The north and east coasts of Bintan are attractive tourists resorts. The main attractions are the old town of Tanjung Pinang and the relatively untouched beaches. To get there take a ferry form the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal. The trip takes about 45-90 minutes depending on the quality of the ferry.
To the north reigon of Lagoi, Bintan loses it's rugged Indonesian charm which is replaced by elegant beauty - the Indonesian government has been given the Bintan Islands north to Singapore to manage. Here, everything costs more than what you would normally pay. For instance, a US$0.40/S$0.70 bottle of mineral water will be sold for S$3-at 4 times the normal price.
This place has luxury and mid-range accommodation. 2-3* serviced apartments go for S$45/night for 2 bedrooms and S$65/night for 3 bedrooms (Bintan Lodge). Cabanas go for S$70 for a twin sharing room and S$90 for a triple sharing room at the Mana Mana Beach Resort(3*). On the other hand, the ultra-luxurious Banyan Tree Resort can go up to as much as US$250 per person per night.
Ferries leave for the resort from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal(TMFT) the rate of S$35-45 per person.
In the south, there are 2 main towns- Tanjung Uban and Tanjung Pinang. Although prostitution is a problem, the two towns are family friendly (apart from the odd red light district).
In Tg. Pinang, the population is 85% Malay and 15% Chinese. As a result, Teochew, Cantonese, Hokkien, Riau Malay, Bahasa Indonesia, and English are spoken here. Spoken Dutch in Indonesia is quite dead.
To get to Tg. Pinang, take a ferry from TMFT at S$30-35/person. Hotels there are good. A 3* hotel with a luxuriant pool, an attached park and nearby mall goes for as little as S$35 per night for 2. The Bintan Beach Hotel and The Royal Palace Hotel provide these. Most hotels provide pickup services from the jetty.
There is no public transport on Bintan Island, as a result, there is a lucrative taxi trade. The cabbies at the jetty will try to fleece you. Going to the main road where locals find their taxis is a better solution. These taxis are reasonable. A 40KM trip to Trikora Beach costs Rp40, 000 (S$1=Rp5600, S$1=US$1.6)
Trikora Beach is pristine and relatively untouched, however, there is an influx of locals during weekends. There are many water and beach sports there.
If you stay at Trikora Beach, you can go to the Shady Shack which is a collection of rudimentary but charming chalets. A chalet for 2 people goes for Rp100, 000 a night (or S$18/US$11) Lobo and his wife will cook you a traditional Indonesian breakfast.
You can also charter a boat to go to nearby islands to explore or kelongs to discover. Kelongs are fishing outposts on stilts that dot the south east Asian coastline. Here, you can experience traditional life, the freshest of seafood, and an unobstructed view of the sea.
Some kelongs even have restauraunts and decent lodging facilities. The boatman should not charge any thing over Rp50,000.
The island also has a beautiful virgin rainforest that is a gem to be discovered. You are garaunteed to have a wonderful time and an exhilerating experience. This is Asia's beauty in her raw and unadultered form.
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