Paradise by the Sea: Bintan (Indonesia)

Bintan Island or Negeri Segantang, the largest of 3,200 islands in Riau Archipelago and the third largest of the 27 provinces in Indonesia, is an idyllic retreat offering a wide range of activities. The Island, with an area of approximately 1,140 sq kms and a 105-km-long coastline, is a popular beach destination. The charm and aura of Bintan, primarily a resort island, leaves a lasting impression on the minds of high-end travellers wanting to have a good time with family. The island also attracts Conference and Incentive groups. A short-haul destination for Indian travellers, Bintan can be accessed from Singapore. Indian visitors can combine their city holidays in Singapore with Bintan as a two to three nights  extension. There is a regular ferry service operated by Bintan Resorts Ferries (BRF) that plies between Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, Singapore and Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal, Bintan Resorts. The duration of travel is 55 minutes. A niche destination as far as the Indian leisure traveller is concerned, Bintan offers a wide range of activities. While the Indian traffic to Bintan has been dominated by the FIT, honeymooners and family segments, there has been a marked increase in Incentive travel groups, corporate meetings and special interest Indian visitors (weddings and religious groups). Bintan has fantastic facilities to lure MICE and Wedding segments. The Northern Coast of the island is often referred to as Bintan Resorts, a consortium of five independently-owned and operated beach resorts, four designer golf courses, as well as a range of recreational facilities and attractions like spa, golf, water sports, shopping etc. The resorts include Angasana Bintan, Banyan Tree Bintan, Bintan Lagoon Resort, Bintan Lodge, Club Med Bintan Island, Nirwana Gardens and Ria Golf Lodge. These are among the big resorts on the island. For those who like to spike up the holiday with a bit of adrenalin rush, Bintan Resorts offers all-terrain vehicle rides through the challenging forest terrain. Located within minutes of Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal, and within easy reach of the resorts, are four magnificent championship courses designed by golf luminaries, Ian Baker-Finch, Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman and Gary Player. Beautifully-crafted ornaments and display pieces, beach and swimwear, fashion apparel and accessories, and a host of other items are also available at the resort shops. Tourists can go resort-shop hopping, or explore Pasar Oleh Oleh and Kampoeng Lagoi Leisure Village. For a touch of authentic village life and shopping experience, one can take a day trip to the capital city of Riau Islands—Tanjung Pinang.

Labuan- "Jewel Of Borneo", Malaysia

The Island of Labuan, off the coast of Sabah, is world famous as a place where ‘business and leisure meet’. An international offshore financial centre and Malaysia’s only deep-water anchorage, Labuan is also a tourist favorite for its water sport activities, tranquil beaches and laid-back Island life. Diving, Yachting and Golfing can also be enjoyed here. Bandar Labuan, formerly known as Victoria, is the major town and port.

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Must See

Batu Manikar Beach

This breathe-taking long stretch of beach fringed by casuarinas and coconut trees is where you can marvel at the most fabulous sunsets. Fresh air, fantastic views and shady nooks are in store for you here.

Labuan Bird Park
This tranquil park has a beautifully landscaped garden and enthralling nature paths. Here you will see many species of Birds that are usually spotted deep in the forests of Borneo.

Mystery Chimney
An artifact from Labuan’s coal mining area (1847-1912). This 106-feet-high red brick stack is a mystery. Some say it is part of an unfinished mansion: others say it was a lighthouse or a bell tower. Discover its history at the Chimney Information Centre.

Layang Layang
Off the mystical island of Borneo lies this little gem, also known as ‘The Jewels of the Borneo Banks’. Layang Layang, a coral-blessed deep sea atoll, Is a kaleidoscopic underwater world. Dive down to marvel at the spectacular scenery of the 13 coral reefs formed here.

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Must Do

Labuan International Sea sports Complex
This world class 5.91 acre Complex is located at the waterfront area along Jalan Tanjung Purun. It comprises three prominent structures connected to a main viewing plaza: the Sea Sports Centre for major sea sports activities, the Museum of Marine Biology, and the Main Plaza that serves as centre stage for all types of sea sports events. The Complex also has many eateries and souvenir stalls.

Wreck Diving
It is one of the main attractions in Labuan, and there are four main wrecks that you can visit. To date back to World War II, while the others are recent vessels.

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Must Experience

Labuan Marine Park
Located 2 km. off the southern part of Labuan Main Island, this wild and beautiful park encompasses I 0 sq. km. of clear waters and three secluded islets. Come here to enjoy long sandy beaches, reef atolls, jungle tracks and quiet tidal pools, and catch a glimpse of rare butterflies and birds. Go snorkeling or scuba diving to see some fascinating marine life.

Kampung Air Patau Patau 2
Discover the unique experience of living in a charming water village in a traditional stilted wooden house, surrounded by water. Savoir the local delicacies, indulge in fishing, play games with the villagers and watch mesmerizing dance performance.

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Heritage Places

Ba San Miao Temple
Also known as the Eight Deity Chinese Temple, or the ‘Heaven and Earth Temple’ this Taoist temple was built by the Hokkien community. The centre hall is divided in two — all the deities stand proudly in the Heaven’ hall, while a dark passage leads to the ‘Hell’ hall, with images of sinners in torture chambers.

Gurudwara Sahib
The earlier Gurudwara Sahib was demolished to make way for a new building, officially opened in April 2000. The new double storey brick building has a tiled roof, a large dome and two smaller domes on the left. The Darbar Sahib is on the first floor.

