Tested! A complete guide to unlocking Singapore’s backyard
Just a 55-minute boat ride from Singapore lies the tropical paradise island of Bintan. Besides its pristine white beaches and lush rainforests, the island offers unique local delicacies. On average, 80% of Singaporeans visit annually. Follow this guide to discover a different side of Singapore’s charm.
Must-visit attractions
🏝 White Sand Island: Home to incredibly pristine natural wonders, the white sandy beach stretches endlessly, the water is crystal clear, and you can snorkel among schools of fish🐠. With very few tourists, you can enjoy a peaceful sunbath☀ or watch the waves alternate between calm and fierce.
🌿 Mangrove Forest: Experience an exhilarating speedboat ride along the Sebang River, flanked by towering mangroves reaching tens of meters high, creating a mysterious atmosphere. Along the way, spot silver leaf monkeys leaping through branches and kingfishers diving for fish. At night, fireflies flicker like a fairy tale come to life.
🏯 Ling San Ji Yu Temple: This massive Southeast Asian Buddhist temple is breathtaking. The 500 Arhat statues are all carved by Chinese artisans, showcasing a beautiful cultural fusion and carrying the nostalgia of the Chinese community. It’s a popular spot for visitors to check in.
Local flavors
🍛 Rijstaffel: You must try this signature Indonesian feast! A luxurious platter of 20 dishes featuring flavors from various islands, such as fried chicken🍗, curried beef🥘, vegetable salads, and more. The variety is dazzling and perfect for sharing with a group.
🍗 Indonesian Fried Chicken: Golden and crispy on the outside, tender inside, paired with spicy sambal chili sauce🌶 and refreshing cucumber slices🥒. One bite instantly refreshes your palate.
Hotel recommendation: Four Points by Sheraton Bintan, Lagoi Bay
Located in the leisure area of Lagoi Bay on Bintan Island, surrounded by beaches, golf courses, and an ecological park🌊, it perfectly embodies the relaxed and diverse pleasures of an island vacation.
Hotel highlights
The hotel offers a variety of room types, from garden view rooms to sea view rooms, as well as comfortable suites and villas🏡, catering to different vacation needs and instantly making you fall in love with the relaxed vibe✨.
The hotel and its surroundings are fully equipped! Not only is there a golf course⛳, but also a spa for relaxation, a gym🏋, and a KIDS CLUB to balance exercise and family time, ensuring fun for guests of all ages.
As a key area for sports tourism on Bintan Island, the surroundings host international events like marathons and triathlons, allowing sports enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the thrill of competition.
The coastal scenery is stunning. Strolling the beach at sunset, you can feel the peacefulness of the night bringing a sense of comfort💍, instantly boosting your happiness.
Signature restaurants
The hotel’s REMPAH KITCHEN restaurant offers a variety of delicious dishes🍛, featuring not only local specialties but also global cuisine, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every craving.
At the hotel’s EL LAGOI Beach Club🌊, enjoy delicious food while feeling the sea breeze. After a drink, the fatigue from a day of travel simply melts away.
Spend your day exploring and checking in at attractions, then show off your food finds until you can barely stand. Back at the hotel, dive into the spa pool and let the day’s exhaustion vanish. Share in the comments which attraction makes you want to snap photos nonstop and which dish you’re eager to try first!