Bintan Lagoon Resort

Billing itself as the largest integrated resort on Bintan, this family-friendly property is set on expansive grounds along a palm-fringed beach. While relatively isolated on the island’s north coast, the resort’s private ferry terminal makes trips from Singapore a breeze and the plethora of on-site activities and restaurants mean guests never have to leave. The design throughout is largely simple, but pleasant touches are found around the property, including striking crisscrossing wood beams in the lobby, hanging red lanterns in Chop Chop restaurant, and basket chairs overlooking the beach. Unfortunately, wear and tear is visible throughout, from tiling at the pool to wood furniture in rooms. The resort appeals to couples and families on short trips from Singapore, but it also hosts a fair share of golfing enthusiasts and business groups.

The resort is set along a private stretch of Pasir Panjang Beach, with 310 hectares of lush gardens on the island’s north coast. Most guests take the high-speed ferry from Singapore’s Tanah Merah Terminal and disembark at the resort’s private landing -- about a 75-minute journey. Alternatively, the resort offers free transfers for guests arriving at Bintan’s Bandar Bentan Terminal, which is 20 minutes away by car. The secluded setting means there are no restaurants, bars, or shops within walking distance of the resort, and taxis are pricey. 

Bintan Lagoon Resort has 470 rooms, suites, and villas, all of which are largely simple, showing age, and have few decorative touches. Expect a mostly neutral-tone design of dark-wood furniture, beige tile floors, and pops of orange of warm earth tones in wall panels and throw pillows. Some rooms feature raised cushioned platforms, wave-like wall designs, hanging tapestries, and/or four-poster beds. All rooms have coffee- and tea-making facilities, flat-screen TVs, wardrobes with safes, mini-fridges, and furnished balconies or terraces overlooking the garden or sea. Lower-category bathrooms are done in white and have shower/tub combos, while upgraded units have more elegant marble bathrooms with jetted bathtubs and separate showers. Hairdryers, bathrobes, and toiletries are provided. The spacious three- and four-bedroom villas feature numerous bathrooms, fully equipped kitchens, and their own buggies. Villa Angsoka comes with a private swimming pool. 

Fringed by palm trees, the white-sand beach features loungers, some with umbrellas, as well as massage huts. While swimmable most of the year, occasionally the water is polluted with oil. Although showing some age and not the cleanest, the resort’s two freeform pools are large and provide ample space for swimming or lounging on surrounding loungers. The larger pool has a swim-up bar and the other has a waterslide.Kedaton Spa offers a range of treatments, including massages, body scrubs, and facials, plus there's a Foot Reflexology Center. The gym is fairly well-equipped, and guests can also make use of a leisure center with table tennis, pool tables, and foosball. Golfing enthusiasts can head to one of the resort’s two 18-hole golf courses, as well as a 31-bay driving range and practice putting green. The resort offers dozens of land and water activities at an extra cost, such as archery, ATV trips, jet-skiing, kayaking, and snorkeling. A kids' club with toys, games, and a schedule of activities requires a fee.The Great Hall is a meeting and conference center that features a column-free banquet hall for up to 1,300 guests. The reception foyer can accommodate 500 standing guests, while the roof terrace can accommodate 200. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, but its signal is spotty, particularly in rooms.

The resort has eight restaurants, two bars, and a karaoke lounge, many with decks overlooking the South China Sea. The dining options cover a variety of cuisines, including Indonesian, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, and Italian. All rates include a buffet breakfast served at the Fiesta restaurant, which also plays host to live music performances, comedians, and magicians. Guests looking for a drink can head to the Terrace Sports Bar, which features five large TV screens, or to the Ripples by the Pool swim-up bar. Meanwhile, Bintan Karaoke Lounge offers six private karaoke rooms. Unfortunately, many guests have reported that the food at the resort is mediocre and overpriced for the quality. Room service is available, but not always 24/7.