10 reasons to visit Indonesia's hideaway resort The Residence Bintan

Situated on Bintan Island – Indonesia’s largest island and a short 55-minute ferry from Singapore – is the tropical getaway, The Residence Bintan. This quiet 5-star hideaway in the southeastern part of the island promotes itself as the ideal respite for families, couples and solo travellers, and gives us 10 reasons to visit

1. Escape to nature

The Residence Bintan is fully immersed in its tropical environment, offering views to remember in an island getaway. This family-friendly resort is perfect for the ultimate relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

2. A ferry ride away from Singapore

Located just a 55-minute ferry ride from Singapore, The Residence Bintan is easily accessible for a twin-centre break with the capital city – great for a city meets countryside escape.

3. Spacious

The resort has 127 well-appointed terraces and villas, giving guests the luxury of space and privacy. The spacious Garden Terrace rooms are 107 square meters in size, which is akin to that of most city hotels’ suites sizes; and with 47 units of private pool villas, The Residence Bintan has the largest pool villa inventory in Bintan.

4. Holistic spa experiences

With curated blissful journeys and treatments created by British spa brand Ila, known for their organic, natural healing products, guests can enjoy ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation at The Spa. Combining modern techniques, with ancient Ayurveda and Indonesian traditions, there is a holistic experience to suit every guest.

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5. A focus on Asian cuisine

From Asian comfort food in The Dining Room, to authentic Indonesian dishes at Rica Rica, to delightful cocktails with sweeping views of the ocean at The Pool Bar, guests have a variety of cuisine to enjoy during their stay. For a more private experience, book a BBQ dinner and taste locally caught seafood and a selection of meats, or arrange for a private chef and personal butler to host an intimate dinner in your villa.

6. Outdoor activities for all ages

For the adventurous, embrace the great outdoors with complimentary activities, for both children and adults, including badminton, beach marine discovery, volleyball, kayaking, morning and evening yoga, an outdoor cinema and even an animal sanctuary at the resort that includes peacocks, ducks, chickens and rabbits. At an additional cost, the hotel’s dedicated team can arrange deep sea fishing, catamaran
cruises, cooking classes, snorkelling, mangrove tours and more.

7. Farm-to-table quality food

As part of the hotel’s sustainability efforts, The Residence Bintan has created their Earth Basket farm where the team grows their own produce in a kitchen garden. Some of these are harvested for the resort’s use in preparation of meals, and tours are available for guests to book at an additional cost.

8. A cultural experience

An island rich in culture and history, guests can easily go to historical sites and places of interest from the resort. Visit Senggarang Island to see wooden houses on stilts and various Chinese temples including the iconic Banyan Tree Temple; take a trip out to Penyengat Island which has been nominated as a UNESCO site for its historical significance; venture to Tanjung Uban to discover sand dunes; head to nearby Tanjung Pinang for some souvenir shopping; or discover the ‘thousand faces’ temple, Vihara Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, a majestic Buddhist site of worship has over 500 lifesize Lohan statues, all with different faces and expressions.

9. Island hopping

Beautiful neighbouring islands make for a thrilling island-hopping experience. It is only a short boat ride from the resort to visit White Sand Island and Mapur Island, where visitors can find soft sand, cool waters and ideal spots for snorkelling.

10. A natural treasure trove

Discover the local flora and fauna and organise visits to some of Bintan’s most beautiful sights. Take a trip through the serene mangrove forests, hike up to Mount Bintan where those brave enough will be rewarded with sweeping views over the island’s diverse landscape, and try and Spot Silver Leaf Monkeys, Brahminy Kites, king fishers, crabs, mangrove snakes, and even fireflies during the warm evenings.

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