OFFBEAT

5 Reasons Why You Should Head To Bintan and Batam On Your Next Vacation

Devika Khosla

Last updated: Sep 24, 2019

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Eat

Seafood lovers will relish Indonesian dishes like stir fried butter prawns, black pepper crab and for something adventurous, sea snails!

See

The Bintan Elephant Park is where you can see and interact with Sumatran elephants.

Do

Visit the Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Monastery in Batam considered to be among the biggest Buddhist temples in Asia.

Click

The natural beauty in Bintan and Batam will have you clicking away!

Shop

Indonesian handicrafts are a great way to support local artisans. Pick up wood carvings made of coconut shell and colourful painted masks.

Want To Go ? 
   

Bintan or Batam? Many travellers ask which Indonesian island they should visit when making holiday plans. Why choose just one when you can have twice the fun by visiting both. Here are five reasons why you should head to Bintan and Batam on your next vacation.

Getting There is Easy

The most convenient way to get to both Bintan and Batam islands in Indonesia is to fly into Singapore from any major city in India. There are ferries that leave from the Singapore harbourfront at several times every day. The ferries are fitted out with air-conditioning and snacks and beverages are available onboard.

The ferry ride to Bintan and Batam takes between an hour and an hour-and-a-half. There are ferries that leave from Harbourfront and Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (10mins away from Changi Airport) several times daily.

Tip: Book in advance to avoid long queues, especially on weekends. 

Book Your Flight to Singapore (nearest airport)

Book Your Flight to Singapore (nearest airport)

Affordable Luxury

Both Bintan and Batam boast of some great luxury resorts with the choicest amenities at rates that are very affordable. World-class spas, epicurean restaurants with an array of cuisines and even designer boutiques…it’s all right here! Indulge in bespoke experiences like chartered boat rides, private gourmet picnics and candlelight meals on the beach without burning a hole in your pocket! 

Recommended affordable resorts:

Book Your Stay at Bintan SpaVilla Beach ResortBook Your Stay at Bintan SpaVilla Beach Resort

Book Your Stay at Bintan Lagoon ResortBook Your Stay at Bintan Lagoon Resort

Book Your Stay at Marjoly Beach ResortBook Your Stay at Marjoly Beach Resort

Read more: Planning a Holiday to Southeast Asia? Check Out These Ideas

Par for the Course

Some of the most picturesque golf courses can be found on Bintan and Batam islands. Touted as the ‘best golfing experience in Asia’, Bintan exclusive golf clubs boast of scenic coconut groves and foliage-framed greens. Batam’s golf courses are equally charming with hallmark breathtaking views of the waterfront and natural forest.

Recommended courses: Laguna Bintan Golf Club, Ria Bintan Golf Club. 

Water Sports

One of the signature actives to enjoy in Bintan and Batam is water sports. Try it all here including canoeing, jet skiing, wakeboarding and surfing. The waters here are crystal clear and perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving too! Other fun activities are fly fishing and banana boat rides. What’s more, the beaches in Bintan and Batam make beach bumming so easy that you may never want to leave.

Read more: 10 Tantalizing Things to Do in Bali for Free

Charming Nightlife

The islands of Bintan and Batam are undoubtedly spectacular and serene. Once the sun goes down, however, the disco lights come on and DJs start to work their magic. There are a few nightclubs where you can dance like nobody’s watching to pumping and thumping music. If you prefer something with a more chilled out vibe, there are lounges too where you can enjoy a mellow sundowner and a night filled with jazz and funk grooves. 

Recommended clubs: Silk Nightclub, Dope Club, Flyboyz, Hoobar and Cuba Sky Lounge, F Lounge Pub & KTV, Basecamp Resto & Bar.

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