Flight to Bintan / Tanjung Pinang (TNJ)

Bintan is one of the main islands of Indonesia's Riau Islands province, lying south-east of Singapore and a ferry ride from Johor Bahru. Tanjung Pinang, the provincial capital on its south-west coast, is a historic Malay trading town, while the north coast is known for quiet beaches, golf courses and resort stays. Many Malaysians know Bintan as a ferry trip, but flights to Bintan are a useful option for travellers coming from other parts of Indonesia or connecting through Jakarta. The island's airport, Raja Haji Fisabilillah (TNJ), sits near Tanjung Pinang.

About Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport, Bintan

Location

The airport is located in the south-west of Bintan Island, on the outskirts of Tanjung Pinang. It is named after an eighteenth-century Riau hero whose resting place lies on nearby Penyengat Island. From the airport it is a short drive into Tanjung Pinang, while the Lagoi area on the north coast is much further away across the island.

Terminals

TNJ has a single, modest passenger terminal handling mainly domestic Indonesian flights. The building is compact and easy to find your way around, with facilities on a smaller scale than at big city airports. Because it is not a large hub, it pays to arrive at the terminal in good time and confirm your flight details on the e-ticket.

Getting to and from Bintan Airport

Taxis are available outside the terminal, and car hire with a driver is a common way to get around Bintan, as public transport on the island is limited. Many resorts in the north arrange transfers for their guests. If you are visiting Tanjung Pinang, the town centre and the Sri Bintan Pura ferry terminal are within easy reach by car.

Direct and Connecting Flights to Bintan

Flights to Tanjung Pinang are mostly domestic routes within Indonesia, so travellers from Malaysia usually fly via a larger Indonesian airport such as Jakarta. On the results page, use the Direct filter to see nonstop legs and compare the number of stops and layover times on each itinerary. The flight schedule on this page shows what is operating today.

For many Malaysians, the sea route is the simplest way in. Ferries run from Johor Bahru to Tanjung Pinang, and from Singapore to both Tanjung Pinang and the Bandar Bentan Telani terminal serving Lagoi. Choose a flight when you are coming from elsewhere in Indonesia or combining Bintan with Jakarta, and a ferry when you are starting from Johor or Singapore. Either way, check the entry requirements for Indonesia for your passport before travelling.

When to Fly to Bintan

Bintan has a warm, humid equatorial climate much like southern Malaysia, with rain possible in any month. The north-east monsoon, roughly from November to February, brings stronger winds and rougher seas, especially along the east coast near Trikora Beach, and may affect water activities. The drier, calmer months in between are good for island hopping and beach days.

Demand from Malaysia and Singapore rises during school holidays, Chinese New Year and long weekends, while Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Idul Fitri in Indonesia) also brings many Indonesian travellers home. Book ahead for these dates, especially if you plan to stay in Lagoi. For better-value flights, compare the fare charts on this page and set a Price Alert for your preferred dates.

Popular Places in Bintan

Penyengat Island

A short boat ride from Tanjung Pinang, this small island was once the seat of the Riau-Lingga sultanate. Its bright yellow Sultan of Riau Mosque, royal tombs and old palace ruins make it Bintan's most important heritage site.

Senggarang

Across the bay from Tanjung Pinang, Senggarang is a Chinese fishing village with wooden houses on stilts and temples, including one famously wrapped in the roots of a banyan tree.

Trikora Beach

Stretching along the east coast, Trikora is a long sandy shoreline with simple seafood stalls and small islands offshore. At low tide the water recedes a long way, revealing rock pools.

Lagoi Bay

The resort area in the north of the island has a landscaped beachfront, water sports and a small cluster of shops and cafes. It is the main base for most holidaymakers on Bintan.

Sebung River Mangroves

Boat tours through the mangrove forest reveal monitor lizards, kingfishers and, at night, twinkling fireflies. It is a relaxing way to see Bintan's natural side.

Where to Stay in Bintan

Lagoi, on the north coast, is where you will find the island's integrated resort area, with private beaches, golf and family facilities. Trikora on the east coast is quieter and more rustic, with small beach lodges. Tanjung Pinang town suits travellers on a budget, those arriving by air at TNJ, and anyone who wants markets, street food and easy access to Penyengat Island.

Food to Try in Bintan

Gong-Gong

These small sea snails are Bintan's signature dish, usually boiled and eaten with a spicy chilli dip. You pick the meat out with a toothpick, and it is a favourite snack in Tanjung Pinang.

Otak-Otak

Fish paste mixed with spices, wrapped in leaves and grilled over charcoal. The Riau Islands version is often softer and spicier than what Malaysians may know from home.

Mie Lendir

Yellow noodles in a thick, sweet peanut and sweet potato gravy, topped with a boiled egg and bean sprouts. It is a popular breakfast in Tanjung Pinang.

Luti Gendang

A crispy fried bread roll with a spicy shredded fish filling. It is a handy snack to take along on a day of exploring.

Planning a getaway to the Riau Islands? Compare flights to Bintan and Tanjung Pinang on Traveloka and keep your plans flexible with Easy Reschedule.