PHOTOS BY Rusdi Sanad, Ari Wibisono, The Space Storyteller Enterprise
Situated in Lagoi, one of Bintan Island’s most vibrant holiday destinations, Hotel Indigo Bintan Lagoi Beach invites you into a refined yet tranquil escape. Managed by the reputable IHG Hotels & Resorts, the property has quickly become a favourite among travellers from Singapore, whilst steadily drawing guests from further afield.
Set against the shimmering waters of the Singapore Strait, the hotel opened its doors in October 2024 and takes you conveniently from city pace to island calm. From Singapore, you are only a 60-minute ferry ride away, followed by a short 10-minute drive from Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal.
From the moment you arrive, the experience begins. A striking arrival axis welcomes you with a kelong-inspired wooden pavilion framed by reflective pools. Rooted in local tradition, a kelong is a stilted wooden structure used by fishermen in shallow waters. At the porte cochère, a sculpture titled Lancang Kuning by Gabriel Aries greets you, drawing from the iconic Malay boat of Riau and offering a graceful introduction to Bintan’s maritime heritage.
No two Hotel Indigos are alike, as each one carries the story of its local neighbourhood through its design. Varissa Srisataporn the director of Bangkok- based Tierra Design, explains that the general design concept of the hotel owes its design to the sea. “The architecture is shaped to frame ocean views, capture the breeze, and maintain a strong connection to the shoreline. The design draws from coastal settlements and fisherman villages with open and elevated structures.”
Step into the lobby and you are immediately taken into a maritime narrative. The space boasts sweeping sea views and features a reflective pool that mirrors the horizon beyond. On the floor, there is a map of the Riau Archipelago, where Bintan Island is located, grounding you in the geography of the region.
Responsible for the interior design of the whole project is Bangkok-based PIA Interior Company Limited. A representative of the company explains, “Hotel Indigo Bintan Lagoi Beach’s overarching concept centres on “Tides & Trade”. It’s a nod to Bintan’s seafaring past, pirate lore, and its long history as a waypoint of maritime exchange.”
Bintan’s rich heritage has been shaped by a blend of influences from China, Malaysia, Britain, and the Netherlands, whilst maintaining its deep Indonesian roots. You see this layered identity in the extensive use of rattan, timber, rope, and brick throughout the hotel, evident from the moment you step into the lobby. Antiques with maritime and Chinese themes are also displayed, both in the lobby and in Me Space, the sitting area adjacent to it.
As you move into the guestrooms, the story continues. Guestrooms are spread into five buildings, referencing fishermen’s houses raised on long pillars. This allows the landscape to flow beneath.
Each room and suite features a bed headboard with motifs inspired by ancient pirate lore, alongside maps of Bintan Island. Woven wood wall dividers and vintage luggage trunk side tables evoke the region’s maritime history, explorers, and the 15th-century Buginese voyagers. Old-world lamps and pendant lights reflect Bintan’s nautical past, whilst the abundant use of wood and rattan, combined with warm-toned interiors, creates a cosy and inviting atmosphere. Some rooms boast bathtubs on the balcony, whilst selected suites feature private plunge pools for a more indulgent stay.
“A long timber boardwalk, inspired by a pier, connects different zones. The landscape is driven by the sea and beachfront, with coconut trees and coastal planting reinforcing the tropical character,”Varissa explains. The use of locally adapted coastal plants helps restore native habitats and gradually encourages the return of birds, butterflies, and other wildlife, so as to create a natural environment that you can fully experience. Features such as giant swings and shaded seating areas scattered throughout the landscape add a playful touch to your stay.
At one end of the boardwalk, SugarBEATS Beach Club brings a lively energy to the resort. It features three distinct dining options: Ocean Kitchen, Tiki Bar, and Stix Satay Bar. Here, you can enjoy fresh seafood, sip tropical cocktails, and savour flavourful satay whilst relaxing in poolside cabanas with uninterrupted ocean views. As evening sets in, live music from 6 pm adds a joyful and convivial atmosphere. The restaurants take you on a culinary journey across Western and Asian flavours, all enhanced by locally sourced ingredients.
If you are looking to stay active, the fitness centre is only a short stroll away. Framed by expansive glass windows and doors, it allows you to work out whilst taking in fresh views of the greenery and the sea, ensuring you remain connected to the surroundings.
For a quieter retreat, the Voyage Pool Bar takes you closer to the shoreline. Designed for comfort and relaxation, this private sanctuary invites you to unwind with refreshing beverages and light bites by the water’s edge or from the comfort of sun loungers.
For those celebrating special occasions, the resort offers an intimate and memorable setting. The Sekisah Pavilion and Garden, an oceanfront chapel accommodating up to 60 guests, provides a beautiful backdrop
for weddings, vow renewals, or anniversaries, where the horizon becomes part of your celebration.
Hotel Indigo Bintan Lagoi Beach offers a seamless blend of rich heritage and contemporary comfort. It is a place that not only showcases a maritime past steeped in tradition but also invites you to slow down, recharge, and experience the quiet luxury of nature and culture coming together.