TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - What do you think about having a vacation in Bintan, Riau Island? A line of luxurious resorts, sitting on the edge of an epic swimming pool? Well other than those, Bintan has many tourist destinations that worth to visit. Here Tempo summarized the places.

1. Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Vihara

Located on the uphill, near Jl. Raya Asia Afrika KM 14, Kijang Kota, Tanjung Pinang, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Vihara is known as the Thousand Buddhas as it displays sculptures of ‘thousand’ faces of Buddha. The monastery, recently inaugurated in early 2018, will surely give you different experiences.

2. Rumah Arang

Indonesia also has Igloo but functioning as a place to burn woods into coal named Rumah Arang (charcoal kiln). In Bintan, the number of Rumah Arang has decreased since the prohibition in producing charcoal from mangrove woods, while some destroyed. No entrance charge to enter the site.

3. Penyengat Island

Penyengat Island located near Bintan Island. In there, tourist can visit the Grand Mosque of the Riau Sultanate, or Masjid Raya Sultan Riau, tombs of sultan Engku Hamidah and King Ali Haji, as well as the heritages of Kingdom of Riau Lingga including Balai Adat where tourists can wear Malay traditional attire for Rp25,000.

4. Busung Sand Dunes

The sand dunes that look like the desert is one of the picturesque spots for tourists in Bintan Island. Although seems to be naturally made, the sand dunes are the result of mining excavation after the ban on sand exports. Near the place, there is a lake that offers clear blue waters.

5. Safari Lagoi

Safari Lagoi is home for many animals that are saved and endangered species such as the Orangutan, Komodo, Honey bear, elephants, and crocodile among others. Most animals and birds found in Lagoi Safari are saved from illegal animal trade and exotic meat market.

RERE