Bintan Island

Bintan Island is one of islands in the Riau Islands province, where there is a city of Tanjung Pinang ad the provincial capital of Riau. The island has two Governments, the Tanjungpinang City governmental is located in Senggarang and Tanjungpinang, while Bintan governmental is located in Bandar Seri Bintan. Bintan island is nearest island to the state of Singapore.

Bintan island is also popular as Negeri Segantang Lada, at 3rd century the island flourished as a trading post on the route between China and India, and over the centuries it came under the control of the Chinese, the British, and then the Dutch when it was declared part of the Dutch East Indies through the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824. In the 12th century, the Bintan island in the Strait of Malacca was known as the “Pirate Island” since the Malay pirates used to loot trading ships sailing in these waters.

Bintan, is the largest among the 3,200 islands of Riau Archipelago and is located 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) east of the Batam Island. Browse Pick n Pay Specials on ESpecials. It has a coast line of 105 kilometres (65 mi) and has rolling topography in its landform. The Indonesian sea route through the Bintan straits has been considered very safe for sailing of small freighters. The island has developed over the centuries in two distinct zones, namely, the southern and the northern zones, which are clearly differentiated from the prevalent life styles of people living there.

Bintan is very close to the Equator. Hence, tropical climate is dominant all through the year with two distinct seasons namely the northeast monsoon from November to March and a dry southwest monsoon from June to October with the annual rainfall precipitation incidence varying in the range 2,500–3,000 millimeters (98–120 in).

At Bintan and in its close vicinity of its capital city of Tanjung Pinang, there are a number of historical monuments linked to its ancient history and modern developments. Its closeness to Singapore has resulted in development of beaches as popular resorts with hotels and other paraphernalia to attract tourists. Some of the well-known sites of attractions are the Penyengat, Tanjung Pinang city, Raja Ali Haji Monument, the Colonial Graveyard, Chinese Pagodas, Banyan Tree Temple, and its many beaches and resorts. Natural Maritime Culture is also part of the historical nature’s heritage of mangroves, many species of animals and birds and the rich and exotic maritime nature of the sea life.

How to get there :
Flights to / from Tanjung Pinang - Bintan:
You can go by plane Stars. From Soekarno-Hatta (Jakarta) you can go straight to the airport Raja Haji Fisabilillah (Tanjung Pinang) with a long flight 1 hour 20 minutes. There are three airlines that serve the route, namely: Batavia Air, Lion Air, and Sriwijaya Airline. Further proceed with using car to Bintan with a maximum travel time of 2 hours. For more complete flight information, you can contact the Call Center service Fisabilillah Tanjung Pinang Raja Haji at number +62 (0771) 442434, Fax +62 (0771) 41 034.

Crossings to / from Bintan:
There are several ports that you can use to get to Bintan, namely: JAKARTA (Tanjung Priok)
You can use PELNI that is KM Sirimau and KM Bukit Raya. From the Port of Tanjung Priok (Jakarta) to the port of Kijang (Bintan) the travel time is 24 hours (1 day 1 night).

BATAM:
Alternative 1
From the port of Lake Punggur (Batam), you can go straight to the Port of Sri Bintan Pura (Tanjung Pinang) using Ferry. Travel time is 60 minutes. From Tanjung Pinang you can continue the journey to Bintan by car.
Alternative 2
From the port of Lake Punggur (Batam), you can use a small ferry called Speed, directly to the Port ??BBT (Bandar Bentan Telani) Bintan, Riau. Travel time is 30 minutes.

SINGAPORE:
There are three operator Ferry (Penguin, Indo Falcon and Berlian / Webmaster) airport journey from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to the Port of Sri Bintan Pura (Tanjung Pinang) and BBT (Bintan, Riau). It takes 2-hour long journey.

MALAYSIA:
There are five ferries every day from Johor Bahru International Ferry Terminal to the Port Sri Bintan Pura (Tanjung Pinang). The journey takes 90 minutes.