Beaches in Tanjung Pinang

Tanjung Pinang beaches may not be the most spectacular that Indonesia has to offer, but beach bunnies can rest assured that this bustling port town is within easy reach of many soft sand, palm-fringed spots washed by crystal clear waters. As the main town on the scenic island of Bintan, Tanjung Pinang receives plenty of international visitors – many of them in search of the perfect beach – and tourism is geared towards beach-hoppers’ needs.

Beaches in Tanjung Pinang

The town of Tanjung Pinang does not in itself boast any beaches worth visiting. The strategic location, just a 2-hour boat ride from Singapore, has made the town a major hub for trade, and the constant hustle and bustle of business have led to some dirty waters and a beach scene that is lively and chaotic rather than restful and relaxing. The water’s edge is a great place to take in the traditional houses built on stilts, which form a large part of the town’s architecture, and to take in the local atmosphere, but it is not a place to don your swimwear and get to work on that tan. Happily, though, there are enough stunning beaches in the surrounding vicinity to keep even the choosiest of beachgoers from complaining.

Beaches Surrounding Tanjung Pinang

The town of Tanjung Pinang makes a great base for exploring the beaches of Bintan and the many unspoiled islands that are home to beautiful tropical wildlife but very few human beings. On the island itself, make a point of heading to Trikora Beach which lies on Bintan’s eastern side, about 50 km from Tanjung Pinang. Here you will find soft sands, swaying palms, falling coconuts and all the other elements necessary to create a true paradise for beach lovers.

Beach-hopping Boat Trips from Tanjung Pinang

The island of Bintan is surrounded by countless smaller islands, many of which are uninhabited (by humans at least) and all of which are absolutely beautiful. Boats are on hand to ferry visitors from Tanjung Pinang to the surrounding paradise isles. Two of the most popular islands among sunseekers are Soreh and Terkulai, both of which lie about an hour’s boat ride from Tanjung Pinang.  Many tour operators will include visits to 2 or 3 islands, lunch, and drinks, in the price of a day’s island-hopping boat trip, so shop around for the best deal. Terkulei has only 1 inhabitant, the lighthouse keeper, and if you ask politely he may let you take in the stunning view from the top of the lighthouse tower.