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Get Recommendations on Vacation Ideas in Bintan According to Your Chinese Zodiac Characters

Bintan Island in Riau Islands Province might seem like a relatively small island, but it is undeniable that this destination has so many options of tourist attractions to visit. Furthermore, it has been one of the most preferred tourist destinations since it’s close to Singapore and Malaysia. If yo­­­­­u’re planning to celebrate Chinese New Year in Bintan, it might be a good idea to find some inspiration by learning about your Chinese Zodiac. If you can identify yours, try to match it with the lucky directions assigned for each Chinese Zodiac and voila! Here are some guides for you to find out what’s the best things to do in Bintan Island.

 

1 | The Rat

Born in : 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020

Personality : quick-witted, resourceful

Lucky directions : west, northwest and southwest

 

2 | The Ox

Born in : 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021

Personality : dependable, determined

Lucky directions : north, south

 

3 | The Tiger

Born in : 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022

Personality : versatile, kind

Lucky directions : east, north, south

 

4 | The Rabbit

Born in : 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023

Personality : elegant, kind

Lucky directions : east, south and northwest

 

5 | The Dragon

Born in : 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024

Personality : intelligent, enthusiastic

Lucky directions : east, north, south

 

6 | The Snake

Born in : 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025

Personality : enigmatic, wise

Lucky directions : east, west, and southwest

 

7 | The Horse

Born in : 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026

Personality : active, energetic

Lucky directions : east, west, and south

 

8 | The Goat

Born in : 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027

Personality : gentle, sympathetic

Lucky directions : north

 

9 | The Monkey

Born in : 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028

Personality : smart, curious

Lucky directions : north, northwest, west

 

10 | The Rooster

Born in : 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029

Personality : observant, courageous

Lucky directions : south, southeast

 

11 | The Dog

Born in : 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030

Personality : lovely, prudent

Lucky directions : east, south, and northeast

 

12 | The Pig

Born in : 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031

Personality : compassionate, generous

Lucky directions : east and southwest

 

Now, after finding your lucky directions, match those with the tourist attractions we are recommending you in the list below.

 

1.  Center : Tanjung Pinang Area

tanjung pinang

The center of Bintan, which is the Tanjung Pinang area, is a perfect starting point for every traveler to explore Bintan Islands according to their lucky direction. Being the capital city of Riau Islands Province, Tanjung Pinang has a lot to cover when it comes to tourist attractions. One of the most popular attractions here is Vihara Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva a.k.a. 500 Lohan Temple. Visit this temple to see the stunning view of the 500 statues of Buddhist monks.

 

2.  North : Lagoi Bay, Pasir Panjang Beach

lagoi

With “north” as your lucky direction, head to Lagoi Bay north of Bintan Island. It’s only a 1,5 hour drive from Tanjung Pinang and you will get awestruck by the beautiful white sand beaches in front of many luxury resorts that can be booked for a maximum leisure experience. If you’re looking for a more quiet place to ease your mind, Pasir Panjang Beach might also fit your needs. You can swim, dine, and enjoy the view without worrying about getting too many people around you.

 

3.  Northeast : Trikora Beach

trikora

Trikora Beach is only one hour drive northeast of Tanjung Pinang and is well-known by international travelers as one of the best beaches to visit in Bintan, especially those who come from Singapore and Malaysia. Aside from a beautiful white sandy beach, you can also find many rows of "kelongs" or fish traps and houses on boats, under which fishermen drop their nets to catch small fishes known by the locals as ikan bilis.

 

4.  East : White Sands Island, Nikoi island

bintan

Those who got “east” as their lucky direction should consider going to White Sands Island or locally known as Pulau Beralas Pasir. It’s a 45-minute drive from Tanjung Pinang and a 5-minute boat ride from Teluk Bakau harbor. The place is wonderful indeed, as the white, soft sands will pamper your feet when you’re stepping on it. Furthermore, other than just strolling around and enjoying the views, there are a lot of activities you can explore from snorkeling and rowing to visiting the turtle conservation area. Discover it by yourself and be the first to inspire many other people!

 

5.  Southeast : Kelong Island, Cempedak Private Island

Situ Patenggang in Ciwidey

Image by cempedak.com

There are two destinations that are worth visiting around Bintan Island especially for those who got “southeast” as their lucky destination: Kelong Island and Cempedak Private Island. Located just southeast of Tanjung Pinang, travelers can book a stay in one of the resorts to fully experience the nautical wonder of the quiet and serene Kelong Island. Looking for a longer tropical escapade? Continue straight to Cempedak Private Island and experience the otherworldly paradise for you and your family.

 

6.  South : dompak

borobudur

Not too far from Tanjung Pinang, lies a beautiful island called Dompak Island in the south as the center of the governmental activities in Riau Islands Province. This destination might be a new thing to hear for international travelers, but those who got “south” as their lucky destination might find the 1,5 kilometers connecting bridge, which is claimed as the pride and joy of Tanjung Pinang people, amusing to see. You can also discover many hidden gems available on this island; the ones most people have yet to experience.

 

7.  Southwest : Tanjung Setumu Beach

setumu

You got “southwest” as your lucky direction? Well, since you might love challenging views, the rocky and sandy Tanjung Setumu Beach will probably quench your thirst on adventure. Ride a car 23 minutes southwest from Tanjung Pinang and you will be treated with a delightful view of the coastline. We recommend you to get here before evening comes for a remarkable sunset scenery that you will never forget for the rest of your life.

 

8.  West : Penyengat Island

penyengat

 

Those who get “west” as their lucky direction can hop onto the smaller island of Penyengat straight from Tanjung Pinang. This island is rich in historical and cultural values because it was once a twin-seat of the Sultan of the Johor-Riau Kingdom in the 18th century. Admire the wonders of the Great Mosque of Sultan Riau Penyengat and learn the stories behind it.

 

9.  Northwest : Gurun Busung

busung

Lastly, those who got “northwest” can check Gurun Busung; a destination that fits their lucky directions. Just a 55-minute car ride from Tanjung Pinang and you can find a desert that looks similar to the ones you’ve seen in Northern Africa or the Middle East. A fun recommendation: take some cool pictures, send them to your friends, and let them guess where you actually are!

 

Have you found the attraction that fits your lucky destination? If so, we wish you a merry Lunar New Year celebration in Bintan Island. We hope that luck and prosperity will be showered upon you. As always, we need to remind you to learn about international travel regulations to Batam-Bintan and comply with the health protocol implemented along the journey. Last but not least, be a responsible traveler and always practice healthy habits such as wearing a mask in public places, washing hands frequently, and implementing social distancing.