Category: Bintan

Banyan Tree Bintan guests can now look forward to embracing a truly local experience of Indonesia and the natural wonders of the South China Sea with its brand new Banyan Tree Bintan Kelong Villa. Built and named as a tribute to the traditional offshore stilted platforms used by local fishermen, the floating villa is an exciting new addition to the Hotel’s current all-villa accommodation offerings. As Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts celebrates its 25th Anniversary this year, the launch reinforces its commitment in providing guests with a sanctuary for the senses that is not only inspired by the romance of travel but also deeply rooted in an ethos of sustainability.

Banyan Tree Bintan Kelong Villa – Brand New Getaway Experience 

Located about 250 metres from the modern Laguna Bintan integrated resort, guests begin their stay experience by boarding a pokchai (motorized wooden boat) at the beachfront and arriving at their new abode in just under two minutes.

The warm hospitality Indonesia has come to be known for is on full display with the medley of arrival experiences that await each guest. It begins with the customary sounding of a terompet (local handmade horn) by the Banyan Host to signify the arrival of the guests as they disembark from the pokchai. Therapists from the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa serve traditional welcome offerings of kueh putu ayu (steamed rice flour cake filled with palm sugar) and a healthful elixir of carrot, pineapple and ginger to refresh the palate. A luxurious foot bath with traditional herbs and pandan juice follows, and after, guests are invited to shed their footwear in favour of traditional pandan sandals.

The expansive interiors of the Villa feature the earthy tones of local Indonesian timber and traditional furnishings that are enhanced by unfettered, breathtaking views of the South China Sea. Amidst all the rustic comfort, luxury remains a priority here with exquisite silk and buckwheat bedding for guests to sink into at the end of the day.

As an eco-friendly accommodation, the Villa offers a selection of amenities and activities that have been carefully curated to allow guests to disconnect from the distractions of the modern world. During their ‘digital detox’, guests can spend their time on an assortment of board games and books, or take to the waters with fishing rods, oars and a kayak for an adventure of their own or with local fishermen.

Around the corner, a spacious, open-concept bathroom elevates the feeling of being one with nature while surrounded by it. A modern walk-in rain shower beckons in Indonesia’s tropical climate, paired with double sinks and the Hotel’s signature shower amenities.

Banyan Tree Bintan Kelong Villa – Localised Dining Experience

Food is readily available in an in-villa menu, hand-delivered through pokchai by a Banyan Host who will attend to the every need of those staying at the Kelong Villa. Guests have the choice of waking up to traditional Indonesian, healthy or oriental breakfast fare, all served within the comfort of their Villa.

For lunch or afternoon tea, quintessential local delicacies and finger food await to be enjoyed at a local village or by the beach. When evening arrives, guests are invited to sit on a Tikar (traditional blanket) while savouring a traditional family-style Lesehan dinner, featuring local specialities like Ayam Bakar (charcoal-grilled chicken) and Bebek Betutu (roasted duck).

Checking out from the Villa is just as ceremonious as arriving to it. A farewell elixir of sweet papaya, baby spinach and honey juice is served, along with lapis Surabaya, a local snack. Guests can then participate in the local tradition of freeing a handmade banana leaf boat and scattering flower petals in the ocean while making a wish of their own and reflecting on their experience. Following their return to their home country, the Banyan Host also sends a handwritten postcard to guests in thoughtful appreciation of their stay.

Banyan Tree Bintan Kelong Villa – Exciting Launch Offer 

In celebration of the launch of the new Kelong Villa, Banyan Tree Bintan is pleased to
offer the following package for 2 persons:

• Breakfast
• Indonesian afternoon tea
• Kelong Dinner
• Welcome foot bath ritual
• 60-minute full body massage at either Kelong Villa or Hilltop Pavilions
• Return land transfers between ferry terminal and resort

Rates begin at SGD 840 / USD 610 nett per night. For reservations and enquiries, please contact +62 770 693 100 or email Reservations-Bintan@banyantree.com. Terms and conditions apply.

