Been to Bintan

The Passengers spent this weekend relaxing on the island of Bintan. Actually, we whiled away two days in a cabana upon Singapore’s tourism beachhead in Indonesia. The island is a favorite getaway spot for urbanites looking for a tropical round of golf or quiet beaches away from the maritime parking lot that mars the sea view from East Coast Park. The ferry only takes an hour to cross the Singapore Strait and deposit weekenders among idyllic scenery and tropical breezes. Visitors frolic in a nearly closed, isolated system. When booking our getaway, the ferry website asked to know our resort. Then, upon disembarking from the ferry, we were loaded onto a shuttle bus at the terminal and whisked off to our resort. When it came time to leave, the resort completed our ferry check-in and handed us boarding passes before we caught the bus back to the terminal.

In conclusion, I submit photographic proof that we accomplished our plans for some serious sloth. We didn’t leave the comfort of the charming, thatched Mayang Sari resort, despite the availability of other inter-resort shuttle buses, so I will not pretend that our experience remotely approached the everyday life of Indonesians. I do hope that the stream of visitors benefits everyone on Bintan.

The main building and reception area.

Our own chalet, complete with front porch and high, breezy ceilings.

Expansive sands and warm, gentle waters.

Until next time, Bintan.