Rejuvenation Redefined

A tropical paradise with friendly faces, modern comforts and a new management

Launched in 1997, a paradise for many Singaporeans from all walks of life, Bintan Lagoon Resort has long been the destination where many families bond and strangers become friends. This tropical paradise boasts 1.5 kilometres of private beach with immaculate fine sand and so much more, which provides many a good opportunity to relax and rejuvenate both body and mind.

Presented with the Best Resort & Service Excellence Award, Indonesia in 2016, the much-loved vacation resort’s latest rebranding efforts and change in management assures more than the best to all who visit. With the recent appointment of Mr Gerald A Hendrick, an industry veteran with an affable personality, as General Manager, his 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry is most definitely what is needed to give the largest integrated resort on the Indonesian island of Bintan the change it needs.

Responsible for the administration and operations of the resort, which has a staff strength of 500, vast improvements and changes have been happening and it is only the beginning. From creating more events and cultural education for guests, Mr Hendrick has already implemented numerous changes since taking the helm.

Only a 75-minute direct ferry from Singapore, Bintan Lagoon Resort flaunts its offering at the shores of Singapore with their very own ferry service, ensuring greater convenience and a warm welcome into the resort beginning from embarkation. Guests will be greeted by a picture-perfect sight of the majestic resort with the Jack Nicklaus designed Sea View championship golf course tucked along the side when arriving directly at the resort’s very own private terminal housing state-of-the-art immigration counters.

The resort’s 413 rooms, suites and

57 villas are sure to cater to every need and 393 Deluxe guest rooms have recently undergone an extensive facelift. Appointed with modern Indonesian teak furniture and enhanced daybed, each room offers its own charm, with every view an endearing encounter with nature. The balcony allows guests to enjoy a lovely drink with the gentle rustle of leaves and a breath-taking view of the coast or relaxing lush greenery.

Take it up a notch and indulge in an escapade you won’t forget with friends and family at one of the resort’s 54 villas. Ranging from three to four-bedroom configurations, experience Bintan Lagoon Resort in a more casual setting - with kitchenettes, barbecue areas, a generous living area and a private pool.

Food options at the resort are second to none, with a wide array of choices and a variety of cuisines on offer such as Indonesian, Indian, Asian street food and Western grills, a great epicurean adventure awaits all guests! Without a doubt, one of the highlights would be the Fiesta. A big believer in “Good Mood Food”, this multicultural buffet spread awaits, from croissants to pratas, and rendang to pancakes; we’d recommend a strategy before getting your fill.

Offering a different scenery, Haskell’s Cafe and Nelayan Beachfront Bar & Seafood Dining is a must visit, promising to wow with views of the championship golf courses as well as the stunning 1.5km private beach.

Simply take a stroll down by the beach admiring the view of sparkling azure waters of the South China Sea with a mug of local Bintang brew in hand or enjoy the breeze coupled with a relaxing massage by the beach. Beside the inviting beach, the list of activities onsite is catered to all and with over 50 land and sea activities available, guests can choose to get sun kissed lounging by the resort’s two swimming pools, or having a splashing good time jet-skiing, snorkelling or paddle boating out at sea.

Those who prefer to keep their feet on dry ground can try their hand at archery, nine-bots, tennis and cycling. An exciting ATV course offers 15, 30, or 60-minute rides, each providing a different glimpse into the forests of the area, but re-emerging along the coast, it is one of the many land activities

available at this premium lifestyle destination.

Children are definitely not forgotten at the Bintan Lagoon Resort, the Nutty Bunch Club is specially catered for kids aged 3 to 8 years old where they can enjoy playing on slides, take on foam obstacles and embark on their own adventures at the newly opened Jungle Gym.

The highlight for golfers is undoubtedly the resort’s two championship golf courses, the Ian-baker Finch Woodlands Course and the Jack Nicklaus Sea View Course, each with their unique charm and challenges for golfers of all abilities. Both courses are exceptionally designed and feature each their own distinctive character. The golf courses have undergone some refurbishment as well, with a number of shrubs and greenery clipped to better showcase their character.

The Jack Nicklaus Sea View Course was designed by the masterful 18-time major winner “The Golden Bear” and was opened in 1996. Playing at 6420 metres off the tips, this strategically sculptured golf course offers a challenge to both seasoned players as well as beginners with five tee options. As compared to the Ian-baker Finch course, expect a cool breeze blowing in from the South China Sea during certain months, which makes club selection for the approach into some greens, a tad more interesting.

The front nine features native, tropical jungle, where Nicklaus makes good use of his trademark bunkering throughout the rolling topography, while the back nine gives golfers a visual treat of panoramic views of the South China Sea. The signature 12th sees the beach on the right stretch out to the sea, while bunkers protect the back left and front right of the green. A fairly straight forward hole, the water hazards and breeze can make this a challenging hole for even the best.

Besides its picturesque view and lovely breezes, it isn’t a Jack Nicklaus course if it doesn’t require some course management. The 13th features a split green, as one of the streams on the course runs through the middle - making it one of the toughest holes on this course.

On the other hand, the Ian Baker-finch

“Of both courses, I’d say I like the Jack Nicklaus course better - especially the holes by the sea. Although I mostly go to Bintan Lagoon Resort for the golf, I definitely think it is a great resort for families with many activities such as pools with slides, a great beach, table tennis and ATV rides - catering for everyone. I haven’t gotten the chance to bring the family, but it would be great to have a holiday there and spend some quality time with them away from the bustling city.” Lam Chih Bing, former Professional Golfer and only Singaporean to make the cut in the British Open (2008 edition),

Woodlands Course is set within pristine rainforest complemented by dramatic undulating terrain. Recently re-turfed to further enhance the playing experience and to aid maintenance, it was opened a year after the Jack Nicklaus Sea View Course and is built to harmonise with its natural landscape. The concept of leaving the jungle relatively untouched on both sides of the fairway and keeping its original terrain, makes this course a work of art.

The course will test all facets of a golfer’s game, so expect several narrow landing zones and the “blind” shots make having a caddie very useful, not forgetting the five tee options to suit golfers of all abilities. Snaking out away from the resort is the front nine, deep bunkers around the often-elevated greens and menacing hazards will keep golfers on their toes. A favourite amongst many who played here, the elevated 8th hole takes one downhill into the distance before rising to the green, a demanding hole that requires absolute precision. The back nine which routes back to the clubhouse, features many tees and greens surrounded