Are you a discerning traveller looking to plan a nearby getaway?
Fancy walking down a private beach, or being ‘Iron Man’ on water?
Bintan Resorts will entice you with its wide range of unique accommodation options and activities suitable for families, friends, couples or solo travellers, catering to your every need.
If you’re dreaming of an intrepid or idyllic holiday to escape, unwind and discover, here’s why you’ll love this tropical island paradise – and return to it again and again.
Bintan Resorts
Situated at the northern coastline of Indonesia’s Bintan Island, multi-award winning Bintan Resorts is a popular destination for Singaporeans and international travellers.
With pristine beaches and a land size that’s nearly 2.5 times of Singapore, be wowed by renowned beach resorts and unique accommodation options (fancy ‘glamping’ in a luxury tent with en suite bathroom?), four designer golf courses, amazing air/land/sea activities, acclaimed spa treatments, shopping, delightful international and local cuisine, nature and cultural tours, and so much more.
Fancy ëglampingí in air-conditioned luxury safari tents with all the comforts of modern living? Head to The Canopi at Treasure Bay!.
What’s more, Bintan Island is only a 60-minute ferry-ride away from Singapore. Arrive in style via Emerald Class on Bintan Resort Ferries, where you can expect spacious leather seats and complimentary refreshments in a high-speed catamaran.
Escape
Newly opened in Bintan Resorts with stimulating and one-of-a-kind offerings, Lagoi Bay and Treasure Bay are perfect for idyllic escapes and sporty escapades.
Lagoi Bay
Picture an expanse of white beaches next to cerulean seas, fringed by a 2.5-hectare freshwater lake and dense tropical rainforest – that’s Lagoi Bay, a 1,300-hectare development set to be the new “Heart of Bintan”. Officially opened in May 2015, Lagoi Bay encompasses new holiday resorts, residential villas, tons of outdoor activities and a new shopping mall, Plaza Lagoi.
The newly opened Plaza Lagoi aims to elevate retail experiences for travellers within Bintan Resorts. With retailers on two floors spread over 1,000sqm, it is the ideal location for a retail therapy session or for a relaxing spa. Basic amenities like likes souvenir shops, convenience stores, money changer, tourism information and tour booking centre are also available within the mall.
Next to Plaza Lagoi is Swiss-Belhotel Lagoi Bay, a new four-star international hotel featuring 195 guestrooms in a modern contemporary design. On the rooftop, take a dip in the infinity pool that overlooks the South China Sea or be pampered with spa treatment and massages, making it a perfect place to rejuvenate your body and mind. Bintan Marketplace is also a stone’s throw away from the hotel.
Another up-and-coming resort near Plaza Lagoi and the picturesque Lake Lagoi is Lagoi-Bay Villas, a boutique villa resort located in an idyllic sanctuary. With choices of one or two bedroom guest villas, it promises a romantic setting for an enchanting getaway. Guests can enjoy their very own private swimming pool for ultimate relaxation in a private patio. Lagoi Bay Villas has started welcoming its first guests with five villas from June 2016; the remaining 25 villas will be ready by 2017.
Luxury is defined by the meticulous attention to detail and VIP service at The Sanchaya at Lagoi Bay. Overlooking a stretch of pristine white beach and opened just last year, the palatial estate comprises 21 villas and 9 suites that incorporate design elements reflective of Southeast Asian culture and modern facilities (think Bang & Olufsen and Apple TVs, and iPad minis). This impeccably-designed, picture-perfect resort is ideal for weddings or a romantic getaway. With indoor and outdoor treatment rooms and traditional massage therapies, The Sanchaya Spa has also developed unique essential oils that reflect the body’s seven sacred chakras, offering the perfect pampering escape.
For an unrivalled experience, take to the skies with Air Adventures for a bird’s eye view of Lagoi Bay. Operating since mid-2014 and ranked #1 by Trip Advisor for Bintan activities, Air Adventures caters to individuals, groups, team events and aerial charter services. The first of its kind in Asia, it offers tourist introductory scenic flights along the north coast of Bintan on board an ultralight seaplane, offering unparalleled views whilst experienced seaplane instructors man the controls. Air Adventures has a government licence (SIKAU-073) and prides itself for being safe, professional and fulfilling.
Treasure Bay
With 300 hectares of untouched forest and a private mangrove reserve, Treasure Bay also boasts Southeast Asia’s first and largest recreational seawater body – Crystal Lagoon. Available in 160 other countries, Crystal Lagoon’s ecofriendly technology uses about 100 times less chemical products than conventional swimming pools, making it environmentally sustainable and energy efficient.
