Bintan Island’s natural beauty draws in visitors year after year. A popular destination for hikers, golfers, but most of all those searching for a jungle adventure. Just an hour or so ferry ride away from the hustle and bustle of Singapore, lies the tropical rainforest, exotic beaches and villages seeped in the island’s history.
If you’re heading to Bintan Island, to make sure you see and experience all the island has to offer check out Bintan Resort tours, a range of excursions from local nature trails, adventure attractions and the chance to learn about the island on a heritage tour. ( Image by Apricot Cafe )
The popular Mangrove Discovery Tour is a 90 minute Eco adventure along the Sebung River. Along the way you’ll spot exotic plants, monkeys, snakes and of course bask in the serenity of the thick tropical rainforest. Take the tour at night underneath the stars and stunning fireflies as you cruise down the river. You’ll also see local fishermen at work along the river banks catching the fresh seafood that’s a staple of the Bintan diet. It’s the perfect trip for couples, honeymooners but also families offering children the chance to see a place so diverse and different from anything they’ll have ever seen.
For those who want to go on a real trek through the rainforest check out the Gunung Bintan Adventure Trek. Tackle all 340 metres of the mountain, meet rare animals like the check silver leaf monkey, deer and eagles plus you’ll hear all about how the rainforest plants are used in so many practical ways by the locals.
According to local tradition those who step under the waterfall on the way down the mountain will get a ‘shower of blessings’. Plus the cool fresh water will really feel like a blessing as you descend the mountain. You’ll get to try seasonal fruits like papayas and pineapple plus a whole selection of exotic fruits that you might not even of heard of before but will certainly remember. The locals are always happy to impart their local wisdom onto trekkers, telling tales of the past and present about the island and the people who live on it. ( Image by foxfamily )
No mention of Bintan Island would be complete without talking about the Bintan Elephant Show and Trek. It’s exactly what it says on the tin and an amazing chance to interact with seven gentle giants. Home to this small heard of Sumatran elephants, it’s a fantastic day out for families or couples. The elephants have a way of bringing out the inner excited child in everyone who comes into contact with them. From watching the elephants revel in performing for onlookers to riding them through the forest you’ll literally have them eating out of the palm of your hands.
Spend the whole day exploring the Island’s past on the South Bintan Heritage Tour. First you’ll visit Senggarang, a Chinese fishing settlement where you’ll see a 300 year old Banyyan tree. Then onto Pulau Penyengat, a popular pilgrimage site for local Buddhists where you’ll see unmissable sights like an a old Dutch fort, Royal Mausoleums and old palaces not to mention the Sultan of Riau’s Grand mosque rumoured to have been built using egg whites! Then finally stop off at Tanjung Pinang, the capital and harbour of Bintan Island as well as the local trading port. You can try local delicacies like dry seaweed and other local snacks.
Another must do tour – the Traditional Fishing Tour. As the name suggests you’ll learn to fish the traditional way and this educational demonstration of traditional fishing methods also includes a ride in an authentic Sampan along the Sebung River.
We’ll finish up with a brief mention of the Sri Bintan Kampong Tour to a traditional Indonesian village where you’ll see locals going about their daily business. You’ll see them weaving pandan leaves into handbags, hats and other items and you can try your hand at rubber tapping at the rubber plantation. Finish off with an optional village lunch and traditional dance performance.
So, Bintan Island is the perfect place for a jungle adventure for all of the family. If you’re looking for something a bit different then head to the jungle as well as the stunning beaches and villages.
About the author
Ian Garstang loves travelling the world and in particular South East Asia and works in luxury resort marketing with clients such as The Sanchaya Luxury Bintan Resort on Bintan Island. Ian loves writing about luxury travel and enjoys great food, smart design and gadgets.
Featured Image by debbieaspin