Surrender Point
Just adjacent to the famous Peace Park is another significant historical site – Surrender Point. Here, the 32nd Japanese Southern Army surrendered to the 9th Division Australian Imperial Forces on 9th September 1945.

War Memorial
Along Jalan Tanjung Batu lie 3,908 soldiers in perfectly squared platoons, in this memorial ground. They came from different countries — Australia, Great Britain, India, New Zealand and Malaysia. Each grave is marked with a white headstone, and the Cross of Sacrifice stands in the centre.

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Cuisine

Coconut Pudding
Unique to Labuan and not found anywhere else, this delicious pudding is made from steamed coconut water and jelly.

Lambam

Sweetened steamed rice is wrapped in coconut leaves and eaten with peanut sauce.

Punjung

A bite size delight made of rice flour with jelly filling; this cone shaped desert is served wrapped in banana leaves.

Jelurut
This green, jelly like desert is made of rice flour, sugar and coconut milk and is sometimes flavored with durian or yam.

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Shopping

Labuan Town Center

Labuan is a duty free shopper’s paradise. Stop over at the numerous duty free shops over here, which offers an exciting range of chocolates, pearls, textiles, liquor and much more.

Bazaar Labuan
Pick up some exquisite pearl and crystal jewellery here- from brooches to bracelets, pendants, earrings and Baju Melayu buttons.



Labuan Weekend Jamu

Every Saturday and Sunday, the streets of Jalan OKK Awang Besar are filled with an array of stalls. Avail of great deals on Handicrafts, fashion wear, accessories, agriculture products and more.

Johar- The Jewel Of Malaysia

Johar, the southernmost state of Peninsular Malaysia, is characterized by pineapple, rubber and palm plantations, spectacular national parks, quaint fishing villages and 5-star resorts. Here, you’ll find serene beaches, islands that are a diver’s paradise, and some of the best golf courses in the country. Johor Bahru (JB), the state capital, boasts of historical landmarks, world-class hotels, glitzy malls and numerous options for dining and entertainment. Here’s a tour of the state…

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Must See

Endau-Rompin National Park

This 800 sq.km. Park is home to several exotic species like deer, elephants, leopards, tigers and the rare Sumatran Rhinoceros. Here, you can also see spectacular waterfalls, giant fat palms, climbing bamboo, as well as tapirs and bearded wild hogs.

Rawa Island

Rawa Island off Mersin is one of the most beautiful islands around. It is famous for its white coral sand, tall palm trees and offshore coral reefs, which make diving a not-to-be missed experience here.

Labis Hot Spring

Visitors throng this place to enjoy a warm bath and the healing qualities of this natural hot spring. The area is also ideal for hiking and picnicking.

Desaru Fruit Farm

Many different types of tropical fruits are grown at this farm. Their experienced guides show you around on a leisurely bullock-cart ride or in your own vehicle.

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Must Do

Gunung Ledang

Also know as Mount Ophir, this mountain is named after a beautiful princess- Gusti Putri- who spurned the hand of the Sultan of Malacca. This place is a magnet for picnickers, nature lovers, birdwatechers, rock-climbers and jungle trekkers.

Hutan Bandar

This public park offers recreational activities for the whole family. Kids will enjoy the well- equipped playground, as well as the open air swimming pool. There are many open spaces too, where you can enjoy a picnic, a game of football or a spot of kite-flying, rock climbing and jungle trekking.

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Must Experience

Sibu Island

From high above, the island looks like a bird with its wings outstretched. Its quiet ambience makes it ideal for a relaxing getaway, though you can also indulge in snorkeling, scuba diving, wind surfing and sailing.

Danga Bay

This is Malaysia’s premier waterfront city and the largest recreational park in Johor Bahru. Besides being a rustic residential getaway, it is also a great place to hang out, eat and shop till you drop.

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Heritage Places

Masjid Jamek

Built in 1999, this breath-taking mosque in Muar is fashioned after the Masjid Jamek Sultan Ibrahim. The two mosques form a spectacular landmark for those who enter Muar from the river mouth.

Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque

Preached on a hill-top, this mosque combines neo-classical Western and Islamic architecture, and is one of the most beautiful mosques in Malaysia.

The Royal Mausoleum

These burial grounds have long been the final resting place for Johor Royalty. Unique in design and aesthetically pleasing, the mausoleum also exudes a peaceful ambience.

Shopping

KSL City

This 880,000sq.ft. mall boasts 420 retail shops. 50 foods and beverage outlets, and an eight screen Cineplex.

AEON Tebrau City

Almost half of the mall’s three level floor area is occupied by the JUSCO hypermarket. Here, you can also pick up international fashion brands like Giordano, MNG, Esprit, Dorothy Perkins, and many more.

City Square

With over 200 retailers, a host of entertainment options and restaurants, karaoke and salons, this place guarantees non-stop good times.

Plaza Pelangi

Everything you desire can be found here- from house ware to fashion wear, perfumes, cosmetics and more. The supermarket and bookstore are well-stocked and there are plenty of dinning and leisure options too.

Johor Premium outlets

This collection of 80 stores- a 3 hour drive from Kuala Lumpur offers an extensive selection of legendary brands, as well as savings of 25% to 65% everyday.

The ZON Mall

Occupying 5 levels and more than 400,000 sq.ft. of indoor retail space, this mall has approximately 200 stores, with everything shoppers desire. Come to the Zon Mall for a unique shopping, leisure and entertainment experience.

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