Just a short hop from Singapore, Bintan mixes lush tropics with laid-back beaches and local markets.
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Overview
Bintan Island, part of Indonesia's Riau Archipelago, is a popular and accessible tropical paradise located just a short ferry ride from Singapore. It has become an increasingly favored cruise destination for regional cruises operating out of Singapore, attracting lines like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, as well as being a popular short getaway for residents of Singapore. The island is broadly divided into two main areas: the exclusive Bintan Resorts area in the north, featuring luxury hotels, golf courses, and pristine beaches, and the more local and traditional southern region around Tanjung Pinang, the capital of the Riau Islands province.
A visit to Bintan offers cruise passengers a delightful mix of relaxation and exploration. Passengers can indulge in resort amenities, enjoy a wide array of water sports, explore diverse ecosystems like mangrove forests, or delve into the island's rich cultural heritage in its towns and villages. It's an ideal stop for those seeking a blend of natural beauty, leisure activities, and an authentic taste of Indonesian island life.
Many cruise excursions will focus on the Bintan Resorts area in the north. Spend your time relaxing on the beautiful white-sand beaches of Lagoi Bay or Trikora Beach, swim in the calm turquoise waters, or enjoy water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, or jet skiing. Some resorts also feature large man-made lagoons like the Crystal Lagoon at Treasure Bay, offering unique aquatic activities.
Tip: Check if your shore excursion includes resort access or day passes to enjoy the facilities.
Embark on a captivating Mangrove Discovery Tour along the Sebung River. Navigate through the dense mangrove forests by boat, observing the unique ecosystem that supports a variety of wildlife, including various bird species, monitor lizards, and sometimes even silver leaf monkeys. Some tours also offer a firefly watching experience in the evening.
Tip: This tour offers a fantastic insight into Bintan's natural environment and is a refreshing escape from the beaches.
Explore the impressive 500 Lohan Temple, also known as Vihara Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, near Tanjung Pinang. This Buddhist temple features an astonishing collection of 500 life-sized monk statues, each with uniquely carved facial expressions, making for a truly memorable and contemplative experience.
Tip: Remember to remove your shoes and hats, and dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) when visiting temples.
Delve into the local culture by visiting Tanjung Pinang, the capital city. Explore its traditional markets, street food stalls, and experience the local daily life. From Tanjung Pinang, you can take a local "pompong" (motorized sampan) to Penyengat Island, a historical island with a yellow mosque and royal mausoleums, once the seat of the Malay Riau-Lingga Sultanate.
Tip: Penyengat Island offers a deeper dive into the region's historical and cultural roots. Negotiate fare for the "pompong."
For golf enthusiasts, Bintan boasts several championship golf courses designed by renowned names like Jack Nicklaus. Courses like Ria Bintan Golf Club or Bintan Lagoon Resort's courses offer stunning ocean views and lush tropical surroundings, providing a memorable golfing experience.
Tip: Book tee times in advance, especially during peak season, either through your cruise line or directly with the resorts.
Venture inland to discover the unique and surprising Bintan Desert and Blue Lake (Gurun Pasir Busung and Danau Biru). This area, formerly a bauxite mining site, has transformed into an unusual landscape of sand dunes (resembling a desert) alongside a strikingly clear, turquoise blue lake. It's a popular spot for photography.
Tip: This is a less conventional, but visually striking, natural attraction. Consider combining it with other inland tours.
Aboard
Norwegian Sun
From
Laem Chabang (Bangkok), Thailand
1 Sailing
Jan 30, 2026
Published prices from
per person*
taxes & fees included
Aboard
Norwegian Sun
From
Singapore, Singapore
1 Sailing
Mar 10, 2026
Published prices from
per person*
taxes & fees included
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