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Why Should You Explore Bintan and What Makes It Special?

Things to Do in Bintan Island

By ameliarosannaPublished about a month ago 3 min read
Image via The Residence Bintan

Some places silently steal into the heart without a soliloquy, while others clamour for attention. Bintan is one of such places. A ferry ride away from Singapore is a place that has more than beaches and clear blue waters. It has a slower pace, space to breathe, and experiences that feel real. Bintan is quietly unforgettable for travellers who want a bit of nature and culture along with silence.

Beaches Feels Like a Gentle Pause

The first thing most visitors notice in Bintan is that it is just very calm. Soft and peaceful beaches, gentle waters, and backwaters provide an atmosphere that is few and far between in today's rat-race world. Unlike many other busy destinations in Southeast Asia, the island does not overload with offerings; instead, it allows users to enjoy the simple pleasures of wandering a quiet shore, listening to the rhythm of waves smoothly lap the sandy shore, and watching sunrise and sunset not without distraction. The traveller feels the rhythm of daily life, from fishermen going out at dawn to children playing near the shore, while staying in local home-stays or village-style accommodations.

Natural Wonders That Surprise and Delight

Bintan has more to offer than its beaches-some valleys of surprise landscapes which add to Bintan's discovery as a holiday destination. A great example is the Blue Lake. Its vibrant and almost unreal blue water was collected from a former mining site, while sandy dunes around it give the area a desert feel. Attracted by its surreal loveliness, it drifts small boats on the surface of the lake. Leaving the lake behind, it leads one to the mangrove forests that are best enjoyed in another experience altogether. A quiet and calm river tour through thick mangroves opens the viewer to wildlife, peaceful waters and that untouched scenery civilians wouldn't often witness. Evening trips leave more to the imagination, as fireflies dazzle along governmental banks while stars unfurl in a sky unspoiled by artificial light. Nature here is not just seen; it's indeed felt, profoundly and quietly.

Temples and Traditions That Leave One Impressed

Aside from stunning vistas, Bintan has temples and other sites of worship, which speak volumes about its past and culture. Of them, a temple stands out: sprawling gardens, elaborately designed pillars and innumerable deities. At the centre stood an impressively tall deity figure made of copper and plated with gold, thus grabbing anyone's attention and admiration. Walking through the temple, noticing the detailed carvings and murals, gives a sense of devotion and care that has preserved these places through generations. It is, after all, artistry combined with spirituality that makes the temple not just a place to sight-see but also a place to experience with respect and curiosity.

Villages in Harmony with Water

Beyond the main towns, Bintan's floating villages reveal the last segment of life that is almost stagnant. Houses are typically perched on stilts and connected by thin wooden walkways. Daily rhythms thus revolve around the water. By early morning, it is typical for fishermen to prep their nets as family members enjoyed swaying gently in their homes, and children ran around effortlessly on walkways. Some of these villages are already centuries old, so visiting them somehow feels like stepping into a living history lesson. Guests staying at The Residence Bintan can experience this charm up close, adding a sense of authenticity to their stay. It is a true picture of how people could survive with nature, creating a community in resilience and quiet beauty. For travellers planning their trip, these villages rank high on the list of Bintan things to do, leaving a personal and lasting impression.

A Place That Remains With You

Bintan doesn't throw its attractions out at you or have a fast-paced nightlife; it is really about slowing down to notice the small things: the colour of the water, the call of birds, and the way villagers greet the day. It helps the traveller to reconnect with himself or herself and to a simpler way of living. Not a place to check off a list, but a place to take in, ruminate upon, and remember, in the end, making Bintan special not just what you see but how it makes you feel long after you leave. It stays with you, quietly, in the best way possible.

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