Grab in Bintan: Where It Works and Where It Doesn't
Grab operates in Bintan, but its coverage is limited to two zones. In the Bintan Resort area (Lagoi), GrabCar works for short point-to-point trips within the resort zone.
In Tanjungpinang City, coverage is more complete, you can use GrabCar, GrabBike, and GrabFood there.
However, it is not available across the entire island. If you are planning to explore the island, you will need to arrange transport differently.
Understanding this before your trip helps you avoid confusion and makes your journey in Bintan smoother and easier.
Where Grab Works in Bintan
Bintan Resort Area (Lagoi)
GrabCar is available within the Bintan Resort zone. Common trips include:
- Bandar Bentan Telani (BBT) Ferry Terminal to resort around Bintan Resort area
- Resort-to-resort transfers within Lagoi
- Lagoi Bay and Treasure Bay Bintan
- Safari Lagoi and nearby attractions
- Pujasera Lagoi and Golf Course area like Ria Bintan
Note:
GrabFood and GrabBike are not available in the Lagoi resort area. Only GrabCar operates here, and availability depends on driver supply at that time.
From Our Team
We often hear from travelers who ask about GrabCar, and it turns out they are planning to visit attractions, do activities, and explore sightseeing spots across Bintan.
If that sounds like you, we offer Tours Packages that already include private transport and a driver.
It’s flexible, more personalized, and you don’t need to worry about finding rides at all.
See Our Bintan Tours Packages
Tanjungpinang City
Tanjungpinang has the most complete Grab coverage in Bintan. GrabCar, GrabBike, and GrabFood all operate here. If you are staying in or passing through Tanjungpinang, Grab works much like it does in a regular city.
Can I Take Grab from Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal?
Yes, you can order a GrabCar from Bandar Bentan Telani (BBT) Ferry Terminal. The terminal is within the Bintan Resort zone, so GrabCar is accessible there.
However, driver availability is not always guaranteed, especially during off-peak hours or peak season.
For guaranteed transport from BBT, if your hotel is within the Bintan Resort area, the easiest option is to use your hotel’s shuttle service; most hotels in the Bintan Resort area provide shuttle services from BBT.
You can learn more about how to arrange hotel shuttle services for staying at Bintan Resort area
From Our Team
If your hotel is outside the Bintan Resort area, and you will arrive at Bandar Banetan Telani Ferry Terminal, it is strongly recommended to book a private transfer in advance rather than relying on Grab availability.
You can learn more about private arrival & departure transfers in Bintan.
How to Book Grab in Bintan
- Download the Grab app (available on iOS and Android)
- Set your pickup location — make sure you are within the Lagoi or Tanjungpinang zones
- Select GrabCar (only available service in Lagoi)
- Confirm your destination and book
- Payment: GrabPay, credit/debit card, or cash IDR (cash accepted by most drivers)
You can check the estimated wait time directly in the Grab app before confirming your booking.
In the Bintan Resort area, GrabCar drivers are usually already standing by within the resort zone, ready to accept ride requests through the app.
How to Explore Bintan Island Without GrabCar?
If you want to visit multiple places in Bintan, Blue Lake Bintan, Sand Dunes, souvenir shops, Tanjungpinang area, and other spots across the island, Grab will not cover the whole trip.
Most travelers who plan to explore beyond the resort zone arrange their transport in advance before arriving.
Based on our experience working with travelers in Bintan, the most common question we get is:
“How do I get around to see different places in one day?”
And in most cases, what they are looking for is a structured plan that covers both transport and the places they want to visit.
One option that works well for this is a Custom Tour arrangement.
With a Custom Tour, your itinerary is planned based on what you want to see and do, whether that is nature spots, cultural areas, beaches, or local activities.
Private transport and a driver are included, so you move between places without worrying about finding rides.
Entrance tickets and activity arrangements can also be handled as part of the plan. This way, you can focus on the experience rather than the logistics.
Learn more about Custom Tours in Bintan
Final Summary
- Grab works in Lagoi (Bintan Resort area) and Tanjungpinang City only
- GrabCar is the only service in Lagoi — no GrabFood or GrabBike
- You can take Grab from BBT Ferry Terminal, but availability is not always guaranteed
- For exploring beyond Lagoi, Grab is not reliable — use private transport instead
- BTG offers Tours Packages with private transport and Custom Tours for travelers who want a planned, stress-free trip around Bintan
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but only in the Bintan Resort area (Lagoi) and Tanjungpinang City. It is not available across the whole island.
Yes, you can order a GrabCar from BBT Ferry Terminal to the Bintan Resort area only . However, driver availability is not always guaranteed.
GrabFood is only available in Tanjungpinang City. It does not operate in the Lagoi/Bintan Resort area.
Driver availability drops significantly at night, especially in the Lagoi resort area. It is not reliable for late-night trips.
GrabPay, credit/debit cards, and cash are all accepted. Most drivers in Bintan accept cash IDR.
Gojek operates primarily in Tanjungpinang City. Not cover around Bintan Resort area
Most drivers in the Lagoi area are familiar with resort destinations, but English proficiency varies. Sharing your destination via the app (pin on map) avoids any language barrier.
Written by Sigit Supriadi
Founder & Travel Specialist, Bintan Travel Guide (BTG)
Sigit is based in Tanjungpinang, Bintan Island
Has been arranging tours and travel itineraries for visitors to Bintan since 2023,
including Bintan tours, private transfers, and hotel stays.
He works hands-on with travelers daily, and is frequently mentioned by name in guest reviews on TripAdvisor and Google Business Profile for his local knowledge and on-the-ground assistance.
The guidance in this article comes directly from that experience
Written by Sigit Supriadi
Founder & Travel Specialist, Bintan Travel Guide (BTG)
Sigit is based in Tanjungpinang, Bintan Island
Has been arranging tours and travel itineraries for visitors to Bintan since 2023,
including Bintan tours, private transfers, and hotel stays.
He works hands-on with travelers daily, and is frequently mentioned by name in guest reviews on TripAdvisor and Google Business Profile for his local knowledge and on-the-ground assistance.
The guidance in this article comes directly from that experience
