More about hotels in Bintan Regency
Guide to Staying in Bintan Island
Bintan Island is the largest island in the Riau Archipelago, located southeast of Singapore and east of Batam. For Malaysian travellers, Bintan represents an affordable yet upscale tropical escape that rivals more distant beach destinations. The island is split between the resort-heavy northern coast — developed with international-standard hotels and golf courses — and the more local southern area centred on the capital, Tanjung Pinang, which brims with cultural heritage, street food, and colourful markets. Traveloka makes it simple to compare Bintan hotels across both zones, ensuring you find the right fit for your holiday style and budget.
Best Areas to Stay in Bintan
Where you stay in Bintan shapes your entire experience. Here are the key areas to consider:
Bintan Resorts (Lagoi Bay) on the northern coast is where most international travellers stay. This integrated resort zone features big-name brands with private beaches, infinity pools, spa pavilions, and on-site restaurants. It is perfect for travellers who want a seamless, all-inclusive beach holiday.
Trikora Beach on the eastern coast offers a more laid-back, rustic vibe. Accommodation here ranges from simple beachside chalets to mid-range boutique stays. Trikora is ideal for budget-conscious travellers who want a quiet beach experience without the resort price tag.
Tanjung Pinang is Bintan's main town and administrative centre. Hotels here are the most affordable on the island. The town is a gateway to local culture, with Chinese temples, Malay stilt villages, and bustling wet markets. It is also the ferry hub connecting Bintan to other Riau Islands.
Berakit and Sebung on the northern and eastern fringes are emerging areas with eco-lodges and glamping sites. These spots suit adventurous travellers looking for mangrove tours, firefly cruises, and off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Bintan Hotel Prices
Bintan accommodation spans a wide range, from backpacker-friendly guesthouses to five-star resorts. Here is a price guide in Ringgit Malaysia:
Budget stays: RM 60 – RM 180 per night. Guesthouses and basic hotels in Tanjung Pinang or along Trikora Beach. Rooms are clean and functional with essentials like air conditioning and Wi-Fi.
Mid-range hotels: RM 180 – RM 450 per night. Boutique hotels and three- to four-star properties with pools, restaurant service, and beach access. These represent the sweet spot for most Malaysian holidaymakers.
Luxury resorts: RM 450 – RM 1,500+ per night. Premium beachfront resorts in the Lagoi Bay zone with private villas, butler service, championship golf courses, and world-class spa facilities.
Weekday stays are typically 20–30% cheaper than weekends. Traveloka frequently runs flash sales and promo codes for Bintan hotels — checking the app before booking can yield significant savings.
Top Things to Do in Bintan
Beach hopping: Bintan's coastline offers a variety of beach experiences. Lagoi Bay has powdery white sand and crystal-clear water, Trikora Beach is great for snorkelling, and the secluded coves near Berakit are perfect for those who want solitude.
Mangrove discovery tour: Take a boat through Bintan's mangrove forests to observe wildlife including monitor lizards, mudskippers, and various bird species. Evening tours often include firefly watching, which is a magical experience.
Water sports: The northern resorts offer kayaking, jet-skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, banana boat rides, and parasailing. ATV rides along the beach are also popular and cost around RM 60 – RM 120 per session.
Tanjung Pinang cultural walk: Explore the old town's Chinese temples, visit the Penyengat Island royal mosque (a short boat ride away), and browse the lively Akau Potong wet market for local snacks and fresh produce.
Golf: Bintan boasts several world-class golf courses designed by renowned architects, including Ria Bintan Golf Club and Laguna Bintan Golf Club. Green fees range from RM 200 to RM 500, with stunning ocean-view fairways.
Treasure Bay Bintan: This attraction features a man-made Crystal Lagoon where you can swim, kayak, and lounge on floating platforms. Entry fees start from around RM 50 per person.
Bintan Food and Dining
Bintan's food scene reflects its Malay, Chinese, and Indonesian influences. Must-try dishes include:
Otak-otak: Grilled fish cake wrapped in banana leaves — Bintan's version is slightly different from the Malaysian style, with a spicier kick.
Gonggong: A local sea snail delicacy unique to the Riau Islands, served boiled with a sambal dip. You will find this at almost every seafood restaurant.
Mie Tarempa: A noodle dish originating from the Anambas Islands, featuring thin yellow noodles with a rich fish-based broth.
Seafood dining: Like neighbouring Batam, Bintan offers abundant and affordable seafood. Restaurants along Trikora Beach and in Tanjung Pinang serve fresh crab, prawns, squid, and grilled fish at prices significantly lower than in Malaysia.
A full meal at a local eatery costs around RM 12 – RM 30 per person. Resort dining is pricier at RM 50 – RM 150 per person, but the quality and setting are often worth the premium.
Getting to Bintan from Malaysia
Ferry via Singapore: The most common route is to cross into Singapore and take a ferry from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Bintan Resorts (Lagoi) — about 60 minutes. Ferries also run to Tanjung Pinang from HarbourFront Centre.
Ferry from Johor Bahru: Ferries from Stulang Laut in JB connect to Tanjung Pinang, with a journey time of roughly 2 to 3 hours. Return tickets cost around RM 120 – RM 180.
Flights: Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport (TNJ) in Tanjung Pinang receives flights from Kuala Lumpur and other Indonesian cities. The flight from KL takes approximately 1.5 hours. A taxi from the airport to Tanjung Pinang town costs around RM 15 – RM 25.
Getting around Bintan: The island is large, and public transport is limited. Grab is available but not as widespread as in Batam. Many resorts offer shuttle services. For independent exploration, hiring a car with a driver for the day (approximately RM 180 – RM 300) is the most practical option.
Best Time to Visit Bintan
Bintan has a tropical equatorial climate with consistent warmth throughout the year. Average temperatures range from 26°C to 32°C.
March to October is generally the best period, with less rainfall and sunnier skies. This is peak season for beach activities, water sports, and golf. Sea conditions are calmer, making ferry crossings and snorkelling more enjoyable.
November to February sees increased rainfall due to the northeast monsoon. Rain tends to come in heavy afternoon showers rather than all-day drizzles. This is the low season, and hotel prices can drop by 20–40%, offering excellent value for travellers who do not mind occasional rain.
For the best combination of weather and prices, consider visiting in March, April, or September — shoulder months that offer dry weather without peak-season crowds.
Bintan Hotel Booking Tips
Compare resort vs. town stays: Lagoi Bay resorts offer convenience but at a premium. Staying in Tanjung Pinang and visiting resort beaches on a day pass can save you a significant amount while still enjoying the best of Bintan.
Book through Traveloka for member discounts: Traveloka members often receive exclusive promo codes and cashback on Bintan hotels. Check the app's deals section before finalising your booking.
Pack wisely: Sunscreen, insect repellent, and reef-safe sunblock are more expensive on the island. Bring these from Malaysia to save money.
Plan transfers in advance: If staying at a Lagoi Bay resort, confirm whether airport or ferry terminal transfers are included. Some resorts charge separately for this service.
Explore beyond the resorts: Bintan's local culture and nature are just as rewarding as its beaches. Allocate at least one day for Tanjung Pinang, Penyengat Island, or a mangrove tour to get a well-rounded Bintan experience.
Weekend vs. weekday: If your schedule allows, arrive on a Monday or Tuesday for the lowest hotel rates. Weekend and holiday pricing in the Lagoi resort zone can be 30–50% higher than weekday rates.
For more island destinations in the region, browse hotels in Lingga Regency or explore stays in Kepulauan Aru.
