Want to escape to Indonesia? But is Bali too far away? Well, the beautiful island of Bintan and the city of Batam, just a short ferry ride from Singapore to Nongsapura Ferry Terminal or Bintan Telani Port, is the perfect vacation for you. We’ve compiled a list of 20 of the best things to do for a fun weekend in Batam and the Bintan Islands.
Batam
1. Admire Tua Pek Kong Temple
Tua Pek Kong is a unique red temple is the oldest Buddhism temple in Batam. Be fascinated by the stunning architecture, walk the peaceful grounds splashed in gold and red décor such as lanterns, and much more. Certainly, one of the most unmissable things to do in Batam and Bintan Islands.
📍42Q6+X8R, Jl. Pembangunan, Lubuk Baja Kota, Kec. Lubuk Baja, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29432, Indonesia
2. Soak in the view at Batam’s highest rooftop bar
If you’re missing the best rooftop dining in Singapore, one stellar place for a drink or meal high in the sky is Altitude Rooftop Bar atop the Marriott Hotel. It features an open-air, New York-inspired terrace, overlooking the sea and rural Malay settlements, offering spectacular views. Whether it be sunset or night time, visitors will enjoy signature cocktails paired with delicious Asian tapas.
📍Batam Marriott Hotel Harbour Bay (Level R, Jodoh River, Batu Ampar, Batam City, Riau Islands 29453, Indonesia
3. Get your game on at an adventure park
Belalang Adventure is a recreational centre, offering a range of outdoor games, for both adults and children to take advantage of. From paintballing to wargames, archery, ATV rides, go-karting, and more…it’s the perfect place to spend a few hours in Batam.
📍Golden City, Bengkong Laut, Kec. Bengkong, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29444, Indonesia
4. Eat traditional seafood
Devouring seafood is a must-do for travellers while in Batam. Depending on your taste and budget, there’s hundreds of delicious places to eat. Particularly, we recommend checking out Kopak Jaya 077, which is a cool seafood restaurant with colourful beanbags and hammocks, perched above the ocean.
📍Various Locations
5. Visit Ranoh Island
This hidden paradise is known as the adventure island in the Riau Archipelago region. Just a 20 minute speedboat ride from Batam, you can soak in the sun at a family-friendly resort. Plus, take part in free recreational activities. For instance, snorkeling, canoeing, waterpark adventures, to name a few. Indeed, the ultimate destination for thrill seekers.
📍Ranoh Island, Pulau Abang, Galang, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau, Indonesia
SEE MORE: The Best Island Escapes In And Around Singapore
6. Relax at pristine beaches
With an array of incredible tropical beaches to visit…you’ll be spoiled for choice. Undoubtably, the most popular for tourists are Nongsa Beach and Marina Beach. For instance, Nongsa is known for plenty of watersports, boating and epic resorts. Meanwhile, Marina Beach boasts phenomenal views and offers a great place to swim.
📍Various Locations
7. Snap a pic at Barelang Bridge
This iconic landmark is one of the best things to do while in Batam. Built in 1997, the Barelang Bridge is a combination of six full-swing bridges that connects the islands of Batam, Rempang, Galang and Riau Islands. Definitely, the perfect sunset spot for sunworshippers.
📍Jl. Trans Barelang, Sembulang, Galang, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau, Indonesia
Bintan Islands
8. Pet majestic elephants
If you ever wanted to get up close and personal with exotic elephants, now is your chance. Bintan Elephant Park is home to a couple of trained gentle giants. Visitors can feed the elephants, ride them through the lush rainforest, and get educated from experts. Certainly, one of the best things to do while holidaying in Batam and Bintan.
📍Baru City, Teluk Sebong, Bintan Regency, Riau Islands 29152, Indonesia
9. Explore old Chinese settlements
The rustic Senggarang Village is popular with tourists because it’s the oldest Chinese settlement in the region dating back to the 1700s- that floats along the coast. Here, time has stood still, and there are a range of old temples, shophouses, and ancient traditions to discover on windy pathways. Particularly, you can’t miss the famous landmark, a 200-year-old Banyan Tree Temple. Visitors can hop on a 15-minute water taxi to this village from Bintan port.
📍Senggarang, Besar kota, Tanjung Pinang City, Riau Islands
10. Hangout at Lagoi Bay
Another famous place to visit among tourists in Bintan. In fact, it’s an excellent place to stay with dozens of unique accommodations in the area, just feet away from watersports, golf, shopping, a gorgeous white sand beach and other family fun. Definitely, be sure to get a picture in front of the massive Lagoi Bay sign. Certainly, one of the most unmissable things to do in Batam and Bintan islands.
