Island in Riau Islands, Indonesia
Is Bintan LGBTQ+ friendly?
Is Bintan LGBTQ+ friendly?
The Riau Islands are conservative. Resorts are indifferent to guests, but there is no scene and public displays of affection are unwise.
LGBTQ+ laws in Indonesia
Bali is relaxed, with gay-friendly bars in Seminyak; elsewhere hostility is rising, police raid private parties, and discretion is essential.
| Status | |
|---|---|
| Same-sex relationships legal | Yes |
| Same-sex marriage | No |
| Civil unions or partnerships | No |
| Legal gender change | Unclear |
| Anti-discrimination law | No |
| Legal penalty | Aceh only: public caning under sharia; elsewhere police raids use pornography laws |
LGBTQ+ friendliness across Indonesia
| Place | Rating |
|---|---|
| Seminyak | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Bali | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Ubud | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Canggu | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Uluwatu | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Gili Islands | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Nusa Penida | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Kuta | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Nusa Dua | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Sanur | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Nusa Lembongan | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Amed | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Jimbaran | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Jakarta | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Yogyakarta | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Lombok | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Labuan Bajo | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Raja Ampat | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Mount Bromo | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Bandung | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Lake Toba | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Kuta Lombok | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Batam | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Bintan | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Malang | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Bukit Lawang | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Medan | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Surabaya | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Manado | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Tana Toraja | 2/5 · Hostile |
Quick answers
Is Bintan safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?
The Riau Islands are conservative. Resorts are indifferent to guests, but there is no scene and public displays of affection are unwise.
Is same-sex marriage legal in Indonesia?
No.
More about Bintan
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Sources
- ILGA World: legal frameworks
- All Indonesia arrival declaration (Directorate General of Immigration)
- Indonesia e-Visa (Directorate General of Immigration)
- Bintan Resorts
- Wonderful Indonesia (Ministry of Tourism)
- InJourney Airports (Indonesian airports)
Ratings combine national law with local attitudes and the scene. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.