If you thought Bintan is only known for its beach resorts, you thought wrong. A perfectly getaway heaven with its nature's wonders and glimpse of the local's culture awaits you. After personally discovering what Bintan has hidden up her sleeve, here are the hidden gems in Bintan that you must explore!
1. Mini Desert and Blue Lake
Mini Desert formerly was a sand mine and bauxite site before the government decided to close it. Located near to the west of Bintan Island, the area was left untouched and transformed into a “Sahara Desert” with its white sandy hills and pathways.
In the middle of the desert, there is also a blue turquoise lake formed from the mining site. It is hard to imagine that both of this stunning place were created by the magical hands of nature. The views of white sand hills desert overlooking to the blue turquoise lake invite admiration and curiosity to a lot a people. One of the most Instagramable spots in Bintan Island!
2. Crystal Lagoon
The biggest man-made seawater lagoon in Southeast Asia, Crystal Lagoon. Gear up for a day of fun adventure at this lagoon with pristine and filtered seawater. A lot of activities options available here and it is unlimited such as kayaking, swimming, slip and slide, jetovator, cable ski, and many more.
Situated inland and not affected by tidal waves or monsoon, it is perfectly safe to swim here. Beside offering a wide spread of fun water activities, this lagoon also give you a great picture for your Instagram feeds. Crystal Lagoon is definitely has something worthed-it to offer for everyone.
3. Bintan Mangrove Tour
Explore Bintan Island by a jungle adventure. The mangrove forest and Sebung river are home to wide variety of wildlife. If you are lucky enough, you will be able to see snakes sleeping in the branches right above you and even monkeys swinging through the trees.
You can also learn to identify the different types of mangroves and what is the significant role of the Sebung river for the locals. Fishing traps which are used by the local fishermen also can be seen along the river. A captivate memorable experience in Bintan Island!
4. White Sands Island
A private beach paradise in Bintan Island which is also known as Pulau Beralas Pasir. This island is unhibited and the best time to visit is during the low tide. You can spend your time snorkelling in the crystal clear waters or kayaking around the lush island.
There are plenty of fun activities available here. The island also actively takes part in conservation for baby turtles. Experience the chance to spend your quality time in your own little island, set a picnic by the sea, prepare to be swept away by the sunset, even camping out under the stars.
5. Ksitigarbha Bodhisatva Temple
One of Bintan’s hidden gem, also known as 500 Lohan Temple, Ksitigharba Bodhisatva Temple is a must visited place if you been to Bintan. The temple is set on a hill with impressive Chinese architecture and high walls. You will feel like you have been entering the mainland of China when you arrived here.
Make sure to take your time as you make your way through the sculpture maze, as each one of the life-size statues is unique. Each of the 500 sculptures is extremely lifelike capturing the characteristics, facial features, and postures. This place is too majestic to be excluded.
6. Bintan Snorkeling
Spend hours or even days gazing at the stunning underwater world where you can encounter vibrant coral and exotic fish glowing in all the colours of the rainbow. This is the best way to enjoy the beautiful underwater creatures in Bintan Island.
If you are not able to swim, no worry as instructor will be provided during the snorkeling. Beside that, safety equipment also will be used to ensure an enjoyable fun discovery trip. Don’t forget to pack your waterproof camera to capture those amazing views!
7. Trikora Beach
One of Bintan's popular also original beach, located at the east of Bintan Island in Riau Archipelago, Trikora Beach will spoil your eyes. This is your perfect beach vacation because of the white sandy beach with huge boulders and clear crystal waters.
Another look at the natural beauty of the many palm trees that lined neatly along the shore. There are also large rocks that were piled on edge until into the sea also adds a beautiful atmosphere at the Beach Trikora.
8. Marine Life Discovery Park
A new attraction in Bintan Island which will make you will rejuvenated, Marine Life Discovery Park. Visitors of all ages can enjoy the exciting experience here or learn about the marine life through fun immersive interaction with marine creatures, such as snorkeling, diving or touch pool activities.
More than 70 species and 15,000 fishes will be housed in the 2.8 hectare Marine Life Discovery Park. Not only underwater creatures, but you will also found natural mangrove and aviary, flora, and fauna at the same time.
9. Mount Bintan
Conquering the one and only mountain in Bintan, Mount Bintan. Actually it is more like a hill because the height is approximately around 340m above sea level. As a tropical rain forest, Mount Bintan is home to plenty of exotic flora and fauna.
If you are lucky enough, you will also found the hidden waterfall in the middle of the forest. The locals call the hidden waterfall as Kolam Puteri. You can enjoy a refreshing dip beneath the cool cascading waters. According to folklore, these water will bring the luck to you.
10. Lagoi Bay
Lagoi Bay is set to be the heart of Bintan with the area over 1300 hectares. Lagoi Bay is divided into 3 main ares, which are Plaze Lagoi, Lagoi Beach, and Lake Lagoi. Lagoi Bay offers a lot of fun and exciting activities.
You can taste a wide variety of locals and internationals cuisines, buy Indonesian souvenirs or fashion apparel at Plaza Lagoi, enjoy the serenity of freshwater lake at Lake Lagoi, and many more. Make sure to not miss this place when you come to Bintan.