Historically, Bintan Island was an ancient trading crossroads between Indonesia, China, the Middle East and India. The Bugis traders bought spices from other islands, while the Chinese has been coming to Bintan as early as 960 AD bringing tea, porcelain and silk.
The Arabs were buying clove, pepper and nutmeg to ship to Europe. The Dutch, the British and the Americans came in the 18th century trading in gambier, opium and pepper.
Bintan is the biggest province of Riau Islands (Kepulauan Riau) of Indonesia. Other islands of the province include Natuna islands, Anambas islands and Lingga islands. Bintan is one of the most scenic and idyllic locations in Indonesia, with an area of 1,320 sq km.
Basking in the warm turquoise waters of South China Sea, lying close to the Equator, Bintan enjoys a tropical climate throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 21° to 32°, with an average 26° Celcius and with miles of pearly white beaches - a perfect tropical sojourn.
The economy of Bintan is centred on tourism, given its close proximity to regional hubs such as Singapore, Jakarta and Johor Bahru. Bintan is already a major international tourist destination, attracting an estimated 553,000 visitors in 2015. Tourists are drawn to the island's natural beauty as represented by its beaches and forest, by its signature golf courses and by its history, culture and heritage.
In the northern sector of Bintan island is Lagoi, a fabulous gateway for international tourists with stretch of beaches and clear waters. Accommodation options in Lagoi include deluxe class hotels, luxury villas and chalets. The resorts offer a variety of water sports and several golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Greg Norman and Ian Baker-Finch.