The Canopi Bintan Review: Glamping by the Sea (Hotel Review)
The Canopi Bintan Review: Glamping by the Sea (Hotel Review)
The Canopi Bintan Review: Glamping by the Sea (Hotel Review) — The Canopi (now rebranded as Natra Bintan, A Tribute Portfolio Resort) is a true glamping experience on Bintan’s Treasure Bay lagoon: roomy safari-style tents, outdoor showers, lagoon views and island activities make it ideal for couples and families who want a beachy-but-different weekend from Singapore. It’s not a luxury hotel in the classic sense (expect outdoor features and nature sounds), but it delivers on Instagram-worthy lagoon views and a unique stay.
The Canopi Bintan Review: Glamping by the Sea (Hotel Review) — At a glance
- Where: Treasure Bay / Lagoi area, North Bintan (faces the Crystal Lagoon).
- Property style: Safari/glamping tents with king beds, A/C, outdoor patio and rainforest-style showers.
- Best for: Couples, small families, friends and groups who want outdoorsy comfort and lagoon activities.
- Not best for: Travellers who need full hotel-style service 24/7 or high sound privacy.
Why choose The Canopi (Natra Bintan)?
- Unique glamping tents with outdoor patios and whirlpool tubs on some tents for lagoon views and stargazing.
- Direct access to the large Crystal Lagoon and water-activity hub — great for paddleboards, wakeboarding and family water play.
- On-site dining with fresh seafood and BBQ options; private BBQ by tent available on request.
- Good choice for a short, easy island escape from Singapore — ferry is 60–90 minutes depending on route.
The Canopi Bintan: Rooms & Facilities (what to expect)
- Tent types: garden tents, safari tents, lagoon view tents, lagoon view deluxe tents and glamping deluxe tents. Tents are ~40sqm and include king bed + sofa bed options for families.
- Amenities: air-conditioning, LED TV, mini-fridge, Wi‑Fi, outdoor rainforest shower, patio seating. Some tents have outdoor whirlpool tubs.
- Dining: The Patio restaurant (breakfast and casual dining), BBQ-by-tent packages, casual seafood places around Treasure Bay.
- Activities: Crystal Lagoon waterpark activities, kayak/mangrove tours, ATV/land activities, wakepark and guided hikes.
Pros and cons (quick summary)
Pros
- Memorable glamping vibe and great photo opportunities.
- Spacious tents with outdoor features and lagoon views.
- Lots of family-friendly water and land activities at Treasure Bay.
Cons
- Service can be inconsistent — think relaxed island service rather than fast city-hotel service.
- Sound privacy is limited: tents are closer to each other than a villa resort.
- Expect flies/outdoor insects and occasional slow F&B service at peak times.
Getting to The Canopi Bintan — Step-by-step from Singapore
- Book your ferry from Singapore (Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal) to Bintan Resorts / Bandar Bentan Telani. Ferries run multiple times daily — common departure slots include mornings (08:10), late morning (11:10), early afternoon (14:00) and late afternoon (17:00). Allow time for immigration.
- Arrive at Bandar Bentan Telani (Bintan time is GMT+7 — one hour behind Singapore). Treasure Bay and Natra Bintan are short transfers from the ferry terminal (resort transfer options usually available).
- Check-in at Natra Bintan and settle into your tent. If you have booked ferry + resort packages, watch the transfer instructions in your booking email.
Travel tip: Aim for the 11:10 ferry out and the 14:00 or 17:00 return when doing a 2D1N weekend — it gives you the most beach/lagoon time and avoids super-early departures.
Sample 2D1N itinerary (Singapore — The Canopi / Natra Bintan)
- Day 1: 08:10–11:10 ferry (or 11:10). Check in early afternoon, lunch at The Patio, afternoon lagoon activities, sunset BBQ at your tent, stargazing and outdoor shower/whirlpool time.
- Day 2: Early morning lagoon walk or paddle, breakfast, optional mangrove or island tour, check-out midday, 14:00–17:00 return ferry (match your ferry booking).
Estimated costs (per person, Singapore-based travellers)
- Ferry (round-trip): S$40–S$80 depending on operator, promotions and season.
- Room (1 night): variable — glamping tents often start from mid-range rates; check package deals for best value.
- Activities & meals: allow IDR 300,000–800,000 (S$30–S$80) per person for lagoon activities or guided tours; seafood dinners or BBQs add extra.
- Tip: Book bundled ferry + resort packages (we list options below) — they often lower overall cost and include transfers.
Package links — quick booking options
- Bintan | Natra Bintan (The Canopi) + Ferry — recommended for first-timers who want ferry + tent stay in one booking.
- Bintan | Nirwana Resort Hotel + Ferry — alternative if you want a more traditional resort stay.
