Just an hour away from Singapore, Bintan Island is emerging as one of Southeast Asia’s top travel destinations in 2025. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a family vacation, or a solo retreat, Bintan offers the ideal mix of pristine beaches, adrenaline-pumping adventures, and high-end luxury. What makes the experience even more seamless is the accessibility—Singapore to Bintan ferry services are frequent and convenient, and with ferry online booking options available on redBus, planning your trip is easier than ever.
Relaxation Retreats: Wellness, Beaches & Nature
If you’re looking to unwind, Bintan Island has a range of wellness retreats and natural sanctuaries to help you relax and recharge. The island is home to several top-rated resorts like The Sanchaya and Banyan Tree Bintan, both offering oceanfront villas, holistic spa treatments, and tailored wellness programs.
Tranquil beach stretches such as Lagoi Bay and Trikora Beach are perfect for a quiet day in the sun. Visitors can also indulge in guided yoga and meditation sessions held at beachfront resorts or nestled in forest hideaways. For nature lovers, the Sebung River mangrove tour provides a peaceful escape into Bintan’s lush ecosystems, where you can spot native birds and marine life.
Adventure Activities: Thrills on Land and Sea
For those craving adventure, Bintan doesn’t disappoint. The island’s coastline invites water sports enthusiasts to try their hand at jet skiing, wakeboarding, snorkelling, and even diving at spots like White Sands Island and Mapur Island, where coral reefs and marine biodiversity are still largely untouched.
Back on land, you can go off-roading with ATV rides through tropical forests, or challenge yourself with a trek up Gunung Bintan, the island’s highest point, which rewards hikers with panoramic views and a chance to spot monkeys and exotic birds. Eco-adventures such as cycling tours through local villages or kayaking in mangrove forests offer a balance between thrill and cultural immersion.
Luxury Experiences: Premium Resorts, Dining & Golf
Bintan Island caters exceptionally well to luxury travellers. Resorts like Club Med Bintan and The Residence Bintan elevate the experience with private pools, butler services, and bespoke experiences including sunset cruises and private beach dinners.
When it comes to dining, the island boasts a variety of fine-dining options serving everything from authentic Indonesian dishes to international gourmet cuisines. For golf enthusiasts, Ria Bintan Golf Club, designed by golfing legend Gary Player, offers an award-winning course with breathtaking views of the South China Sea, making it one of the best golf experiences in the region.
Travel Tips & How to Get There in 2025
Getting to Bintan Island is straightforward, especially from Singapore. The Singapore to Bintan ferry service operates from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal and connects travellers to Bintan’s Bandar Bentan Telani (BBT) terminal in less than 60 minutes. It’s highly recommended to make your ferry online booking in advance through redBus to secure preferred timings and avoid queues during peak travel seasons.
Visa regulations in 2025 remain traveller-friendly—citizens of most countries either don’t need a visa or can get a visa-on-arrival. Local transportation on the island includes resort shuttles, taxis, and rental cars. The best time to visit Bintan is from March to October, when the weather is dry and pleasant, ideal for beach outings and outdoor activities.
From serene beaches and lush retreats to adrenaline-pumping adventures and luxurious indulgences, Bintan Island in 2025 offers a truly well-rounded getaway. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip from Singapore or an extended tropical vacation, this Indonesian gem promises experiences that suit every traveller’s style.