Take a Ferry to Bintan Island With Family

Laxmi TiwariApr 18, 2021

One of the perfect spots for travelling with family is Bintan Island in Indonesia. Located within the Riau Islands province in Indonesia, Bintan Island is the perfect getaway from Malaysia. Malay people can easily get on ferries and travel to Bintan Island for a fun weekend. One can find a Bintan ferry from different locations in Malaysia. Usually, people prefer to book a ferry to Bintan from Johor Bahru in Malaysia. From exciting flora/fauna to historical places, there is much to explore in Bintan. It is among the most-visited islands of Indonesia. The beaches and resorts in Bintan also attract tourists from far-off places. Read on to know more about a visit to Bintan Island from Malaysia.

Bintan Island has a lot to offer in terms of natural beauty for adventure and luxurious resorts to fascinate people of all ages. The best part about this island is that it is reachable from neighbouring countries, including Malaysia and Singapore. Let’s find out more about the prospects of such a trip to help you decide when and how to reach here for your holidays.

How to Reach Bintan Island?

The best way to reach Bintan island with family is by taking a ferry from Johor Bahru, Singapore, or Indonesia. These ferry rides make a perfect start to the trip for the whole family. The ferries are comfortable with basic and luxurious amenities to transport the passengers from one port to another.

The only port in Malaysia with ferry rides operating to Bintan is the Berjaya Waterfront Ferry terminal in Johor Bahru. There are a total of three ferries to this Island. The destination port is the Sri Bintan Pura Ferry Terminal at Tanjung Pinang, also known as the Tanjung Pinang Ferry Terminal. The ride duration is 180 minutes.

Buy Ferry Tickets Online to Bintan

The availability of online ferry tickets has made it very easy to plan trips. When you book tickets online, you do not have to worry about personally going to the counters to purchase them. It allows you to freely plan your family trip and get the tickets well ahead to have a worry-free vacation.

You can take a ferry from the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Tanjung Pinang Ferry Terminal on the redBus online platform. Sindo Ferry and Bintan Resort Ferries are top ferry services when it comes to taking a ferry to Bintan.

Places to Stay in Bintan Island with Family

Bintan and Batam are popular tourist destinations in Indonesia. Bintan is well known for its beautiful beaches, exotic locations, and activities around the water bodies. Unlike the other islands where shopping and other materialistic options precede natural beauty, Bintan is truly a natural paradise.

Is Bintan perfect for families?

Bintan is among the best family destinations in Southeast Asia. Families can buy Bintan ferry tickets and have a wonderful experience. There are many resorts and hotels in Bintan for families. Families visiting Bintan can also book a villa and enjoy a luxurious stay. The government of Indonesia has invested in Bintan to develop infrastructural facilities for tourists. Families will have access to abundant public facilities on Bintan Island.

From fancy restaurants to beach resorts, one can find it all on Bintan Island. The best villas and resorts on Bintan Island for families are as follows:

Cassia Bintan

Cassia Bintan is among the most popular resorts on Bintan Island. Here, you will have access to a private beach, maintained at frequent intervals. The staff at Cassia Bintan will lend you a luxurious experience. The price of a stay at Cassia Bintan ranges around RM 710.

Natra Bintan

It is a themed resort on Bintan Island preferred by many. You can feel what it is like living in a camp, amidst nature. You will have access to different modern amenities during your stay at Natra Bintan. Luxury tents at Natra Binta offer WIFI, a jacuzzi, and many other facilities. You will also have access to a private garden during your stay at Natra Bintan. The price of accommodation at Natra Bintan is around RM 770.

The Spa Villa Bintan

The Spa Villa Bintan is the best place to enjoy a scenic beach view. Besides enjoying a beach view at Spa Villa Bintan, you can also have a massage. Spa services are available for families visiting Bintan Island. The price of accommodation at Spa Villa Bintan is around RM 480.

Grand Lagoi Hotel by Wilson

People prefer Grand Lagoi for a stay in Bintan due to its exotic location. Besides enjoying the scenic views from the hotel room, one will also have access to abundant amenities at Grand Lagoi. There is a rooftop pool at the hotel, which is a major attraction in Bintan. The onsite restaurant of Bintan will help you taste the local flavour. The price of accommodation at Grand Lagoi is around RM 460.

Nirwana Gardens – Indra Maya Pool Villa

Although a little expensive, Nirwana Gardens is among the best villas on the island. There is also a rock beach near Nirwana Gardens for visitors. Besides luxurious facilities, visitors will have a serene experience at Nirwana Gardens on Bintan Island. The price of accommodation in Nirwana Gardens might go up to RM 2,500.

Anmon Resort Bintan

Enjoy your vacation luxuriously at this desert-themed resort, where you can camp in modern tents and enjoy the pools there.

Gurun Pasir Busung

The Gurun Pasir Busung is famous for the Sand Dunes that remind you of Arabia Nights. These dunes are leftovers of yesteryears’ quarries, which have completely transformed the landscape into a picturesque view to be enjoyed by one and all.