- Bintan | Mayang Sari Beach Resort + Ferry — another nearby beach option to compare.
Related guides you may want to read before you go
- Choose NATRA BINTAN for the BEST GLAMPING experience!!
- Why Bintan Is the Perfect Weekend Escape from Singapore
- What to Pack for Your Bintan Island Adventure
Practical travel tips (from experience)
- Bring insect repellent and quick-dry clothing; tents have outdoor elements and insects are part of the experience.
- Pack a light sweater for evenings if you sit by the lagoon; nights can be breezy.
- Bring cash in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) for small stalls and tips; major restaurants and the resort accept cards but small vendors may not.
- Reserve lagoon activities and BBQ dinner in advance during peak weekends — slots fill fast.
- Service style is relaxed — be patient with F&B timing, and use the resort’s contact methods (WhatsApp or front desk) for requests.
Visa & entry (short summary)
- Singapore passport holders: generally visa-free for short stays in Indonesia — check your passport and latest Indonesian immigration rules before travel.
- Visa on Arrival (VOA): for some nationalities, VOA costs around IDR 500,000 for up to 30 days — check eligibility before you travel.
- e-Arrival / e-Form: note that Indonesia has introduced e-arrival/entry card requirements — complete any mandatory e-forms before travel and have your documents ready at immigration.
- Always confirm current visa rules with official Indonesian immigration or with your ferry/resort operator before departure.
Ferry schedule & tips
- Frequent ferry runs operate from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (Singapore) to Bandar Bentan Telani (Bintan Resorts). Common departure slots include early morning, late morning, early afternoon and late afternoon (example times: 08:10, 11:10, 14:00, 17:00). Check the ferry operator’s latest timetable before booking.
- Arrive at the ferry terminal at least 60–90 minutes before departure to clear check-in and immigration smoothly, especially on weekends and public holidays.
- If you have a connecting flight from Singapore the same day, allow plenty of buffer time — island travel can have unexpected delays.
Who should book The Canopi (Natra Bintan)? — Quick decision guide
- Book it if you want: a relaxing, photo-friendly glamping stay with lagoon activities and an outdoors-forward vibe.
- Consider a different resort if you want: full hotel luxury, strong sound insulation or very fast 24/7 in-room service.
Comparison: The Canopi (glamping tent) vs. a regular Bintan resort
| Feature | The Canopi (Natra Bintan) | Typical Resort (e.g., Nirwana/Natra alternatives) |
|---|---|---|
| Experience | Glamping, outdoors, lagoon focus | Hotel comfort, private pools, beach |
| Privacy | Moderate — tents closer together | Often higher — villas and rooms more separated |
| Activities | Lagoon sports, waterpark, mangrove tours | Beach, golf, resort spa |
| Service | Relaxed island style | Hotel-standard service |
Common FAQs
Do I need a visa for Bintan?
Most Singapore passport holders do not need a visa for short leisure visits, but always check Indonesian immigration rules before you travel. Some visitors use Visa on Arrival (VOA) which has a fee and time limit for eligible nationalities.
How long is the ferry ride from Singapore?
Ferry time depends on the route — typical high-speed ferries between Tanah Merah and Bandar Bentan Telani take around 60–90 minutes. Tanjung Pinang routes can take longer. Check the operator timetable when booking.
Is The Canopi family-friendly?
Yes. Many tents have sofa beds for children and there are family-friendly lagoon activities. However, outdoor bathrooms and the lagoon environment mean parents should supervise younger children closely.
Can I book the BBQ or private dining?
Yes. The resort offers BBQ packages and some tents have private BBQ setups — book in advance to secure a time slot, especially on weekends.
Is the Crystal Lagoon safe for swimming?
The Crystal Lagoon is designed for water activities and is popular for paddleboarding, wakeboarding and casual water play. Follow operator safety instructions and lifejacket rules for activities.
Final verdict
The Canopi Bintan (now Natra Bintan) is a standout option if you want a different, outdoorsy luxury-meets-camping weekend by the sea. It’s ideal for social-media-ready stays, couples looking for romance, and families who enjoy active waterplay. If you prioritize absolute hotel-style service or perfect privacy, consider comparing package options with other Bintan resorts listed above.
Ready to book? Check package deals to compare ferry + resort combos and secure transfers.
Related packages (quick links): Bintan | Natra Bintan (The Canopi) + Ferry · Bintan | Nirwana Resort Hotel + Ferry · Bintan | Mayang Sari Beach Resort + Ferry.
Further reading: Choose NATRA BINTAN for the BEST GLAMPING experience!! · What to Pack for Your Bintan Island Adventure.
👉 Check our latest Bintan packages and WhatsApp us to book now.
