Sports buffs, here are two more reasons to visit Bintan

Ready, get set, go—it’s time to start training for the upcoming Bintan Triathlon (May 17-18) and the MetaMan Bintan (August 23-25), which are set to attract hordes of sports fanatics to the tropical island. 

The 10th edition of Bintan Triathlon is a family-friendly event that caters to all ages and fitness levels—there are various race categories to choose from, from the Kids Distance (150m swim, 6km bike, 1.5km run) to the Olympic Distance (1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run). The swimming leg will be held in the crystal clear waters of the South China Sea, while the cycling leg will take you through the opulent greenery of Nirwana Gardens and Ria Bintan, as well as around the expansive Lagoi Reservoir. 

The MetaMan Bintan, on the other hand, is geared towards more seasoned athletes. Sign up for the MetaMan Full for the ultimate challenge—you’ll have to swim 3.8km and bike 180km, before finishing off with a 42.2km run (that’s a full marathon, mind you). 

Registration for both races is now open, so sign up if you dare. Plus, you’ll get to luxuriate on the island’s sandy beaches after all that physical exertion—we couldn’t think of a better reward.