Conquer The Epic Challenge of Iron Man Bintan 2019

Challenge yourself at Asia’s best destination triathlon on an exotic island with Iron Man Bintan 2019! This race will be held on the 25th of August at Bintan Island, right at the doorstep of Singapore and a ferry ride away from Malaysia.

This international event brings athletes together from all over the world to Bintan Island’s, Plaza Lagoi. Over 1,500 athletes participated in last year’s Iron Man, and the number is expected to increase this year. The race itself starts off from white sandy beaches, followed by the 1.9 km swimming course into Lagoi Bay’s crystal-clear waters.

The waters of Bintan Island are perfect for swimming due to the warm temperature of 29°C. The course also offers excellent visibility and no currents. Therefore, it feels like swimming in your very own private pool.

It then continues to a 90 km bike course that meanders through the northwest of the island. Cyclists will be welcomed by the lush and dense forests of Bintan accompanied by beautiful coastal views. You’ll also be greeted by enthusiastic flag-waving spectators along the way!

The triathlon ends at a stunning 2-lap run course of 21.1 km that winds through spectacular scenery along the manicured Lagoi Bay Lake. You will also be going through a ‘green corridor’ of dense rainforest, adding to the tropical touch.

You can compete in this race as an individual or a team of 2-3 people where each person completes one or two legs. This race is also an early qualifier for the 2020 Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Taupo, New Zealand.

Things to do around the venue

Bintan offers four great golf courses that serve a unique golfing experience for all (beginners or professionals). These golf courses are nestled within the rain forests, with many of their holes skirting the white-sand beaches of Bintan Resorts. Whilst playing golf, you also get to enjoy the serene views of the ocean. Where else can you experience golf with a pure natural view?

In a relaxing tropical place like Bintan, another way to wind down is by treating yourself to a spa treatment. Bintan offers a wide range of ancient Asian massages to traditional Javanese massages. They also offer natural beauty care to modern therapies bringing you absolute
relaxation and satisfaction. Changing your stressful and busy days into serene tranquillity.

Things to see around the venue

Being the largest island in the Riau Islands Province, Bintan Island offers a refreshing coastal atmosphere and high-end resorts. The well-known Bintan Resort is a spectacular beach holiday destination, north of the island, that covers 23,000 hectares along the pristine white beaches facing the South China Sea.

On the southwest part of the resort, there are pristine mangrove forests bisected by the crystal-clear waters of Sungei Sebung. You can even take a boat ride along the river and experience first hand the thrilling adventures of the tropical mangroves and amazing animals like monkeys, kingfishers and otters. If you visit at night, you will be able to witness thousands of fireflies lighting up your way.

Going east on the island, you can enjoy the long stretch of white sandy beaches and picturesque boulders called the Trikora Beach. This stunning beach is a popular destination not only amongst locals but also, for visitors from neighbouring countries like Singapore and Malaysia.

Additionally, do not miss visiting the southern part to see the little Nikoi Island -  where a secluded boutique eco-resort is built along with pristine nature and picturesque sceneries. There’s also a cave dedicated to the Virgin Mary with a small chapel constructed by Vietnamese refugees.

Get there

Most visitors visit Bintan through sea since it is very close to both Singapore and Malaysia. From Singapore, there are three operators (Penguin, Indo Falcon, and Berlian/Webmaster) that offer frequent services from the Tanah Merah Terminal in Singapore. These ferry rides will bring you either to the Sri Bintan Pura Terminal in Tanjung Pinang or Bandar Bentan Telani Terminal straight to Bintan Resorts. From Malaysia, there are five ferries that offer a daily schedule from Johor Bahru Ferry Terminal straight to Sri Bintan Pura Terminal, Tanjung Pinang.

From Batam, you can take a regular speed boat from Telaga Punggur, Batam to Tanjung Uban Ferry Terminal in Bintan. This trip is then followed by land transfer to Bintan Resorts. This two-way land transfer can be arranged with Global Bintan. Land transfer from Hang Nadim Airport to Telaga Punggur Batam may also be arranged.

If you’re visiting from Indonesia’s capital Jakarta, you can also get to Bintan by air. There are daily flights from Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and Sriwijaya Air to the Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport in Bintan Island. For more information on the flight schedules, you can visit here.

Get around

Official Partner Hotels of Iron Man 2019 (Bintan Lagoon Resort, Angsana Resort and Spa, Cassia, Holiday Villa Pantai Indah, and the Banyan Tree) provide shuttle services to and from the race venue (Plaza Lagoi) over the event weekend. There are also a lot of bike rentals in the area for those of you wanting to travel around. The best way to get around the island is via taxis or car rentals. Renting a car costs around 50 to 100 Singapore Dollars per day.

Iron Man Bintan 2019 sure sounds exciting and perfect for those of you looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure. To top that off, you get to experience it at one of Indonesia’s most magnificent and exotic islands. What are you waiting for? Register yourself now for Iron Man Bintan 2019!