Home Blog How to Start a Business in Bintan Tourism Batam | Business Setup | Investor KITAS How to Start a Business in Bintan Tourism InCorp Editorial Team 27 May 2025 6 minutes reading time Table of Contents Why Invest in Bintan's Tourism Industry? Top Business Opportunities in Bintan's Tourism Sector Key Requirements to Start a Tourism Business in Bintan Common Challenges for Tourism Businesses in Bintan Build Your Tourism Business in Bintan with InCorp As one of Indonesia’s fastest-growing island destinations, Bintan is becoming a strategic hotspot for tourism-related investments. Located just an hour’s ferry ride from Singapore, the island combines stunning natural landscapes with government-backed incentives under the Free Trade Zone (FTZ) and Special Economic Zone (SEZ) schemes. In this article, we’ll explore why Bintan is an attractive location for tourism businesses, the most profitable sectors to enter, the legal requirements for setup, and how to get expert help to navigate the process. Why Invest in Bintan’s Tourism Industry? Bintan presents a rare combination of market access, government incentives, and infrastructure readiness. As Indonesia diversifies its tourism economy beyond Bali, Bintan stands out as a destination built for long-term investment and sustainable growth. The island’s development is backed by policies encouraging foreign ownership, hospitality expansion, and integrated tourism zones. Proximity to Key Markets: Bintan is easily accessible from Singapore and Malaysia, attracting weekend travelers and international holidaymakers. Business-Friendly Ecosystem: The island operates within the FTZ and SEZ frameworks, offering regulatory and tax advantages for tourism investors. Infrastructure That Supports Growth: With modern ports, an international airport, and reliable utilities, Bintan is equipped for large-scale visitor flow. Diverse Tourism Appeal: Bintan tourism supports many business models from upscale resorts to eco-adventures. Policy Support for Green Investment: Investors must align with eco-tourism and wellness-focused development plans. Growing Visitor Traffic: Rising tourist arrivals fuel demand for accommodations, tours, and local experiences. READ MORE:Regulations for Free Trade Zone (PPFTZ 01, 02, & 03)Investing in the Indonesia Tourism Industry: Opportunities on Trikora CoastHow to Obtain a Tourism Business License in Indonesia Top Business Opportunities in Bintan’s Tourism Sector The diversity of Bintan tourism allows for a range of profitable ventures. As visitor numbers grow, entrepreneurs can explore various sectors supporting the island’s dynamic travel ecosystem. Here are some of the most promising business opportunities: Hospitality and Accommodation Bintan offers prime opportunities for resort development, boutique hotels, eco-lodges, and serviced villas. Its scenic coastline and peaceful atmosphere make it a magnet for luxury and budget travelers. Due to the high demand from regional and international guests, this sector remains a cornerstone of Bintan tourism. Food and Beverage (F&B) Restaurants, beach cafés, and specialty food outlets are vital to the Bintan tourism experience. Travelers seek diverse culinary options, including seafood, halal-friendly menus, and international fare. F&B ventures enhance visitor satisfaction while generating strong, year-round business potential. Tour and Travel Services Bintan tourism’s key draws are nature tours, cultural excursions, and marine activities like diving and snorkeling. Entrepreneurs can also operate ferry services or offer custom transport packages for group and private travel. These services enrich tourist experiences and create scalable revenue streams. Wellness and Medical Tourism Wellness-focused businesses thrive in Bintan’s serene environment, including spas, yoga studios, and retreat centers. Additionally, there is a growing interest in preventive medical tourism and wellness packages. This trend aligns with global travel preferences and contributes to Bintan’s high-value segment of the tourism industry. Eco and Cultural Tourism Eco-tourism initiatives like mangrove tours, wildlife conservation, and heritage village visits attract conscious travelers. These experiences promote sustainable development and preserve local culture. As sustainability becomes a key focus, eco and cultural offerings are vital to the long-term success of Bintan tourism. Retail and Souvenir Shops Tourist-focused retail businesses can thrive by offering handicrafts, apparel, local snacks, and beach essentials. These outlets extend the visitor’s journey beyond accommodations and attractions, making retail a great entry point for entrepreneurs new to