Singapore and Bintan – A perfect getaway

Also referred to as the Switzerland of Asia Singapore is always worth a visit. While Singapore is a transfer stop over for some of the most splendid beach vacations such as Bali and Khrab,i it is an attraction in its very own right. With countless award winning restaurants, an Asian melting pot and the Marina bay,  Singapore is definitely  worth a visit. Now, its convenient  small size allows for many of the attractions to be visited within a day or two. La bonne Vivante combined her visit to Singapore with a splendid beach vacation in Binan, Indonesia.

What to see:

Gardens by the bay which opens by the way showcases an array of trees, flowers and gardens in the center of the city. The Supertree hosts an Indochine restaurant. Marvel the view from upstairs. The entrance fee of 10 Singapore Dollars includes a soft drink.

Marina Bay Shopping Center includes a variety of top notch brands such as a gigantic Chanel store and Louis Vuitton’s island maison, an architectural gem. Also, you’ll find a large variety of great restaurants including my favorite Ding Tai Fun, the Taiwanese dim sum restaurant which offers beyond delicious dim sums filled with delicacies such as truffle and shrimps. 

Where to stay: The Parkroyal at Pickering offers an amazing view of the city. The building, surrounded by lush vegetation is beautiful and also boasts an infinity pool with a beautiful view of Singapore’s skyline. The service is simply impeccable. I wouldn’t want to stay anywhere else when in Singapore

Bintan

From Singapore it is only  a 1 one hour ferry ride to the island of Bintan to Indonesia. You can buy your ferry ticket right at the Terminal however make sure to be there at least an hour in advance.  Getting to the ferry from Lagoi will only take 15 minutes and most resorts provide pick up service. Bintan is a quaint Indonesian island which offers a variety of water sports such as jet skiing, scuba diving, snorkeling and stand up paddeling. It is also the perfect place for long walks on the pristine beaches of Lagoi, getting pampered and enjoying the Indonesian cuisine.

Where to stay:

The Banyan Tree is Bintan’s most exclusive resort set Bintan’s lush vegetation right on the beach. The quaint villas allow for a maximum of privacy and offer a great view. The 3 restaurants at the resort cater Indonesian, Thai and European cuisine. The Treetop Restaurant with an Indonesian menu and beautiful views of Bintan’s view was my favorite.

The Agsana resort just steps away from the Banyan Tree is a more economic option. The resort offers a great choice of complimentary activities such as Yoga and Jogging classes. The spa deserves special mentioning as it offers fantastic treatments such as a classic Javanese oil massage or an Indian head massage. The staff is skilled and very welcoming with a lot of attention to detail. Not to miss!

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