Archive for Mei 2013

Bintan Island is a magnificent island full of luxurious resorts and eye-catching attractions located in Riau province, Indonesia. Having the width of 60,000 kilometers square including the sea area, Bintan is recognized as the largest island in Riau. In the previous time, this island was an important trading post where Chinese and Indian traders selling their stuffs to the buyers from many other countries. The strategic location of Bintan island, together with the fact that this island was a very ideal place to grow pepper, made the foreign colonials eager to dominate the land. At least 3 countries tried to take control of Bintan, but ever since Indonesia succeeded in overcoming the Dutch colonials, Bintan island got its freedom. Now, the Indonesian Ministry of Culture and Tourism promotes Bintan as the main tourism site besides Bali.

Things to Do in Bintan

There are too many things to do in Bintan that it’s hard for the visitors to decide which thing worth doing first. Things like water and land sports, relaxing spa, wildlife preserve, and adventurous tours are all provided in Bintan so that people will find at least one activity which meets their preference.
The water sports available in some beaches of Bintan are kayaking, snorkeling, jet skiing, banana boat riding, and last but not least swimming. As for those prefer the land sports can have the activities like racing in Go-Kart, mountain biking, riding ATV, and Mountain tracking. Feeling like getting relax, there is always a spa waiting to please the customer with soothing aroma therapy and calming massage. In addition, series of tour around Mangrove forest, traditional village, and great fishing spots will surprise the adventure lovers.

With the existence of too many things to do in Bintan Island, ones will desire to spend another holiday in Bintan after their first-time visit.

Places of Interest in Bintan

As the largest island in Riau, Bintan certainly has many divine places where unpredictable attractions can be found. There are more than ten resorts available in Bintan, and most of them are side by side with enchanting white sandy beaches and crystal turquoise water. Aside from the resorts, many other attraction places such as Santa Maria Cave, Penyengat Island, Trikora Beach, and Pasar Oleh-oleh (Gift Market) become the favorite places of tourists in Bintan Island.
You can also go island-hopping from the main ports. From Tanjung Pinang, going to nearby islands would only be about $5-$10.

Where to Stay in Bintan

Whether you are looking for a luxurious place to stay or a cost effective one, Bintan has lots to choose from.

If you’re feeling extravagant and want to splurge on luxury hotels, these are the 5- and 4-starred hotels available in Bintan:

