangrove tours which give you a chance to discover these areas which can be found along the Sebung River. Such guided excursions will provide fascinating insights into these mangroves that are rich in flora and fauna. On your journey, you have a chance of seeing monitor lizards, monkeys, crabs, snakes, mudskippers and more. For something different, you can choose a night cruise and witness enchanting fireflies too.

Visit Traditional Villages

Those looking to soak up some local culture can plan a visit to several of the traditional villages which have a rich history. One such place is Senggarang Village; located on the southwestern coast, this Chinese village features captivating stilt houses used by fishermen as well as ancient temples, some of which have their origins in the 17th century. One of the most popular attractions here is the Banyan Tree Temple (Tian Shang Miao temple) which is entangled in the roots of a huge Banyan tree.

Plan For Island Hopping

One of the best things to do in Bintan is to plan trips to nearby islands where more rewarding adventures await. Amongst the popular places to go to is White Sand Island; true to its name, it features white sandy shores bordered by azure waters perfect for a relaxing escape. You can also look forward to activities such as snorkelling when here. Nearby Penyengat Island is also well-known for excursions and offers insights into the Riau royals; sites to visit include the Grand Mosque, a restored palace and a Dutch fort.

Visit Local Temples

Those looking to learn more about the local heritage can plan a visit to some of the local temples which are amongst the key attractions in Bintan. One of the most visually arresting of these sacred sites is what is referred to as the 500 Lohan Temple. This temple is so named because it, in fact, does have 500 sculptures of Lohan or Arhat! These life-size creations depict Lohan in diverse postures and with various facial expressions that make for fascinating viewing and photography.