Bintan island is the largest island among the 3200 islands in the Riau archipelago of Indonesia. It covers a land area of about 2, 400 sq. km. including 96% of sea area. It has a coastline of 105 kilometers and has a rolling topography in its landform. Huge it may be but it is sparsely populated. The Malays are the original settlers but over time, Indonesians have migrated in large numbers and eventually dominated the island.
Bintan is very close to the Equator that is why tropical climate is dominant all through the year with two distinct seasons namely the northeast moonsoon from November to March and a dry southwest moonsoon from June to October. March to early November is the dry and calm season with clear sunny days, a brilliant time to visit the place and just soak up the sun.
Bintan Resorts are Singapore owned resorts although the area is within Indonesia's territory. It is without a doubt that everything here from accommodations to food and shops are in Singapore dollars and not in Indonesian rupiah. So expect a rate that maybe expensive for others and maybe just fine with those more fortunate. It targets visitors from the nearby Singapore, to whom this island is only a mere 45 minutes ferry ride from the Singapore's Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal.
The resort has been laid out in four areas, namely Nirwana Gardens, Laguna Bintan, Ria Bintan and Bintan Lagoon.
I had the opportunity to stay at the Nirwana Gardens where my accommodation was at the Nirwana Resort Hotel. The hotel offers 245 rooms and suites catering to every budget and need offering breathtaking ocean views, pool views and garden views.
Nirwana translates into "perfect bliss" and Nirwana Resort is set right on the palm - fringed beach overlooking the South China sea. With the unique blend of sunny Mediterranean spirit and warm Indonesian hospitality, you are sure to have a cheery smile in this sunny cheery paradise!
The beach is fairly good but not so much of an invitation for a dip for me, personally, as I am frightened off by floating weeds on its seawater and who knows what strange creatures are actually lurking underneath those stuff! That's just me!
But soaking up the sun is my best alternative to relax and commune with nature and myself. So I am contemplating in this picture....
The pool is just the excellent venue for a dip! You'll also get a view of the beach where it faces directly from it. And since I'm running out of descriptive phrases to continue further, I may as well let these pictures do the talking. So hope you'll enjoy as much as I did!
The resort also offers other fun activities such as Flying Fox, archery, horse riding, pintball and elephant show all happening at Nirwana Resort Centre. Here you can also enjoy a game of bowling, billiard, etc.
 |
| Backdrop of the resort centre |
 |
| Flying Fox |
Nirwana Beach Club is just beside Nirwana Resort so if you are thinking of a real good fun at the beach, this is definitely the best place to stay at Nirwana Gardens in Bintan. I had the chance to get a glimpse of the beach on my very last hours of stay at the resort. The below pictures will show you how it looks...
This is just about it and overall I had pretty good fun at this resort even for two days of stay over the weekend. A nice way to relax and immerse in my dreamland for a while.... So if you happen to be visiting Singapore for a few days, why not give this island a go as well. Please visit this website for more information of Bintan Resorts. Have fun!
