1 August 2012

Club Med Indonesia, Bintan

Nirwana Gardens: A place for everyone Enjoy lush landscapes in golfing paradise Ria Bintan

Go ‘All-inclusive’ with Club Med Bintan

Top 5 Must-Dos in Bintan

1 Aug 20122

ContentsGo ‘All-inclusive’ with Club Med Bintan 4

Nirwana Gardens: A place for everyone 6

Top 5 Must-Dos in Bintan 10

Enjoy lush landscapes in golfing paradise Ria Bintan 14

Publisher Raymond Wong • raymond.wong@asiaxclusives.com

Editorial James Chen • james.chen@asiaxclusives.comFrancesca Tay • francesca.tay@asiaxclusives.com

Web Sam Soh • sam.soh@asiaxclusives.comOphilia Leung • ophilia.leung@asiaxclusives.com

• Published by Asia Xclusives Pte Ltd10 Ubi Crescent, #05-60 Ubi Techpark Singapore 408564 TEL: +65-6635 3173 | FAX: +65-6635 3174

Editor’s Note

This week’s Asia Travel Exclusives brings you to Bintan Island, northwestern of Indonesia. Only 45-minutes away from the sunny island

of Singapore, we check out the top things to do while in the island.

We had the privilege of staying in Club Med Bintan and Nirwana Gardens as well, and took a swing at one of Asia’s best golf course, Ria

Bintan. Read on to find out more.

James ChenEditor, Asia Travel Exclusivesjames.chen@asiaxclusives.com

Club Med Deluxe Room welcomes you

Subscribe to our

FRee magazine

4 1 Aug 2012

Asia Travel Exclusives checks into Bintan’s very own Club Med, the original all-inclusive resort that offers all you could ever ask for in an island retreat.

Whether young or old, Club Med Indonesia, Bintan, is bound to have an activity for you. Part of the French Club Med family, the Bintan counterpart offers no less in service and fun with their welcoming GOs, also known as Gentils Organisateurs.

As we checked in as GMs (Gentils Membres), we were graciously welcomed into the resort and offered refreshments. For guests’ first time at Club Med, the resort holds a tour around the entire establishment in order for them to familiarize themselves with the amenities and directions.

The resort has a total of 311 rooms of in separate three-storey buildings, with three types of rooms to choose from. From the basic Club room, Deluxe room to the Suites, guests can choose the level of indulgence for a luxurious holiday next to the ocean.

With rooms that overlook Club Med’s private one and a half mile pristine beach, and a scenic sea view, guests can enjoy an all-inclusive stay, with endless food, beverages and activities all-inclusive in the room rate. Rooms are all equipped with a private balcony or gazebo, making it perfect for a romantic getaway for couples. The Sea View Suites are ideal for honeymoon with a king-sized four-poster bed, lavish bathtubs and amazing view of the South China Sea.

Club Med also follows a different theme and dress code every week, encouraging the GMs to join in a collective village-oriented way of life. The lobby also displays a range of activities planed for the week on a ‘timetable’ for guests if they choose to participate.

For families with children or teenagers, Club Med offers its very own rendition of a childcare centre all at no extra costs. Sorted based on age groups from Petit Club, Mini Club to Juniors’ Club Med, the children’s component has their own range of activities from cupcake-making, swimming lessons in their own children’s pool to music sessions. Parents can leave their children to professional GOs who specialise in childcare while they busy themselves with other Club Med activities. Safety and comfort are the top priority in Mini Club, thus parents can leave their children with a peace of mind.

Go ‘All-Inclusive’ with Club Med Bintan

Deluxe Room

Club Med Decor

Overview of Club Med

5

1 Au

g 20

12

the art and skill of circus and flying trapeze. For those picking up the sport of golf, try out the Golf Academy for beginners, and golfer should also check out packages with the award-winning Ria Bintan golf course.

With two restaurants and four bars to pick from, the resort allows guests to pick where to dine, at all times. The Waterfall on the second floor of the main building is a buffet-themed restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving international cuisine. The restaurant serves different food for all three meals, going by themes for each day as well.

For those who prefer a quieter and cosier dining place, check out the Terrace restaurant, the specialty restaurant that serves late breakfast and lunch, with a-la-carte dinner options. Located on the sea’s edge, it is an outdoor alfresco-like area that holds a breathtaking atmosphere and ambience.

