Media Invite
Short getaways are all in trend now because they are quick and affordable breaks for the people who work very hard – especially Singaporeans. Our work life can get so hectic that sometimes, we just feel like dropping everything and go for a breather somewhere. Short travelling time is always a bonus and if it’s cheap as well, it’s almost perfect! Last weekend, the husband and I went for a short 2D1N media trip to discover Nirwana Gardens Bintan, and I left the place (way too short a trip, by the way!) wondering why we hadn’t thought of visiting earlier and also when the next trip back is possible. I thought of giving you 100 reasons why you should visit yourself, but just in case you die of envy, I’ll just stop at 10. Here goes:
1. You Get There In 1 Hour Flat
That’s like an epitome of a quick getaway, quite literally. You hop on the Bintan Resort Ferries at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (only need to arrive 30 minutes earlier to check-in, unlike 2 hours for flights), snooze for an hour and you’re at Bintan (at exactly the same time you boarded the ferry because Bintan is one hour behind Singapore time). It cannot get any easier than that!
This period is monsoon season, so the seas were a little rocky but on other days, the ride is really quite smooth and comfortable. If you are worried, just pop some seasick pills before boarding. You can make your ticket reservations online here.
2. Not 1, not 2, not 3, not 4 BUT 5 Options To Choose From!
I know right? Sometimes we travel to a resort and think to ourselves that we have discovered and experienced all that we need to experience, so we probably won’t need to be back in another few years. But at Nirwana Gardens Bintan, you have no such problems! They have five very different accommodation options to choose from, so that every time you return, you can have a different and refreshing experience with them!
I was put up at the Nirwana Resort Hotel, which I loved and would talk more about later. But when I checked out the other options subsequently, I realised I liked them all too! Definitely have to make a few more trips back to experience the others. Just a brief intro on the various options available, and you can decide for yourself which one you like best!
Nirwana Resort Hotel
Nirwana Resort Hotel has 244 guestrooms including 29 suites, all with sweeping sea, pool or garden views.
Nirwana Resort Hotel has 244 guestrooms including 29 suites, all with sweeping sea, pool or garden views.
Mayang Sari Beach Resort
Chalet-style accommodation near to the sea. Each air-conditioned chalet is equipped with modern amenities and also has an attached bathroom and a private veranda that commands either a garden or sea view.
Chalet-style accommodation near to the sea. Each air-conditioned chalet is equipped with modern amenities and also has an attached bathroom and a private veranda that commands either a garden or sea view.
(Images: Nirvana Gardens Bintan)
Nirwana Beach Club
This is the ultimate rustic beachfront hideaway where you can indulge in a variety of water sports, nature and the timeless traditions of a village-style living. Recently upgraded, the rooms are contemporary and cosy complete with new furnishings, amenities set on wooden flooring.
(Images: Nirwana Gardens Bintan)
Banyu Biru Villas
These are great for family getaways because each double-storey villa comes in 2-bedrooms or 3-bedrooms and is furnished with new sets of furniture after its recent refurbishment works. The villa offers a warm and inviting ambiance, features a 60-inch LCD TV and DVD player in the living room, and a 32-inch LCD TV in the master bedroom.
These are great for family getaways because each double-storey villa comes in 2-bedrooms or 3-bedrooms and is furnished with new sets of furniture after its recent refurbishment works. The villa offers a warm and inviting ambiance, features a 60-inch LCD TV and DVD player in the living room, and a 32-inch LCD TV in the master bedroom.
(Images: Nirwana Gardens Bintan)
Indra Maya Pool Villa
Comprising of 7 exclusive and beautiful pool villas, Indra Maya Pool Villas are exemplary of its name – exuding dream-like quality and extravagant beauty. I was totally mesmerized when I stepped into one of the villas and saw the private infinity pool with its stunning sea views!
Comprising of 7 exclusive and beautiful pool villas, Indra Maya Pool Villas are exemplary of its name – exuding dream-like quality and extravagant beauty. I was totally mesmerized when I stepped into one of the villas and saw the private infinity pool with its stunning sea views!
(Images: Nirwana Gardens Bintan)
See what I mean? Spoilt for choice.
3. Awesome & Spacious Rooms
The husband and I were put up at Nirwana Resort Hotel’s Premier room and it was so spacious! Love the wooden designs – so Balinese and truly resort-style!
4. You Can Soak In The Huge Swimming Pool All Day Long
Now, isn’t that a holiday is all about? Nirwana Gardens Bintan allows you to do just that without a care in the world, and best of all – with a sea view. This means that even if you visit during the monsoon seasons when sea sports are prohibited, you can still have plenty of water fun. I bet I will have a hard time holding back when my kids when they visit and see this pool!
