Beaches of Lagoi and Bintan’s North Coast

Bintan’s north coast faces the South China Sea and is lined with white-sand beaches. Much of the shoreline in the Bintan Resorts area around Lagoi is managed by individual hotels and resorts and is mainly reserved for their guests. Even so, visitors who are not staying at a resort still have options.

Lagoi Bay Beach

This beach, around 3.5 kilometres long, is the only public beach within Bintan Resorts. The sand is pale and shelves gently into the sea. Public toilets, showers and changing rooms are available nearby, and Plaza Lagoi with its restaurants and cafés is within walking distance. You can swim, play beach volleyball or, depending on what operators are offering, try water sports such as jet skiing or banana-boat rides.

Tides make a big difference here. At low tide the water pulls back a long way and swimming is not always possible, but that is when small crabs and hermit crabs appear on the sand. Weekdays are fairly quiet, while weekends and holidays are much busier.

Pantai Sakera

In the Tanjung Uban area of Bintan Utara district lies Pantai Sakera, a favourite with Bintan locals. White sand, clear greenish water and generally calm waves make it good for families with children. Shady trees and gazebos offer respite from the sun, and there are toilets, prayer rooms and plenty of parking. At low tide, locals often go bekarang, gathering shellfish and sea snails on the exposed shore.

Resort beaches

The Lagoi resorts have well-kept beaches, water-sports facilities and beach bars, but access is usually restricted to guests. If you would like to enjoy them without staying overnight, ask the resort directly whether day passes or lunch packages are available.

Tips

• Always check the tide times before heading out.
• Bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, as the tropical sun is fierce.
• There is no regular public transport inside Lagoi; use hotel shuttles, taxis or a hired car.