The four bars, Santai, Matahari, The Panorama and The Bagus, located around the resort makes one spoilt for choices as guests can decide to have a drink or two beside the beach (Matahari), or on a panoramic platform located on the fourth floor of the main building (The Panorama). The drinks menu is split into premium and non-premium, and guests only have to pay for premium drinks. However, we love it that standard alcoholic cocktails such as margaritas and mojitos are non-premium and included in the stay!

The Bagus is located inside Club Med’s very own nightclub, open on certain nights only.Lastly, wind down the day with Asmara’s very

GMs can pick and mix between a range of sports and recreational activities at all parts of the resort. An extensive variety of sports such as squash, tennis, kayaking, beach volleyball are available for free practise, while other initiation group activities include windsurfing, snorkelling, sailing, yoga and archery in scheduled timings. The exclusive Flying Trapeze Academy also conducts group classes by specialist GOs six days a week, teaching GMs

Pool view of the resort

Brand new loungers for guests to relax

own spa and massage wellness centre in Club Med, where guests can choose from a range of traditional to non-traditional massages and beauty treatments at different costs. The spa is impeccably positioned such that every treatment room faces the sea so that visitors can relax and indulge. The ‘green room’, a open-air pavilion that faces the sea is also a great place to catch the sunset as one relaxes after his or her spa treatment with a cup of herbal tea.

Club Med Bintan stays true to its roots with impressive service, endless fun and relaxation.

Try out the Trapeze and Circus facilities

Subs

cribe

to ou

r

FRee

magazi

ne

6 1 Aug 2012

Nirwana Gardens: A place for everyoneA resort haven made up of five different kinds of accomodations to cater to all kinds of globetrotters, Nirwana Gardens shows you how to have fun whether on leisure or business. Asia Travel Exclusives had the chance to experience it firsthand.

Step into Nirwana Gardens, a name that translates into “perfect bliss”, and you get a variety of five kinds of lodgings that range from budget to lavish. Located on the northwestern coast of Bintan Island, it is only 55-minutes away from Singapore on board a ferry.

Offering five different kinds of holiday experience, we had the chance to explore the entire resort for the day.

The town resort for all shuttle services, Nirwana Resort Hotel, is a central for fun poolside activities and warm hospitality. With a total of 245 rooms and suites that are available, it buzzes with energy as a range of restaurants and bars such as The Coffee Shop, Dino Bistro The pub and poolside restaurants that are ready to welcome. Gift shops and evening entertainment are available, as well as a large infinity pool equipped with a Jacuzzi for those who enjoy the sun.

A popular destination for business conferences, the hotel also has up to 12 different sized meeting and function rooms that are able to expand to accommodate up to 2400 guests for cocktail. Buffet-styled banquets are also in demand for business events, whether for theme parties or dinners.

For those who are looking for a cosy family gathering away from your busy lives, the Banyu Biru Villa is a cluster of 36 villas all fully-furnished in four types of contemporary styles, perfect for small groups. Guests can rent the villas for short-term stays

Indra Maya Villa entrance

7

1 Au

g 20

12

or even private ownership upon request, with buggies available a phone call away for transport to other parts of Nirwana Gardens.

Situated just next to the shores of Bintan Island, Mayang Sari Beach Resort is a rustic quaint little resort that goes for a chalet-like concept. With 50 different single-storey and fully air-conditioned chalets that comes with a private verandah, it is for the more laid-back and simple visitors that would love a moment away from home to bask in the natural beauty of the island. Guests can choose between the sea view chalets, which are built next to the shores, or the more landscape-feel rooms.

Not forgoing the modern amenities, this component of the resort also has its own Spice restaurant that specializes in Indian and Indonesian cuisine. The chalet is also popular for wedding ceremonies against the backdrop of the ocean, with rooms readily available for guests as well.

The fourth resort is a ‘kampong’-styled traditional accommodation, featuring 50 air-conditioned cabana rooms fixed with gazebos. For the more adventurous and budget-conscious, Nirwana Beach Club is located near the Sea Sports Centre, and is a beachfront hideaway that encompasses

Nirwana Resort Hotel

Indra Maya Pool Villas

Banyan Biru Villa

Nirwana Beach Club

Subs

cribe

to ou

r

FRee

magazi

ne

8 1 Aug 2012

thatched-roof chalets in quirky colours. A reminder of village-styled communal living, it is a popular choice amongst those who are in the island for sea sports and tropical activities.

Lastly, guests who enjoy the luxurious villas with gorgeous sunsets can settle into Indra Maya Pool Villa. Comprising of 14 exclusive and exquisite pool villas, it showcases décor of fusion Thai, Indonesian and Chinese elements. We love the outdoor sunken baths that come with every villa, perfect for an exotic getaway.

