Bintan Island

INTRO
If you dream for an exotic vacation in the tropical lands of Indonesia or just want to satisfy your senses with luxury and a taste of wild nature and delicious seafood, the Island of Bintan is the ideal place for you. Here, among the golden-sand beaches, year-round warm sun and the Buddhist-temples atmosphere, you would discover the other side of the Asian life.

City Profile
City: Bintan Island
Country: Indonesia
Area: 1, 866 km2
Population:2.7 million
Towns: 3
Language: Bahasa Indonesian

LOCATION
Strategically located next to Batam Island and at only 40 km from Singapore, Bintan is the largest of the Riau Islands and easily reachable by boat from both within and outside Indonesia. Facing the South China Sea, Bintan was once a successful trading port and is today an exotic place of golden sand beaches, coral reefs, tropical rainforests and wild life.

TIME TO VISIT
Bintan Island has an equatorial climate and the weather is warm and sunny almost throughout the whole year. The temperatures range between 21 and 33 degrees C. The monsoon season is between October and March, when the weather gets pleasantly cooler and the amount of rain increases. The ideal time to visit the island is during the spring or late summer when the sun is not so strong but good enough for a satisfactory tan and enjoyable sunbathing.

POPULATION
The population of the island is approximately 2.7 million, of which around 100,000 are foreigners. The majority of the population is Malay but there are many Chinese, Indians, Arabic and Indonesians. And even though the official language is Indonesian, the minorities communicate within their ethnic groups in their native languages and many people understand some English, especially at the nicest resorts.

TOWNS
The Island of Bintan is the homeland of three cities, one of which is the capital of the newly-formed Riau Province of Indonesia. All of these cities are a part of the conveniently arranged ferry transportation system that serves both domestic and international travelers. They also contribute to the island's trading and commercial industry.

Kijang is located on the east side of the Bintan Island, some 45 minutes drive from the capital of the Province. The city has a port, from where many ships provide direct links to the other Indonesian islands and inter-island destinations.
Tanjung Pinang is the main city on the island and the capital of the Riau Islands Province. The city is a rapid developing trading port and a shopping centre. There are several tourist attractions that allure tourists, including the Masjid Raya Sultan Mosque, the Raja Haji Fisabillah Monument and some others.
Tanjung Uban is a small town in the west side of the Bintan Island that also serves as a ferry stop from other outside-of-the island destinations, including Batam. The city is also the site of a Chinese Temple.
Bintan Resorts, also known as Lagoi, is situated in the northern part of the island and is a colony of Singapore. It is a relaxing and expensive resort area with natural beaches and nothing more to do than sunbathing, golfing and enjoying an isolated vacation.

SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS
Among the various leisure activities that this exotic island has to offer to its visitors, including paradise beaches, golfing, spa treatment and delicious seafood, there are a number of attractions that reflect the island's past and deserve tourists' attention.

Masjid Raya Sultan Mosque was built in 1844 and is one of the main tourist attractions on the Penyengat Island. The mosque is said to be made out of egg albumen, which is why so many tourists are curious to visit it. During the time of the temple's construction the island was inhabited by the Malayan King and his people and his palace and royal tombs are among the remains of his reign. The Mosque serves as a remainder of the islands past and is still used today for prayers.
Banyan Tree Temple is an impressive and most creative structure built in the hollow trunk of a giant Banyan Tree. The Temple was built by the Chinese in the region of the small Senggarang village. Boats from Tanjing Pinang to the temple are available.
Chinese Temple in located on the main street to Tanjung Uban Ferry terminal. The temple was built during the 1990s by Chinese people when many of them escaped to Bintan Island from the chaotic conditions in some Chinese cities. Today, apart from serving as a holy place for worshiping the Gods, the temple is the site for many festivals and celebrations of the local Chinese people, the biggest of which is the Mid Autumn Festival that is held for three days straight.
Senggarang Chinese Village is a small Chinese settlement that features Buddhist Temples with emphasized Chinese theme. Beside the temples, the village is adorned with Buddhist statues, some of which are characters from a classic Chinese novel, called "Journey to the West".
Raja Haji Fisabillah Monument is a 28 meters tall statue that commemorates the heroic Malayan King, Raja Haji, who sacrificed his life for the sake of his people against the Dutch in 1784. The monument can be seen in downtown Tanjung Pinang.

AIRPORT or FERRY
Even though the island has its own airport, it is rather small one and flights are limited. Therefore, Bintan Island can be reached either from the neighbouring Batam Island or from Singapore. Both are served by International Airports that connect them to the other parts of the world. Once arriving there, the most convenient and efficient way of getting to Bintan Island is by ferry.

Bintan Airport is a small airport that only serves certain domestic flights. The major airline company is Riau Airlines that fly within the country limits. It is possible to fly to Singapore or to the Batam International Airport instead and take the ferry to the Bintan Island.
Ferry: As the major seaport for the Riau Islands, Bintan is served by many companies that travel from Singapore, Batam and Johor Bahru. The island is at only 45 minutes journey from Singapore and at only 30 minutes from the nearest Batam Island. There are an ample number of ferries that travel to the region everyday. Note that Bintan time is one hour behind Singapore when planning your iternary. Usually, if you have booked a hotel, they provide you free transportation to your resort destination. Otherwise, you can either arrange your transport in advance or take a taxi and cautiously bargain its price. Bintan-Singapore schedule and price at: http://www.holidaycity.com/bintanresortferries/index.html

LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
Travel options in Bintan Island are limited. The only way of getting around the island is either by taxi or by car.

Taxis are not metred and as the competition is quite high, the drivers usually try to convince you to use their services at unreasonable prices. That is why you need to bargain and make sure they are not overpriced.
Cars are available for rent at the lobby of the hotels. The cost should don't exceed 50 dollars per day, since it can be found for 20 per day.

HISTORY
The earliest settlement of the island was by Malayans and Nomads before it got settled by a large number of migrants from South China and Asia. The native inhabitants had been under the powers of both Srivijayan and Malayan Kingdoms, the latter beginning in the 13th century. The proceeding century was marked by the reign of the Malacca Sultanate. Thanks to the Malaccan King, the island established communication with Europeans and since then the official language in the whole country is Malay, today called Bahasa Indonesian. Bintan remembers in its history times when it was invaded by the Portuguese in 1511 and the Dutch in the 18th century, which led to the destruction of its previously well-developed trading system. Later, after a Japanese attack, the island became a part of the Republic of Indonesia in 1945 and continued its historical path by being a centre for Malayan and Islamic culture.

CITY LINKS

Useful Tips: http://wikitravel.org/en/Bintan
Useful Travel Information Tips: http://www.brf.com.sg/ifos2/frequent.htm
Changi Airport Singapore: http://www.changiairport.com/changi/en/index.html