Bintan tourism. Key Requirements to Start a Tourism Business in Bintan Launching a business in Bintan tourism involves several administrative and regulatory steps. Here’s what you need to prepare: Company Incorporation Foreign and local investors must establish a legal entity, typically a PT PMA (foreign-owned company) or a local company, registered through Indonesia’s OSS (Online Single Submission) system. Business Identification Number (NIB) and Licensing An NIB functions as a single business license, but additional sector-specific permits may be required depending on your activity (e.g., hospitality, F&B, tour services). All tourism businesses must comply with regulations set by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy. Zoning and Location Permits Businesses operating near coastlines or in designated tourism zones must secure proper zoning permits. The Bintan FTZ authority often plays a key role in granting location-based approvals. Environmental Compliance Depending on their scale and location, eco-tourism and resort developments typically require environmental impact assessments (UKL-UPL or AMDAL). Workforce and Social Security Businesses must register employees with BPJS (Indonesia’s national social security and healthcare system) and comply with local employment laws. Special permits may be required to hire foreign workers. Common Challenges for Tourism Businesses in Bintan While the outlook for tourism in Bintan is promising, investors should be aware of potential challenges that could affect planning and operations. Identifying these challenges early can help ensure a smoother and more sustainable business setup. Regulatory Complexity Indonesia’s licensing and compliance processes can be intricate, especially for foreign investors. Navigating OSS, sectoral permits, and local approvals without expert support may delay your Bintan tourism project. Land Use and Zoning Issues Securing land in designated tourism zones requires careful review of zoning rules and coordination with FTZ or local authorities. Missteps in land use compliance can result in costly delays or permit revocations. Community and Cultural Sensitivity Building trust with local stakeholders and aligning with labor, environmental, and cultural standards is essential. InCorp provides on-the-ground insights, HR advisory, and ESG alignment to ensure your business operates responsibly and sustainably. Guide to Doing Business in Batam Mailchimp Free eBook Batam Updates Full NameEmail I have read InCorp's Privacy Policy and agree to InCorp using my information provided to contact me about related content, and services.*Download Build Your Tourism Business in Bintan with InCorp Starting a business in Bintan tourism can be rewarding, but navigating Indonesia’s regulatory landscape requires local expertise. InCorp Indonesia (An Ascentium Company) offers end-to-end support to help you set up, stay compliant, and operate efficiently from day one. Company Registration: Set up your legal entity in compliance with local tourism regulations. Business Licensing: Get your NIB and sector-specific licenses through OSS without delays. Investor KITAS: Secure your stay and work permits with fast, reliable processing. Business Process Outsourcing: Let us handle HR, payroll, and admin so you can focus on operations. Unlock Bintan’s tourism potential—compliantly, confidently, and hassle-free by filling out the form below. Read Full Bio Verified by Daris Salam COO Indonesia at InCorp Indonesia With more than 10 years of expertise in accounting and finance, Daris Salam dedicates his knowledge to consistently improving the performance of InCorp Indonesia and maintaining clients and partnerships. Frequently Asked Questions Can a foreigner become a director or commissioner of a company in Indonesia? Yes, in a foreign-owned (PT PMA) company, a foreigner can be a director or a commissioner How do investors choose a holding jurisdiction for a PMA firm in Indonesia? Investors considering investments in Indonesia should assess existing International Investment Agreements between Indonesia and other countries. Having a business presence in countries with such agreements may offer incentives like stronger investment protection and higher foreign shareholding in Indonesia. Is there limited responsibility for shareholders in a PMA company? In a PMA Company in Indonesia, shareholders typically have limited liability, meaning they’re not personally liable for agreements or losses beyond their shareholding, except in certain circumstances. Liability may extend if the company isn’t properly established or if shareholders exploit the company in bad faith, engage in unlawful acts, or deplete