Coordinates: 1°04′36″N 104°30′01″E
Bintan Island is situated inside the Riau Islands Province just 45-50 minutes ferry ride away from Singapore. I remember before I travelled there, I thought that Tanjung Pinang- the capital of Bintan was located in the Riau Province which is part of the Sumatra Island. I did my mini research to find out that Tanjung Pinang, Island of Bintan is actually located near Singapore and is the biggest island among the Riau Archipelago. I was psyched to know about this.
The flight from Jakarta (CGK) to Tanjung Pinang (TNJ) takes an hour and 30 minutes nonstop. Bintan Island is rich with bauxite, land of brown reddish colour and filled with mangroves. Other than that, Bintan is well knowned for its resorts especially on the northwest part of the island. Beaches with beach front international hotels and resorts are prominently situated at the Bintan Resort which set over an area of 300 hectares (740 acre) of tropical environment. Impressive!
So, what I did during my short trip in Bintan which you should try it too once you travel there are:
1. Festival Bahari Kepri 2016
I went to see the festival for a little while. There were traditional dances, more of 15 paramotors, carnival culture, launching the Gonggong Tourist Information Centre building, and many more. The event was very tight and the venue wasn’t designed for media’s, visitors and photographers. So, mostly each event was in a rush while photographers and visitors were trying to focus on taking pictures whilst the venue position weren’t in a good angle.
2. Bintan Mangrove
Bintan Magrove is a mangrove conservation area. You definitely have to take the mangrove discovery tour. It consists of 10 attraction sites along the way. Other than mangroves you may see wild animals and local customs. I saw mangrove snakes and biawak (big lizard lying on the tree). I love this kind of adventure. It reminded me of one of my wild trips in Asmat Papua during a boat ride. And I have found it similarly here. I recommend you to try this.
3.Gonggong
When you come to Bintan, you definitely have to try their gonggong scallops. Beautiful big shells and yummy scallops. It’s one of their uniqueness. That’s why they just launched their Tourist Information Centre with a huge gonggong shape building.
4. Ria Bintan Golf
This golf area is set amid the nature and lush landscapes. It has a 27-hole championship course designed by world golfing legend, Gary Player. The scenery was just breath-taking. If you are a golf lover, this place is much recommended.
5. Penyengat Island
Only 5 minutes away from Tanjung Pinang by Pompong boat. Penyengat Island and all its attractions are listed as UNESCO world heritage sites. This island is nice to enjoy the Malay culture heritages and in the 18th century Pulau Penyengat was known because of the Johor-Riau Kingdom.
Kids from SD 004 Tanjung Pinang Barat wearing Riau traditional costume
Mangrove conservation area
Ria Bintan Golf - by the sea
Ria Bintan Golf
Gonggong Shells
Pulau Penyengat, Bintan
The grave of Raja Hamidah (Engku Puteri) Permaisuri Sultan Mahmud Shah III Riau Lingga (1760-1812)
Inside the Custom hall
Custom hall
Sultan Riau Mosque
Sultan Riau Mosque
All photographs are taken by Fiona Callaghan.
Note from The Adventuress:
Always stay as a Conscious Adventurer with The Adventuress spirit of Peace, Love, Adventure, Nature, and Positivity or PLAN+ in short. With that, you wouldn’t want to harm the nature and destroy it. Rather you would want to explore the earth to learn its beauty as your private experience that will teach you to be a better person each day and value the wonderful creation of God.
Peace & Light,
The Adventuress