'Kelong' in Bintan - Best kept secret... yet

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3rd time into Bintan but this trip left the deepest impressions. We chanced upon a treasure which stands atop the open clear waters. Bintan Laguna Resort and Restaurant is less of a resort than one you would imagine to be. It is more of a 'Kelong', a Malay word describing a form of offshore platform built predominantly with wood, and can easily pass off as a fishing platform similar to some others off Trikora beach.

The stay was surprisingly pleasant and thoroughly enjoyable, considering the lack of amenities there: No wifi, no gadgets (TV, electronic games, etc.), no heater. We just soaked in the atmosphere, took in the cooling sea breeze, gazed out at the endless horizon and feasted on the fresh seafood. We also ventured into the sea, speed boat-ing to White Sands Island some 10 mins away, where we snorkelled and marvelled at the extremely clean and white beach. This was another 'secret' we thought we uncovered. Why on Earth are Singaporeans scrambling to the touristy spots for beautiful beaches when there is 1 right near our doorstep?! The island itself was small enough for us to encircle it, and what's more romantic than to walk with your loved one on the beach, with her hand in yours? 😊

The 3 days 2 nights was well lived, doing mostly nothing but being with ourselves in the company of nature. 'This is Life!', as we exclaimed. Indeed, sometimes we are so caught up in the hustle and bustle of work and life that we hardly have time to stop and slow down the pace to simply unwind. And I'm glad we managed to do so here. To stop, breathe, reflect, dream.

Perhaps the sunset by the kelong was the best encapsulation of our time in Bintan. Simple, beautiful, and with it, carrying away our troubles far and beyond into the endlessness.

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