Best Things to Do in Bintan (From a Local Travel Expert)
Bintan is best known for its beaches and resorts, but there’s actually a lot more to see beyond the beach areas.
From quiet river cruises to local markets, the island offers a mix of nature, culture, and everyday experiences that make each visit feel different.
At Bintan Travel Guide (BTG), we handle guests every day for Bintan tours, helping travelers explore the island with real, on-the-ground insights.
For those looking for a more personalized experience, we also offer custom tours in Bintan, letting visitors create flexible itineraries that match their interests and pace.
Here’s a guide to the best things to do in Bintan, based on what people enjoy most when they visit.
Top Things to Do in Bintan
Here are some of the best things to do in Bintan based on what travelers actually enjoy when they visit :
- Mangrove & Fireflies Tour – Best for spotting wildlife during the day and enjoying magical fireflies at night.
- Snorkeling Experience – Best for exploring coral reefs and observing tropical fish.
- ATV Adventure Ride – Best for off-road fun and light adventure.
- Blue Lake & Sand Dunes – Best for unique landscapes and photo opportunities.
- 500 Lohan Temple – Best for cultural exploration and spiritual discovery.
- Safari Lagoi – Best for wildlife observation and casual animal encounters.
- Treasure Bay & Crystal Lagoon – Best for water activities and relaxed lagoon fun.
- Local Market in Tanjungpinang – Best for experiencing everyday local life and exploring traditional markets.
Nature & Relaxing Experiences in Bintan
Mangrove & Fireflies Tour
The Mangrove & Fireflies Tour is a popular activity in Bintan for anyone who enjoys nature.
The tour starts with a boat ride along Sebung River.
During the day, it’s peaceful and relaxing, with mangrove trees on both sides.
Along the way, you can spot monkeys, birds, and other small animals living in the area.
The guide will also share how the mangrove ecosystem works, which adds a bit of learning to the trip.
When evening comes, the river changes. After sunset, fireflies begin to appear, lighting up the trees naturally and creating a calm, magical feeling.
Moving from spotting wildlife during the day to seeing the fireflies at night gives a full view of the river and its surroundings, making the experience enjoyable and different from everyday city life.
Best Time to Go
- Mangrove Tour (Daytime): 09:00 – 16:30
- Fireflies Tour (Evening): 18:45 – 20:00 (best time when fireflies are most active)
Who This Experience Is For
- Couples looking for a quiet and unique activity
- Families with children
- Travelers who enjoy nature and slow-paced experiences
Our Advice
- Wear comfortable shoes with good grip (jetty and boat can be slippery)
- Bring insect repellent, especially for evening tours
- Follow the guide’s instructions during the boat ride for safety
- Keep noise low during the fireflies tour to maintain the natural environment
Tour Options Available
These tours are available through Bintan Travel Guide (BTG), with everything arranged for an easy and smooth experience.
- Bintan Mangrove Tour (Daytime experience)
- Bintan Fireflies Tour (Evening experience)
- Bintan Mangrove & Fireflies Tour (Combined tour from afternoon to night, with a short break before sunset)
Snorkeling Experience
Snorkeling in Bintan is one of the easiest sea activities to try, especially for travelers who want something relaxed and not too demanding.
Most snorkeling takes place on the east side of the island, where the water is usually calmer and clearer.
The experience is based at a traditional kelong, a wooden platform built above the sea, which makes everything feel simple and accessible, even if it’s your first time snorkeling.
You will usually snorkel around shallow areas near the kelong, where you can see small coral and tropical fish.
The setup allows you to go in and out of the water easily, so there’s no pressure to stay in for too long. What most people enjoy about this experience is the pace.
It’s not just about snorkeling. Guests often spend some time in the water, then come back up to relax, enjoy the sea breeze, and take in the view.
It feels more like a casual day by the sea rather than a structured activity.
Overall, this experience is light, flexible, and suitable for most travelers.
Best Time to go
- Morning (before 12:00 noon) is usually the best time, as the sea conditions are calmer and visibility is better compared to the afternoon.
Who This Experience Is For
- Couples looking for a relaxed sea activity
- Families with children
First-time snorkelers - Travelers who prefer easy and flexible experiences
Our Advised
- Bring a change of clothes
- Use sunscreen or sunblock before the activity
- You can bring your own snorkeling equipment if preferred
Note:
- If you can’t swim, you can still join snorkeling by wearing a life jacket and being assisted by a guide.