📍North Bintan, Indonesia
11. Pose outside Masjid Raya An-Nur Kawal Mosque
This surreal and unique, gigantic pink mosque is unforgettable in Bintan. Of course, art lovers will adore the techniques both inside and outside the mosque. Equally, those looking for the perfect instagrammable photo will find nothing better than this backdrop.
📍Jl. Raya Kawal, Kawal, Gn. Kijang, Kabupaten Bintan, Kepulauan Riau 29151, Indonesia
12. Be mesmerised by beehive-style igloos
If you thought igloos are only found in places like Finland, think again! Rumah Arang, which is located just 20 minutes drive from the centre of Bintan, is a secret place home to strange, red igloos built from brick in the middle of a Mangrove Forest. Definitely, one of the most unique things to do while visiting Batam and Bintan.
📍 Rumah Arang, Bintan Islands
13. Have a luxurious glamping experience
If you’ve got extra cash, why not stay at the award-winning The ANMON Resort in Treasure Bay. The glamorous resort features a desert-themed glamping space with teepee huts, a crystal lagoon, egway adventures around the resort, watersports like kayaking, a Tipi Bar, delicious cuisine, and everything you need for a luxurious stay. Certainly, the most unique staycation option on Bintan. Conveniently, it’s just five minutes from the ferry drop off.
📍Kawasan Pariwisata Jalan Raja Haji Fisabililah No.88, Sebong Lagoi, Tlk. Sebong, Kabupaten Bintan, Kepulauan Riau 29155, Indonesia
14. Make a splash in SE Asia’s largest man-made pool
Crystal Lagoon is the largest man-made swimming pool in Southeast Asia, situated inside The Anmon Resort at Treasure Bay. Here, thrillseekers will be impressive by a range of water activities for both children and adults. As part of the lagoon, Chill Cove @ Treasure Bay Bintan is the leisure hub offering both on-site and outside adventures. For instance, there are huge slides where you can zoom into clear turquoise waters, bumper boats, kayaking, water jets, wakeboarding…the list of attractions is endless.
📍Kawasan Pariwisata, Jl. Raja H. No.KM 01, Sebong Lagoi, Kec. Tlk. Sebong, Kabupaten Bintan, Kepulauan Riau 29155, Indonesia
15. Indulge on a seaside meal
One of the most famous seaside restaurants to dine at is Manabu Bintan. Enjoy a dreamy sunset and sea breeze while you tuck into diverse global eats, from desserts to pizzas, OTT burgers, brunches during the day, and more. Generally, the food and drinks are cheap with cocktails starting from $3.
📍Jl.Hang Tuah No.17 Sadaap, Tepi Laut, Kec. Tj. Pinang Kota, Kota Tanjung Pinang, Kepulauan Riau 29111, Indonesia
16. Visit Trikora Beach
Sun seeking Singaporeans love this beach east of Bintan. Known for fishermen on houseboats, scuba diving and a haven for relaxation…you’ll be in your element. Additionally, the picturesque white sand beach exhibiting crystal clear waters is just as tranquil.
📍Bintan, Rau Islands, Indonesia
17. Be transported to Arabia
Gurun Pasir is a former mining site that features large sandy dunes, a blue lake and some delightful fruit stalls. In recent years, it has become an instagrammable hotspot to visit. Frequently, travellers can be seen swimming in the lake, riding camels, and racing on quadbikes through the dunes. It’s definitely a place to feel as if you’ve been transport to the Dubai Desert, but with water.
📍Jl. Raya Busung, Busung, Seri Kuala Lobam, Kabupaten Bintan, Kepulauan Riau 29152, Indonesia
18. Get spooked by a ghost ship
MV Doulos Phos is a spooky-looking cruise ship, that previously held the record of being the oldest passenger ship in the world. First launched in 1914, it finished its cruise adventures in 2009 and docked at Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal, before being repurposed as a boutique hotel. Learn more.
📍Anchor Isle, Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal, Bintan
SEE MORE: The Best Cruises To Take From Singapore
19. Sip cocktails at a floating bar
Calypso Floating Bar, in Nirwana Gardens, is becoming a hotspot for tourists and locals alike. The Caribbean-inspired bar is the perfect place to relax and sip drinks and watch day turn to night, against the backdrop of soothing reggae and calypso melodies.
📍58G6+56, Sebong Lagoi, Bintan Regency, Riau Islands, Indonesia
20. Wander a historic Buddhist temple
The famous 500 Lohan Temple, is an ancient shrine, which boasts a tranquil sculpture park to explore. Learn all about Chinese mythology at this majestic temple grounds, surrounded by large rice fields, just 10km from the centre of Tanjungpinang.
📍WG3Q+WX4, Batu 13, Kec. Tanjungpinang Tim., Kota Tanjung Pinang, Kepulauan Riau 29125, Indonesia
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