Depending on the number of guests, the villas can accommodate up to 6 persons, with the exception of the select 4-bedroom villa that can accommodate 8. The one and only 4-bedroom villa also comes with a personal security guard for a more exclusive stay.

All villas come with a private courtyard and private pool, with a villa host at your service and private four-seater buggy that can take you to any part of Nirwana Gardens. Overlooking the sea, the villas hold a romantic element that is unique and pampering.

Nirwana Gardens is popular for its never-ending list of entertainment and activities, from sea sports, all-terrain vehicles to a miniature zoo, it is bound to cater to all with its wide range of things to do. Air-rifle shooting, archery, jet skiing to elephant rides are amongst the many. Guests can check out the Nirwana Resort Centre for an endless variety of fun-filled activities.

Also, do check out the resort’s unique ‘kelong’ seafood restaurant, set against the backdrop of the South China Sea, allowing for one of the most beautiful sunset sceneries, with fresh seafood that is definitely worth trying. We ended our night in the beautiful island at Calypto Bar, a small but cosy Rastafarian bar that is set in the middle of the sea that opens until late.

For more information, visit www.nirwanagardens.com

4-bedroom villa at Indra Maya Pool Villas

Sunset against resort’s Calypto Bar

Nasi lemak for guests’ breakfast

Poolside bar of Nirwana Resort Hotel

10 1 Aug 2012

In this week’s Asia Travel Exclusives, we find out what are the top five things to do while in the majestic island of Bintan, Indonesia.

Golfing

Known for having one of the best golf course in Asia, and a golfing destination for many, this is a sport to try out considering the scenic landscape and lush natural greenery of the island that comes with it. Presenting Ria Bintan, an award-winning golf course with affiliations to almost every resort within the vicinity. Guests can check out the 18-hole top-notch Ocean Course with par-three, fours and fives that offer a scenic backdrop against the gorgeous South China Sea. With two courses to choose from, guests can decide to do a full game or half game in the environment they prefer. As many visitors come aboard the island especially for golf, join in the fun with Golf Clinics offered by the resort; practice the skill with an impressive driving range and a full-range of facilities, transport and amenities

Top 5 Must-Dos in Bintan

Try out the All-Terrain Vehicle Challenge

Ocean course at Ria Bintan

Forrest course used for Team Challenge activities

11

1 Au

g 20

12

available. Team Challenge activities are also available on request for business travellers as well. Clubs are available for rental at specific resorts as well. Guests can also check with the resorts they’re staying at with regards to packages with the Asia’s best golf course.

Sea Sports

Being a beach destination, how can one forgo sea sports while on a holiday in Bintan Island? From a range of jetskiing, wakeboarding, snorkeling to scuba diving, take your pick. For those who are in for an adrenaline rush, be sure to check out jetskiing or wakeboarding to fulfill your need for speed. Snorkel in the pristine waters or body board your way through the shores. For groups who are interested in sea sports, challenge the infamous Banana Boat and try your best to stay afloat as you venture into the salty sea. For the best sea sports experience, try out the Sea Sports Centre at Nirwana Gardens.

Outdoor adventure sports

Outdoor adventure sports comprises of many alterna-tives, from archery, flying fox, paintball, rafting to action ATV (all-terrain vehicle). Available at Bintan Lagoon and Nirwana Gardens, it is manned by FOCUS Adventure that specializes in team challenges. Groups can try out low and high elements, including the notable Team

Try out jet skiing for an adrenaline rush

Feast your eyes on tropical blooms

Sea sports such as Banana Boat

Quad Bike all-terrain driving automobiles

FOCUS Adventure’s flying fox

Subs

cribe

to ou

r

FRee

magazi

ne

12 1 Aug 2012

Challenge Pyramid or Hourglass that is more than 30 metres off the ground to build trust and teamwork. Try out the flying fox zipline for a rush of adrenaline, or gather some friends to have a paintball fight at a specially designed arena for battle. Paintball is a tactical game that can be played in different modes such as capture-the-flag or simply team versus. Go on a ride of a lifetime with the action ATV on all sorts of terrain imaginable with the choice between a more daredevil quad bike or dune buggies – the jungle, shores and on road. Be sure to be properly attired before you head out for the day though, as some of the activities require guests to be in proper shoes. All outdoor adventure sports are guided and safe, so go ahead and enjoy!