The 6.3-hectare lagoon stretches 2km in length and is about 3m at its deepest, providing ample space for interactive water sports and other activities suitable for the whole family. Feel the rush of adrenaline as you wakeboard across the clear blue lagoon. Try an eclectic array of water activities that include standup paddling, kayaking, aqua glide sail boating, water tricyling, water bumper boating, sea scootering, and many more.
For an even more thrilling ride, hop onto the amazing Jetovator. A hose shoots high-pressure water jets to propel riders up to 30 feet into the air, perfect for adventure junkies who will get to be ‘Iron Man’ on water! Coming soon is a bungee jump that will see jumpers free fall over the crystal lagoon.
Treasure Bay Bintan will become a one-stop hub that integrates international hotels with entertainment, nightlife and health & wellness offerings.
Treasure Bay guests looking for accommodation close to Crystal Lagoon can reside at The Canopi, a ‘glamping ground’ featuring a unique stay in air-conditioned luxury safari tents with 4 poster beds. For the uninitiated, ‘glamping’ is short for ‘glamorous camping’, where spacious tents feature the comforts of modern living (yes, there is Wi-Fi).
At The Canopi, each Safari Tent-Suite is more than 400 square feet and comes en-suite with your own private garden where you can lie in a hammock, start a campfire supper, and stargaze the night away. The Lagoon Tent Suites overlook the Crystal Lagoon while the Jacuzzi Tent Suites feature the best of both worlds and outdoor jacuzzis. The Canopi also offers nature walks and jungle tours, land sports like ATV/UTV off-road forest trails, and other exciting activities for the intrepid traveller. Those who prefer some R&R will be glad to know that the Spa Tent, where trained masseurs will help relieve muscle aches and joint pains, is opening soon.
In addition, look forward to international hotelier Mercure, who will be building the island’s tallest landmark at 10 storeys high, as well as ibis Budget that will offer essential comfort at an affordable price.
Currently a glittering work-in-progress, with more fun and verve coming your way, no wonder Treasure Bay is marketed as the “Gem of Possibilities”!
Unwind
Popular amongst Singaporeans and international travellers, are some well-loved resorts to unwind in Bintan.
Banyan Tree Bintan is situated in a secluded bay in the northwestern tip of Bintan Island. With 64 lush villas overlooking the South China Sea, each villa is a tropical haven with a private pool, separate living area and king-sized bed. A key highlight at every Banyan Tree resort is the award-winning and indulgent Banyan Tree Spa. Well-known for their treatments that revitalise and soothe wearied bodies, expect pampering therapies that combine Eastern traditions with Western techniques, as well as traditional massages that originated from Indonesia.
Banyan Tree Bintan also offers activities such as a nature tour of the surrounding mangrove forests, guided bike tours, water sport activities and golf at an 18-hole championship course. Banyan Tree Bintan also has a Marine Conservation Lab where guests can participate in restoring natural coral reefs. As part of the Banyan Tree Bintan experience, there are 11 different dining options, including Destination Dining that brings diners to spectacular locations, such as on oceanic rocks and at the 8th hole of the golf course.
Club Med Bintan Island is a well-loved family resort, voted one of the Top 25 Hotels for Families on Trip Advisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards. Set in a picturesque beachfront, the resort has 311 modern rooms tinged with a hint of the traditional. Enjoy a relaxing getaway with Club Med’s all-inclusive concept – accommodation, food and beverages, activities and nightly entertainment are taken care at one go with every booking, guaranteeing a stress-free holiday.
For a fun-filled bonding session with your loved ones, indulge in endless activities for young and old, with archery, canoeing, beach volleyball, flying trapeze, para-sailing, yoga and more. Parents can rest easy at Club Med Bintan Island, knowing that their wards are safe under the care of trained G.Os (Gentil Organisateur). Signature children clubs at Club Med offer programmes to children aged 2 to 18 years old.
With the children well taken care of, indulge in Club Med Bintan Island’s Spa by Asmara for an hour or two of rest and rejuvenation. For exciting dining options, select between the main restaurant, Waterfall, for a sumptuous international buffet spread, or the al-fresco restaurant, The Terrace, occupying a beautiful view of the Club Med Bintan Island beachfront for intimate and romantic dinners.
Angsana Bintan is another family-friendly resort catering to the modern traveller seeking a stylish yet authentic local stay amidst warm hospitality and breathtaking beachfront views. The 18-hole Greg Norman-designed championship golf course and two tennis courts at the Laguna Bintan Golf Club complement the resort’s recreational and seasports facilities. Marine wildlife lovers can discover more about the conservation efforts in Bintan within the in-house conservation lab, situated on Angsana’s own private beach. Head over to the award-winning Angsana Spa for a session of relaxation, where personalised treatments will invigorate your senses. Children below the age of 10 years will be well taken care of at the Kids Club.
