Joanna James
As one of Asia's most popular seaside hamlets, Bintan is home to some of the region's finest hotels and high-end resorts. From glamping in luxury to unwinding in style, here are 5 must-have experiences in Bintan's 5 -star accommodation hubs.
There's a reason why Bintan is considered one of the best spa holiday hubs in Asia and the luxury spas occupying the island offer holidaymakers an array of decadent treatments. Whether you are honeymooning in Bintan with your partner or enjoying a solo getaway, spas on the island are more than capable of catering to your own specific health and beauty needs with modern therapies and age-old treatments. There are a number of spas, which specialise in herbal treatments and other ancient spa rituals with a rich history while most spas will use state-of-the-art technology in conjunction with holistic methods to restore and rejuvenate one's body, mind and spirit through an array of massages, wraps, aroma therapy sessions and other modalities.
Although most water sports lovers head to the Maldives for world-class snorkelling and diving opportunities, Bintan Island is no less impressive in terms of the water bound adventures available on-site. Most resorts on the island including The Residence Bintan and other similar Bintan private villa hubs will provide tourists with plenty of facilities to engage in water sports activities of their choice. Bintan's most popular resort-oriented water sports options include kayaking, snorkelling and banana boating although jet skiing tours are also organised by tour operators in the area. Those who wish to learn how to dive can also take lessons with a PADI certified instructor or sign up for the Undersea Walk experience.
Travellers vacationing in Bintan can also tee off in what has long been described as the "Best Golf Course in Indonesia" and the "Best Golf Course in Asia" by publications such as the Asian Golf Monthly. Having opened its doors in 1998, the venue, which was designed by none other than Gary Player, is home to the iconic 18-hole Ocean Course. It is where most golfers love to spend time. The 9-hole Forest Course is no less impressive although this part of the course is very challenging for beginners.
Thrill seekers heading to Bintan must also enjoy the rugged wildernesses and terrains of the island on an ATV adventure of a lifetime. Available through local tour organisers and resorts, ATVs are open-air buggies that are comparable to go-carts or quad bikes used elsewhere in the world.
Bintan Island is not just about luxury resorts; it also offers stunning natural landscapes and rich biodiversity. Embark on a mangrove forest tour and discover the island's unique ecosystems. Many resorts organise guided boat tours through the mangroves, where you can spot various wildlife such as monkeys, birds, and even rare species like the mangrove snake. These tours often include stops at pristine beaches and hidden coves, allowing you to enjoy the serene beauty of Bintan's coastal areas.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