Spa & Massages

With the wide range of activities available on the island, it is a must to try out the relaxing and rejuvenating spa and massages available at your resort. To calm those aching muscles, head down to one of the spas at your resort to try out the traditional Indonesian full-body massage. Enjoy the scenic island sea view as you indulge in one of their spa treatments that a famed across the island. Try out traditional Indonesian oils and blends that are health-oriented, and sip on specially blended herbal tea after. Relax with the exclusive golfers’ massage after an aching day of sport under the sun at the Ria Bintan Asmara Spa & Massage. You can also inform the masseurs on the concentration area based on the activities you have done for the day!

Unique trees in the Gardens

1 Aug 2012

Archery at Bintan

Asmara Spa and Massages

13

Mangrove tour

For those who are less adventurous and wish to indulge more in nature, check out the mangrove tour that Bintan Resorts has to offer. The winner of 2003’s PATA Gold Award for Ecotourism and Travel-Related Project, the tour teaches visitors more about the eco-nature of mangroves and its wildlife. Visitors can learn more about the four different types of mangrove roots – pencil, knee, stilts and the exotic red ribbon roots. Spot animals living amidst the mangroves such as monkeys, kingfishers, otters, mud lobsters and yellow-banded mangrove snakes. Bask in the tranquility of nature at its most organic and spy the wildlife at its origins. The 90-minute group tour also enables one to spot the sea gypsies, known as Orang Laut and also drop by one of the villages along the Sebung River. Do check out the night tour as well to catch a glimpse of the dazzling fireflies.

1 Au

g 20

12

Guides briefing visitors on mangroves

Boat ride to view different types of mangroves

Subs

cribe

to ou

r

FRee

magazi

ne

14 1 Aug 2012

Enjoy lush landscapes in golfing paradise Ria BintanEnjoy lush landscapes in golfing paradise Ria BintanDesigned by celebrated golfing virtuoso Gary Player, Ria Bintan is set against the spectacular oceanic view of the island.

Consistently named the best golf course in Asia, as well as internally in Indonesia, Ria Bintan is one of the most established and sought after courses to play in.

Recently awarded Best Golf Course in Indonesia, the 36-hole championship course is set amongst the finest greens and natural environment, offering a visualling satisfying treat to golfers.

The golf course consists of two courses, namely the 18-hole Ocean Course and the smaller 9-hole Forest Course. Said to be one of the best sites that Gary Player has worked with, the Ocean Course is an award-winning course that golfers often pay a visit to.

Golfers can enjoy the challenge of teeing from different distances whether beginner or expert, with the help of brightly coloured tee-boxes marking the range.

The Ocean Course itself has three must-try holes, namely Hole 7,8 and 9.

Aeriel view of Ria Bintan golf course

Hole 7

Ocean Course Hole 8

15

1 Au

g 20

12

Hole 7 of the Ocean Course is a majestic par-five hole that gives an extraordinary view of the sea and is the very first encounter with the oceanic view for golfers challenging this course. Named the Best Par 5 in Asia, it is bound to be an enjoyable experience for all golfers.

For those who are up for a stimulating par-four hole, do check out Hole 8, which features a sharp dogleg left hole that imposes a tee shot that needs to be located at the centre right of the fairway in order to see the green. It is also surrounded by the sea on all three sides, giving golfers a majestic view.

Of course, before hitting the halfway house, Hole 9 is a lush par-three hole before mid-game that is situated atop a rocky outcrop that juts into the ocean.

Ria Bintan also offers more than just a golf course, with its 31 contemporary rooms that present picturesque views of the course. Guests can rejuvenate and relax in three kinds of rooms – the Par/Birdie room, Eagle Room, or the Albatross room. The Par rooms have views facing the garden, whereas the Birdie rooms hold a Golf Course view. The Eagle room captures the best panoramic view of the Ocean Course and looks beyond the South China Sea, with a miniature ‘living room’ space.

The most luxurious of the rooms, the two Albatross rooms are ideal for small families to indulge in with a full living room area and beds to accommodate.

The resort also has its own Golf Apparel Shop, driving range, lounge and all day dining. Do drop by the spa by Asmara that has specially crafted spa and massage sessions catering to golfers for the aching muscles after the sport.

Other than for simply leisure, the resort also offers team building golf sessions for golfers and non-golfers, aiming to challenge the strengths of everyone in a team and build a better sense of teamwork and responsibility. Golf camps are also available for all ages.

Visit www.riabintan.com for more information on these packages.

Oceanic view of Hole 9

Albatross room at Ria Bintan Resort

Golf resort lobby

Subs

cribe

to ou

r

FRee

magazi

ne