Overview
Tucked away in Indonesia's Riau Islands, Tanjung Pinang is a fascinating stopover for travellers who want to see a side of Indonesia far removed from the well-trodden Bali trail. Once the seat of the Riau-Lingga Sultanate, this waterfront city blends Malay heritage, Chinese temple architecture and stilt-house fishing villages, and sits just a short hop from the beach resorts of Bintan Island. It's a genuinely off-the-beaten-path destination for UK travellers, and one that rewards a little extra planning to reach.
Best time to fly to Tanjung Pinang
Tanjung Pinang has a warm, humid, equatorial climate year-round, with temperatures typically between 24°C and 32°C. The driest, sunniest spells generally fall between February and April and again from June to August, making these the most comfortable months for sightseeing and island-hopping. November to January tends to bring the heaviest rainfall, though showers are usually short and shouldn't put you off travelling. Check the price charts on this page to see how fares typically move through the year before settling on your dates.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights from the UK to Tanjung Pinang, so this is very much a two-leg journey. The most common approach is to fly from London to Singapore with a carrier such as Singapore Airlines or British Airways (a direct flight of around 13 hours), then continue to Tanjung Pinang by high-speed ferry from Singapore's Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, a crossing of roughly an hour. Alternatively, travellers can fly on to Jakarta with an airline such as Qatar Airways, Emirates or Cathay Pacific via their home hub, then take a domestic connection to Raja Haji Fisabilillah International Airport with Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air or Citilink. All-in journey times from the UK typically run from around 18 to 24 hours depending on routing and layovers.
Things to do in Tanjung Pinang
Once you've arrived, there's plenty to fill a few days:
- Pulau Penyengat: A short boat ride from the city, this small island was the historic seat of the Riau-Lingga Sultanate and is home to the striking yellow Sultan Riau Mosque.
- Senggarang: A characterful old Chinese settlement of temples and stilt houses on the waterfront, best explored by a short boat crossing.
- Akau Potong Lembu: The city's famous night food street, the place to try gonggong, the local sea snail delicacy Tanjung Pinang is known for.
- Bintan Island day trip: Nearby Bintan offers white-sand beaches and resorts around Trikora, an easy day or overnight excursion.
- Tanjung Pinang waterfront: Wander the old town and harbour for a glimpse of everyday Riau Islands life, from fishing boats to colonial-era buildings.
At Raja Haji Fisabilillah International Airport (TNJ)
TNJ lies around 15km from the city centre, and a taxi transfer usually takes 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. Metered taxis and ride-hailing apps such as Grab are readily available at the terminal, and some hotels can arrange a private pick-up if you let them know your flight details in advance.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Tanjung Pinang
- Book your long-haul leg to Singapore or Jakarta several weeks to a couple of months ahead, then arrange the ferry or domestic connection separately for more flexibility.
- Flying midweek, rather than at weekends, often works out cheaper on the international sector.
- Keep your travel dates flexible where you can and compare a few days either side using the when to book chart above.
- Compare more than one airline and routing, as fares via Singapore versus Jakarta can vary noticeably depending on the season.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders can currently enter Indonesia visa-free for short tourist stays, or via a Visa on Arrival for longer visits; requirements do change, so always check the latest official guidance before you travel. The local currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), though it's worth carrying some cash as card acceptance can be patchy outside hotels and larger restaurants. No specific vaccinations are mandatory for entry from the UK, but it's sensible to check current NHS travel health advice, and to pack insect repellent given the tropical climate.
