Bintan, Indonesia: The First Timer Guide to the Island
Being the top destination and largest island in Riau, Bintan has my heart as it is the perfect place for getaway and nature seekers. The place is famous for its luxurious resorts with scenic views, golf courses, and exotic beaches. People from around the world come here every year for marathons, challenges, and sports too. Being the home to Triathlon for past years, this place has so many reasons to visit. Here are the top things that will make Bintan, Indonesia, a part of your bucket list.
500 Lohan temple:
I think this is the place where you should start seeing the beauty of this place. The first attraction here for tourists is 500 Lohan temple that includes 500 arahats(sculptures). First, you will enter the Vihara, which has a beautiful and secured entrance. From the main hall, there is a stair that will take you to a garden where you will find these sculptures.
Get that Instagrammable selfie in sand mines:
There are so many sand mines in Bintan like Danau Biru Kijang, Gurun Pasir Bintan, and Telaga Biru. Some of the place’s dunes look like a desert. It's because of the mining excavation, which is today making these spots a perfect place for an Instagram selfie. Even I loved how the water around these mines is so blue, and you just want to dive in.
Explore Bintan's luscious mangroves forests:
The mangroves are home to 180 different Marine life species and serves as the first line of defense against tropical storms.
Swim in the largest pool of the world:
Treasure Bay is a 338-hectare largest swimming pool in the world. It's in a resort of leisure and fun where you can have a perfect day. I think that this place has its own fan following because here you can enjoy events, parties, and perfect summer vacation.
Spend a day at Lagoi Bay:
Well, say hello to the gem of Bintan. Not only you get to enjoy the scenic beach views at Lagoi Bay, you can rent an ATV on the beach.
You will experience the world's best cuisines here. I had the beef rendang, and some seafood spreads from the variety, and I must say that you will always crave for some more.
Night markets of Bintan:
Bintan is famous for its never-ending fun due to the night markets. Here you can shop, dine and make new friends. The Tanjung Pinang, Rimba Jaya, and Akau Potong Lembu have the best night markets, and I would recommend shopping the flavors and spices the locals use in their food. Or you can have a late-night snack as well.
Fruit markers and local food:
Craving for some exotic fruits? Of course, you are on this beautiful island where you can enjoy water apples and snake fruit. You can buy a wide range of fruits from the Pasar Kangka Kawal, Pasar Buah Bintan center, and I would also recommend the Pasar Baru. Even I had some of the best experience trying out their local food. The signature dish they have is Otak Otak, which is a grilled fish cake in a banana loaf. The other dishes are Gonggong, which is a type of sea snail, Prata bread, Kernas, and Lakse.
So, these are some of the reasons which make Bintan, Indonesia, my top favorite, and I would recommend everyone to see this hidden gem once in a life.
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