Mangrove Forest

Bintan Island is blessed with mangrove forests that you can explore on a cruise, bringing you close to some wildlife during the day or the starry nights and flies at night.

Rumah Arang

Do you think igloos only exist in the Arctic? Well, you’re wrong! You may find some igloos made of bricks at Rumah Arang. They used to be furnaces that burnt mangroves for charcoal. Now, they serve as backdrops for pictures to make you feel like stepping back into an ancient kingdom.

Treasure Bay Bintan

It is a one-stop entertainment for the whole family, including luxurious tents and water sports. There is a mangrove river for people to explore, and the ocean just a short distance away. You can also find AC and WiFi facilities inside the tents, apart from others.

If you are interested in underwater life, the Bintan Wake park allows you to explore it. There is also an exclusive pool for the kids to enjoy some water activities.

Best Things to do in Bintan

Some of the best things to do in Bintan with family and friends are as follows:

Explore Crystal Lagoon

It is a natural saltwater lagoon in Bintan that attracts many tourists. Spread across 16 acres, people can enjoy water sports activities at Crystal Lagoon. Visit the lagoon near Treasure Bay for sailing. You can also ride an underwater scooter in the lagoon for a memorable experience.

Visit the Thousand Face Temple

The Thousand Face Temple is located within the Vihara Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva site. It is a Buddhist site that attracts many pilgrim seekers. There are 500 beautiful statues at this temple with unique facial expressions. The temple gates and shrines are enormous, lending an indelible experience.

Explore Trikora Beach

People travelling from the Tanah Merah ferry terminal to Bintan or any other location usually start by visiting the beaches. Trikora is a popular beach on the east coast of Bintan Island. At Trikora Beach, you can find thatched beach huts, eateries, snorkelling sites, and more.

Scour through Tanjung Pinang

After you book ferry tickets online, don’t forget to plan a trip to the capital of Bintan Island. Tanjung Pinang is the capital of the island and offers several tourist sports. From serene beaches to 18th-century forts, there is much to see in Tanjung Pinang. It is also a perfect place to try sumptuous seafood dishes in Bintan.

Plan a hike to Mount Bintan

Adventure lovers can plan a hike to Mount Bintan for a lifetime experience. The highest peak on Mount Bintan is around 340 metres above sea level. From the top of Mount Bintan, you can enjoy scenic views of the villages, jungles, and rivers. It will take around 2-3 hours to reach the top of Mount Bintan.

How to Reach Bintan from Malaysia?

For reaching Bintan from Malaysia, one can book ferry tickets online on redBus. Tickets from Johor Bahru Ferry Terminal to Bintan are available online. You can also book a ticket from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Bintan. Usually, tourists from Malaysia use the Tanjung Pinang Ferry Terminal in the capital city to get into Bintan.

While booking a Bintan ferry, you can view several options on redBus. Be it from Johor Bahru or any other place in Malaysia, one can find abundant ferries on redBus to reach Bintan. It also allows visitors from Malaysia to book return tickets from Bintan. If you are travelling from JB to Bintan, it will take you around three hours via a ferry.

You may be interested in reading – Top Reasons to Hop on a Ferry to Batam

Conclusion

Going to Bintan Island with family is an experience everyone should have at least once. Ferries offer a beautiful view of the ocean for the adults and a new travel mode for the kids to explore. Online ferry booking to Bintan Island on redBus have made it easy to make travel arrangements well in advance.

Bintan has good connectivity within the nation and with the neighbouring countries. So, don’t wait. Plan a trip to Bintan Island with family right away!

FAQs

Q. What is Bintan Island known for?

Bintan Island is known for its serene beaches, quaint resorts, and luxurious villas. People also prefer Bintan Island to enjoy water sports activities. The capital city of Bintan Island consists of some ancient forts and monuments for history buffs.

Q. Which is better, Bintan or Batam?

Both islands offer a serene experience to tourists. One can choose to visit any of them based on the availability of ferries. You can book Batam ferry on redBus ferry online booking.

Q. What are the travel requirements for Bintan?

Basic Requirements to enter Bintan islands include –

A valid passport (with at least 6 months of validity)
Individuals must be fully vaccinated as per government guidelines. For more information, check https://covid19.go.id/tentang-vaksin-covid19
Register on the PeduliLindungi app and complete the Traveler Health Quarantine Application Form before your arrival at the Bintan ferry terminal
One-Way or return ticket to Singapore or any other country that you are travelling
Travel insurance with a minimum of S$30K COVID-19 coverage

Visa Free Travel is allowed for

Travellers from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam are not required to apply for a Visa to enter Bintan Islands
It is applicable for a maximum of 30 days and is non-extendable

VISA On Arrival (VOA) Travel

VISA on Arrival is available at the Bintan ferry terminal for travellers from about 86 countries. To know more, you can check https://kemlu.go.id/bern/en/pages/visa_kunjungan_saat_kedatangan/5210/etc-menu
Travellers can avail Visa On Arrival at at cost of IDR 500.000/person for maximum 30 days stay
Beyond 30 days, an additional payment of IDR 500.000/person is required for renewal of the visa. Check more on the above link.