A Weekend in Bintan Island (Indonesia): My Quick Calm Getaway from Singapore

Table of Contents

Introduction

“No Wi-Fi? Absolutely not.” That’s exactly what I said to my friends when they told me they were planning a weekend on Bintan Island in Indonesia.

I remember reading the email chain like it was yesterday (even though it’s been over a decade now). As soon as I saw “no Wi-Fi”, I responded immediately to say I would not be attending. And I was serious. Like TEN TOES DOWN Serious. Like, what do you mean no Wi-Fi for the whole weekend?!

At the time, I was studying at the National University of Singapore (NUS), constantly glued to my phone, and definitely not the kind of girl who could survive two days offline. It honestly makes me laugh now because today I would LOVE a weekend with no Wi-Fi in Bintan.

Somehow, somewhere, I ended up saying yes with heels in my bag (big mistake) and no idea what I was walking into. What followed was one of the most unfiltered, hilarious, and grounding trips of my life.

How We Got from Singapore to Bintan

Getting to Bintan was really simple and easy, which made it the perfect weekend escape from Singapore. If you’re going for a weekend I would highly recommend booking the ferry early as they do fill up fast, especially around public holidays, which is when I went while studying in Singapore.

We took the ferry from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Bintan, which takes about 1 hour.
You can book ferries easily through 12Go Asia or Klook.

Don’t forget your passport, even though it’s just across the water, you’re still crossing into Indonesia. At the time I went we had to pay £50 for a visa which I got upon arrival. Today British citizens can obtain a visa on arrival for around £25.

What We Actually Did?

This wasn’t some curated beach club getaway. I couldn’t actually believe where my friends had me staying! They were a little worried about how I would adjust, but I actually did really well. From the pickup, floating in the sea, playing cards, singing along to music, and roasting marshmallows, I fully embraced every single moment and loved it.

And honestly, with how much social media dominates life today, I’m so grateful I got to experience a trip like this.

Here’s everything we got up to:

1. We Stayed in a Shady Shack

They had me staying a shack! Hence why there was no Wi-Fi! I brought my full on Kurt Geiger heels and was not expecting the Shady Shack!

Can you imagine there was creaky beds, suspicious stains on the sheets and no A/C. I literally clutched my pearls because what on earth was I doing there?

I could never and wouldn’t ever stay there again, but it makes me laugh every time I tell the story. Like… why did I think stilettos were necessary on a rustic island? I actually thought I was coming to look cute on this Island I was left totally surprised.

2. We Played Card Games for Hours

With no Wi-Fi, we had no choice but to go offline on this Bintan Island.

All the way to the Shack I was asking myself what on earth was I doing? Like what would I do without Instagram for 48 hours?! A whole 48 hours.

But then something unexpected happened, I learnt that I was able to interact more with people. That I was more flexible than I thought I was. And between you and me that was a really good feeling.

As someone that was often noted to be in their room all the time (which was my safe place). I really needed this trip and the many other trips that fell out after this because it really brought me out of shell.

We played Uno, Monopoly Deal, and even made up local games. Most of my friends were from the U.S. or Canada, and we connected over culture and upbringing for HOURS. It was the kind of connection you don’t get when everyone is not talking and just scrolling on their phones.

3. Beach Walks & Waterfall Treks

When we weren’t playing cards, we were exploring.

We walked along the quiet beaches, watched the sunset, and even hiked to a nearby waterfall. Because I was such a princess back then, my friends kept checking on me. And honestly… I know they were more impressed than I was with myself. Back in 2013, seeing a young Black girl hiking mountains was not common!

There was something so refreshing about experiencing nature without feeling the need to record every second. No filters, no curated moments just laughters and vibes.

Would I Recommend Bintan for a Weekend Getaway?

Absolutely. You can easily visit Bintan for a weekend getaway on a budget.

I don’t think the whole weekend cost me more than £100. However, me now would defo pick better accommodation and it can still be very luxurious affordable and on a budget. You can book hotels as cheap as £25+ a night (with Wi-Fi) via Booking.com here .

Bintan is perfect for:

Students looking for a quick escape on a budget.
Friend groups wanting and a low key bonding trip
Anyone who needs a digital detox
Families with children, friends who are looking for a low key Island

Travel Resources

Here are some quick links to help you plan your own Bintan weekend trip:

Ferries: Klook and 12Go Asia
Accommodation: Booking.com and Agoda
Packing Essentials: Travelling Fan, Mosquito Repellent, Travel Backpack

Bintan Island: Conclusion

That weekend wasn’t perfect, but it was perfectly necessary. It showed me who I really was allowing me to connect with new people and embrace the life before social media and content creating. Sometimes the best trips are the ones that push you outside your comfort zone and force you to slow down. A weekend in Bintan Island was that trip for me and I am so glad that I did it – even till today.

I can even say now that I have been on a trip and many other trips around the world that weren’t for social media because I have.

Have you ever taken a trip you didn’t want to go on… and ended up loving it? Tell me in the comments I’d love to hear your story!

As always I hope you are enjoying my Singapore Student series, if you want to be in the known for the next one then please subscribe to the blog and you will get the next one as soon as it comes out.

And if you want to message me and ask any questions then DM me on Instagram or TikTok and I will be happy to answer any travel, study exchange, diplomatic questions.

Speak soon,

Debs MBV xx

Asia Travel