Mount Bintan
indonesia
Mount Bintan: The Hike Next Door
Quick Answers
Climbing Mount Bintan Indonesia - Mountain Stats
- #1 Highest Point on Bintan Island
- Gunung Bintan Besar
Climbing Mount Bintan Indonesia - Natural Form and History
Natural Mount Bintan Indonesia - Natural history
Bintan Island, the highest point of which is Mount Bintan, forms a part of the Riau Archipelago of Indonesia. Two types of lithology can be found on the Islands: igneous rocks and sedimentary rocks. The Bintan formation has alternating shale and limestone layers and is thought to date back to the Triassic Era. The Jurassic granites found on Bintan Islands are comparable to those found in Singapore and Malaysia. Much of the terrain of the Archipelago is ragged and hilly and the mountains like Gunung Bintan were formed by volcanic activity.
Natural Mount Bintan Indonesia - Climbing history
Bintan Islands, historically positioned as a major presence on the Indo-China trade route has a rich history and finds a mention in Chinese documents dating back to 231 AD. In fact, the first capital of the Island was built at the foot of the mountain, making it easier for sailors to locate it from the sea (the capital has hence shifted to Tanjung Pinang, which is a few hours’ drive towards the coast). After a colorful past as a trading outpost for various colonial powers, Bintan Islands has now emerged as a major tourist destination and climbing Mount Bintan is one of the high points of a visit to the Islands.
Natural Mount Bintan Indonesia - Current status
With its attainable height and relatively uncomplicated terrain that make it attractive for amateur hikers, and its proximity to Singapore and Malaysia, the Islands and the peak see a lot of tourist activity on a daily basis. The entire trek takes 3-4 hours to accomplish for the average climber. Most tourists make it part of a longer 1-2 day itinerary on the island, spending the rest of their time on the Island enjoying the beaches as well as the tropical flora and fauna.
Climbing Mount Bintan Indonesia - Climbing Experience & Itinerary
Climbing Mount Bintan Indonesia - Climbing Experience
Bintan is a single trail mountain, going up from one side and coming down the other, with the pathway offering you just enough inclines and rocks to make it enjoyable yet challenging. If you’re physically fit, you will be at the summit before you know it, so you just have to slow down and enjoy the jungle scenery.
Climbing Mount Bintan Indonesia - Trail options
Climbing Mount Bintan is a relatively simple affair with a clearly marked out trail. Most climbers go up one side of the mountain, and come down the other to enjoy a diversity of flora and fauna along the way, and the Kolam Puteri (Princess Pool) and waterfall at the end of the trail.
Climbing Mount Bintan Indonesia - Support facilities
Guides and porters
Trail facilities
Food & water
Network connectivity
Climbing Mount Bintan Indonesia - Safety & Accessibility
Weather
Bintan Islands enjoy a steady 25-30°C weather with only slight variations through the year. The mountain is not high enough for it to get significantly colder as you ascend. The dry season is between March and November, and offers a higher chance of unexpected rain. The dry season is the best time to plan a hike.
Climbing safety
Dehydration: Though this is a short trek, stay hydrated throughout especially if the weather is particularly hot and humid.
Insects: Take insect repellant for mosquitos.
Slippery surfaces: Be prepared for unexpected rain, and cautious if the trail has become slippery due to loose vegetation or algae.
Personal safety
If doing this trek during the dry season and especially on weekends or holidays, there will be a good amount of traffic up and down the mountain. It is unlikely you will come up against any dangers.
Permits, Fees, and Regulations
No permits are required for this hike.
Emergency contacts
Police: 110
Ambulance: 118
Fire: 113
Getting there and away
Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport in Bintan has domestic services connecting to the main airports in Indonesia. However, most tourists take the ferry from Singapore (or Malaysia).
It is a 35 minute cab drive from the domestic airport to the entrance to Mount Bintan.
Climbing Mount Bintan Indonesia - Special Tips
Tips for amateur climbers
Bintan is definitely a good one for beginners to get into hiking.
Tips for advanced climbers
Mount Bintan doesn’t have much advanced climbing to offer the more experienced mountaineer.
Tips for women
Mount Bintan is a safe trek for women.
Tips for trail runners
Gunung Bintan has a great trail for running when not too wet.
Check bintanmarathon.com and justrunlah.com for news on any upcoming races.
Tips for nature lovers
If you’re a nature lover, you’ll enjoy the diversity of flora and fauna along the way, and the Kolam Puteri (Princess Pool) and waterfall at the end of the trail.
Climbing Mount Bintan Indonesia - Gallery
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The view from the top of Bintang, submitted by Sarabjit SIngh
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Thick woods along the trail on Mount Bintang, submitted by Sarabjit Singh
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A rest area on Mount Bintang, submitted by Sarabjit Singh