Travel: Indonesia - Batam/Bintan

[mintcc]

never been to batam before, but just came back from Nirwana Gardens resort hotel in Bintan. It is the same chain as the Mayang Sari Resort and Nirwana Beach Club. There is a shuttle bus to take in between the different hotels and resort facilities. We put put the kids at the kids club and a car fetch us to the Mayanf Sari for the masssage.


The resort itself have a nice beach (not dead-branch free though), very nice swimming pool with kids club. Can put the kids in for just 5 bucks for almost the whole day (need to collect them during lunch and by 5 pm.
Food is Singapore cafe price though. Buffet breakfast is yummy with lots of choices. There is even a mini zoo with crocodiles and falcon.

We also got a boat to take us to see the mangrove swarm…quite an interesting experiecne though i heard that it is better to go at night where there are fireflies…

[June]

Been to Nirwana Gardens resort hotel in Bintan in May and heading there again in Feb. Nice short getaway from the busy citylife like Singapore. Nice beaches, lovely place

[faberdude]

tankee:

IMO, Bintang yes ... Batam no.

Why not? Was at Harris over the Christmas long weekend. OK, Waterfront City (more like kumpong) is only populated by Holiday Inn and Harris BUT we had fun doing things like paintball, go-kart and flying fox. Didn't try the paragliding, though.

And there's a transfer to Nagoya Hill. Shiok....bought a lot of stuff and had A&W (but no coney dog). That's something you can't get here.

I'd go there agin if I have a few days to spare and don't want to go through the hassle up and down planes/coaches.

:celebrate:

[foreverj]

yendirna:

My family came back from bintan clubmed holiday during mid sch hols. Expensive but love by kids. If u are big eaters after paying the 1 time amt u can eat all u want. U can eat and drink non-stop the whole day like a kiasu singaporean. 1 thing memorable this trip was the amount of coral fishes swimming near the rocks on the left of the beach - amazing. We took bread to feed off our hands. The kids were only too overwhelmed.

hi yendirna

did u sign up for additional activities when u r at club med bintan? how much did u pay for the extras? what r some of the fun ones u signed up for? would appreciate if you can share more. thanks!

[twinklestars2]

hihi,


planning for a trip to Batam, Turi Beach but do not know much abt Batam. The trip is going to be from sat am to sun, late am.

wat is the currency used? what are some activities we can do? how accessible is it? any shops or R & R places to recommend? We are one couple and a 7 yo little girl are going for free and easy.

any suggestions is very appreciated

[ooptimizer]

In Batam, the big shopping centres and the restaurants in hotels can use S$. But the small shops may use Rupiah.

[ooptimizer]

For Turi Beach, please try not to bring along senior citizens who cannot climb or walk well. You will have to climb up many steps to go to your room. But for children this will be fun.

[spring]

Looking at so many gd review of Bintan, tinking of bringing my dd for a trip there during May. But is e activities at e kids club suitable for 2 1/2 yrs old? N anyone of you has park ur kids at tis young age with kids club care taker n go jalan with ur spouse or go for a massage? N do they hav pre natal massage?

[chixchix]

Hii all I am thinking of going bintan over the weekends. have stayed in Bintan Lagoon … but not club med …any recommendation which is better ?


Thanks

[jacsplace]

csc:

I prefer Batam to Bintang.


Harris Resort is a nice place with a good spa too. The food is not too bad.
There is also nice seafood nearby and a shopping mall nearby where one can get manicure, pedicure at a reasonable rate.

But given a choice, I would rather be off to beaches off the East Coast of Malaysia - Redang, Kuantan and offshore islands like Rawa, Sibu, Tioman anytime.

Hi, just read this Jul 09 post. We're thinking of going to Harris end-May/early-June with our 6-year-old girl and 4-year-old boy. Can you give more details of your trip, like condition of your room, swimming pool, f&b, kids club, etc.
Thanks!