Bintan Island overflows with activities for groups both big and small. The high number of school groups coming from Singapore mean facilities are well equipped for large groups, and the instructors are experienced and well-briefed.
Ria Bintan has an all-inclusive package (from US$159 per golfer) for events of up to 144 players with a shotgun start. Golf bags are collected at check-in at the Singapore ferry terminal, transferred and then loaded directly onto buggies. Express immigration clearance for delegates is handled by the resort, so the group can proceed directly to the bus. All of this means delegates can expect to tee-off within 20-30 minutes of the ferry’s arrival. Return ferry tickets, transfers, packed or a la carte pre-golf breakfast, buffet lunch or dinner, and prize ceremony with a stage, banner, prizes and microphone are also included.
New this year is Teambuilding Golf (US$149 per person, or US$182 with lunch), a great option for groups with novices and already taken up by Citigroup, Deutsche Bank and Keppel Land. Delegates receive a two-hour golf lesson, then split into groups for a nine-hole introductory play-off.
Good options
Focus Adventure is the island’s top teambuilding provider and also operates branches in Singapore, Malaysia and several cities in China. They run a centre at Bintan Lagoon Resort offering 20 watersports such as jet-skiing, sailing and – for the more adventurous – parasailing, as well as dune buggies and double quad-bikes. Obstacle courses, jet-ski safaris, paintball, The Incredible Race and a Team Challenge Pyramid are also available, in addition to the two 18-hole golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus and Ian Baker-Finch that are located on-site. At Nirwana Gardens, Focus Adventure offers similar activities, and the hotel also offers horse and elephant riding, a range of indoor sports, paintball and karaoke.
Mangrove Discovery Tour can take up to 64 people at one time to explore the local surroundings by boat. Mangrove replanting can be added as a conservation activity. In the evening, take your group on a Fireflies Tour to see the glowing insects up close – you can even hold one should you wish.
The Destination Dining experience at the pier is a fun option for VIP groups of up to 10 people. The traditional wooden structure can be transformed into a themed venue for private dinners and receptions catered by one of the resorts.