Grab in Bintan: How to Use GrabCar on Island (2026 Guide)
Many travelers visiting Bintan wonder if they can rely on Grab for transportation during their trip.
Can You Use Grab in Bintan? (Quick Answer)
- Yes, GrabCar is available in Bintan
- It operates mainly in Lagoi (Bintan Resorts Area) and Tanjung Pinang city area
- It is not available across the entire island
- For places like Trikora or remote beaches, alternative transport is recommended
If your travel is limited within Lagoi, Grab is a convenient option. But for exploring beyond, you will need other arrangements.
Is Grab Available in Bintan Island? (2026 Update)
GrabCar officially operates in the Bintan Resorts Area (Lagoi) and parts of Tanjung Pinang.
This service has made short-distance travel easier for visitors staying in resort areas. You can now book rides between hotels and nearby attractions directly through the Grab app.
However, Bintan is a large island, and Grab coverage is still limited to specific zones.
Where Can You Use Grab in Bintan? (Coverage Area Explained)
Currently, Grab works best within:
- Lagoi / Bintan Resorts Area
- Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal
- Tanjung Pinang city area
Within these areas, Grab is suitable for:
- Transfers from Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal to hotels around Bintan Resort
- Traveling between resorts in Lagoi , Bintan Resort
- Visiting nearby attractions and public spots
Popular places reachable by Grab include:
- Lagoi Bay Beach
- Pujasera Lagoi (local food center)
- Treasure Bay Bintan (Crystal Lagoon)
- Kelong Seafood Restaurant
As long as both your pickup and drop-off points are within these zones, booking a GrabCar is usually simple and reliable.
Where Grab Does NOT Work in Bintan
Grab coverage does not extend to many parts of the island.
You may have difficulty finding rides in:
- Trikora Beach area
- The eastern side of Bintan
- The Residence Bintan area
- Remote attractions outside Lagoi
- Blue Lake Bintan & Sand Dunes
For these locations, relying on Grab alone is not recommended, especially if you are planning multiple stops.
Grab vs Private Driver in Bintan (Which is Better?)
Choosing the right transport depends on your travel style and how much of the island you plan to explore.
|
Option
|
Best For
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
|
GrabCar
|
Short trips within Bintan Resort and Tanjungpinang City
|
Convenient for point-to-point rides coverage area
|
|
Private Car & Driver
|
Flexible, multi-stop trips across Bintan
|
Ideal for exploring beyond resort areas at your own pace, especially if you already have your own itinerary
|
|
Fully arranged, seamless, and well-organized experience
|
Includes private transport and driver, with itinerary and activities all planned for a smooth, hassle-free trip
|
|
|
Hotel Taxi
|
Easy and comfortable transfers
|
Available directly from your hotel with simple arrangement
|
If your trip is focused around Lagoi, Grab is often enough for getting around.
However, if you plan to explore more of Bintan, such as visiting multiple attractions in one day, having a dedicated car with driver offers greater convenience.
For a more seamless experience, many travelers choose custom tours with Bintan Travel Guide (BTG), where transport and activities are arranged together based on your preferences.
This allows you to enjoy the trip without needing to coordinate logistics separately.
Transport Options Beyond Grab
For travel beyond Grab coverage, here are your main options:
Private Car & Driver
- A flexible option that allows you to explore multiple areas comfortably based on your own schedule.
Custom Tours with Bintan Travel Guide (BTG)
For a smoother experience, many travelers prefer arranging transport together with activities.
With Bintan Travel Guide (BTG), you can:
- Plan your itinerary in advance
- Combine private transport, driver, entrance fees, and activities
- Travel across different parts of the island efficiently
This option is especially suitable for first-time visitors who want everything arranged in one place.
Hotel Taxi Services
Available at most hotels and easy to arrange for direct transfers between locations.
Travel Tips for Using Grab in Bintan
- Download the Grab app before arrival to save time
- Make sure your location is around Bintan Resorts Area
- Late at night, availability may be more limited
- Consider planning transport ahead if visiting multiple areas
Local Tip:
Grab drivers are usually easier to find near Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal when ferries arrive, but availability can vary depending on time and demand.
Written by Sigit Supriadi, based in Bintan, sharing practical tips and local insights to help travelers plan easier, more personalized, and well-organized trips.
Learn more about
Our Services
Bintan Travel Guide (BTG)
Written by Sigit Supriadi, based in Bintan, sharing practical tips and local insights to help travelers plan easier, more personalized, and well-organized trips.
Learn more about
Our Services
Bintan Travel Guide (BTG)