Bask in the sun and soak up the fun with adrenaline-pumping water sports on the Indonesian island.
Treasure Bay Bintan is undoubtedly a choice stay if one fancies basking in the sun and soaking up the fun in the company of loved ones. The 338-hectare waterfront integrated resort is home to Natra Bintan, which offers a unique ‘glamping’ (glamorous camping) experience in safari tents.
Here, you’ll also find the Crystal Lagoon, a 6.3-hectare man-made lagoon equivalent to that of 50 Olympic-sized swimming pools. The pool is filled with sea-water filtered to crystal-clear standards, which allows for child-friendly aquatic activities all-year-round, promoting water conservation at the same time.
Guests can opt for a leisure swim or try thrilling water activities such as wakeboarding, underwater scooter, SUP (Stand Up Paddle), water ZOVB (walking on water in an inflatable clear ball), jet-ski, and Jetovator (a flying water bike).
One can also dive into turquoise blue waters from a thrilling height of 7.5 meters on the Slip & Slide.
Those who prefer to spend their day in luxurious quietude can head to the tranquil Lake Lagoi. Try fishing on the floating platform and request for the catch of the day to be freshly prepared by the nearby Danau Cafe.
Nearby is Lagoi Beach, which makes a great chill-out spot after a satisfying meal at one of the many restaurants at Plaza Lagoi. The beach also boosts one of the best sunset spots on the island. Wind down with a refreshing drink at the nearby Yeah! Lounge, an alfresco rooftop bar that serves delicious cocktails and finger food.
The largest resort located along the northern coastline of the island is Bintan Lagoon Resort, which offers water sport activities like paddle-boating, jet-skiing, water-walking balls, snorkeling, diving, and more.
At the all-inclusive resort Club Med Bintan Island, guests can enjoy water aerobics (aqua fitness) too. Can’t dive? Worry not, as Nirwana Gardens offers an Undersea Walk, which allows participants to experience the ocean and its colourful marine life while donning a specially-designed helmet.
For something even more adventurous, try solo or tandem parasailing at Nirwana Gardens to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the South China Sea.
If you prefer to be where the locals hang out, head to Trikora Coast on the eastern side of the island. Consisting four pristine beaches, each with its own exquisite charm, the kilometers of sandy coasts lined with rustic huts are perfect for a day of relaxation.
Can’t get enough? Island-hop to White Sands Island for more water sports. Famed for its ivory coast, clear blue waters, and rich marine life, the island is popular for snorkeling and diving. Hop onboard a kayak with a see-through hull for a fascinating expedition of the sea.
Nature lovers will be pleased to know that Bintan offers various guided adventures such as the Mangrove Discovery Tour, which showcases the verdure of the island and the vital role of mangroves in protecting the coastline from erosion. The tour is also available at night, where visitors will be treated to the mesmerising sight of blinking fireflies’ lights under a sparkling sea of stars.
Watersports aside, there’s plenty else to do, such as exploring the waterfall located at the foot of the 340-meter tall mountain known as Gunung Bintan (Mount Bintan).
As many believe that dipping in the pool of water will bring good luck, most hikers make this their final stop after scaling the mountain. Alternatively, trek a shorter distance up from a different entrance to get to the waterfall.
The best time to visit the waterfall is during the rainy season, as the stream of the waterfall would be wider. Check with the resort staff or a local guide before planning your hike.
With summer’s heatwave at its height, there’s no better time to go wet and wild in Bintan.
Venture into the blue and witness the kaleidoscope of colours in nature, explore the lush forests and encounter wildlife up close, or simply float on pristine waters and watch the clouds drift by.
This article was originally published on http://www.destinasian.com.
All information is correct at time of publication.