Four days are too short to be pampered at Club Med Bintan Island resort, writes Loong Wai Ting
THE sky is gloomy as a small group of journalists from Malaysia makes its way to the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore, located next to Changi Airport.
Our final destination? A little paradise known as Club Med Bintan Island on a tiny island in the Indonesia’s Riau Archipelago, just south of Singapore.
Just when we are about to board a ferry, which will take us to Bandar Bentan Telani, the skyopens up. Well, it’s better to rain now than later, no?
About an hour later — and of course, a quick nap onboard — we find ourselves inside the small ferry terminal in Bandar Bentan Telani. Don’t worry about getting lost at the ferry terminal as there are many signages directing you to the right counter for your next destination.
And in our case, all we have to do is to look for the Club Med Bintan Island counter. In no time, we’re whisked away to the dream holiday destination. Oh yes, the friendly workers at the counter will take care of your luggage and bring them to your room upon checking in at the resort.
The drive fromthe ferry terminal to Club Med Bintan Island takes 15 minutes. The moment our bus turns into the resort, teams of smiling Gracious Organisers or GOs welcome us with waving arms — no, I’m not kidding.
Checking-in is a breeze with one of the friendly GOs showing us to our rooms. There are five types ofaccommodation at Club Med Bintan Island — The Oceanview Suite with Terrace, Oceanview Deluxe Room with Balcony, Oceanview Deluxe Room with Terrace, Oceanview Club Room with Balcony and Club Room with Balcony.
I am in the Oceanview Club Room with Balcony. As my room is far away from the pool and bar, it is quiet and peaceful.
Surrounded by lush natural surroundings with lots of huge banyan trees (some are over 100 years old!) and the occasional monkey, monitor lizard and cute squirrels, the resort is perfect for those who are looking for a zen holiday.
DO NOTHING OR DO EVERYTHING
As the sun rises at 5.30am on the island, there are activities for guests from sun up to sun down.
Under the Holistic Wellness Escape, activities include yoga by the beach and Go Runner to explore the natural surroundings around the resort.
There can’t be a more perfect place for yoga than on the beach. With the sound of crashing waves a distance away and birds chirping on trees, who needs relaxing music? We just take in what the nature has to offer us.
The soothing voice of our petite instructor guides us through every step and pose. Our tranquil yoga session focuses on breathing and balance that should help to improve our flexibility and, most importantly, our posture.
About an hour later, our session ends. I can feel that my stiff shoulders slowly loosening up. But best of all, yoga helps me to relax, after weeks rushing to meet deadlines.
Feeling refreshed, we then head toMatahari Bar for a tall glass of cold-pressed fresh fruit juice.
Activities at the resort include paddle-boarding, kayaking, wind surfing, snorkelling, water polo, archery, flying trapeze and bungee bounce.
Avid and casual golfers may not want to miss the opportunity to tee off at the picturesque Ria Bintan Golf Club, a five-minute drive away from Club Med Bintan Island. The expansive golf course with a view — trust me, you won’t be disappointed — is designed by Professional Golfers' Association of America champion Gary Player.
When the night comes, Club Med is lively, with lots of dance sessions and shows led by GOs and the Village Chief.
Taking place at Santai Bar and the newly renovated Theatre, GMs (Gracious Members, a term used to describe guests at the resort) can dance the night away. Here, the more quirky the dance, the more thunderous the applause. So, don’t worry about making fun of yourself.
One of the highlights is the fantastic LED Show put up by the GOs.Theyare transformed into remarkable entertainers withmake-up and colourful costumes.
On certain nights, there are short but hilarious plays, inspired by the movie Grease. Do expect Danny Zuko (the role played by John Travolta) and Sandy Olsson (Olivia Newton-John) lookalikes.
INDULGE
The next day, I go to the exclusive Asmara Bintan Spa for an hour of full body massage which is available at extra cost. The spa is situated on the water’s edge of the blue South China Sea and surrounded by lush greenery.
This is my first spa experience. “Saya takut geli (I don’t like the ticklish feeling),” I tell my smiling masseuse, Widi. Had only I known a spa experience could be this blissful, I would have made it a regular must-do!
It’s truly an unforgettable experience to have a professional masseuse work on the knots on my body while the sound of crashing waves on rocks lull me away.
My session ends on a high note when Widi takes me to the Alfresco Lounge that overlooks the picturesque sea and serves me a cup of ginger and lemongrass herbal tea.
Perfecting the mood is thelight drizzle. With a book in my hands, it’s truly the perfect time to relax.
Club Med Bintan Island pampers GMs with a wide selection of local and international dishes from its restaurants — The Waterfall and Terrasse.
Although the food is mostly buffet-style, I love the attention to details that the chefs put into creating each dish. Bonus: All of the food is Instagram-worthy too!
Taste-wise, everything is flavourful and fresh. As the menu varies daily, “you will never go hungry, you will never go thirsty and you will never get bored”.
TAKE NOTHING BUT MEMORIES
The long stretch of beach is simply breathtaking. With its crystal-clear blue waters and soft white sand, taking a slow stroll during sunset is indeed a magical experience.
The beach is also a great place to unwind or enjoy some alone time. A lounge chair is the perfect spot to be with a good book and a drink.
Then when the tide is low, brave yourself to swim from one tiny island to the next. “If you don’t mind, I’m just going to head out to that tiny island over there,” my friend says, before jumping into the water and swims away.
The water is calm and in less than five minutes,sheis perched on top of one of the huge rocks and waves to me. If only I’m as good a swimmer.
There’s something about the Village that makes me forget about my stress. It is so tranquil, peaceful and, by the end of my stay, I agree why Club Med Bintan Island is also known as heaven on earth.
As I sip Martini by the beach, I can’t help but feel extremely lucky to be part of this wonderful experience. To the Village Chief Youssef and the GOs, thank you for making my stay memorable.
From the moment we arrived until the moment we bid the lovely placegoodbye, everything is so well-taken care of. I remember feeling envious looking at photos of friends holidaying at a Club Med resort but now, I have photos of my own and stories to share.
With so many things to experience, four days are indeed too short. Next time, perhaps?
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TRAVEL FILE
HOW TO GET THERE
Shuttle service is provided from and to Changi Airport (from all terminals) and Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal MFT. It’s S$2 (RM6) per ride.The journey from TMFT to Changi Airport T3/1 is between 15 and 30 minutes, while the journey from Changi Airport T2 to Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal is15 minutes.
For details, visit www.brf.com.sg.
An App Stay
Plan your stay better with the Club Med app available on App store and Google Play.
Pictures by Club Med Bintan Island and Loong Wai Ting