Bintan Island, Tropical island in Riau archipelago, Indonesia.
Bintan Island is an island in the Riau archipelago off the east coast of Sumatra covering 1,173 square kilometers (453 square miles). The highest point sits at Mount Bintan Besar at 360 meters (1,181 feet) above sea level.
Traders from China and India used this landmass from the 3rd century onward as an important hub for goods moving by sea. In 1824 the Dutch took over administration and integrated the territory into their colonial structure.
The name Bintan comes from Malay and refers to the role this landmass played as a trading center in past centuries. Today you can see the influence of different cultures in the temples, mosques and traditional villages along the coast.
Fast boats connect this landmass regularly with Singapore and cover the route in about 45 minutes. Several landing points on the shore make arrival from different directions easier.
In the 12th century pirates based on this landmass regularly captured merchant ships passing through the Strait of Malacca. The bay landscape offered the raiders many hiding spots and escape routes.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
