In Bintan, the adventure doesn’t stop with the setting of the sun. From its beaches and amusement parks, tourists make their way to the island’s hip bars and cafés, where the lively tropical vibe carries on – fueled by good food, alcohol or caffeine of your choice. Culture Trip curates the best bars and cafés on Bintan Island to complement your island adventure.
Translated as the ‘beach coffee shop’, the name pretty much says everything. Kedai Kopi Pantai is a seafront café with a glorious view of the ocean, nearby kelongs (offshore fishing wooden platforms) and the sunset. This café serves a wide selection of coffee and tea along with delicious Asian food. Have a go at their special seasnail or mie lendir (slime noodles).
Loco Café stands out as a bright yellow container on the beach, inviting young souls to find out what’s brewing inside. Turns out, the vibrant, energetic design continues inside, and even in presentation of the food. Loco is famed for novelty Taiwanese desserts and iced coffee, although the place also serves delicious Asian mains to feast on.
Famous for its invigorating Italian espresso and Japanese matcha lattes, Canopy is also a favourite place to kick back and have beers after a long day of adventure. A wide array of food and snacks is also on offer, like the delicious seafood pasta and fried tofu with spicy sauce. At night, the real party animals migrate to Canopy to dance beside its whimsical tropical murals, play fun dart games, and enjoy live music every other day.
It’s hard not to notice this café while visiting Plaza Lagoi – its large glass windows invite you into a world of charming antiques, with oriental decorations adorning its interior. Helo Helo serves all kinds of seafood but the crab and prawn is especially popular, followed by the iconic tom yum served inside a coconut shell.
This bar is made for sports enthusiasts, where you can have a fun night watching a game while enjoying a great selection of beers. The sporty decor, with jerseys, equipment and banners adorning the walls, creates an energetic ambience to enjoy with friends. Even those who are not particularly keen on sports can still find enjoyment in the good beer, scrumptious snacks and ocean view from the outdoor seating area.
Everything about Yeah! Lounge oozes laid-back island vibes: from the tropic-inspired murals on the walls, to the open seating area nestled among palm trees and a splendid beach view. Even their signature cocktail, Cherry Boozy, will have you figuratively soaking in the ocean breeze. The lounge serves some daring fusion food delights to accompany its wide selection of beers and cocktails. The view, vibe and location make Yeah! Lounge a favourable hangout spot during both day and night, when live band performances amplify the fun.
Beyond splendid cocktails and tasty food, Fabrica keeps the night alive with organised games and activities. From drinking games to a phoenix dart machine and pool tables, this bar is an excellent place to bond with friends or meet fellow travellers. Music plays into early hours of the morning, before the day commences again and the place transforms into a family-friendly restaurant.
Perched floating above the sea, this wooden bungalow bar offers the unforgettable experience of watching the idyllic Bintan sunset with a drink in hand. Everything from the crashing waves, ocean breeze, seafood snacks, down to the selection of music — mostly reggae and calypso (Afro-Caribbean music) – will induce you into a state of ultimate island bliss.
Part of the luxurious Angsana Bintan resort, Xana Beach Club has made a name for itself as the go-to place on the island for elegant beachfront dining. Whether you’re in for a splendid barbecue dinner or looking to simply chill with a cocktail in hand, the venue welcomes you with a glorious view – the ocean breeze gently brushing your skin as you dance to the live music.
Rustic La Luna is versatile enough to host either a laid-back night out or a moonlight rave on the sands. The bar serves not only beer, but an impressive selection of spirits, wine, and cocktails, along with scrumptious Indonesian and Western food to keep your tummy in check. Be sure to try the calamari ring and seafood satay to fuel you through the night.