Batam and Bintan: 8 Places to Visit on a Ferry Trip
A quick guide to Bintan and Batam, from Treasure Bay's giant saltwater lagoon and the Doulos Phos ship hotel to the Telaga Biru sand desert and Puncak Beliung.
Heading to Batam or Bintan but not sure where to go? Both islands in Indonesia's Riau Archipelago are reachable by ferry. In Bintan, we started at Treasure Bay Bintan, billed as the largest saltwater swimming lagoon in Southeast Asia, with water sports and glamping tents complete with bathtubs. Next came Bintan Mangrove, a boat ride along the river through the mangrove forest where, with luck, you might spot a snake.
Third was Doulos Phos The Ship Hotel, a large ship turned hotel with 104 rooms, all facing the sea, where guests can even step into the engine room. At Safari Lagoi, you ride around the safari grounds and can play with siamang gibbons. The last Bintan stop was Gurun Pasir Telaga Biru, a desert-like landscape with a vivid blue lake.
In Batam, Puncak Beliung offers a rainbow slide, giant swing, skylove and a floating carpet with hilltop views. Saung Budaya Batam is the place for a taste of Malay and wider Nusantara culture, with traditional music, dance and angklung (bamboo instruments). The video also names Blue Fire Beach Club as the next stop.
The trip in the video was arranged by Khaimal Travel, and the caption gives the code FUYOHH100. We have not confirmed whether the code is still valid, so ask before booking.
Tips
- Carry a passport valid for at least six months and check Indonesia's latest entry requirements.
- Bintan and Batam are separate islands; plan separate days as travelling between them takes time.
- Telaga Biru and Puncak Beliung photograph best in the morning or late afternoon.
- Ask Khaimal Travel whether the FUYOHH100 code still works.
- Address
- Batam & Bintan, Kepulauan Riau, Indonesia