7 Family-Friendly Things You Didn't Know You Could Do In Bintan

Bintan has always been an old fallback for people looking for a quick getaway, but lately, the island’s offerings have been growing in the best way for kids (and their parents). While the old Bintan Lagoon Resort (the one we all know from family getaways in the 90s) is currently undergoing a massive renovation, new resorts have popped up around the Indonesian island – which we sometimes forget is three times the size of Singapore and offers plenty to do in terms of nature exploration and relaxation.

Most eco-adventures can be booked through your hotel or other booking sites such as Klook or Pelago, which makes it super convenient to plan in advance. Bintan is just an hour by ferry, and another hour or so drive for those heading to the Lagoi side, so it’s not a bad amount of travel time for young families.

How to get there:

Bintan is an easy one-hour journey from the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal on the Bintan Resort Ferries. The boats feature an Economy class on the ground level, where seating is first-come first-serve, and the premium seats called Emerald Class on the upper deck. This is a guaranteed seat and includes priority immigration queues, boarding and disembarking. 

With kids, the Emerald class seats definitely makes things easier. You don’t have to worry about finding them appropriate seats and you can even go outside for a change of scenery. Furthermore, upon arrival, you'll have priority disembarkation and private immigration services while you wait in the lounge (which includes an outdoor playground!). Definitely a relaxed way to begin a holiday and a lot less stressing (especially if you aren't Singaporean and might require a visa-on-arrival).

The ferry typically runs three times a day, both ways, but be sure to double-check ahead of your departure date as this can change with additional services being occasionally added. Time it right and you should be able to take a ferry that delivers you to your hotel right around check-in time.

Find out more about booking your tickets here.

What to do in Bintan:

While we’ll explore the best hotels and resorts in Bintan for families in another story, for now, here are some activities that would suit families with kids of different ages – some you might have never heard about! Read through to see why Bintan is better for more than just a short weekend trip.

1. Explore the local mangroves

Bintan’s Sebung River is home to hundreds of flora and fauna, with the mangroves being of utmost importance to the ecosystem. Their roots hold the soil in place, preventing soil erosion and thereby protecting the coasts. Take a boat tour through it and discover mangrove snakes, monitor lizards as well as mud skippers fish, and clams. Guides will teach you how to identify different species of mangroves and how the river provides for the locals in the area. Tours are available at different times of the day which means you’ll see very different flora and fauna depending on when you book. Book later in the evening and you’ll enjoy a chance to see the local fireflies and the starlit skies.

Tours can be booked through various hotels or here at Pelago.

2. Visit the Bintan desert (yes that’s right, desert)

Mostly known for the resorts, you wouldn’t think “desert” when you think of Bintan, but surprisingly, there is one on the island and it shouldn’t be missed (if only for the photo opportunities). Busung Desert features sand dunes surrounded by a sparkling blue lake. A former bauxite mine, it has only recently become a top attraction on the island as it looks very much like the deserts you can visit in the Middle East (but nearer! It’s only a 40-minute drive from central Bintan).

Book your visit through Klook.

3. Go on an ATV adventure

Various resorts on the island offer All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) drives which allow you to explore rough jungle trails or scenic beaches as you drive. It can get bumpy, it can get fast, and it offers non-stop thrills for the family. Some of the resorts offering this include Nirwana Gardens, Cassia Bintan, Pantai Indah Lagos Bintan and Treasure Bay, which work with Action ATV to provide a great adventure. Be prepared to get muddy and wear covered shoes and socks to protect your ankles as the rides can get rough.

4. Explore the many activities of Treasure Bay

A one-stop destination for entertainment, adventure and thrills in Bintan, Treasure Bay is a huge resort that includes hotels, wellness facilities, leisure and cultural offerings. It features Southeast Asia’s first man-made seawater lagoon spanning a whopping 6.3 hectares. The Crystal Lagoon is an eco-friendly, gentle-on-the-skin activity hub where people can swim, paddleboard or even try the jetovator. It sits in Chill Cove which you can buy tickets to, whether you are a guest at one of Treasure Bay’s hotels or not. Parents with young kids will appreciate the fact that it is very kid-friendly. With an indoor playground and water rides that kids can enjoy such as paddle boating and a slip and slide.

Find out more here.

5. Discover pristine, untouched beaches

With its proximity to Singapore, it’s easy to forget that Bintan sits in the Indonesian Riau Archipelago, and serves up some absolutely gorgeous, white sandy beaches. If you aren’t used to venturing beyond your resort during a stay in Bintan, these beaches will make it worth your time. Trikora Beach in the Lagoi region features soft white sand, and crystal blue waters while just 15 minutes away, private island White Sands Island (Pulau Beralas Pasir), offers you a place to stay and snorkel, kayak and dive. Lesser known is Selena beach, featuring long stretches of shallow water (great for the kids) and where there are plenty of playgrounds and restaurants to keep the whole family entertained.

6. Visit the Safari Lagoi and Ecofarm

Designed to educate the public on the need to protect and conserve the natural environment, Safari Lagoi is home to a variety of rescued and endangered animal including sunbears, elephants and crocodiles, many of whom have been rescued from the illegal pet trade and exotic meats market. The area also houses an eco-farm where fruits and fish are grown (and reared) respectively. The sanctuary is located within Bintan Resorts and families can enjoy spending at least half a day there exploring the greenery and meeting the animals.

Find out more here.

7. Explore the MV Doulos Phos 

An exciting activity for history buffs, the MS Doulos Phos was built in 1914 around the same time as the Titanic and sailed the ocean waves until December 2009. Now permanently docked in Bintan Resort, it functions as a hotel but also takes guests on for tours and a lovely sunset dinner experience. The four-course dinner it should be noted, takes place outside the ship but still ensures beautiful sunset views. The tour within the ship, down to the engines and beyond, will be interesting to anyone young or old who is interested in maritime history.

Klook offers packages for the heritage tour and sunset dinner here.