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Home -> Travel Blogs -> Bintan Lagoon 14 Jan 05 - 15 Jan 05 Pg 1

I have to admit this was totally unplanned for. Due to the Indian Ocean Tsunami on Boxing Day, bookings for BB's company chalet in Bintan Lagoon resort were cancelled. The usually "hard to get" chalet is now there for the taking. $800/night, private pool, 2 storey, 4 bedrooms, all for a nominal amount. It was my first trip to Indonesia. If things were right, we may be able to go to Tanjung Pinang to take a look. And why not?

When we reach the ferry terminal in Bintan, we realised it was just a start to a colony of resorts, built by wealthy Singaporean investors. Chances of venturing into real Indonesian towns ARE zero as we see shrubs and shrubs with no life. Where are the Kampongs? Where are the little towns? Is this Singapore? Why do they accept Singaporean dollars? As a Singaporean, I'm really not used to seeing big pieces of land with absolutely nothing, till we got into the resort.

The resort was ok. Beer was VERY EXPENSIVE at $5/can. Tanjung Pinang was worse, $90 for a car rental and 1.5hours ride!!! We were trapped in the resort. Then, Bb kindly reminded me that this was probably a place for relaxation, not for back-packers. I sighed and silently agreed.
   

At least there is Pasar Oleh Oleh. A small "fun-fair" designed for tourists selling food (food court prices), souvenirs and clothes. Reminds me of Phuket Patong beach. or maybe something worse. At least I got a Bir Bintang ($2/mug) in the evening sun.
Dinner with Bb. She had fish porridge (S$3) with beer. Ok, it was my beer. She wasn't really that interested in me taking a picture with her and my beer.
Typical Indonesian architecture. Reminds me of a museum. The evening Bintan sun in a neo-Singapore colony.
Me eating Nasi Ayam Kalasan (S$3). The fried chicken was amazingly delicious and salty! Great to go with beer. Not to mention the amazing Sambal Belachan.
Entrance of Pasar Oleh Oleh - Bb enjoying the perks of a tourist. If you are a local, people will think that you are crazy. But wait, there were no locals. All of them were from other parts of the country staying in dormitories. I wondered if they need passports to work here?
Highway to nowhere. There is absolutely nothing once you venture out of the colony. Reminds me of Planet Krypton!
Chilling out - Making use of the timer function to take stupid corny pictures.
Bb at staircase. Have to admit it wasn't a well-taken picture.
A man and his beer. My 4th can. More to come. More beer please.
Do you believe I have 6 nipples? Me with cult hero "Cow" (character from Cartoon Network). I wonder when will I get a chance to swim in a private pool again?