Bintan offers a mix of nature activities, sightseeing tours, watersports, and outdoor experiences.
Many travelers visit the island for activities such as mangrove tours, snorkeling, ATV rides and island sightseeing.
Many visitors combine several activities during their stay in Bintan. Some prefer half-day trips, while others choose full-day or multi-day experiences.
Customized private trips are also popular because they can be arranged based on what travelers want to see and do, including their resort location and travel schedule.
Here are some of the most popular things to do in Bintan for first-time visitors.
Bintan Mangrove Tour
Bintan Mangrove Tour is a relaxing river cruise along the Sebung River, surrounded by natural mangrove forest and calm waterways.
The tour lasts around 60 minutes and takes travelers through peaceful river scenery where wildlife such as monkeys, kingfishers, and monitor lizards can sometimes be seen in their natural habitat.
The activity is operated daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and is accompanied by a local guide and boatman.
Bintan Fireflies Tour
Bintan Fireflies Tour is a peaceful night river cruise along the Sebung River, where travelers can see natural fireflies glowing around the mangrove trees after sunset.
The tour takes place in the same area as the Bintan Mangrove Tour, but is operated at night, usually starting around 7:00 PM.
Travelers will explore the river by boat, accompanied by a local guide and boatman.
The cruise lasts around 45–55 minutes, and many visitors choose to combine the Mangrove Tour and Fireflies Tour on the same day.
Visit Sand Dunes & Blue Lake Bintan
Bintan Sand Dunes and Blue Lake are located in the northern part of Bintan Island, around 35–45 minutes from the Bintan Resorts area.
Both attractions are in the same area and are usually visited together in one trip.
At Bintan Sand Dunes, travelers can explore the desert-like landscape, enjoy photo spots, and try activities such as ATV rides, archery and eagle photography sessions.
Nearby, Blue Lake Bintan is known for its bright blue water and scenic surroundings, with one main lake being the most popular spot for photos.
Many visitors prefer exploring this area through a private tour experience with a private driver.
Bintan Snorkeling Tour
The Bintan Snorkeling Tour is one of the popular water activities in Bintan, located on the eastern side of the island near the traditional kelong area.
Travelers will take a boat from the jetty in East Bintan to the snorkeling spot, where they can enjoy clear water and see tropical fish, including clownfish (Nemo fish), especially during good weather conditions.
A guide and instructor will accompany the activity, and snorkeling equipment is included.
Snorkeling tours in Bintan also include additional activities such as kayaking and fun fishing.
ATV Adventure
The ATV Adventure in Bintan takes place around the Coffee Plantation area, located away from the main resort areas and surrounded by plantation trails and off-road tracks.
This guided ATV experience allows travelers to explore dirt paths, forest tracks, and open plantation surroundings while enjoying a different side of Bintan Island.
The ATV route covers up to 8 km and usually lasts around 45–60 minutes, making Bintan ATV Tours one of the popular outdoor activities for travelers looking for a fun off-road experience in Bintan.
Explore Bintan in One Day
This activity is suitable for travelers who want to explore Bintan in one day, including visitors coming for a day trip from Singapore.
The tour covers several areas of Bintan Island, including the Bintan Resorts area, North Bintan, and South Bintan.
Along the journey, travelers will visit places such as the Mangrove Tour area, Coffee Plantation area, Blue Lake Bintan, Sand Dunes, and the 500 Lohan Temple.
This tour is suitable for travelers who want to see different parts of Bintan in a single day. Bintan Full Day Tour usually lasts around 7–8 hours.
Visit Safari Lagoi Bintan
Safari Lagoi is one of the popular family-friendly attractions in Bintan, located inside the Bintan Resorts area.
The safari park is home to rescued animals such as elephants, orangutans, birds, and other wildlife, making it a popular stop for families visiting Bintan.
Most visitors spend around 1–2 hours here, exploring the area by walking, cycling, or using a buggy ride.
Crystal Lagoon (Treasure Bay) – Watersports & Fun
Crystal Lagoon Treasure Bay is one of the most popular water activity attractions in Bintan, located inside the Bintan Resorts area, around 3 minutes from Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal by land transfer.
The Crystal Lagoon is known as one of the largest man-made seawater lagoons in the region, offering activities such as swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and other watersports.
Many visitors spend several hours here, while others choose to enjoy it as a full-day activity.
Written by Sigit Supriadi, a Bintan-based travel specialist with experience in arranging tours, activities, and customized travel experiences across Bintan Island.
His insights are based on real experience in helping travelers plan itineraries, explore different parts of Bintan, and choose activities based on their travel preferences and schedule.
Learn more about our services at Bintan Travel Guide (BTG).
Written by Sigit Supriadi, a Bintan-based travel specialist with experience in arranging tours, activities, and customized travel experiences across Bintan Island.
His insights are based on real experience in helping travelers plan itineraries, explore different parts of Bintan, and choose activities based on their travel preferences and schedule.
Learn more about our services at Bintan Travel Guide (BTG).