About Bintan
Are you in the mood for picturesque white sand beaches, luxurious resorts, and beautiful diving experiences? Then Bintan is the place to be. Situated just a ferry ride away from Singapore, Bintanis a tropical island paradise that is sure to leave tourists with many wonderful vacation memories. A beautiful island getaway which is both culturally diverse and richly inhabited by natural beauty in plant and animal species, a trip to the Bintan Island is one that you will never forget!
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Bintan
Bintan Island, aslo known as NegeriSegantangLada to the locals, is the largest of the Riau Islands in Indonesia. Located east of Sumatra and at the northern tip of the Riau islands,Bintan is just 45 minutes south from Singapore, by ferry. Its strategic geographical location attracts many tourists, most of which are from either Singapore or Malaysia. In recent years, its popularity as a seaside holiday destination has grown and the number of visitors from all around the world has been on a steady rise since.
The capital of Bintan is Tanjung Pinang and is the biggest town in Bintan. One of the main attractions in Tanjung Pinang is its ancient and vibrant market that is partially on stilts. Other attractns include the cultural center which hosts various on stage performances featuring popular Malay dances and music. Many temples are also located around the area as well tombs and graves that are now where many important people in Indonesian history now lay to rest.
Bintan is well known for its luxurious beach front resorts which are mostly situated on the northwest side of the Island with some on the east coast.
The locals of Bintan are well known for their hospitality and courteousness. The local dialect spoken in Bintan is Bahasa Indonesia, however English is widely spoken, especially the Bintan resort area. Bintan has a deeply rooted history, a very colorful present and an extremely promising future as Indonesia markets it as the second popular tourist destination after Bali.
Diving in Bintan is an exciting experience. There are many varieties of marine wildlife that can be sighted here including several distinct species which are unique to the island. Six of the seven species of turtles found throughout the world are said to be found in Indonesia.
The waters around Bintan allow for a diving experience fit for any level of divers. Bintan is mainly known for its shallow fringing reef, beautiful coral and macro life.
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History
Bintan is a growing tourist attraction, attracting from all over the world. A large percentage of its tourists are from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia itself. Bintan is the largest of the 3,200 islands in the Riau Archipelago and the third largest among the 27 provinces in Indonesia. In the past, Bintan was known as an important hub for trade and has recently evolved into one of the most populartourist destinations in Indonesia.
Due to its strategic location, Bintan has made its mark in Indonesian history as a busy economic powerhouse, bearing witness to trade and barter throughout the centuries, as it is located along the China-India maritime trading route. In the 14th century, Bintan was well known for having the most number of pirates roaming in its waters. These pirates earned a reputation for themselves, using war ships to attack Chinese cargo ships returning from the Indian Ocean. To this day, Chinese ceramics dating back to the Song Dynasty may still be seen washed ashore from underwater shipwrecks.
TThe original settlers in Bintan and the rest of the Riau Islands are said to be Malay and Orang Laut people also known as the sea nomads. In later years, inhabitants from South Chinamigrated to Bintan, making it their home. Throughout the years, Bintan has seen many cultural influences and migrants from the Arabs, the Dutch and even the British.
During the 12th and 13th century, Bintanwas claimed as part of the Srivijaya Empire in Sumatra. Sri Tri Buana, a member of the Royal family later declared himself the King of Bintan and Singapore. At the late rule of Sultan Mansoor Shah from 1459 to 1466, Bintan and the rest of Riau became part of the Malacca. In 1511 however, the Malacca empirewas defeated by thPortugese. A war between the Portuguese, Johor Sultanate and the Acehnese of northern Sumatra then took place. This event is popularly known as the ‘War Triangle’, in which Bintan played great part of. Bintanhas since seen many rulers come and go, until the region eventually fell under the ruling of Dutch. In 1942, the Japanese occupied Bintan, and in 1945 it became the part of Riau province of the Republic of Indonesia.
Bintan Dive Resources
- View our scheduled Dive Trips or Suggest a Custom Trip
- See our Payment modes
- Learn more about Bintan
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Still not convinced? Just Ask!
Check before you go
- Passport expiry date (most countries require at least six months prior to the expiry date)
- Visa requirements
- Travel Insurance (make sure coverage for Scuba Diving is included)
- Medical status (Visit your doctor if you are unsure)
Bintan Weather NOW!
- Conditions for Singapore, SN at 9:59 pm SGTCurrent Conditions: Mostly Cloudy, 28 C Forecast: Wed - Scattered Thunderstorms. High: 31 Low: 26 Thu - Scattered Thunderstorms. High: 32 Low: 26 Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather (provided by The Weather Channel) […]