company assets to the detriment of creditors. What are the functions and responsibilities of a PMA company’s board and management? Indonesian Company Law establishes a two-tier governance system with Directors managing day-to-day operations and representing the company, while the Board of Commissioners supervises and advises them. The articles of association may empower board of Commissioners to provide consent or assistance to Directors for specific legal acts. Get in touch with us. Lead Form Notify Full NameEmailPlease provide corporate email where possiblePhone NumberOffice SetupWhich city are you planning to expand into?JakartaSemarang/Central JavaBali/LombokBatam/SumateraSurabaya/East JavaOther ProvincesType of Service- Please Select -[SPECIAL PACKAGE] Company Registration + Office Package (20% OFF)[SPECIAL PACKAGE] Product Registration + License Holder (20% OFF)Business SetupAccounting and TaxHR & Payroll servicesImmigration ServicesProduct Registration and ImportCompliance and Secretarial ServicesBusiness AdvisoryMore ServicesType of Service- Please Select -[SPECIAL PACKAGE] Company Registration + Office Service (20% OFF)[SPECIAL PACKAGE] Comprehensive Industrial Package (15% OFF)Business SetupAccounting and TaxHR & Payroll servicesImmigration ServicesProduct Registration and ImportCompliance and Secretarial ServicesBusiness AdvisoryMore ServicesType of Service- Please Select -[SPECIAL PACKAGE] Company Registration + Office Service (20% OFF)[SPECIAL PACKAGE] Comprehensive Industrial Package (15% OFF)Business SetupAccounting and TaxHR & Payroll servicesImmigration ServicesProduct Registration and ImportCompliance and Secretarial ServicesBusiness AdvisoryMore ServicesType of Service- Please Select -[SPECIAL PACKAGE] Company Registration (25% OFF) + Office Space (Private Office 30% OFF)[SPECIAL PACKAGE] Company Registration + Investor KITAS (25% OFF)[SPECIAL PACKAGE] Accounting + Tax Services+ Annual Fintax Report (20% OFF)[SPECIAL PACKAGE] Payroll Services for Executive Role (20% OFF)Business SetupAccounting and TaxHR & Payroll servicesImmigration ServicesProduct Registration and ImportCompliance and Secretarial ServicesBusiness AdvisoryMore ServicesType of Service- Please Select -[SPECIAL PACKAGE] Company Registration (20% OFF) + Office Service (25% OFF)[SPECIAL PACKAGE] Company Registration + Micro Finance Services (25% OFF)[SPECIAL PACKAGE] Property Assistance: Due Diligence + AJB Purchase/Lease Agreement (25% OFF)Business SetupAccounting and TaxHR & Payroll servicesImmigration ServicesProduct Registration and ImportCompliance and Secretarial ServicesBusiness AdvisoryMore ServicesType of Service- Please Select -Business SetupAccounting and TaxHR & Payroll servicesImmigration ServicesProduct Registration and ImportCompliance and Secretarial ServicesBusiness AdvisoryMore ServicesServices Company Registration Renting Virtual and Serviced Office Mergers and Acquisitions Business and Import Licenses Corporate Recovery and Insolvency Closing of Company (Dissolution) Land and Property Ownership Shelf Company Local NomineeServices Accounting and Tax Reporting Audit and Review Transfer Pricing Compliance Tax RefundHuman Resource Sub Services Payroll Outsourcing Employer of Record Recruitment and HR Establishment Employment ServiceServices Business Visa Work Permit and KITAS Dependent Visa (Spouse and Family) OtherBusiness Visa Subservices Business Visa Visit Visa Visa ExtensionServices Medical Device Beauty (Skincare and Cosmetic) Food and Beverage Health Supplement Household Product Halal Certification TrademarkServices Legal Consultation Legal Agreement Service Due Diligence and Background Check Company Documents RevisionBusiness Advisory Business Advisory Services ESG Reporting & Advisory Internal Audit Risk ManagementMore Services Market Research and Analysis Local Distributor and Partner Bank AccountMessageSubmit What you’ll get A prompt response to your inquiry Knowledge for doing business from local experts Ongoing support for your business Disclaimer The information is provided by PT. Cekindo Business International (“InCorp Indonesia/ we”) for general purpose only and we make no representations or warranties of any kind. We do not act as an authorized government or non-government provider for official documents and services, which is issued by the Government of the Republic of Indonesia or its appointed officials. We do not promote any official government document or services of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, including but not limited to, business identifiers, health and welfare assistance programs and benefits, unclaimed tax rebate, electronic travel visa and authorization, passports in this website.