Short trip to Bintan Island, Indonesia from Singapore Tanah Merah

Finally I am having a long break for year end 2009. Plan a trip down to Singapore to visit sister, Christmas shopping and also new year countdown at esplanade. We took first coach VIP bus from Bangsar straight to Singapore on boxing’s day. It was a really long week and we decided to visit Bintan Island at Riau Archipelago, Indonesia.

I had booked a authentic kampong chalet Nostalgia Yasin on 28th December. So we rush to Tanah Merah ferry terminal by MRT and bus number 35. I miss the penguin ferry at 12:30pm where I need to wait 2 hours to board the next ferry at 3pm with Indo Falcon ferry that cost us SGD$50/person for return. The ferry took us 1 hour 45 minute to reach Tanjong Pinang at Bintan then follow by an hour to the resort. Nostalgia Yasin owned by Bintan Agro Resort where 2 offer different atmosphere and environment. We reached Nostalgia Yasin at 6pm and checking into a bamboo chalet cost USD$27 with basic facility like fan, no hot water and with mosquito coil. There are many westerner that love this kampong lifestyle where it won and recognize as the best atmosphere by hostelbooker. The food at Nostalgia are not bad as well with basic Asian style cooking which look alike Malaysian food. I guess I love the atmosphere too.

Then I try the parent resort Bintan Agro Resort which are little luxury which occupy by most Singaporean. The price ranges from SGD$100 to SGD$160. There isn’t much activity at the resort and is just totally for a breakaway or relaxation at the beach. Seriously the beach isn’t that great too but I guess is the nearest breakaway from Singapore.

There goes the 3 days 2 nights short break to Bintan Island. Our next excitement would be the 2010 countdown at Singapore Esplanade water front. It is my first time celebrating at Singapore and It is worth it to wait there for 3 hours to watch the beautiful fireworks by marina bay countdown celebration.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010.