Bintan Resorts Strengthens Engagement with Indian Travellers as It Looks Ahead to 2026
As Bintan closes 2025, the destination reflects on a year marked by recovery and changing travel preferences. Demand continued to rise for destinations that offer convenient access alongside varied experiences, a shift that worked in Bintan’s favour, particularly among Indian travellers.
From January to November 2025, Bintan welcomed over 13,000 travellers from India, highlighting the market’s growing relevance. Connectivity via Singapore remained consistent, supported by improved access through Malaysia, with ferry services also operating from Johor Bahru. Short travel times and simple planning processes continued to make Bintan appealing for Indian travellers seeking efficient island getaways.
Indian visitors to Bintan explored the island across multiple segments throughout the year, including family holidays, leisure breaks, and wellness-focused escapes. The destination’s integrated resort zones, planned leisure infrastructure, and range of beachfront accommodations enabled travellers to experience the island with minimal internal travel. Spa and wellness facilities, golf courses, water sports, and curated activities further supported Bintan’s positioning beyond a traditional beach destination.
Experience-led travel played an important role in 2025. Bintan’s IP events, such as the Mandiri Bintan Marathon, sailing regattas, the BRAVE music festival, the Bintan Triathlon, and wellness retreats, attracted travellers seeking immersive, active holidays. These events complemented the island’s year-round leisure offerings and aligned with Indian travellers who prefer meaningful experiences within shorter travel windows.
Commenting on the destination’s approach, Abdul Wahab, Chief Operating Officer, Bintan Resorts, said, “India continues to be a priority market for Bintan. We are seeing interest across leisure, FIT, group travel, MICE and destination weddings. Our focus is to build relevance across segments while ensuring ease of access, reliable infrastructure and diverse experiences for Indian travellers.”
Looking ahead to 2026, Bintan plans to deepen engagement with the Indian market through targeted collaborations, more straightforward storytelling and experiences designed to encourage longer stays and repeat visits. Leisure travel will remain central, while the destination also increases its focus on MICE and weddings, supported by dedicated venues and resort-led event infrastructure.
As travel patterns continue to evolve, Bintan enters 2026 with a defined strategy, reinforcing its position as an accessible, experience-driven island destination for Indian travellers.
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