The Best Places to Stay on Bintan Island, Indonesia

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The western Indonesian island of Bintan is a jungle-strewn, beach-brushed speck in the Riau Islands archipelago, a short hop from Malaysia and Singapore. Regal tombs and elegantly crumbling temples hide in tropical forests, while the high-end resorts of Lagoi in the north are perfect for kicking back and relaxing. Here’s our choice of Bintan’s finest hotels.

There’s a cool, industrial look about Nite & Day, where whitewashed brick walls meet angular furniture and blocks of bright colour. The hotel’s biggest draw is its location, a short walk from the harbour in the centre of the city of Tanjung Pinang – capital of the Riau Islands. Head to the Museum of Sultan Sulaiman Badrul Alamsyah nearby to learn about Bintan Island’s rich cultural heritage, or stroll to the waterfront and take a boat to the historic fort island of Penyengat.

Boho chic is taken to new heights at the Anmon, a collection of deluxe tipis set in a sandy area of Bintan Island just inland from the beach. The look of the place might have you thinking you’re in the desert, but a long outdoor pool offers plenty of scope to cool off. This is also the spot for vibrant parties, outdoor movie nights on plush beanbags and the always-lively Tipi Bar – try the house daiquiri.

With tiled pavilions set in thick jungle and overlooking the ocean, private plunge pools shaded by the trees and rooms decked out in rich teak and stone, The Residence is all about soaking up the tranquillity and tradition of the gorgeous Riau Islands. The stylish Rica Rica Restaurant is a must-visit for its Indonesian cuisine – try the spiny lobster salad – while the Ayurvedic treatments at the Ila Spa promise the height of relaxation.

As the name suggests, the mood at Beanbag Bintan Backpacker is all about chilled-out relaxation and meeting like-minded travellers. You’ll stay in colourful dorms with wooden bunks and socialise in the laid-back lounge or at the outdoor beach bar. With a string of blissed-out bars and restaurants within walking distance, not to mention a beautiful sandy beach, this is a spot for supreme relaxation beside the South China Sea.

Emerging from a jungly headland on a northern spur of Bintan, Angsana Resort is hard to beat for natural beauty. The beauty within matches that outside, from the sleek, marble lobby to the contemporary Island Suites, which afford sweeping views over the South China Sea. Be sure to check out the Lotus Café for a range of international menus, from Indian delights like achari fish curry to Southeast Asian classics like beef rendang.

Set in tropical gardens where monkeys hop among prickly pear trees, with a golden beach just beyond the hotel’s palm-lined outdoor pool, Club Med Bintan is an idyllic spot. Bedrooms have a stylish, minimalist aesthetic, while activities on offer include yoga, archery and even a circus school, where you can learn to juggle, trapeze and bounce on a trampoline under the watchful eye of expert trainers.

There’s no need to choose between a cozy glamping vibe and beachfront relaxation at Natra Bintan, where canvas-roofed tents with luxe interiors, including plush sofas, line a white-sand beach and the island’s Crystal Lagoon. Some tents offer ultimate relaxation in the form of outdoor whirlpool tubs and there’s the option of an in-suite massage to complete the treatments. Don’t miss the chance to explore an atmospheric private mangrove reserve on Bintan Island’s beautiful coastline.

At Bintan Lagoon, the exclusive, luxe experience starts the minute you enter the island via a private ferry and head straight to the resort’s very own beach terminal. You will be greeted with an ocean view from the spacious resort and the long stretch of private beach with powder-soft sand and lush tropical vegetation all around. Guests can then proceed to the facilities or activities that suit them, whether it’s a rejuvenating spa, a game of golf, a massage by the beach, water sports, or chilling at one of the stylish bars.

Carrying the renowned Banyan Tree brand, this luxury hotel in Bintan fuses familiar splendour with fresh natural flair. Guests at Banyan Tree Bintan have the privilege of enjoying a calming lush jungle area and a private beach overlooking the South China Sea. They can also take full advantage of the property’s many luxuries — exclusive villas, relaxing spas, an expansive Championship golf course, yoga sessions, stunning pools lined with daybeds and numerous fun activities including trekking and water sports.

If it’s an adventure you crave, LooLa’s stunning resort complex is packed with ample facilities for endless fun. Owned by passionate couple Marc van Loo and Isabelle Lacoste (yes, Loo and La!), the establishment goes all-out in bringing you plenty of thrills. From sailing to raft building, village walks to a skywalk and even educational tours and team-building games, this resort is a popular choice among families, schools and companies. Built with adventure and a love for nature in mind, LooLa Adventure Resort was crowned World #1 Responsible Tourism operator in 2015.

The Sanchaya offers high-quality facilities and services during your stay at this resort. The majestic beachfront estate is surrounded by lush rainforests, leaning into both the beauty of nature and a luxurious vibe. Beyond that, each private villa is tastefully adorned with artwork and artefacts from local culture.

Nestled on the soft white sand of the famed Trikora Beach, this resort is blessed with one of the most exquisite sights on Bintan Island. The rustic, albeit modern bungalows sit almost face to face with the ocean whist the windy, calming ambience is perfect for a relaxed retreat where guests can go back to simple but comfortable living. When you’re feeling energetic, just book an outing to enjoy scuba diving, water sports or island-hopping.

More than just a place to stay, Treasure Bay is known for its coveted facilities and activities. One of those is its renowned Crystal Lagoon, Southeast Asia’s first and largest artificial seawater lagoon. The vast resort complex itself is still undergoing major renovations to become a stunning waterfront resort city. Some of the areas are already established, including the award-winning Chiva-Som, a health resort promoting wellness.