 "Located in the Riau Archipelago of Indonesia, Bintan Island is known for its pristine beaches, rich culture, and delicious food. Credits/Wikipedia")
Bintan Island, part of Indonesia’s Riau Islands, is gaining traction as a short-haul international getaway among Indian travellers.
Located close to Singapore, it is just an hour away by ferry, making it an easy and cost-effective extension to a Singapore trip.
Indian citizens require a Visa on Arrival or e-VoA for up to 30 days, priced at around ₹2,900. A typical 4 to 5 day trip may cost between ₹40,000 and ₹70,000 per person, including flights to Singapore, ferry transfers, accommodation and activities.
The destination is largely centred around resorts and relaxed travel.
Rising demand from India
Bintan has seen a strong start to 2026, with rising interest from Indian travellers seeking short, experience-led holidays.
The island recorded an approximate 94 per cent year-on-year increase in February, along with a nearly 40 per cent jump compared to January.
The growth reflects increasing visibility of the destination in the Indian market.
It also signals a broader trend of outbound travel from India picking up pace in the first quarter of the year.
Abdul Wahab, Chief Operating Officer, Bintan Resorts notes, “ Travel intent among Indian outbound travellers is becoming increasingly occasion-led and experience-driven, with trips now planned around specific interests such as fitness, wellness and outdoor activities rather than standalone leisure."
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View All“This is also reflected in a rise in short-duration, repeat international travel , with multiple industry reports indicating that Indian travellers are now taking 2-3 international trips annually, often aligned with long weekends and seasonal experiences,” says Wahab
History of Bintan
Traditionally referred to as Negeri Segantang Lada, Bintan Island has a recorded history dating back to the early 3rd century.
It once served as a key trading point along the route between China and India. Over time, it came under Chinese, British and later Dutch control, eventually becoming part of the Dutch East Indies following the Anglo–Dutch Treaty of 1824.
Today, Tanjung Pinang, located in the south, functions as the island’s main administrative and population centre.
When should you visit?
Bintan has a tropical climate, with temperatures generally ranging from 26°C to 32°C year-round.
The dry season, between May and September, is typically preferred for outdoor activities and beach visits.
What draws visitors?
The island is known for its beaches and relatively uncrowded environment. Travellers can spend time relaxing by the sea or opt for activities such as snorkelling and diving.
Lagoi Bay Beach remains one of the most frequented areas, known for its calm waters and sunset views. Its location on the northwestern coast makes it easily accessible from nearby resorts.
On the eastern side, Trikora Beach is known for its white sand and open coastline, where visitors often engage in water sports or leisure activities.
Cultural and natural highlights
Beyond its beaches, Bintan also offers insights into its cultural past. The Sultan of Riau Grand Mosque, situated on nearby Penyengat Island, is accessible by boat and remains an important historical landmark.
In Senggarang village, the Banyan Tree Temple is noted for tree roots that have gradually enveloped parts of the structure.
The island’s natural landscape also includes local wildlife, with monkeys commonly spotted in some areas and fireflies seen in quieter zones.
Positioning as a short-haul getaway
In a press statement, Bintan Resorts notes that Bintan is increasingly being packaged as an add-on to Singapore itineraries by travel agents, enabling travellers to visit two destinations within a single trip. This reflects a wider shift towards shorter, multi-destination holidays among Indian travellers.
The statement adds that Bintan Island is being actively promoted across key Indian cities to build awareness, improve familiarity with the destination and strengthen access through partnerships.
An aspiring globetrotter, Arpita Chowdhury is a writer, poet, and researcher with a strong grounding in human-interest storytelling. She holds an MA in Journalism and International Affairs from University College Dublin, completed in collaboration with the CNN Academy. Her reporting and commentary have appeared in several national and international dailies, spanning travel, culture, politics, and people-centric narratives. Powered by adrak chai, she is always chasing stories that connect place with people. Reach her at arpita.chowdhury2@nw18.com