Luxury holidays in Bintan

A striking mix of Malay and Indonesian cultures, Bintan island is a beach-blessed under-the-radar paradise. Whether you’re topping up your tan in luxury style, getting back to nature or hunting for a no-brainer honeymoon, consider this wish-granting speck in the South China Sea.

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When to go

The dry season runs from October to January; visit on either end of this period to avoid peak-season crowds. Throughout the rest of the year, the island is prone to rainy spells.

Getting there

  • Planes

    Bintan may be part of Indonesia, but the easiest way to reach it is from Singapore (it’s ideal as a beachy stopover mid city break). Fly to Changi Airport, where direct flights arrive from the UK, most Asian capitals and some US cities; flight from New York usually stopover in Hong Kong. From there you can reach the island by ferry. It’s possible to fly to Bintan’s largest town Tanjung Pinang with Singapore Airlines or Garuda Indonesia, but this usually requires at least one connecting flight, making the ferry the fastest, cheapest option.

  • Trains

    The ferry from Singapore to Bintan takes roughly an hour. There are three ferry routes operated by various companies (Bintan Resort Ferries (www.brf.com.sg), Sindo Ferry (www.sindoferry.com.sg) and Mozaic Ferry Lines). Book via www.directferries.com for up-to-date prices.

  • Automobiles

    Most visitors to Bintan come for a spell of shoreside laziness, but it’s worth exploring beyond your resort. Most locals get around by motorbike and the roads are in fairly good shape, but if you rent a car on the island (usually organised through the hotel), you’ll be required to hire a driver, too. Hotel excursions with the transport arranged are a faff-free way to explore.