Island in Riau Islands, Indonesia
Bintan
Larger, greener Riau island an hour from Singapore, with gated beach resorts at Lagoi and quieter coasts and fishing villages elsewhere. Good for a short resort break; little to do cheaply or on your own.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$671–1,120Comfortable, one person · Rp12M–20MDetails
- Value for money84/100Better value than 83% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–SepWarmest: May, 29°CDetails
- Internet51 MbpsFixed broadband, Indonesia medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water; resorts provide refills.Details
- LGBTQ+2/5HostileDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$8–22Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundFerry from Singapore (Tanah Merah)You'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashResorts and large restaurants take cards (Singapore dollars are often accepted at resorts); cash rupiah for Trikora, markets and Tanjung Pinang.Details
Where to stay in Bintan
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Lagoi (Bintan Resorts) | Gated resort strip: beaches, golf, spas, easy ferries |
| Trikora beaches | Quiet east coast, seafood shacks and cheaper stays |
| Tanjung Pinang | Main town and ferry port with local food and markets |
Apps that work in Bintan
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Bluebird: Reliable metered taxis booked by app
- Traveloka: Domestic flights, trains and hotels
- Love Bali: Paying the Bali tourist levy
- Taxis: Ride apps do not serve the resort area. Use resort shuttles or pre-booked drivers; taxis and ojek need fares agreed first.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Indonesia.
- Mixed: cards and cash Resorts and large restaurants take cards (Singapore dollars are often accepted at resorts); cash rupiah for Trikora, markets and Tanjung Pinang.
- Currency: Rupiah (IDR). US$1 ≈ Rp17,883.05 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Use ATMs inside banks or malls (skimming happens in Bali); limits often 2.5–3 million IDR; some banks add fees.
- Tipping: Not expected; restaurants often add service charge and 10% tax ('++'). Tip drivers, guides and spa staff for good service.
- Paying by phone: QRIS codes everywhere; some Asian banking apps scan them. Cards and phone wallets work in Bali and Jakarta.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Complete the free All Indonesia arrival declaration (immigration, customs, health) online or in its app within 3 days before arrival.
- Nationalities eligible for a visa on arrival can buy the e-VOA in advance on the official immigration e-visa site.
- Bali charges foreign visitors a one-time tourist levy, payable online through the official Love Bali site or app.
Emergency numbers
Police 110 · Ambulance 118 · Fire 113 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Airport counters sell tourist SIMs at a mark-up; city outlets are cheaper. Passport needed for registration. Telkomsel has the widest coverage. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Indonesia
Going to Bintan solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.