An Island with a Sporting Streak: Bintan Triathlon Marks Its 21st Edition

The 21st Indofood Bintan Triathlon brought competitors and their families to Lagoi Bay on Bintan Island, Indonesia, from 2 to 4 October 2026, adding a sporting chapter to the island's holiday appeal.

The event drew participants from 32 countries, with approximately 60% arriving from overseas, reinforcing its position as one of the region's leading international sporting events and its growing appeal among competitive athletes and active-lifestyle travellers.

A race through the destination

Participants swam in Lagoi Bay, cycled through the resort precinct and completed their run along the waterfront. Alongside the Olympic, Sprint, Relay and Duathlon categories, the programme featured Youth, Kids, Splash & Dash and Family Duo races, opening the event to participants of all ages and making it a family-friendly travel experience as well as a competitive one.

Abdul Wahab, Chief Operating Officer of Bintan Resorts, said: "Signature sporting events are integral to our long-term vision for destination growth. Twenty-one editions on, the Bintan Triathlon has evolved into one of the region's most anticipated sporting events, consistently attracting international participants, encouraging repeat visits and showcasing Bintan as a world-class sports and leisure destination."

Two decades of sports tourism

First held in 2005, the Bintan Triathlon has grown into one of Bintan's flagship annual events and a key driver of sports tourism for the island.

Bintan Resorts is an integrated tourism destination on Bintan Island in Indonesia's Riau Islands, with 23 resorts along the northern coastline and four golf courses. It is a 60-minute catamaran ferry ride from Singapore, and a new 1-hour 30-minute direct ferry links Pasir Gudang Ferry Terminal in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, with Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal in Bintan Resorts. Direct flights also operate from Jakarta to Tanjung Pinang and Batam Island.

Images: courtesy of Bintan Resorts