Hi all,

I will be travelling to Bintan Island - Indonesia in 2 weeks' time. I had never been there, so don't know what to anticipate. I purposely avoid places like Bali, Jakarta...as these are too commercialized. Maybe a small little island is good for me. Any advise from anyone of you?

Thanks a lot,
toda

Todak,
I must admit to being a little confused by your posting.

I visited Bintan in December 1999 for the millenium. We stayed at the Banyan Tree which is at the northern end of the island and then after 4 nights went down to Bali.

Bintan is a very developed island but most of the development is in the northern area which is covered with self contained resorts that cater to Singaporeans who come over on the ferry for the weekends.

The Banyan Tree is very lovely but at the time they were building another resort right next door, which will impinge on the privacy. While the rooms are spectacular (villas built into the coast line with jacuzzis outside and lovely decks) and the spa wonderful, the beach is less than stellar. We went because it was hard to find anywhere for the millenium and we could easily travel on to bali afterwards. I'm not sure I'd go back because the place has a rather artificial feel.

The other end of the island is entirely different. Entirely undeveloped in terms of tourism and my impression was that people didn't veenture out of the northern resorts at all. We took a taxi for the day and went out to several small islands where we visited mangrove swamps and a number of temples etc. It was quite interesting but in my estimation no nearly a fascinating or beautiful as rural Bali.

Have you been to Bali or are you assuming it will be too developed for you. Although Bali isn't the sleep backwater it may have been 40 years ago it's still a fascinating and vividly inspiring place to visit...especially when you get away from the beaches.

I hope that helps.

Hi,

Banyan Tree is very luxurious and private (mainly for couples) and is the most expensive on the island. You can try the Angsana resort (sister hotel to Banyan) just next door which has a nice beach.
If you're looking for a cheaper beachfront resort, try Mayang Sari. You can check out the resort at www.nirwanagardens.com If you are travelling with kids, then Bintan lagoon is a better choice.
Food is limited to the respective hotel restaurants unless you travel to the capital which is Tanjong Pinang. It's about 45 minutes by taxi. There is also the kelong restaurant which serves fresh seafood and is frequented by many Singaporeans during the weekends.
Another website to check out the island and resorts is www.bintan-resorts.com
Hope all this helps.

Don't forget Club Med Ria Bintan if you have kids, lots to do and the surroundings are very nice.

Wow, not sure how you picked Bintan out of all the islands in SE Asia if you don't want developed places or tourists. Did a travel agent talk you into this? The beaches are really not nice at all, IMO. As mentioned above, much of the island is a purpose-built resort area for Singaporeans on weekends. It is physically in Indonsesia but is a short ferry ride from Singapore, hence all the weekend and day trippers. It's hard to think of a less-desirable place to get away from it all. . . .

If you want undeveloped beach and islands consider islands in the South China Sea off of Malaysia and Thailand (except Tioman), as well as the Phuket/Krabi areas. Places like Sulawesi and other islands in eastern Indonesia would be the best choice for really remote areas. The Philippines would not be on my list at this time, but hopefully at a later date when they get their political act together.

I agree with the above posters that Bali is a good choice if you avoid the Kuta/Nusa Dua/ Sanur areas and stick to the east, north or far west coasts, or go inland (away from Ubud).