5. The Beach Is Beyond Beautiful
I can stare at the sea all day long and love it that the beach here at Nirwana Gardens Bintan is clean and beautiful. I can totally foresee my kids playing on the beach, building sandcastles and what-nots. This is a perfect beach resort for a family getaway!
6. Way Too Many Activities To Choose From
How often can you say that about a holiday destination? Nirwana Gardens Bintan truly is a place where your every need can be met – Whether you are adventurous, chillax, gluttony or just wants to explore – It has everything. They have a dedicated Sea Sports Centre to provide all the sea sports options such as parasailing, jet-skiing, banana boat, scuba diving, etc. Other activities available include bowling, Ninebot tour, ATV riding, airsoft gun shooting, flying fox, bungee trampoline, paintball, all kinds of ball games etc. You can see the full list here. Too many to list down one by one!
When we were there, we tried a few of the activities and had so much fun! The Ninebot Tour was one of the highlights – I tried Segway before but was confined to a closed circuit. For the Ninebot Tour, we toured the Nirwana Gardens premise on real roads! Very thrilling and fun experience!
Then we went up a tall tower and secured our love lock there, to accommodate our 25th Valentine’s Day together. Pretty good views from up there!
Then from the 4th storey, we took a thrilling zipline flying fox ride down! It was not scary at all – Just loads of fun!
We winded down at the residential Spa Centre in the resort, with the friendliest masseurs. Such a relaxing feeling!
Make sure you try them when you visit the resort! =D
7. Best Sunset In Bintan
Oh yes, they really have beautiful sunsets at Nirwana Gardens Bintan! We were having a relaxing evening chilling with our cocktails at Calypso Floating Bar and admiring the beautiful creation of God. Therapeutic!
Their signature cocktails are yummy, by the way. Super refreshing and thirst-quenching.
8. Too Spoilt For Choice When It Comes To Food
Yes, I know how important food is to everyone especially on a holiday, and that’s exactly what you will get when you are at Nirwana Gardens Bintan. You can have your meal at a different restaurant each tie and try out their different cuisines! In total, there are 11 restaurants/cafes to choose from. Awesome much?? I think so!
During my trip, I attended the Grand Opening of Neydles House which offers a variety of authentic regional noodle dishes and some of the classic Asian staples with excellent texture and flavourful broth. They ensure that they serve up the best handmade noodles (freshly made everyday!) while giving the guests a picturesque view of the sea. The whole restaurant has a very beautiful, yet relaxing ambience, and with the delicious noodle dishes, make up a very wonderful dining experience.
Local artists were asked to contribute their works for the facade and several beautiful artwork hung on the walls inside the restaurant. They gave the restaurant a very contemporary and artistic feel, which I really like.
The alfresco bar area is a great place to chill with drinks before or after your meal at Neydles House. It was the monsoon season during our period and the waves were violent and strong, but I absolutely loved it!
We sampled several of their signature dishes and everything was good, even the appetizers. Loved their chili especially – Very authentic of Indonesian cuisines!
Sweet & spicy cashew nuts
Spicy anchovies with sweet roasted peanuts
Fried wantons with mayonnaise sauce
Beef Ball Lamian
Hong Kong Style Crispy Noodles
Kung Po Chicken with Noodles
Stir Fried Udon with Seafood
Pecinan Noodles
Banana Fritters
Everything tasted was to my liking and I especially love it that the ingredients were very fresh! You definitely need to try the restaurant when you visit Nirwana Gardens Bintan.
9. Fresh, Delicious & Cheap Seafood Feast
A beach resort vacation is only complete when you have a seafood feast! Here at Nirwana Gardens Bintan, you can savour some of the freshest catch around at The Kelong Seafood Restaurant. We tasted their award winning menu, featuring all the popular choices of the guests. Everything tasted awesome and the portions were pretty generous! It’s connected to the Calypso Floating Bar, so I totally recommend having some pre-dinner drinks at the bar while watching the sunset and then ending the evening with a seafood dinner at The Kelong.
Such a wonderful dinner – Everything tasted delicious and supremely fresh. No wonder it’s their award winning menu!
10. There’s Plenty To Do Outside The Resort Too!
As if you have time to cover everything within the resort, there are even more options outside of the resort! We visited the Lantern Garden, about 20 mins’ drive from the resort and tried cycling a very happening-looking vehicle. All in good fun!
Before we left Bintan, we also did a mangrove tour which was very educational and interesting!
Finally, here’s a video compilation of what happened during my 2D1N trip. Start planning your trip to Nirwana Gardens Bintan soon, would ya? :)
