If there is something that most working adults in Singapore look forward to, it’s long weekends because of their precious limited annual leave. I’m no different—constantly counting down to those magical three-day breaks when we can escape without sacrificing those hard-earned leave days.
Ever feel like the weight of daily responsibilities has you gasping for air? I certainly did when I boarded the ferry to Bintan Island, my weekend escape plan firmly in place. Just 90 minutes from Singapore lies a refreshing dose of tropical rejuvenation that doesn’t require excessive planning or precious annual leave days.
The newly opened Holiday Inn Resort Bintan Lagoi Beach had been on my radar since its February launch, and my quick weekend respite promised the perfect antidote to city exhaustion. As the ferry docked at Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal, I could already feel the island’s languid pace beginning to work its magic.
After breezing through immigration (considerably less stressful than air travel), I headed straight to the designated pickup zone for IHG hotels guests—a small but welcome detail. The complimentary shuttle bus was already waiting, whisking me and fellow guests off to our respective IHG properties.
First Impressions: More Than Just Another Holiday Inn
Arriving before the 3pm check-in time, I was greeted with a refreshing welcome drink and then whisked away to participate in a complimentary souvenir-making class at the Resort Centre, a thoughtful way to ease into island time. Under patient guidance, I transformed traditional Malay Tanjak fabric into a colourful keychain, my first taste of the resort’s commitment to combining relaxation with cultural immersion.
Travel Tip: If you’re arriving early, enquire about the resort’s activity schedule. These little experiences are included in your stay and offer a wonderful introduction to local culture while waiting for your room.
With 258 rooms sprawled across lush tropical grounds, this resort packs a punch. After my souvenir class, I confidently set off toward what I thought was the main pool, only to find myself wandering past countless room blocks, carefully manicured gardens, and even accidentally discovering the manmade lake (more on the manmade lake later). What started as mild confusion turned into an impromptu self-guided tour that gave me a true sense of the property’s impressive scale.
The resort itself is quite the revelation—a far cry from the standard business hotel image often associated with the Holiday Inn brand. Surrounded by lush landscapes and adjacent to a natural mangrove forest, the property feels decidedly tropical, with design elements reflecting Bintan’s coastal heritage through subtle patterns and motifs throughout.
A Room With Direct Pool Access (Yes, Really!)
My accommodation—a Standard King Room with Pool Access—instantly became the highlight of my stay. Stepping through the door revealed a spacious, homely retreat with contemporary furnishings, but it was the private balcony that truly stole the show. With direct access to the swimming pool, I could quite literally roll out of bed and into refreshing waters within seconds.
The room layout deserves special mention—it’s thoughtfully designed for both comfort and functionality. There is surprisingly generous dressing area with ample wardrobe space, full-length mirrors, and a luggage rack.
The bathroom was another unexpected delight—far from the cramped, clinical spaces often found in chain hotels. Spacious and bright, it featured a luxurious walk-in rain shower with excellent water pressure, and a separate vanity area with expansive counter space. There is also a sliding partition that separates the bathroom area from the bedroom—a modest design function that allows for privacy while maintaining the room’s open, airy feel.
A word to the wise: pack light, as the resort provides everything from dental kits to shower caps upon request. The room comes equipped with all the essentials: plush bedding (with a choice of soft or firm pillows), high-speed Wi-Fi, and a 55-inch smart TV.
I found myself spending hours lounging on my balcony, occasionally dipping into the crystalline waters whenever the tropical heat intensified. One morning, I ordered room service breakfast and enjoyed it poolside in my pyjamas—a small luxury that felt utterly decadent.
Beyond the Room
With 258 rooms and suites, Holiday Inn Resort Bintan Lagoi Beach masterfully balances its size with thoughtful amenities that prevent it from feeling impersonal.
The property boasts two outdoor pools (one featuring the brilliant Strawbella swim-up bar where I enjoyed cocktails without ever leaving the water), a dedicated kids’ zone, and—most surprisingly—a manmade lake where complimentary boat rides offer a peaceful way to immerse yourself in the tropical sanctuary.
Families are particularly well-catered for with the Mangrove House Kids Club featuring a splash pad and various activities including STEM workshops, cooking classes, and even “Movie Under the Stars” sessions.
Finding Bliss at Sunjivva Spa
After a leisurely first day exploring the resort, I treated myself to a pampering session at Sunjivva Spa. The sanctuary-like atmosphere immediately enveloped me as I entered its serene lounge. My choice of treatment was a traditional Indonesian massage which expertly released knots of tension I didn’t even realise I’d been carrying.
Wellness Tip: Book your spa appointment in advance, especially if visiting during weekends. The Dreampod flotation experience is particularly popular among stressed city-dwellers seeking complete disconnection.
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Variety of Dining Options From Indonesian Flavours to International Favourites
For lunch on my first day, I visited Warung Pak Lagoi, the resort’s all-day dining restaurant. While the selection isn’t vast, it offers a satisfying array of international favourites alongside local dishes. The casual, unfussy atmosphere perfectly captured the resort’s approach to dining— approachable, enjoyable, and stress-free.
On my second evening, I ventured to the nearby Hotel Indigo Bintan Lagoi (just a short buggy ride from Holiday Inn Resort Bintan) to experience its dining venues. The lively SugarBEATS beach club offered a completely different vibe, while STIX Satay Grill and Bar served mouth-watering Indonesian grilled meat skewers that alone would justify a return visit.
Foodie Note: If travelling with children, take advantage of Holiday Inn’s “Kids Stay & Eat Free” programme, where children under 12 dine for free with a paying adult.
Beach Bliss Just a Buggy Ride Away
While the resort itself doesn’t sit directly on the shore, the pristine Lagoi Beach is just a short buggy ride away. Shared with neighbouring Hotel Indigo, the beach offers powder-soft sand and calm waters, perfect for a morning stroll or sunset appreciation.
Final Thoughts: Island Luxury Without the Fuss
As my short getaway came to an end, I realised what makes Holiday Inn Resort Bintan Lagoi Beach unique is that it delivers accessible luxury with none of the pretension. It’s the perfect weekend reset button for Singaporeans seeking escape without extensive travel hassles.
The resort balances family-friendly features with enough adult sanctuaries to satisfy all types of travellers. While it doesn’t aim to be the most exclusive or luxurious option on the island, it excels in delivering exactly what most weekend escapees need: comfort, convenience, and enough touches of indulgence to feel properly spoiled.
There’s something almost magical about the one-hour time difference between Singapore and Bintan. That single hour, combined with the island’s naturally languid pace, creates the sensation that time itself is stretching out before you. I found myself checking my watch less, scrolling my phone rarely, and simply existing in the moment more often.
