It’s been more than 5 years since we last visited Bintan and we finally made our way back. We couldn’t have picked a better occasion. For Buddy’s 11th birthday, we decided to surprise him with something special: his first overseas staycation since the pandemic. Our destination? The newly opened Holiday Inn Resort Bintan Lagoi, nestled amidst lush greenery and facing the serene South China Sea.

This wasn’t just a holiday—it was a chance to slow down, reconnect as a family, and celebrate a milestone for our boy in a space that felt both relaxing and exciting.

Getting There: Smooth, Scenic & Stress-Free
We booked our ferry tickets through Klook, which turned out to be a lifesaver. We opted for Emerald Class on Bintan Resort Ferries—a small upgrade that made a big difference. With priority check-in, comfortable reclining seats, refreshments, and access to a private lounge, the 1-hour journey flew by.

It was a breeze for us as parents and a treat for the kids. And if you’re planning a trip, here’s a quick tip:

📌 Use promo code LTMKLOOK on Klook for 10% off your ferry tickets.
Definitely worth it for a smoother experience—especially on a busy weekend, during the MOE school vacations or Public Holiday long weekends.

Our Pool Access Room: Pooltime Right from the Patio
We booked a Standard Twin Pool Access Room and it turned out to be the best decision for our family getaway. The room was brightly lit, well-ventilated, modernly furnished, and spotless — but it’s the little family-friendly touches that truly stood out, like the handy drying rack for swimwear (a lifesaver when your kids practically live in the pool!).

Buddy and his cousin, Coen were in and out of the pool all day — splashing, laughing, and burning off energy — which gave us adults some much-needed breathing space. There’s something incredibly relaxing about sipping coffee on the patio while watching the kids dive straight into the pool just steps from your room. It really made the days feel slow, easy, relaxed, exactly how a holiday should be.

The boys absolutely loved our pool access room, and honestly, so did we. It made spontaneous swims and winding down after a day of activities so convenient — we’d definitely recommend this room category for families.

Hospitality that Made Our Hearts Full
What truly set this trip apart was the genuine warmth and thoughtful hospitality of the Holiday Inn Resort Bintan Lagoi team. It wasn’t just about the comfortable rooms or the beautiful pool — it was the people who made the difference. Every staff member, from the cheerful receptionists to the restaurant crew and attentive housekeepers, greeted us with sincere smiles and made us feel completely at home.

Even the housekeeping team added special touches daily, crafting adorable towel animals and leaving little surprises on our bed. It was such a simple yet heartwarming gesture that instantly brightened our day.

The moment that truly touched our hearts happened on our second night. After a delicious buffet dinner, the restaurant team surprised Buddy with a beautifully decorated cake, complete with candles, some balloons and a cheerful chorus of birthday song. It was such a thoughtful gesture that made Buddy’s face light up with pure joy. His wide grin, the sparkle in his eyes, and the pride on his face as everyone sang for him — those are moments that make his 11th Birthday extra special.

Dining at the Resort: A Feast for All Ages
One of the highlights of our stay at Holiday Inn Resort Bintan Lagoi was undoubtedly the dining experience. The resort’s in-house restaurant offers all-day buffets featuring an impressive spread of local Indonesian fare, Asian delights, and comforting Western favourites — so there’s truly something for every palate, young or old.

Breakfast quickly became our favourite time of day. The buffet was a feast that catered to all our cravings — from freshly baked croissants and flaky pastries to piping hot Indonesian Mee Goreng and made-to-order eggs, prepared just the way we like them. The boys wasted no time making a beeline for the pancake station and cereal bar every morning, while we indulged in flavourful local dishes that gave us a true taste of Indonesia.

They even have a special buffet line set aside just for kids, with child-friendly favourites served at kid-friendly heights, making it easy for little ones to help themselves. Our boys absolutely loved the independence of picking out their own food – fries, nuggets, cupcakes, cookies, fruit kebabs, marshmallows and other sweet treats — it made mealtimes extra fun.

Beach Play & Buggy Rides = Pure Joy
One of the absolute highlights of our weekend getaway? The breezy buggy rides to the private beach located right in front of Hotel Indigo, just minutes from Holiday Inn Resort Bintan Lagoi. It became part of our daily ritual — hopping onto the buggy, wind in our hair, excited chatter all around, and within moments, we’d arrive at the stretch of soft, golden sand that felt like our own little slice of paradise.

The beach was perfect for families — calm, shallow waters ideal for wading, with powdery sand that begged for sandcastles, digging, and endless treasure hunt on the intertidal zone. The kids wasted no time diving into play, while we enjoyed lounging under the shade, soaking in the peaceful island vibes.

