Bintan lsland is the largest of 3,200 islands in the Riau Archipelago
and the third largest of 27 provinces in . Located at the crossroads
of one of the world’s oldest and busiest maritime trading
routes, Bintan has provided a safe haven to traders and sailors
from Europe , and for over a century. It was on the island of Bintan
that the Sultan of Malacca found refuge from Portuguese attack
in the 16th century, mapping tales of legendary importance when
Bintan grew as the centre of the powerful Johor Riau Sultanate.
Penyengat, on the northern tip of Bintan Island, became home to
the Maya-Bugis nobility during the 18th century. Remnants of this
glorious royal past are still evident in Penyengat’s Royal
Mosque believed to be built on egg whites, Town Hall, the old Dutch
fort, mausoleums and palace ruins.
Set foot on the northern shores of Bintan Island , and you'll
be greeted by a totally different scene and mood. Bintan Resorts,
a 23,000 hectare development, offers just the right setting to
rest and relax.
The south of Bintan Island is also home to quaint fishing towns
with an easy-going and relaxed kampong (local village) atmosphere.
Numerous kelongs (fishing houses built on stilts above sea) flourish
on southern Bintan, with some serving up delicious seafood for
tourists.
Things to do...
Tanjung Uban, the second-largest town in Bintan,
is where the locals depart for Batam. This is an ideal town to
shop for local products or view the sunset on its 'pelantar'– boardwalk
built over the sea.
Catch a glimpse of the local lifestyle at the capital of Tanjung
Pinang, an hour and half from the Resort. Stroll around
the fish and fruit markets, or along the 'pelantars' to view
the hustle and bustle of this busy harbor.
Experience the thrill of trekking up the 340-m high Gunung
Bintan and discover local floran and fauna along the
way. Soak in the views from the peak. The mountain was used as
a navigational guiding point by sailors in the past
Visit the little Chinese fishing settlement of Senggarang where
you will find 300 year-old Chinese temples including one engulfed
by a huge banyan tree – a popular pilgrimage site for the
local Buddhists.
About 20 minutes from the Resort lies the quaint shopping
village of Pasar Oleh Oleh . Visitors can purchase
local products such as prawn crackers, dried squid, dried fish,
souvenirs, handicrafts, clothes and more at 24 outlets.
Lagoi Park and Reservoir is the largest reservoir
on the island covering over 14.7 square kilometers and holding
some six million cubic meters of water. This water is collected
and treated to WHO standards and provides a source of potable water
to the resorts. Relax in the serenity and cool breezes amongst
lush greenery.
Embark on an eco adventure of Bintan Resorts' mangrove
forests on the Sebung River. These forests protect the
coast from erosion whilst trapping sediments in water flowing
off the land, helping to create our clear blue coastal waters.
It's a fascinating journey through rich native foliage and exotic
wildlife which includes Macaque and Silver Leaf monkeys, monitor
lizards, snakes and birds such as Kingfisher and Purple Heron.
Beneath the water, a variety of sea life such as coral fish,
mudskippers, crabs, prawns, mud lobsters, snails, clams and more
are found.
Further south, witness scenes of traditional life - orange laut
(sea gypsies), kelongs (fishing houses built on stilts over water),
bubus (static fishing traps) and the traditional chaorcoal kiln.
An evening tour of the river reveals fireflies moving in harmony.
Dolphin Lodge is a Dolphin Island Sanctuary just
35 mins my boat off Bintan Island. Watch the Bottlenose Dolphins
display their natural talents and skills. Experience the thrill
and joy of interacting with these friendly dolphins face-to-face.
The latest attraction on the island is the Real Bandung
Factory Outlet (Bandung's largest factory outlet chain)
located next to the Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal. Vistors
can stop for quality fashion wear at factory prices from 8am
to 8pm daily. |