The Banyan Tree Bintan
It is a 5-star hotel with 61 rooms, offers a perfect vacation spot for couples. This five star retreat has a lot to offer with beautiful guest rooms that include all the amenities including private pools, villas, satellite television, and refrigerators. Guests will find a wid variety of cuisine served at the Banyan Tree Hotel’s Crosswords Restaurant including western, Mediterranean, and Southeast Asian fare. Guests can also enjoy a wide range of activities including spa treatments, golf, a swim in the sea, lounging by the outdoor pool, jetskiing, sailing, and mountain biking. Room rates start from USD 395.
Angsana Bintan
If you are looking for a great location for relaxing and enjoying all that Bali has to offer then The Angsana Bintan is for you. This 5-star hotel is located in Bintan Island and offers you all that a five star resort and spa should and then some. Enjoy a variety of treatments and massages. Set out for a day of water sports such as jet skiing, windsurfing, and scuba diving on the nearby beach.
Roam the island, hit the shopping centers, and check out all that Bintan has to offer. Then dine in the restaurant that offers international dishes or choose to take a picnic on our beautiful grounds. End the day with drinks from the cocktail lounge or poolside bar and head back to your Indonesian style room equipped with satellite television, refrigerators, and even a mini-bar. Room rates start from USD 164.
Villa Aarya
This 5-star seafront villa complex is situated at the city center, offering easy access to the city's must-see destinations. Villa Aarya is home to bedrooms, all tastefully furnished to provide comforts such as complimentary bottled water, air conditioning, mini bar, whirlpool bathtub, balcony/terrace. Throughout the day you can enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the massage, golf course (within 3 km), private beach, outdoor pool, garden. Room rates start from USD 632.
Indra Maya Villas Hotel
For those looking for personalized service and high-end accommodation the Indra Maya Villas Hotel is for you. This five star hotel in Bintan is luxurious, exclusive, and perfect for couples looking for a romantic place to go. The 14 villas have private pools, full kitchens, maid and butler service, in room catering, and complete laundry sevices.. The restaurant severs the best of Western and international cuisine. For those looking to do more than relax at the hotel there is water activities including scuba diving, kayaking, and jet skiing near by.
The Nirwana Gardens are also close and serve as the business and golfing hub for guests of the Indra Maya Villas. All in all, this luxurious experience could be yours. Room rates start from USD 558.
Nirwana Gardens Resort Hotel
The Nirwana Gardens Resort Hotel offers guests a tropical getaway perfect for honeymooners and couples looking for a romantic vacation in Bintan. Additionally they are family friendly and offer the perfect services and facilities to keep families happy as well. This four star hotel offers a great number of recreational activities as well as the facilities required for an entertaining and relaxing holiday. Each of the beautiful guest rooms give views of the South China Sea and the lush gardens. The hotel also offers a lovely outdoor pool, a Kid’s Club complete with games and activities, a spa and salon, car rental, a restaurant that serves themed buffets, and a poolside bar that has fantastic cocktails.
The location is near Banyan Tree Temple and Helmet Shell so guests can get out and see some sights. The multi-lingual staff is available to assist you with all of your needs and provide excellent service at the travel desk and babysitting services if need be. Room rates start from USD 103.
Banyu Biru Hotel
For the perfect romantic getaway or retreat, head to the Banyu Biru Hotel in Bintan. This four star hotel offers Indonesian style villas with a modern and contemporary twist. Each of the 36 villas include beautiful Indonesian fabrics and furnishings while offering great amenities including: mini-bars, refrigerators, 24-hour room service, and satellite television. Guests can also enjoy the Banyu Biru Hotel’s restaurant with delicious seafood, Western cuisine, and Indonesian dishes. Additionally they can relax by the pool and even order cocktails to be enjoyed there. Car rental service, meeting rooms, and tour arrangements are all additional amenities and services available. The Banyu Biru Hotel also offers a great location with Penyengat’s Royal Mosque, the Banyan Tree Temple, and other entertainment venues nearby. Room rates start from USD 219.
Bintan Lagoon Resort
For convenience and comfort in Bintan near Singapore, the Bintan Lagoon Resort is for you. This four star hotel is located in a lush and extensive tropical garden. Each villa is well decorated and furnished and is made up of two to five bedrooms, a well equipped kitchenette, and a spacious living area.
Guests will enjoy the convenience of a golf buggy for transportation and will have a wide variety of facilities and amenities they can enjoy in addition to their comfortable villa. Room rates start from USD 106.
Bintan Lagoon Villas
At the famous deluxe resort Bintan Lagoon Villas you will find nature, luxury, and elegence. Only a short walk away the Tanjung Uban with its sunset views and local products. 470 residences strong all carefully decorated and dedicatedly equipped to the highest contempory standards in tropical elegence. This true retreat brings you close to the fish and fruit market of Tanjung Pinang, and the Chinese fishing settlement of Senggarang where you can see 300-year-old shrines. The on-site Galleria @ Bintan offers shopping. While the beach offers water sport, exploration and relaxing walks.
The resorts 18-hole golf course will be sure to please any golfer. Kick back to the view of the South China Sea and the Riau island archipelago–gently swaying palm trees, fine white sands, sparkling azure waters, and a 4-star resort replete with culture, style, and setting, Bintan Lagoon Villas. Room rates start from USD 396.
Mayang Sari Beach Resort
The Mayang Sari Beach Resort in Bintan has a lot to offer for couples and families looking for a great time. This four star hotel has lots of beautiful scenery, delicious Indonesian or International breakfast buffets, offers Mediterranean and French dishes at the Belle Ella restaurant, has a fantastic swimming pool, and an exciting children’s play area. Car rentals are also available or you can take a taxi.
Nearby excitement can be found at the Buddhist temples or enjoy the waters with scuba diving, water skiing, and parasailing that can be arranged by the hotel staff. Finish the day with snacks and drinks at the Beach Hut or by slipping into the Jacuzzi. Room rates start from USD 171.
Bintan Agro Beach Resort & Spa
If what you're looking for is a conveniently located hotel in Bintan Island, look no further than Bintan Agro Beach Resort & Spa. From here, guests can enjoy easy access to all that the lively city has to offer. For those of you who want to venture out, Trikora Beach are just some of the attractions available to visitors.
Guests of the hotel can enjoy on-site features like airport transfer, car park, bar/pub, Wi-Fi in public areas, laundry service/dry cleaning. In addition, all guestrooms feature a variety of comforts such as air conditioning, satellite/cable TV, refrigerator, DVD/CD player, desk to please even the most discerning guest. The hotel offers wonderful recreational facilities such as fitness center, outdoor pool, spa, water sports (non-motorized), massage to make your stay truly unforgettable. Bintan Agro Beach Resort & Spa is a smart choice for travelers to Bintan Island, offering a relaxed and hassle-free stay every time. Room rates start from USD 69.
Aston Tanjung Pinang Hotel & Conference Center
For travelers who want to take in the sights and sounds of Bintan Island, Aston Tanjung Pinang Hotel & Conference Center is the perfect choice. The hotel features 162 beautifully appointed guest rooms, each including television, shower, complimentary bottled water, mini bar, satellite/cable TV. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or are just looking for a way to unwind after a hard day, you will be entertained by top-class recreational facilities such as fitness center, outdoor pool, garden, massage. With an ideal location and facilities to match, Aston Tanjung Pinang Hotel & Conference Center hits the spot in many ways. Room rates start from USD 49.

For those of you who are on a budget constraint then you can choose from 3-star accommodations such as Bintan Cabana Beach Resort (room rates from USD 55), Marjoly Beach Resort (from USD 33), Pelangi Hotel & Resort (from USD 28). All provide a good facilitated and comfortable stay.
If you are a student, have just graduated, or backpacker, then budget hotels are the best way to enjoy some of the best facilities and food at cheaper rates, such in Paradise Hotel (from USD 26), Hotel Bintan Nirwana (from USD 17), and Hotel Panorama (from USD 16).