“No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until one comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow.” – Lin Yutang
Title includes Quick which is an indication that this travel was quick decision. Week after week searching places for quick getaway, time constraint, laziness which was finally overcome on a Friday and ferry tickets was booked to Bintan Island [Riau Islands province belonging to Indonesia]
Bintan is just 60 minutes ride from Singapore.
Travelling is more beautiful when you get to stand outside a speedy boat and watch everything disappearing into endless sea.
We reached the Island around 2:00 PM local time and in no time we reached Bintan Lagoon Resort, which is just across the beach.
One thing which wow’d us was Private Immigration. Resort has its own Terminal and immigration facility.
Ferry is in operated from Tanah Merrah Terminal to Bintan Lagoon Terminal.
Once you are out of terminal, shuttle will be awaited which will take you to the resort lobby.
How cool is that facility J
Ferry is in operated from Tanah Merrah Terminal to Bintan Lagoon Terminal.
Once you are out of terminal, shuttle will be awaited which will take you to the resort lobby.
How cool is that facility J
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| Immigration Center located while entering Lagoon Resort |
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| Spacious Hotel Lobby & Reception , After completing immigration |
Resort has quite a few activities such as Archery, ATV, Water sports, Swimming Pools, Clubs, Golf and abundance of space to walk around the beach.
If you manage to tip the driver during your water sports, you will to get a ride of a life time.
This happened to us during banana boat ride, we were drenched completely like we were moving at a speed of 20 to 30 km/hour in heavy rain and still no sign of stopping. Breathtaking experience !!
This happened to us during banana boat ride, we were drenched completely like we were moving at a speed of 20 to 30 km/hour in heavy rain and still no sign of stopping. Breathtaking experience !!
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| Pool View from Dining |
Well, that’s the end of luxury. Suggestion is to do some research & enquiries before booking any activities in the Resort. As all are too expensive and even in Indonesia due to neighbouring country affect all are charged in Singapore dollars.
Evening went on by hustling with waves in beach and longs walks followed by nice traditional dance & dinner event in one of the resort restaurant.
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Next day started with a tour to local village, which had nothing exiting until we managed to find one local guide who pursued us to take Mangrove Forest ride in a boat. In next few minutes we were strapped in life saver jacket and seated in a boat.
Ride was worth the time. Nice view in a speedy boat along the vast spread waters. Was like piercing through a carpet of water , was more enjoyable due less crowd on particular day.
We were lucky enough to spot few snakes & lizards along the ride.
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| About to enter Mangrove Forest !! |
Amazed to watch how roots are so strongly attached to sea water and also the importance of these roots when Tsunami hits, which will help to hold back the water to some extent.
Had an awesome feeling like entering into forest for an Adventure , kinda Nat Geo One :) however no crocodiles :P !! had to make curves and turns on occasions.
Had an awesome feeling like entering into forest for an Adventure , kinda Nat Geo One :) however no crocodiles :P !! had to make curves and turns on occasions.
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| Inside Mangrove forest |
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| Awesome speedy curve |
It was 2:00 PM and our ride back to Singapore departs at 4:30 PM, so it’s time to say good bye to all the wonderful beaches & places. Took back home yet another memorable experience
Few Travel Tips & details listed from my experience
Stay – Island is divided into three parts
· Bintan Resorts [Where much of know resorts are located, very near to ferry terminal]
· Trikora Beach [Another white sands beach and few other resorts]
· Tanjung Pinang [City, not much interesting if you enjoy beach]
Places & activities of interest
Water Sports , if one is interested in water sports its quite a good location and at times can get offers worth
Mangrove Boat Ride [ fire flies during night time ]
Snorkeling [ Make sure to check the location before purchasing the tickets ]
Various city & village tours [ Not much entertaining , if nothing else to do then can give this a try ]
Water Sports , if one is interested in water sports its quite a good location and at times can get offers worth
Mangrove Boat Ride [ fire flies during night time ]
Snorkeling [ Make sure to check the location before purchasing the tickets ]
Various city & village tours [ Not much entertaining , if nothing else to do then can give this a try ]
