A fast ferry ride from Singapore, Bintan Island in Indonesia is a popular getaway destination for resort-style holidays where visitors can sit poolside at a Bintan Island resort, sipping on cocktails, cool off with water sports and sleep the afternoon away under the shade of a palm tree. While we got a taste of that typical itinerary, we were also lucky enough to see a little more of the island. We strolled the boardwalk and kicked up dust on the pathways of Senggarang Village, cruised the mangrove flanked Sebung River and watched the sunset over the water. The weather was warm, the scenery diverse and the locals were lovely.
The stretch of water between Tanjung Pinang and Senggarang Village, Bintan Island, Indonesia. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Bintan was the second stop on our four-destination tour of Indonesia with the Indonesian Ministry for Tourism. We also visited Jakarta, Flores (and Komodo National Park) and Bali on this trip.
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Tanjung Pinang
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We walked down the narrow covered wharf at Tanjung Pinang past the locals to make our way to the boats that would carry us the short distance over to Senggarang Village. It took us about 10 minutes from wharf-to-wharf.
A local flashes a shy smile at Pengujan Ferry Wharf, Tanjung Pinang. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Nap time at Pengujan Ferry Wharf, Tanjung Pinang. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Senggarang Village
Senggarang Village was built and is still home to the Teochew Chines who emigrated to Bintan Island in the 18th Century. Fisherman who lived very simple lives, they mounted their houses on stilts above the water to protect them from the elements. Even today, they speak a number of dialects and they are practicing Taoists. We found them to be extremely friendly as we wandered through the village.
Many of the stilted houses in Senggarang Village were built by the original settlers and have weathered the many years since. Image © Skye Gilkeson
A man hides from the heat under a corrugated awning. Senggarang Village, Bintan Island. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Elderly man sits alone on a small stool in a quiet part of Senggarang Village, Bintan Island. Image © Skye Gilkeson
A young girl showing off her basketball skills in the back streets of Senggarang Village, Bintan Island. Image © Skye Gilkeson
A local woman relaxes with a cup of tea on her front patio in Senggarang Village, Bintan Island. Image © Skye Gilkeson
A store in Senggarang Village tightly packed with food and everyday supplies. Bintan Island, Indonesia. Image © Skye Gilkeson