Visiting… Bintan

One of the best nearby spots to recharge your batteries is Bintan, just a stone’s throw from Singapore.

The first stop on our recent trip was the Bintan sand dunes, with their fascinating views. Try to get here early, before the tourists start arriving by the busload. (We took the first ferry of the morning from Singapore so we could explore the island before the crowds!) Next, we headed to Avalokitesvara Graha Temple (Guan Yin Temple), situated amidst dragonfruit plantations. With a huge Buddha statue and a peaceful ambience, you can spend a few hours here. At the 500 Lohan Temple, we were wowed by a massive statue of Buddha at the entrance. Inside, wall carvings provided an insight into the transformation of King Siddhartha to Buddha. There were also 500 life-size sculptures, each with a different facial expression. It’s a wonderful place and well worth a visit.

Another highlight was the Aroma River Spa. There’s a rustic feel here, with the spa built on stilts on a mangrove river; guests are transported on a wooden canoe. After enjoying the spa, you can spend time at the private beach. The experience can also be paired with a mangrove tour and a meal at Mutiara Beach Resort.

We stayed at Angsana Bintan, which has refreshing views of clear blue waters and easy accessibility to the various properties of Bintan Resorts. The authentic Thai delicacies at Saffron restaurant at Banyan Tree are also highly recommended. Basking in the sun on one of Bintan’s white-sand beaches is always a good idea, too.