Budget
Shady Shack
Trikora 3 41 km, tel. +62 813 645 15 223, (http://www.lobo.kinemotion.de). 41km mark from tanjung pinang. owned by lobo, this is affordable and rustic, although quite basic. some rooms have fans and an attached bathroom. don't expect anything upscale - everything here is basic but that's the beauty of this place. one magical thing it has going for it is the 'private' beach that is all yours. walk about 50 metres away from the site and there is this gentle sloping beach that stretches out with clear waters with shades of blue, gin-clear and emerald green. should try skinny dipping when no one is around - pure bliss! when there's enough of a crowd, lobo and gang are more than happy to do up a bonfire when the sun settles. you can't beat the stunning combination of sitting under a brilliantly star-studded sky listening to some of the locals sing their melodious tunes. sleep to the sounds of gentle waves washing up the shore and get up to glorious mornings just perfect for a dip in the warm waters after free breakfast. rooms from rp165k per nights$25 for 2.
Nostalgia Yasin Bungalow
tel. +62 811 699 220/230 or +62 819 267 6000. 38km mark from tanjung pinang. bintan agro's rustic budget alternative to their more expensive upmarket resort 2km away. this place is a real gem, more organized and upmarket than shady shack, but at a similar price. a nice rustic 2 person bungalow built over the water just s$34 per night. plus they have a bar and restaurant with good food at very reasonable prices eg. great nasi goreng 12,500 idr. it was closed for renovation in february 2012.
Most backpacker hangouts can be found on beaches three and four.
Pondok Wisata Susy
Pondok Wisata Susy, (http://www.bintanbudgetre...). 42km mark from Tanjung Pinang. Owned by Mr. Sularto and his wife Annie. It's right beside Shady Shack and of similar style: Basic wooden huts, some with A/C, on one of the nicest beaches of the island, Pantai Trikora. White sand, crystal clear blue water, coconut-trees and a quiet and relaxing atmosphere to switch off your everyday life. Ms. Annie is providing delicious Indonesian food including snacks, seafood or just a sip out of the coconut. Spend your time hanging out on the beach or with Mr. Solarto and his family and learn more about the Indonesian culture and lifestyle. Rooms are from S$25 per night for 2 incl. breakfast.
Top end
The following expensive resorts have their own islands.
Nikoi Island, (http://www.nikoi.com/). 15 beach houses on a private island just 8km off the east coast of Bintan. Long regarded as one of the most stunning islands along this unspoilt coast. Nikoi is fortunate to have remained in pristine condition. It is ringed in white sandy beaches and coral reefs of spectacular colour and diversity. With an emphasis on serving excellent food and a sustainable approach to tourism Nikoi Island has quickly become a popular escape from Singapore. Bookings in advance essential. Can accomodate groups of up to 60 people. From S$330 per night per beach house. Board costs S$80++ per person per day.
Pangkil Island
(http://www.pangkil.com/). private island with freshwater pool and an assortment of lodgings, available for rental for only one group max. 30 people at a time. low-season weekday rates start from s$2,500 1 to 10 people, all-inclusive.
LooLa Adventure Resort
(http://www.loola.net). rustic kelong style bungalows on an isolated lagoon. there are a great number of activities on offer, including climbing, sailing, kayaking, boat expeditions with boom-netting, archery, beach games, obstacle course, raft building, marine expeditions, hill treks etc etc, as well as free child care. activities are usually included in packages. popular for school trips and corporate team-building exercises.