How to get to Tanjung Pinang

When planning a visit to Tanjung Pinang, you will be heading to the colourful capital of the Riau Islands province, situated on the picturesque Bintan Island. This city, combining the features of a bustling trading port and a custodian of Malay history, offers travellers convenient logistics; therefore, the question of how to get to Tanjung Pinang is easily solved via regular flights or ferry crossings. Whether you choose a quick flight or a sea voyage, the journey to this part of Indonesia will be a comfortable start to your holiday.

The primary way to reach the city by air is via a flight to the local Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport (TNJ). Previously, this aviation hub was known as Kijang, so you may encounter the former name in some older guidebooks. The airport receives regular flights from Jakarta and other major Indonesian cities, ensuring stable connections with the archipelago. From the terminal to the city centre, you can quickly travel by taxi or transfer.

If a direct flight is not suitable, travellers often choose routes through neighbouring major transport hubs. The nearest alternative is the international airport on Batam Island, located nearby. Additionally, many tourists fly into Singapore or Johor Bahru in Malaysia, using them as transit hubs: from there, the journey to Tanjung Pinang continues on a high-speed ferry, allowing you to combine air travel with a sea excursion.

There is no direct railway connection to Tanjung Pinang, as the city is located on an island where rail tracks have not been laid. The railway network in this part of Indonesia is not developed, so it is impossible to get here exclusively by train.

However, enthusiasts of land travel can use the railway lines of neighbouring countries as part of a combined route. The nearest major hubs are located in the metropolis of Singapore and the Malaysian city of Johor Bahru, from where the journey to the destination continues by high-speed ferry.

Direct bus services to the mainland or neighbouring countries are unavailable due to Tanjung Pinang's island location; however, experienced travellers actively use buses as part of a combined itinerary. For example, the journey from central Singapore to the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal takes about 40 minutes, covering a distance of 20 kilometres, followed by a transfer to a ferry. Similarly, transit is organised from Johor Bahru in Malaysia, where a short trip to the terminal allows you to easily continue your journey by sea.

For those departing from neighbouring Batam, a bus is a convenient way to reach the Telaga Punggur port. The road, stretching about 30 kilometres, takes approximately one hour, passing through picturesque areas of the island. Such a combined transport option remains the most budget-friendly and popular way to get to the capital of the Riau province, combining land-based comfort with maritime charm.

As Tanjung Pinang is situated on Bintan Island, it is impossible to drive here directly from mainland Indonesia or neighbouring countries. There are no bridges connecting the city to Singapore, Malaysia, or other major islands of the archipelago, so a classic road trip here is always inextricably linked with maritime logistics.

The only way to get to the island with a vehicle is to use a cargo-passenger ferry (Ro-Ro) from the neighbouring island of Batam. Such vessels regularly ply between Telaga Punggur port on Batam and Tanjung Uban port, located in the north-west of Bintan. After the crossing, travellers can expect a scenic drive overland: the distance from Tanjung Uban to Tanjung Pinang is about 80 kilometres, and the journey usually takes one and a half to two hours.

The road network on the island itself is quite well developed; the main highways are paved and comfortable for driving. To move around the city and its surroundings, tourists often use rented cars, which gives freedom in planning the route. Taxi services and private transfers are also widely available, allowing you to reach your hotel or attractions in comfort.

Thorough preparation for a trip to Tanjung Pinang will help avoid minor inconveniences and allow you to fully enjoy the atmosphere of this port city. To ensure your journey through Indonesia is as comfortable as possible, we have compiled a list of useful recommendations relevant to this region.

1. Clothing and Climate. Given the hot and humid tropical climate, opt for light clothing made from natural breathable fabrics, such as cotton and linen. Be sure to bring a raincoat or a folding umbrella, as sudden downpours are a common occurrence here. For visiting religious sites, please choose attire that covers your shoulders and knees out of respect for local customs.
2. Transport. It is most convenient to move around the city by taxi or using mobile apps popular in Asia (Grab or Gojek), which offer both cars and motorcycle taxis. Scooter rental is possible but requires an international driving permit and confident driving skills in heavy traffic.
3. Finances. The official currency is the Indonesian Rupiah. Major hotels and shopping centres accept bank cards, but you will definitely need cash for visiting markets, street cafes, and paying for transport. It is better to exchange money at banks or Authorized Money Changers, avoiding questionable street kiosks.
4. Health and Hygiene. It is strictly recommended not to drink tap water; use only bottled water, even for brushing your teeth. Stock up on mosquito repellents and sunscreen with a high SPF factor, as the sun here is very active even in cloudy weather.
5. Language and Communication. The main language of communication is Indonesian (Bahasa). English is understood in hotels and tourist spots, but local residents, especially the older generation, may not speak it. Knowing a couple of phrases, such as "terima kasih" (thank you), will evoke respect and smiles from the townspeople.
6. Local Etiquette. Observe the right-hand rule: passing money, food, or shaking hands should be done exclusively with the right hand, as the left is considered "unclean". When entering private homes and places of worship, be sure to remove your shoes.
7. What to Avoid. Never touch the heads of Indonesians, even small children, as the head is considered a sacred part of the body where the soul resides. Also, avoid public displays of anger and loud shouting—losing one's temper is perceived extremely negatively here.
8. Culinary Tip. Tanjung Pinang is famous for its seafood. Be sure to visit traditional restaurants on stilts ("kelongs"), serving freshly caught fish, crabs, and the famous "gong-gong" molluscs, which are a gastronomic highlight of the Riau Islands.

Observing these simple rules will make your holiday safe and pleasant, allowing you to focus on exploring the culture and nature of the island. Respect for local traditions will open the doors to the sincere hospitality of the residents of Tanjung Pinang.