On top of these resorts, unwind at the popular Bintan Lagoon Resorts, or be spoilt for choice with different accommodation options at Nirwana Gardens such as Nirwana Resort Hotel, Mayang Sari, Banyu Biru Villas, Villa Aarya and more.
Discover
Beyond the resorts are some hidden gems of Bintan that are worth a visit.
Winner of the 2003 PATA Gold Award for Ecotourism & Travel-Related Projects, the Mangrove Discovery Tour is a 90 minute day and/or night eco adventure that will take you on a back-to-nature encounter with the wonders of Bintan Resorts’ mangrove forests through the Sebung River. Learn about the various types of mangrove plants via their roots and spot wild animals during the day tour. At night, be mesmerised by the twinkling stars in the sky and fireflies by the mangrove roots as you cruise down the river into a calm and serene night forest. This tour will memorably induct you into the exotic wildlife of Bintan and give you a glimpse of the indigenous folks of the island.
The Bintan Eco Farm is a 17-hectare haven of greenery where fruits are planted and fish are reared organically. The eco farm tour will give visitors, especially urban dwellers, the opportunity to embark on an approximately two-hour learning journey, which include hands-on planting or harvesting of seasonal crops and being exposed to methods of sustainable farming. There are also other activities like learning how to make a new dish such as ‘rojak’, amongst many others.
The Trail of Sea Gypsies is a six-hour venture into the hinterland of Bintan Island. The interesting trail of ever-changing landscape and coastline includes a drive past central Bintan’s rolling hills and a tour of Panglong Village, the largest sea gypsy village in Bintan. You’ll also get to catch a glimpse of traditional boat making and the coastal lifestyle of locals on kelongs. The Grotto Santa Maria (Santa Maria Cave) is one of the attractions of the tour. There will be an Italian pizza lunch by the beach, prepared by an authentic Italian family who fell in love with Bintan and decided to make this beautiful island their home.
Just a 60-minute ride away from Bintan Resorts, on the east coast of Bintan, Trikora is a long stretch of four separate beaches. The waters here are crystal clear with different shades of blue and green and the scenery is stunning, with floating fishing platforms, kelongs and fishing villages dotting the coastline. Traditional boat making can still be witnessed at Trikora today. There are also little sheltered huts along the beach that guests can opt to rent for a small fee. Weekends are the most crowded, since the locals enjoy coming here to relax.
The capital of Bintan Island, Tanjung Pinang, has excellent local street food and delicacies, along with traditional markets and beautiful street art. Drawn by a local artist, the 3D wall art pieces portray the locals’ everyday lives and offer an outstanding photo-spot. These can be seen at Jl Pos Road, near the jetty to Pulau Penyengat.
Shopping at Tanjung Pinang is a joy with its colourful variety of goods and value-for-money bargains. Shophouses offer a diverse range of dried foodstuff, electronic goods, antiques, ceramics and handicrafts, but the best buys are probably from the street peddlers. Mingle with the locals and explore the many tiny local shops with clothes, knick-knacks, gems, dried seafood and colourful crackers and snacks.
Round the corner in Tanjung Pinang, you might see dragons everywhere – right from the moment you enter the vast grounds of the Vihara Avalokitesvara Graha (Kwan Yin Temple) to the top of the temple’s roof. The tallest Goddess of Mercy statue in Southeast Asia sits majestically here, standing at 16.8m and coated in gold.
Senggarang is a rustic Chinese fishing settlement with houses built above water. It is also where the famous 200-year-old Banyan Tree is located, a popular pilgrimage site. Just a stone’s throw away, the Vihara Dharma Sasana (temple) is a perfect showcase of the co-existence of Gods and Dragons in Chinese mythology.
Pulau Penyengat is the abode of the kings of the last phase of the Malay/Riau Kingdom. The Royal Mosque and mausoleum are also located on the island, adorn in hues of yellow and green. There’s also an old fort with rusting cannons, once used to defend the kingdom against the Dutch.
For guided tours of the aforementioned attractions, visit http://bintan-resorts.com/visitors/discover-bintan/tours/.
Book your getaway at Bintan Resorts today for an exhilarating adventure or much-deserved respite!
This advertorial is written with information from Bintan Resorts International. Visit their website for more travel tips and promotions (http://bintan-resorts.com/visitors/).
