Things to do in Bintan

The speedboat service from Bintan Island to Singapore is punctual, the cabins are well-maintained, and the seats are comfortable. The journey takes about an hour; there may be some rocking when the sea is rough, so those prone to seasickness should bring their own medication. The boat has restrooms and a small shop, and the sea views are expansive throughout the journey. Boarding and immigration procedures are well-organized, and the overall travel experience is smooth and convenient.

You have to pay to enter and avail yourself of the resort's attractions and features. The entrance fee includes the right to swim in their cool blue pool. I also tried kayaking down the mangrove river. The guide assured me there are no crocodiles since the resort makes a monthly sweep of the area. Mangroves are natural habitats of crocodiles, though so I hope no crocodiles were harmed in this process and the ones who were here before the resort was built were rehomed somewhere as sweet. I debated whether to do the kayak or not. Cost was a factor but actually it ended up being worth it for me. The river was so serene and it was an introduction to a sport that I discovered I liked. Learned a lot about mangroves, too, from the guide. Better appreciation of nature and as I said, hopefully all parties (animals included) are better off in the long haul. Lastly, the pool was cool. Not a lot of people it seems because the pool is huuuuuge and there are lifeguards. Facilities like the shower and toilet need maintenance or upgrade. Some toilets seemed unusable for a while, a couple of sinks were broken and there's no where to hook your stuff (clothes, toiletries, towel) as you take a shower

Bintan Danau Biru (Blue Lake) and Desert (Sand Danes) offer a truly breathtaking experience. Despite being artificial, the pristine Blue Lake captivates with its stunning view, making it a fantastic photo stop. The journey to this hidden gem is well worth it, as the lake's beauty leaves an indelible mark on your soul. There are also ATV cars to be rented and photos taking with real eagles. However, the hot and humid weather caused by the bright sun can be a major setback, making the heat unbearable at times. Overall, whether you're visiting solo or with loved ones, Blue Lake is a must-see destination that promises an unforgettable and rejuvenating experience in Bintan.

The 500 Lohan Temple, also known as the Wan Fo Shih Temple, is a stunning and serene Buddhist temple located in Brunei Darussalam. It’s famous for housing 500 life-sized Lohan statues—each with unique facial expressions and gestures—symbolizing the enlightened disciples of Buddha. The temple’s architecture beautifully combines traditional Chinese design with spiritual symbolism, featuring intricate carvings, bright red pillars, and golden details. The peaceful ambiance makes it an ideal place for meditation, reflection, and photography. Visitors can also admire the grand Buddha statue and scenic surroundings. The 500 Lohan Temple offers a deep cultural and spiritual experience, showcasing harmony, devotion, and artistry.

White Sands Island, September 2018. It’s a private island in Bintan. Not easy to get there as you’ll need a few ferry and boat rides! But once you get there, you’ll fall in love with how exclusive the island is. Clear water and lotsa seashells for souvenirs hehehe… Staying in a little hut and waking up to sea view… Life is good!

This is a temple built with donations from local Chinese. There are many Chinese cultural elements in it, including many Chinese characters, many statues of characters from Chinese legends, and the 500 Arhats are particularly famous. It is a cultural attraction worth visiting. The attraction is located on the south side of the island, about an hour by taxi from the resort. The temple grounds are very large, and the front quarter is a plantation for dragon fruit cultivation. The main temple is a golden statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva. It does not look as tall as described in the book. The prayer area is also quite large. There are statues of Buddha and Arhats in the lower courtyard outside the temple. You can visit the entire attraction in about 30 minutes.

Trikora Beach is a famous beach on Bintan Island. The entire beach has not been commercially developed and remains in its original state. There are both reefs and beaches, as well as fishermen's boats. It is really a very romantic island scenery that makes people linger.