After working up an appetite, we’d head over to Bintan Indigo Resort for a leisurely à la carte lunch by the beach. The menu offered something for everyone, from hearty Indonesian dishes (like Beef Rendang and Ayam Bakar) to light bites (like Club Sandwiches and Burgers) perfect for a post-beach meal. With good food, sea breeze, and happy, sun-kissed kids, it was our idea of island bliss.

Indoor Fun at the Resort Centre
For those moments when we needed a break from the sun, the Resort Centre was our go-to spot — and what a treasure trove of family fun it turned out to be! The space was thoughtfully designed for families to unwind, connect, and have fun together. Inside, we discovered:

✔️ A wide selection of board games and card games for all ages
✔️ Table soccer and snooker — perfect for some friendly family competition
✔️ A cozy PS5 gaming station, always a hit with older kids and teens
✔️ Comfortable lounge areas where parents could sit back and relax
✔️ Even an outdoor gondola ride on the Resort Pond that added a touch of novelty to the experience!

The Resort Centre was the perfect retreat from the midday heat — cool, inviting, and filled with laughter and activity. Buddy and Coen especially loved the indoor games, diving right into board game battles and table soccer matches. Meanwhile, the arcade-style PS5 setup was practically never empty, with kids taking turns exploring virtual worlds and racing games.

We loved that the space encouraged families to slow down, play together, and make memories — all without needing to leave the resort. It’s those little pockets of downtime, filled with laughter and friendly rivalry, that make a family holiday feel complete.

All day fun at the Mangrove House Kids Club

One of the biggest highlights of our stay at Holiday Inn Resort Bintan Lagoi was definitely the Mangrove House Kids Club. The space is beautifully furnished with vibrant jungle-themed decor — think adorable animal murals, cosy play corners, and nature-inspired touches everywhere you look. It’s the kind of place that instantly makes kids (and honestly, parents too!) feel welcome.

What we really appreciated was the full-day supervised programme they offer. Parents can drop off the kids anytime throughout the day, knowing they’re well taken care of with a line-up of activities like handicrafts, storytelling, water play, and even movie screenings. It gave Buddy the chance to make new friends, get creative, and have loads of fun. Win-win for the whole family!

Family-Friendly Vibes & Gorgeous Grounds
What really sets Holiday Inn Resort Bintan Lagoi apart is its beautifully landscaped grounds and the laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere that invites you to slow down and soak it all in. The resort is surrounded by lush greenery, wide open lawns, and little nooks of peacefulness that instantly make you feel like you’ve escaped the hustle of daily life.

We especially loved our early morning strolls around the property — the cool breeze, birdsong in the background, and that quiet elegance of nature all around us. It was the perfect way to ease into the day, hand in hand, without a schedule, just being present as a family.

Scattered across the resort were lovely little touches that made it even more inviting — charming family swing chairs, shaded gazebos, and plenty of cosy spots to sit, chat, and simply be together. Whether we were lounging poolside, building sandcastles by the beach or playing board games inside the Resort Centre, there was always space to unwind and reconnect.

It’s the kind of place that encourages togetherness — no rush, no stress, just simple, joyful moments shared as a family.

Final Thoughts: Why This Was More Than a Birthday Trip
As parents, we’re always looking for ways to create meaningful experiences for our children — little moments that will stay with them long after the trip is over, shaping their memories and reminding them how deeply they are loved. This weekend getaway to Bintan gave us exactly that, and so much more.

It wasn’t just a short break from school or the daily grind. It was an intentional pause — a chance to slow down and celebrate Buddy’s birthday. From birthday songs sung by strangers who felt like old friends, to spontaneous pool dips, breezy buggy rides to the pristine beach, and the sound of our children’s laughter filling the air. These are the moments that matter — the ones where we look at each other, grateful for the happy memories that will last far beyond the suitcase unpacking and sand swept off the floor.

Thank you, Holiday Inn Resort Bintan Lagoi, for your warmth, your thoughtful touches, and for making our family feel so welcomed. This trip will forever be more than just a birthday — it was a celebration of family, joy, and togetherness.

Planning Your Own Bintan Getaway?
If you’re dreaming of a family-friendly, short-haul escape that’s filled with sunshine, genuine hospitality, and meaningful moments, we can’t recommend Holiday Inn Resort Bintan Lagoi enough. Just a quick 45-min ferry ride from Singapore, it’s the perfect place to unwind, reconnect, and let the kids run free while you soak in the tropical vibes.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, or simply craving a break from the busyness of everyday life, this resort offers the perfect mix of relaxation, culinary adventure, and heartfelt service that makes every guest feel valued.

Here’s to more travel, more joy, and many more birthdays worth celebrating. Bintan, we’ll be back!