Bintan Island, just a short ferry ride from Singapore, offers visitors a chance to enjoy the serene mangrove forests or witness the captivating display of fireflies. Whether you prefer a leisurely daytime tour or a magical nighttime adventure, this excursion promises an unforgettable experience. With expert guides, convenient transportation, and a chance to spot diverse wildlife, you’ll come away with a newfound appreciation for Bintan’s rich natural wonders. But the real question is, which experience will you choose?
Key Points
- Set out on a 1-hour guided tour to explore the thick mangroves and diverse wildlife along the Sebung River in Bintan.
- Opt for a night tour to witness the glowing bioluminescence of fireflies in the mangrove trees.
- Enjoy round-trip hotel transfers and an English/Chinese guide, with the tour priced from $28.20 per person.
- Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
- The tour is not recommended for individuals over 95 years old, and personal expenses and tips are not included.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Bintan Mangrove or Fireflies Tour offers visitors a chance to explore the natural wonders of Bintan Island.
Priced from $28.20 per person, the 1-hour tour provides a guided experience along the Sebung River. Visitors can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The tour includes round-trip hotel transfers and an English/Chinese guide, with the option to visit the mangroves or witness the mesmerizing fireflies at night.
The tour isn’t suitable for individuals over 95 years old, and personal expenses and tips aren’t included.
Visitors are encouraged to bring a camera to capture the stunning natural beauty.
Looking for more options in Bintan Island? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Itinerary and Transportation
The tour offers optional pickup from 12 different locations across Bintan, including popular resorts and hotels like Pantai Indah Lagoi Bintan, Grand Lagoi Hotel Bintan, and Banyan Tree Bintan. Once on the tour, guests will embark on a guided 1-hour journey along the Sebung River, seeing the thick mangroves. At the end of the tour, drop-off is available at the same pickup locations.
| Pickup Locations | Duration | Drop-off |
| — | — | — |
| Pantai Indah Lagoi Bintan | 1 hour | Same as pickup |
| Grand Lagoi Hotel Bintan | | |
| Banyan Tree Bintan | | |
Wildlife and Nature Highlights
Visitors can experience the thick mangroves along the Sebung River and spot a variety of wildlife, including colorful birds, playful monkeys, mangrove snakes, monitor lizards, fish, mud skippers, clams, and mud lobsters.
The tour guides will educate guests about the different mangrove species and their ecological importance, such as their role in preventing soil erosion.
Exploring the lush, natural environment of the mangroves provides a unique opportunity to connect with the local flora and fauna, offering a captivating glimpse into the delicate ecosystem of Bintan.
Night Tour Experience
For those seeking a unique nighttime experience, the tour offers an optional fireflies tour daily at 6:30 p.m.
The fireflies tour provides a captivating glimpse into the natural world, showcasing:
A captivating glimpse into the natural world, showcasing the glowing bioluminescence of fireflies dancing in the mangrove trees.
-
The glowing bioluminescence of fireflies dancing in the mangrove trees.
-
The peaceful ambiance of the Sebung River at night.
-
The opportunity to learn about the fireflies’ role in the ecosystem.
-
A memorable and tranquil experience compared to the daytime mangrove tour.
This night tour offers a one-of-a-kind chance to witness the enchanting natural phenomenon of fireflies in their native habitat.
More Great Tours NearbyTour Inclusions and Restrictions
Round-trip hotel transfers, an English/Chinese guide, and mineral water are included in the tour package.
However, personal expenses and tips aren’t covered. The tour isn’t recommended for individuals over 95 years old.
Guests are encouraged to bring a camera to capture the scenic mangroves and wildlife. Alcohol and drugs are prohibited during the tour.
The tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the natural wonders of Bintan, but participants should be mindful of the provided inclusions and restrictions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Getting to Bintan Island
Although Bintan Island is located just 50 kilometers south of Singapore, travelers have several convenient options to reach this idyllic destination.
The most popular modes of transportation include:
-
Ferry – A direct ferry service from Singapore’s Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal takes approximately 1 hour to reach Bintan’s Tanjung Balai Ferry Terminal.
-
Private Speedboat – Exclusive speedboat transfers are available from Singapore, providing a faster and more personalized journey.
-
Private Car – For added comfort and flexibility, travelers can arrange private car transfers from Singapore’s Harbourfront Centre to their Bintan hotel.
-
Air Travel – Flights to Bintan Resorts Airport are available from various cities, offering a convenient flying option.
Exploring Bintan’s Mangrove Ecosystem
Bintan’s mangrove ecosystem offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the island’s rich natural wonders.
The guided tour along the Sebung River provides a chance to witness the thriving habitat of diverse wildlife, including colorful birds, playful monkeys, and various reptiles. Guests can learn about the ecological importance of mangrove species, such as their role in preventing soil erosion.
The tour also offers an optional night experience to observe the mesmerizing fireflies, creating a truly enchanting encounter.
With the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, this tour allows travelers to explore Bintan’s natural treasures with ease.
Witnessing the Fireflies’ Bioluminescent Display
The optional night tour at 6:30 p.m. provides a unique opportunity to witness the mesmerizing bioluminescent display of fireflies along the Sebung River.
Some key highlights of the fireflies tour include:
-
Observe thousands of fireflies illuminating the mangrove trees, creating a magical, twinkling display.
-
Learn about the fascinating biology and ecology of these glowing insects, which use their bioluminescence for communication and courtship.
-
Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere as you glide silently along the river, taking in the serene natural environment.
-
Capture stunning photographs of the fireflies, creating lasting memories of this enchanting experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Minimum Group Size Required for the Tour?
The tour has no minimum group size requirement. Individuals can book the tour on their own or with a group. The tour is available for solo travelers as well as larger parties.
Is the Tour Available on All Days of the Week?
The tour is available daily, with the option to take a night tour to see fireflies as well. Participants can choose from various pickup locations across Bintan to join the 1-hour guided excursion.
Can Children Participate in the Tour?
Children can participate in the tour. The tour is suitable for individuals of all ages, except for those over 95 years old. Participants are advised to bring a camera and avoid bringing alcohol or drugs.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Participants?
The tour has an age restriction – it’s not suitable for individuals over 95 years old. However, there are no other specific age limits, so children can generally participate in the tour.
Can the Tour Be Customized to Suit Individual Preferences?
The tour can’t be fully customized, but there are some flexible options. Guests can choose between a mangrove or fireflies tour, select their pickup location, and decide whether to book the optional night tour.
The Sum Up
The Bintan Mangrove or Fireflies Tour offers a captivating opportunity to take in Bintan’s rich natural wonders. Whether it’s exploring the lush mangrove ecosystem or witnessing the mesmerizing fireflies, this affordable tour provides a unique experience for visitors to connect with the island’s vibrant wildlife and create lasting memories. With convenient transportation and knowledgeable guides, it’s an ideal way to discover Bintan’s enchanting environments.
You can check availability for your dates here: