Last stop of my third #SEAtour is one of the islands of Indonesia, Bintan! With one hour time difference with Singapore, Bintan is just 45-50-minute trip by motorised catamaran. At 7 a.m., left Orchard Hotel to catch ferry trip to Bintan Lagoon Resort in Tanah Merah. Still the same, immigration process in Tanah Merah is strict just like the Malaysia-Singapore border, but the former is way faster. The immigration gates were opened 45 minutes prior to boarding. The Mozaic Ferry Lines seats are comfortable. Two-way ticket price is only SGD69.
Philippine passport holders are granted visa-free entry to Indonesia for 30 days.
What you need to know about Bintan
- Locally known as Negeri Segantang Lada
- Part of the Riau Islands province, the capital of which, Tanjung Pinang, lies in the island’s south and is the island’s main community
- Indonesia is promoting Bintan as the next best tourist destination after Bali
READ ALSO: A Travel Guide to Bali, Indonesia
From the docking point, a shuttle brought us to Bintan Lagoon Resort. There is no other public transportation there but a taxi. Got a Chill Cove Combo Package of Treasure Bay Bintan via Klook and enjoyed water activities and exciting adventures.
I tried for the first time kayaking.
I also thought I don’t know how to drive a motorbike but thanks to the Bay’s electronic scooter.
But what I enjoyed most is riding a two wheeler where I got to tour around the whole resort and get a view of nearby places like The Canopy.
And the most challenging for me and I love most is taking myself to a private jungle trail of mangrove trees via ATV. This is also my first time and yes, I did it!
Funny thing was I exchanged an amount of Singaporean dollar to Indonesia rupiah, but only to realize later that the resort only accepts cards.
Going back to Singapore was easier as the immigration process in Bintan Lagoon Resort is simpler.
Stayed in Bintan for just a half day but I really enjoyed it and I promise to go back to Indonesia. This time, in the romantic Bali and historic Jakarta.
Click this for the itinerary and budget.
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PJ is a Certified Public Accountant, writer, storyteller, and an advocate for youth empowerment and environmental protection. His passion for storytelling and social impact has taken many forms—from writing thought-provoking articles on national development, featured in a Spanish newspaper and Rappler, to producing documentaries on mining and environmental issues that aired on ABS-CBN News and GMA News.
A proud Ilocano and graduate of Northwestern University, PJ earned his degree in Accountancy then passed the CPA licensure exam in 2015. That same year, he began his professional career at KPMG in the Philippines. As an external auditor, he handled a diverse portfolio of clients, including a global workspace provider (the largest audit engagement of KPMG Philippines), a global bank, a major FMCG player, and several shared service centers.
His commitment to innovation was evident early in his career. PJ and his team won the KPMG Asia-Pacific Data & Analytics Challenge and later coached the Philippine team to a top-three finish at the KPMG GlobalRunner Cup. He went on to lead KPMG Philippines' Network of Audit Innovators and Data & Analytics Champions, as well as its academic arm. He was an active contributor to the Asia-Pacific Audit Digital Transformation Workstream and a member of both the Audit Methodology Group and the Root Cause Analysis Team. Beyond technical excellence, PJ is deeply committed to learning and leadership. He was a regular training facilitator on audit methodology, professional standards, and emerging tools in data and analytics. He also served as the Firm’s System of Quality Management (SoQM) Implementation Manager and one of its Workforce of the Future Champions.
In 2019, he contributed to the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) as a member of its Technical Working Group on Audit Methodology. His role in shaping audit quality and innovation has left a meaningful imprint on the profession.
PJ defines success by the people he uplifts. As a mentor and coach, he invests in the growth of emerging professionals and previously served as a member of the KPMG Philippines People Committee.
He leads various community-centered advocacy projects and shares inspiring stories through his vlog, PJspirations, a platform that celebrates individuals and their journeys. As a volunteer, he serves as Academic Master and Head Coach of PREMIER International Learning and Development Center, an organization devoted to providing coaching, mentoring, and training programs that help people grow personally and professionally.
Today, PJ brings his passion and expertise to the Middle East, South Asia, and Caspian regions as part of KPMG’s Professional Practice and Audit Learning & Development team. In this role, he contributes to audit methodology advancement and learning strategy across the Middle East Cluster.
He is also a certified #IAmRemarkable facilitator, leading sessions of the global Google initiative that empowers women and underrepresented groups to celebrate their achievements.
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