The beach is always a happy place for me – sunny or cloudy. The feel of basking along white sand dotted shores, the smell (and taste) of saline air and sea water can turn everything amusing.

Bintan Island or Negeri Segantang Lada is an island in the Riau archipelago of Indonesia, known for its beaches and resorts. It is a frequented vacation spot for foreigners coming to Indonesia (well, besides the more famous Bali). Being in close proximity with Singapore, travelers en route the Lion City would usually consider visiting Bintan.

Two beach resorts I got to visit are LaGoi Bay, a seaside destination at the northern part of Bintan facing the Singapore Strait, and Nirwana Gardens found on the north-west coast of the island. Both of which are speckled with white sand beaches. the Nirwana Gardens in the north-west coast of the island of Bintan.

 

LaGoi Bay is considered as one of the key tropical beach resort encompassing residential and commercial properties that sprawl over 1,300 hectares on this Indonesian island.
The beach itself is wide and clean. It reminds me of Cagbalete and Tondol Beach in the Philippines. The ripple effect on the sand during low-tide is an added charm. There are colorful umbrellas one may opt to rent along the shoreline, especially when the sun becomes pretty warm. The place looks really ideal for family picnic and gatherings. I also admire how clean the provided rest rooms are.

The vicinity of LaGoi Bay also houses a hotel and several commercial establishments (shopping center). There is even a lake that is surrounded by a golf course that contributes to the tranquil vibe of the place.

Nirwana Gardens, on the other hand, offers its visitors a handful of beach activities, a mini zoo (where I got to see some big iguanas), natural forests,  and various recreational facilities. I personally like this small area along the beach where there are pine – like trees and large rocks found (and lots of squirrels playing). I was told that real Sumatran elephants roam the beach area too (unfortunately, they weren’t there then).

Several restaurants that offer Japanese and Thai cuisines, a coffee shop that serves Indonesian and  International  popular dishes, are also found within the garden resort. Furthermore, they also have a facilities that may be used for office meetings, conventions and event life events like weddings and birthdays.

How to Get There: Once in Singapore, take the ferry from the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (TMFT) and reach Bintan’s Bandar BentanTelani Terminal in 45 minutes to an hour. Get a local taxi that will take you to either LaGoi Bay or Nirwana Garden Resorts. The closest international airports are that of Singapore’s Changi Airport and the New Bintan Resorts International. The Hang Nadim Airport in Batam and the Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport on Bintan Island may also serve domestic travelers.

Don’t be a wasted soul, be ‘juan’derlust. Take it easy ebri’juan’.