However, with a life jacket, it is difficult to dive down, so you will mostly see from the surface and may not get a close view of coral and tropical fish.
Tour Options Available
Bintan Travel Guide (BTG) offers snorkeling tours on the east coast of Bintan, with everything arranged in advance for an easy experience.
- Bintan Snorkeling Tour (from kelong on the east coast)
Adventure & Outdoor Activities
ATV Adventure
The ATV experience in Bintan is a fun off-road activity, perfect for travelers who want something more active and different from the usual beach experiences.
There are several ATV locations across Bintan, both inside resort areas and outside.
At Bintan Travel Guide (BTG), we work with selected vendors who provide not just the ATV ride, but also guided tours and basic insurance for a safer experience.
The ride takes you through a scenic plantation area, including coffee plantations, natural trails, and rugged paths.
The track is around 8 km long, with a mix of dirt roads and uneven terrain that makes the journey both exciting and enjoyable.
The experience usually lasts around 45 to 60 minutes, depending on your pace and how often you stop along the way.
What most people enjoy is the balance between light adventure and scenery.
It’s not too extreme, but still fun enough, especially for first-time riders.
Overall, this is an easy outdoor activity that adds a bit of adventure to your Bintan trip.
Who This Experience Is For
- Couples looking for a fun outdoor activity
- Families with older children First-time ATV riders
- Travelers who want a light adventure experience
Our Advice
- Use closed shoes for better grip and safety
- Follow the guide’s instructions during the ride
- Avoid bringing loose items that may fall during the ride
Tour Options Available.
Bintan Travel Guide (BTG) offers ATV riding in the coffee plantation area.
The experience includes a guided ride, basic insurance, and equipment, so everything is prepared in advance.
Unique Places to Visit in Bintan
Blue Lake & Sand Dunes
Blue Lake Bintan and the Sand Dunes offer one of the most unique landscapes on the island, with bright blue water and wide, desert-like sand hills.
This area was once a bauxite mining site, now turned into a scenic spot.
Both the lake and sand dunes are in the same area, making it easy to explore on foot.
Most visitors come for photos, but you can also walk around and enjoy the open landscape, which feels very different from the usual beach areas.
There are also optional activities like ATV rides, horse riding, and archery, available on-site by local vendors.
Overall, it’s a simple stop, but worth visiting for its unique views.
Best Time to Go
- Morning before 10:30 AM or late afternoon between 15:00 – 17:00. Cooler weather and better lighting for photos
Our Advice
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking on sand
- Bring sunglasses, hat, or sun protection
- Prepare cash (IDR) for optional activities
Who This Experience Is For
- Couples and photographers
- Casual travelers
- Visitors looking for unique photo spots
- Anyone who wants to see a different side of Bintan
Note: This area is not suitable for wheelchair users
Tour Options Available
Bintan Travel Guide (BTG) includes Blue Lake visits as part of selected tours.
The experience is private and personalized, with a driver guide throughout the trip.
500 Lohan Temple
The 500 Lohan Temple is one of the most unique cultural sites in Bintan, located near Tanjungpinang.
Also known as Vihara Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, it is famous for its 500 life-sized Lohan statues, each with different facial expressions and details.
Walking through the rows feels calm and unhurried, offering a different atmosphere from the usual beach and resort areas.
As you enter, you’ll notice the large statue and detailed architecture, followed by a pagoda-style structure inside.
The main highlight is still the Lohan statues, where each one looks different, making the experience more interesting as you walk through.
Overall, it’s a quiet and meaningful stop for those who want to explore a cultural side of Bintan.
Who This Experience Is For
- Travelers interested in culture and history
- Couples and families
- Photographers looking for unique subjects
- Visitors wanting a break from beach activities
Our Advice
- Wear modest and respectful clothing
- Use comfortable footwear for walking
- Keep a respectful attitude as this is an active place of worship
Tour Options Available
- 500 Lohan Temple is usually included as part of a Bintan full-day tour, combined with other attractions around the island
Safari Lagoi
Safari Lagoi is a small wildlife park located in the Lagoi area, home to rescued animals such as elephants, birds, and other wildlife.