Located just 60 minutes via a catamaran ride from Singapore, Bintan Resorts is an integrated tropical beach resort destination covering the entire northern coast of the Indonesian island of Bintan. Consist of12 independently owned and operated resorts, 4 designer golf courses, a range of recreational facilities and attractions, there are lots of new and fun development at Bintan. If you have not been back to the island for a while, here are 10 reasons why Bintan should rank high on your list for your next getaway from Singapore!

1. It’s Even Easier To Go Bintan Resorts Now!

The recent launch of the scheduled shuttle bus by Changi Airport Group provides a two-way transfer between Singapore Changi Airport and Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, offering greater convenience to travellers and strengthens Bintan’s offering as a twin destination to Singapore.

2. Lagoi Bay – Heart Of Bintan

Lagoi Bay is a 1,300 hectares development set to be the new ‘Heart of Bintan’. It concentrates a cluster of holiday resorts and villas, outdoor activities, shopping options as well as food and beverage outlets.

Exciting events such as fun runs and festivals are increasingly held in the area on weekends along with food trucks and stalls set up to attract both local and foreign crowd. Around the vicinity of Plaza Lagoi, Lagoi Bay welcomed new dining options such as Lamak Basamo and Warung Yeah! which serves interesting menu items — Internet, Mie Goreng Gila and more, at affordable local prices.

Located a stone’s throw away is the Lantern Park which opened in January. You and your loved ones can walk amongst a variety of 21 bright and colourful lantern displays of sea creatures and endangered land species such as the Javan Rhinoceros, Komodo Dragon and the Sumatran Elephant.

Strolling towards Lagoi Beach, you and your special half can hang locks with their initials on a ” Love Lock ” structure, in memory of the beautiful time spent together.

2. Two Brand New Resorts

Nestled on the eastern quarter of Lagoi Bay, Holiday Villa Pantai Indah is the newest member of the Bintan Resorts’ family. The all-villa resort prides 99 luxury pool villas that offer 1, 2 and 4 bedrooms accommodation, complete with exquisite furnishings inspired by traditional Balinese architecture and contemporary touches.

Another young player in town, Lagoi Bay Villas is a boutique property strategically located between Plaza Lagoi and the picturesque Lagoi Lake that offers choices of spacious 1 or 2 bedroom guest villas with private pools and is ideal for a private getaway. Previously known as Swiss-Belhotel Lagoi Bay, the establishment has been recently rebranded to Village Resort Grand Lagoi, Bintan .

3. Treasure Bay Bintan – Waterfront Resort City

Treasure Bay Bintan is a 338-hectare waterfront resort city that integrates wellness, leisure and cultural activities with residential and commercial real estates.

The first resort opened under Treasure Bay Bintan, The Canopi brings the charming concept of glamping, offering guests the best nature has to offer along with the comforts and indulgence of modern amenities.

The luxurious safari tents were inspired from 18th century colonial explorers and come fully equipped with air-conditioning and Wi-Fi connection. In response to its popularity, the property is expanding and the number of tents will be increased to 100 to welcome more guests by end 2017.

Right beside the resort is Southeast Asia’s first and largest man-made seawater lagoon, Crystal Lagoon .

The patented eco-friendly technology of the lagoon filters seawater to crystal-clear state and provides a safe environment for recreational water activities all year round. The colourful Slip and Slide is one of the latest attraction offering non-stop exhilaration to visitors. Other exciting activities of Chill Cove at Treasure Bay Bintan include a mangrove kayaking tour, ATV/UTV or scooter rides. A new seafood restaurant, Hook On!!! Seafood Grill & Bar, also joins the list of offerings.

4. Club Med Bintan Relaunched! 

Club Med Bintan Island just relaunched in April after a round of refurbishment. Facilities and services have been given a face-lift, curating the resort into a select destination for holiday goers looking to rejuvenate with a wellness getaway.

5. Walk Under Water In Bintan

In June, Nirwana Gardens proudly introduces a new nautical activity, the Nirwana UnderSea Walk. Armed with a unique helmet designed that allows breathing underwater, participants will be guided down to the seabed by trained instructors to absorb beautiful sights of marine life. The 30-metre rectangular shaped route will take approximately 20 minutes.

