The perfect Bintan Island escape

Our perfect Bintan Island escape ticked all the boxes for a luxury island getaway to soak up the sun, sea and sand. This Indonesian tropical island (which is part of the Riau Archipelago) is close to both major travel hubs of Singapore and Malaysia and its easy to hop on a boat and be checking in at your chosen resort in less than 2 hours. This Indonesian paradise which is known for its stunning beaches, lush forests and luxury resorts is an obvious choice for your next island escape, especially if you call Singapore or Malaysia home or are travelling through either of these destinations. The island boasts luxurious resorts, world class golf courses and a wide range of other activities, making it the ideal destination for both relaxation and adventure. Bintan Island is also rich in history and tradition so visitors can also explore local markets, historic sites and enjoy delicious traditional cuisine to further enhance their Bintan Island experience.

Tropical beach vibes at Angsana Bintan

The tropical beach vibes at Angsana Bintan are abundant and we loved our stay at this luxury resort which is located on a pristine white sand beach and fringed by the crystal clear waters of the South China Sea. Angsana Bintan is nestled within the expansive Laguna Bintan resort complex and offers guests a tranquil Indonesian island escape. When we weren’t sat on our balcony or the beach soaking up the far reaching sea vistas, we were enjoying relaxing spa treatments, swimming in the clear, warm sea or enjoying the friendly service from the attentive staff team who were always on hand to assist however they could. We enjoyed long and lazy meals at the all day dining restaurant, Lotus Cafe and headed to the excellent Saffron at nearby Banyan Tree Bintan to eat exceptional and authentic Thai food. With the close proximity to both Singapore and Malaysia, Angsana Bintan provides a convenient and secluded island retreat, perfect for both relaxation and adventure.

World class golf at Laguna Golf

Guests who choose to play eighteen holes at Laguna Golf will enjoy a world class golfing experience on the picturesque Bintan Island. The 18 hole, par 72 championship course was designed by Greg Norman and is renowned for the challenging layout and breathtaking scenery. We had to navigate rolling fairways and challenging greens, which are all set against a backdrop of the lush rainforest and the sparkling South China Sea. The unique water hazards and strategically placed bunkers presented yet more challenges, as they most certainly would for players of all handicaps. After our round, we enjoyed the luxurious clubhouse amenities before heading back in our buggy to our accommodation at the nearby Banyan Tree Bintan.

Luxury living at Banyan Tree Bintan

You can expect next level luxury living at Banyan Tree Bintan, an exclusive resort on the picturesque Bintan Island in Indonesia. Situated within a lush tropical rainforest with stunning views of the South China Sea, the resort features a selection of elegant villas, each with their own private pool and traditional Indonesian decor. This luxurious escape set amidst pristine natural beauty, delivers on every level. Our treatments at the spa were indulgently relaxing, our (vegan) dining experiences were delicious and our beautifully appointed villa was so good we never wanted to leave. Banyan Tree Bintan combines a convenient location with relaxing serenity, providing an idyllic sanctuary for rest and rejuvenation.

Sustainable tourism on Bintan Island

With tourism growing on Bintan Island, it’s important that the resorts and hotels that operate there, introduce and develop sustainable practices to protect the natural environment that draws people to visit. From protecting endangered species and environments to reducing plastic waste, there are some excellent initiatives in place to reduce the human impact on the surrounding environment. Locating a luxury resort in an area of such natural beauty makes coexisting with nature a must and a stay on Bintan Island can give you a glimpse into the sustained work that goes on behind the scenes. The Laguna Bintan Conservation Team look after some very special guests on the beach when a sea turtle nest is discovered. Eggs are carefully guarded and hatchlings are cared for until they are released at the optimum time for them to make their journey to the ocean in an effort to protect this endangered species. For those interested in the ‘behind the scenes’ sustainability practices of resorts they stay at, achievements such as the installation of heat pumps in villas or the reduction of single use plastic by the construction of a water bottling plant will be of interest.

Culinary delights at Banyan Tree Bintan

The food during our stay at Banyan Tree Bintan was simply outstanding, we were excited to enjoy our first Indonesian culinary adventure for a few years and we were not disappointed. The excellent chefs at Banyan Tree Bintan served us tempeh (our favourite) and tofu in abundance, a selection fresh and healthy salads, noodles that were stir fried, and noodles in our soup; we literally ate our way around Indonesia during our stay. Whilst we expected all of the above, it certainly surpassed our expectations, and our visit to the Thai restaurant, Saffron further tickled our tase buds. This was Thai food at it’s very best, prepared by a passionate chef who clearly loves what she does and we love what she does too!

This being our first visit to Bintan Island it was a new destination for us, and it certainly won’t be our last. During our short trip we only got to explore a tiny corner of this Indonesian tropical island, but we just know there is so much more to see. However, we will find it very hard to return to and not stay at the simply stunning Banyan Tree Bintan, it was the highlight of our perfect Bintan Island escape.

Paul Eyers

Paul Eyers is co-founder of Vegan Food Quest who write about luxury hotels and resorts in Southeast Asia with a focus on sustainable travel, eco travel and vegan travel. Currently based in Malaysia, Paul also writes about sporting events and some of the finest golf courses throughout the region.