It’s a simple stop, but a good option if you want to try something different beyond beaches and resorts.
The area is open and easy to explore, and most visitors spend around 1 to 2 hours walking around at a relaxed pace.
To get around, you can explore on foot or rent a bicycle or buggy for more comfort. Rentals are available on-site and usually operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Opening Hours
- 08:00 – 16:30
Our Advice
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
- Bring mineral water and sun protection
- Consider renting a buggy if you prefer less walking
Who This Experience Is For
- Families with children
- Animal lovers
- Couples looking for a light activity
- Travelers who want something easy and different
Tour Options Available
Things to Do Around Lagoi Area
Treasure Bay Crystal Lagoon
Treasure Bay is one of the main activity areas in Bintan, best known for its large Crystal Lagoon.
The lagoon is wide and calm, making it ideal for easy water activities like swimming, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the water.
Unlike the open sea, the conditions here are more controlled, so it feels safe and comfortable for most visitors.
Besides the lagoon, there are several activity options available. Some people come just to enjoy the view and atmosphere, while others spend time trying different water activities.
The experience is flexible, some visitors stay for a couple of hours, while others spend half a day, depending on their plans.
Our Advice
- Bring swimwear if you plan to enter the lagoon
- Use sunscreen and sun protection
- Prepare extra clothes and a towel
Who This Experience Is For
- Couples and families
- Travelers who enjoy water activities
- Groups looking for flexible activities in one place
- Visitors who prefer a mix of relaxing and active options
Tour Options Available
- Treasure Bay Visit is part of our cutsom tours in Bintan
Local Experience in Bintan
Visit Local Market in Tanjungpinang
Visiting a local market in Tanjungpinang is a simple way to see the everyday side of Bintan, beyond the resort areas.
The market is usually busy and lively, with vendors selling local snacks, fresh seafood products, and daily essentials.
You can find items like local crackers (kerupuk) and dried fish, which are commonly bought by locals.
One unique part of the experience is that visitors can also try bargaining when shopping. It’s not a touristy place, which makes it feel more authentic.
Most visitors spend a short time here—just enough to walk around, try some local food, and observe daily life.
Best Time to Go
- Morning is the best time, when the market is more active and lively
- Try to arrive before 12:00 noon
Our Advice
- Bring small cash (IDR) for easy purchases
- Wear comfortable footwear
- Go with a guide if you want help understanding local products
Who This Experience Is For
- Travelers looking for local experiences
- Food lovers and curious explorers
- Couples and small groups
- Visitors interested in everyday local life
Tour Options Available
- This visit is usually arranged by Bintan Travel Guide (BTG) based on guest request, especially as part of custom tours in Bintan
Frequently Asked Questions
The best things to do in Bintan include mangrove and fireflies tours, snorkeling, ATV rides, visiting Blue Lake and Sand Dunes, exploring the 500 Lohan Temple, Safari Lagoi, Treasure Bay, and visit local markets in Tanjungpinang.
Yes, Bintan is worth visiting if you enjoy a mix of beaches, nature, light adventure, and local culture. It’s easy to explore and offers both relaxing and unique experiences.
Most travelers spend 2 to 3 days in Bintan. This is enough time to enjoy a mix of tours, relax, and explore different parts of the island.
It’s a river tour where you explore mangroves during the day and see fireflies at night. You can spot wildlife like monkeys and birds, then enjoy the calm atmosphere when fireflies light up the trees after sunset.
Yes, snorkeling in Bintan is beginner-friendly. The water is usually calm, and you can snorkel near a kelong platform, making it easy to enter and exit the water.
Some of the most unique places are Blue Lake and Sand Dunes, the 500 Lohan Temple, and local markets in Tanjungpinang, which offer a different experience from the beach areas.
At Treasure Bay, you can swim in the lagoon, try kayaking, relax by the water, or join other light activities. It’s a flexible place where you can stay for a few hours or half a day.
Yes, Bintan is suitable for families. Many activities like mangrove tours, snorkeling, Safari Lagoi, and Treasure Bay are easy and safe for children.
Bintan offers both. You can relax at beaches and lagoons or try activities like ATV rides and snorkeling. It depends on your travel style.
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)