6. Golf Upgrades On Bintan

Laguna Golf Bintan recently revamped the Greg Norman course in 2016, providing polished terrains for aspiring and seasoned golfers. Ria Bintan Golf Club just launched a new and improved website, designed to offer users a more interactive experience. Guests can also look forward to a new restaurant offering local and international delights at this golf establishment.

7. Explore Out of Bintan Resorts, Greater Bintan

In order to encourage repeat visits and longer stays, Bintan Resorts broadens its marketing spotlight to the pool of rich cultural attractions, nature sites as well as local hangout spots on Bintan Island. Known as the abode of royalty during the last phase of the Malay Kingdom, Pulau Penyengat is home to the majestic Masjid Raya Sultan Riau that was built in the 18th century with egg whites as its bonding agent.

Near Tanjung Pinang, hundreds of life-like statues of arhats stand silently at the newly opened Vihara Kstigarbha Bodhisattva , also known as the 500 Lohan Temple. Sign up for the Gods and Dragons and South Bintan Heritage itineraries of BRC Tours to visit these attractions.

Gurun Pasir Busung , a picturesque site of sand dunes resembling a desert, is another hidden gem that was recently discovered. Weave amongst the locals at Rimba Jaya and enjoy mouth-watering local delights at affordable prices. Be spoilt for choice with a hawker centre, a night market, themed cafes, a bar and an Asian fusion restaurant all sitting in this area.

8. Other New Attractions 

The Eco Farm under Bintan Resorts has recently been expanded to become Safari Lagoi, home to an array of rescued and endangered animals including an orangutan, Komodo dragon, sun bear, elephant and a 6-metre crocodile. In addition, there is a bird aviary.

Besides the new establishments and attractions under Bintan Resorts, the island also plays host to Cempedak, a private island resort that opened in March 2017 . This tropical retreat is located on an isle off the main shores, 30 minutes from Nikoi Island .

9. Making It Better For Muslim Travellers

Bintan Resorts rolled out a series of initiatives in collaboration with CrescentRating, a leading authority on Halal-friendly travel and Halaltrip, CrescentRating’s online lifestyle counterpart. A guide and a dedicated microsite on HalalTrip has been developed to highlight Muslim friendly resorts, attractions and restaurants, allowing visitors to make informed decisions. All establishments have been rated based on CrescentRating’s rating system for Muslim friendliness.

10. More Upcoming Developments

Slated to open in August 2017, Cassia Bintan is a hotel and investment property that will be the latest addition to the exclusive area of Laguna Bintan, alongside the prestigious Banyan Tree Bintan and Angsana Bintan.

Bintan Marketplace sets to be a retail, dining and entertainment enclave in Lagoi Bay Bintan consisting of 41 shophouses connected via weather-proof canopied walkways.

The Haven Bintan is a luxurious 5-Star “all-suite” resort hotel that is uniquely surrounded by water bodies of sea, river and lake. Also positioned in Lagoi Bay, FourPoints by Sheraton with a private beachfront is tastefully designed with thoughtful touches such as the Signature Four Points Bed.

As part of the 20-year masterplan, Treasure Bay Bintan plans to debut Chiva-Som Bintan as an extension of the internationally acclaimed health and wellness brand. Upon completion, it will house a wellness hotel and centre with luxury villa estates amongst the lush natural environment. An Organic Farm and a Marine Life Park are also imminent projects. Other properties to look forward to in the area include the two international hotel brands of Mercure and  ibis Budget .

Also lined up is Doulos Phos, The Hotel which structure was a vessel that first set sail in 1914 and retired as the “World’s Oldest Active Ocean-Going Passenger Ship” in the Guinness World Records. Permanently docked right beside the ferry terminal, this ship hotel will have facilities both on land and onboard and which includes a maritime museum.

Outside of Bintan Resorts, The Residence Bintan is set to be a rustic sanctuary for nature’s lovers, blending indoors and outdoors seamlessly with generous space and beautiful ocean scenery.

We hope you are just as excited as we are on all that Bintan has to offer now and in the near future! If you have not been back to the island for a while, its time to plan your next getaway from Singapore there!