Monday, January 30, 2012

Bintan Cabana Beach Resort Review @ Bintan Island, Indonesia

Truthfully, I wasn't expecting much when i booked for a 2 days 1 night stay at Bintan Cabana beach resort in Bintan island via Groupon.sg.

But I badly needed a holiday after the stressful period at work and the deal of S$190 for two persons (includes ferry, accomodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner) proved to be too irresistible!

Anyway, it's always good to visit a new place (can blog mah) and although i have been to Batam Island countless times, this visit made it only my second time to Bintan.

The layout of the resort works in a weird way where a main road divides the resort into two areas. This imposing structure is the entrance to where i stay whereas the main entry point of the resort is disappointingly dowdy.

Most room types are classified under the villa or chalet category.

My coupon only provisioned for a pathetic clubhouse accommodation that is the furthest from the main road! In case you are under the impression that it is fifteen minutes by foot, i would like to clarify that a leisurely walk to the entrance took me three to five minutes.

Room was cozy enough for me. Note the words "for me" as i am not known to be very picky with overseas accommodation.

I would be fine so long it has a clean bed, a private shower and a working television. Oh yes, it must be fully air-conditioned; evidence of a true blue Singaporean!

Open concept reception, lobby and restaurant - all located in one place.

The plain yet main building housing the lobby, restaurants and reception. As you can see from the picture, there are more rooms available on the second floor.

However, you would not regret the spectacular scenery from the restaurant that borders the sea!

This panoramic view is worth the one hour drive from the ferry terminal. Many patrons would just pull a chair, order a drink, enjoy the scenery and take in the gentle sea breeze.

When asked on the differences between Bintan and Batam (since they are next to each other), the answers from many are straightforward; Batam for shopping and Bintan for beaches.

I totally agree!

At least from what i experienced in Bintan Cabana! The beach was spotlessly clean, the weather was fabulous and walking under such conditions is plain mental relaxation.

I should have brought along a Lesley Pearse book and read it under this small, wooden gazebo facing the sea!

The rocky terrain nearby is a beautiful photography spot and you see a lot more beachgoers in that area than anywhere else.

Even timid Alex took the challenge to climb up this sloping rock that is accessible using a secret passageway!

If he can do it, so can i (how could i bloody lose to the scaredy cat)!!! I was caught by surprise as there lies a small yet nostalgic fishing village (in the background) so well hidden by the rocks!

In this resort, there is a chance for you to walk far out into the sea. Just wait for the low tide when the seabed is exposed for at least a few hundred meters!

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Shuttle service to town is available at a nominal fee of S$10 for adults and if you prefer to travel on your own, you can also rent a car or motorbike. There is also a free shuttle to its partner resort - Bintan Agro Beach Resort which has more facilities and allows exciting sea sports activities.

Room rates and contact details for Bintan Cabana if you prefer to buy direct.

Personally, i am already looking forward to my next visit of relaxation and fireworks.

9 comments:

  1. very nice post, i love it

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  2. Wow i didnt expect bintan to be so lovely! The beach with clear waters is near ur cabana?

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    1. yes, right in front of the beach villas! :)

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  3. Anonymous8:07 PM

    hi. any chance if you know the rental of motorcycle needs any license?

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    1. Hallo, i didn't check this out but i wouldn't recommend a person without license to drive a motorcycle. Although it is convenient and fun (i guess), It is a risk for oneself and for others.

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  4. Im grateful for this blog, if not i would not have known such an inexpensive beautiful resort existed nearby! It eill be my 3rd time there this december.this time bringing my parents along!

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  5. Anonymous1:00 AM

    Hi!
    Could i check with you, did the hotel provide you with free transfer to and fro the ferry terminal?

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    Replies
    1. Hi! I bought this from Groupon and the 2-way land transfer was covered. :)

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