Just came back from a 3D2N trip to the Mayang Sari Beach Resort. Boy was it relaxing. Life is: lying in a hammock, looking at the blue sky and listening to the waves. If you do decide to come here, make sure you get a sea-facing chalet. Nirwana Gardens is more resort-like and has more amenities, but has lots more screaming kids too. Water sports can be done over at the Mana Mana Beach Club, but is expensive in my opinion.

Heard that Bintan Lagoon has a lot of activities and Club Med is where all the hotties hang out. Thought some of you might be interested in that fact :)

Bottom line: Don’t come here expecting some kind of excitement. It really is more of a place to chill out and just do nothing except eat, drink and sleep. Its a good getaway for harried Singaporeans who don’t have more time to travel somewhere else. Also makes a good side trip for visitors to Singapore who’ve had enough of the concrete jungle. After all, the only proper beach Singapore has is made out of imported sand :p

PS. The service is really good and staff are friendly. It makes a difference!
PPS. Book your package through Bintan Resort Ferries instead of external travel agents because BRF owns both the ferries and the resorts so you save on the middleman fees.
PPPS. Insect repellent is a must! Especially on the legs otherwise you’ll find that bites appear a couple of days later. Nasty bites that are small but red and raised.