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Bintan Regatta 2025 Recap: Racing, Culture & Celebration
- Bintan Resorts
- News
What a weekend it was! From April 19–20, 2025, Bintan Resorts was alive with energy, culture, and the sound of sails catching wind as we hosted the biggest Bintan Regatta and Jong Festival to date. It was a perfect blend of international sailing excitement and rich local heritage, all set against the stunning backdrop of Bintan’s coastline.
The Biggest Bintan Regatta Yet
This year’s Regatta marked a major milestone. We welcomed 13 international sailing boats, all coming in from Singapore, making this edition the most globally connected so far. The regatta spanned two days, featuring six adrenaline-filled races, with the sea offering fantastic wind conditions and smooth sailing.
As boats arrived and lined up at Bintan Resorts Marina, the atmosphere was buzzing. Racers and teams gathered with anticipation, and the moment the first sail dropped, the excitement was non-stop. Following international race rules, the competition remained fair, fun, and fiercely contested. The winners were honored with the prestigious Bintan Regatta Trophy, while second and third place teams proudly received custom plaques.
One of the participants shared, “The race was fantastic, and the wind couldn’t have been better. I’ll definitely be back next year!” That kind of feedback means the world to us—it’s why we keep growing the Regatta year after year.
Celebrating Culture at the Jong Festival
Just a short walk away at Lagoi Bay Beach, the annual Jong Festival brought its own unique energy to the weekend. This year’s race featured an incredible 260 Jong participants from across the Riau Islands, competing in two categories: Medium Jong and Large Jong. These handcrafted wooden model boats are a proud tradition of Bintan’s coastal communities, and seeing them race across the shoreline never fails to amaze.
The beach was packed with locals and tourists cheering, laughing, and soaking up the sun. It wasn’t just about the competition—it was about keeping tradition alive and celebrating the culture that makes Bintan so special.
Introducing Tourists to Tradition through Jong School
This year, we also introduced something new and exciting: Jong School! Designed for curious visitors and tourists, Jong School is all about sharing the maritime legacy of the Riau Islands with the world.
At Jong School, guests had the chance to learn the history of Jong boats, try their hand at painting their own Jong, and even learn how to sail them out on the water. It was a fun, hands-on experience that helped visitors connect with the heart of Bintan’s culture in a meaningful and interactive way.
We were thrilled to see so many families, kids, and curious travelers joining in—smiling, learning, and proudly sailing their hand-painted Jongs along the shore.
A Festive Finale at Warung Yeah!
The celebrations ended on a high note with an award ceremony at Warung Yeah!, where the spirit of community shone even brighter. Guests enjoyed traditional dance and live music under the stars, creating the perfect closing moment to a weekend filled with heart, history, and healthy competition.
The award presentations were made even more special with the presence of key figures, including the COO of Bintan Resorts, the General Manager of Operations at Bintan Resorts, and Mr. Arief Sumarsono, Head of the Department of Culture and Tourism of Bintan Regency. Their support and presence showed just how important this event is to both our tourism goals and the preservation of local culture.
Until Next Time…
At Bintan Resorts, we believe the Bintan Regatta and Jong Festival are more than just events—they’re part of what makes this island community shine. They bring people together, introduce visitors to our traditions, and celebrate both the present and the past.
If you missed this year’s event, don’t worry. We’re already planning for 2026, and we can’t wait to welcome you back for more races, more smiles, and more unforgettable memories.
Stay tuned, and see you at the next Regatta!