Bintan

Where do you stay while in Bintan?

There are many hotels and resorts in Bintan island.  Here is a link that lists all the resorts:  http://bintan.travellingtoindonesia.com/  We stay in the resort called Bintan Lagoon Resort (BLR):  http://www.bintanlagoon.com/main.asp  In BLR we always stay in the Sea-facing Angshoka Villas which are biggest and the nicest ones with its own private swimming pool with the backyard adjacent to the beach.  There are these beautiful balconies on both 1st and 2nd floors overlooking the pool, backyard and the beach.  Sitting there looking out is like being in paradise.

Why stay in the villa and not in the hotel?

The only reason you still have this question is because you were not paying attention while reading my explanation “Why Bintan?”  That said, it is not necessarily the best option for everyone to stay in the villa.  Here is the summary of all the reason we prefer to stay in the villa:

• It’s like being at home with your family.
• We (my family) are what you would call Foodies – we love food and we are experts in making them.  A big part of the fun of the vacation is food.  We considered bringing a cook with us so that we didn’t have to cook, but one of my sisters (who takes such pleasure in preparing meals for us) threatened me.  She said that if we bring a cook she won’t come next time. As it turns out, you have plenty of time on your hands, so cooking the meals is not a chore for a group like ours.
• My brothers loved to take a bus to go to the local bazaar and buy the fresh catch of the day to bring back for our next meal.  Honestly, the only catch we liked, that they brought back, were the prawns.  Some of the prawns they brought back were really giant in size.  The price was very reasonable.
• The sense of togetherness that you can have living in a home cannot be replicated in a hotel room where each couple may have a different room.  It’s a totally different kind of experience.  Again this would only work for groups where you can be together for a week or so and not get sick of each other.
• Being in a villa together is one big, long party.  You ask yourself every morning, “What I have done to deserve this?”

What’s the best part of Bintan Lagoon Resort experience?

In one word: service.  The level of service we received there every single day is over the top – world class.  What I found in Bintan are people who are naturally gentle, kind, always greeting you with a smile, and always taking care of what ever you need.  I found in Bintan that Indonesian people are some of most hospitable people I have ever come across in my life.  It also helps to be kind and appreciative in return which allows them to double their effort of hospitality.  In fact, it helps that we are returning guests and they really go the extra mile for repeat guests.  Finally, not too many people stay as long a stretch as we do.  As a result, most of the resort staff know who we are and make us feel really special through their routine interactions with us.

Anything negative that you can think of about BLR?

Two things I did not like. 

• You get really fleeced if you buy any of the grocery provisions from the hotel. First time we were there we did not know what was available locally.  However now we know better and buy perishable stuff (vegetables, fruits, poultry, fish etc) from the local market accessible thru bus of car within about 20 minutes from the hotel.  So we buy stuff from the hotel only as a last resort.
• Secondly you get screwed on the exchange rate.  They quote the price in Singapore dollars, but the final settlement of the bill takes place in Indonesian Rupiah.  When I checked out, this time,  I felt I was screwed to the tune of $300.00 through this exchange rate scam.

My hotel of choice in Singapore- Holiday Inn Parkview (HIPV)

http://www.parkview.holiday-inn.com  I have been staying at this hotel for many years and has become my hotel of choice when I come to Singapore.  It’s not like a Holiday Inn in the US.  In terms of cost and quality closer to a Marriott or a Hyatt.  What I like best about this hotel is it’s location and for the price over quality of the hotel is a good value.  Very centrally located and most things I need are within walking distance.  My favorite dining joint in Singapore is this Indian Restaurant called Maharaja, it’s located right next to the HIPV.  The best way to book a room in hotels in Singapore is not make a reservation before you get there.  There is a hotel reservation desk at the arrival hall of the Changi Airport.  At that desk the airport authority has negotiated rates with most hotels in Singapore that is about 30-40% cheaper than their cheapest rate that you can directly from these hotels.  For example the cheapest rate for a standard room at the HIPV is about S$190 and at the airport is S$133.  However, there is a catch.  These rooms are made available by the hotels only based on availability.  As a result there is no guarantee that you will get a room at HIPV.  That’s the chance you take.  One way around that is to book a room on the internet – I was told by HIPV staff that’s their cheapest rate, without credit card guarantee and then try to get a room at the airport arrival hall.  As long as you are arriving before 6:00 PM, if you don’t get a room at the airport you still have you room that you booked.  This time both pre and post Bintan, I was out of luck and did not get a standard room at the HIPV.  Instead I was able to get a room in the executive level (with executive lounge and a few other perks) for S$190.  That was what I would have paid for a standard room anyway.  So it worked out OK.  The staff at the executive lounge were very friendly, attractive and poised (see the pictures).  Enjoyed their hospitality during my stay at the HIPV – both times, pre and post Bintan stay.