Golf in Bintan Resort

The Bintan Resort. The purpose built Bintan Resort set amongst clean white beaches, clear waters and lush tropical forests is fast emerging as one of the premier resorts in Indonesia. Access could not be easier as it is perfectly situated with a high speed catamaran ride from Singapore's Tanah Merah ferry terminal or speed boat ride from Batam. Complimented by numerous different forms of accommodation and top class golf courses, you will be hard pushed to pick a better location.
The 5 award winning golf courses offered here have been designed by Gary Player, Ian Baker-Finch, Greg Norman & Jack Nicklaus. The Ria Bintan Ocean course has been voted the best in Indonesia and ranks in the top three courses & clubhouses in Asia - this proves testament to the continued commitment to provide an exceptional golfing experience.Bintan Island is the largest of some 3200 islands in the Riau Archipelago and is the 3rd largest province in Indonesia. Located at the at the end of the Straits of Malacca in the South China Sea - one of the world's oldest and busiest maritime trading routes, Bintan has provided a safe haven to traders and sailors from all over the world for many a year. Set foot on the northern shores of Bintan and you'll be greeted by a beautiful scenes and a pleasant mood, offering tourists just the right setting to rest, relax & play golf.

General Information.

Visa

You will be required to obtain an entry Visa On Arrival (VOA) in Indonesia unless your passport nationality is pre-approved . Paradise Golf & Pleasure Ltd can arrange a fast track visa for a small additional fee; currently (Mar 08) the basic visa cost is:US$ 10.00 - valid for 7 days or 6 NightsUS$ 25.00 - valid for 30 days or 29 NightsVOA is a single entry visa, is not extendable and cannot be used for employment purposes.Visitors should be in possession of a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity and a return journey ticket at the time of arrival.

Climate

Bintan is pleasantly warm and sunny all year round with the dry season between February and September, while the rainy season is between October and January, tropical showers will alternate with clear sky and sunshine. The average temperature of the day in coastal areas varies from about 28ºC (82ºF) to about 32ºC (90ºF) & the humidity is high (from a minimum of 60% to a maximum of 95%). In the tropics, light clothing is advised ...do not forget your swimwear, sunblock & suntan lotions!

Currency

Rupiah is the currency of Indonesia; however Singapore Dollars and major credit cards are accepted in most resorts. Currently (Mar 08) the exchange rate for £1 is approx $2.76 Singapore or 18,404 Indonesian Rupiah.

Language

Bahasa Indonesia is the native language, however English is widely spoken.Time DifferenceGMT + 7 or an hour behind Singapore time.

Voltage

220-240 V

Travel Information

The Teluk Sebung ferry terminal is a 45 minute ferry ride from the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal which is a 5-minute drive from Singapore airport. For day trippers to/from Batam there is also a 40 minute speed boat link to Punggur. The return transfers between the airport, ferry terminals and your chosen resort will be provided.

Getting Around

The North of the island is serviced by one taxi company that has offices in all the hotels etc, pricing is relatively high for Indonesia but the vehicles are of good quality & the service is is prompt.

Medical Care

Medical needs can be catered for by a clinic with doctors on call 24 hrs, and supported by a highly efficient emergency evacuation system.

Customs

Duty free concessions for visitors entering Indonesia include a maximum of one litre of spirits (brandy, whisky, gin, rum, vodka...etc), one litre of wine, one litre of beer, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100gm tobacco and a reasonable amount of perfume. Photographic equipment, typewriters, recorders and computers must be declared at customs upon entry. Television and radio sets, drugs, arms and ammunition, printed matter in Chinese characters, Chinese medicines, all uncensored movie films and video cassettes, fresh fruits, plants and animals without quarantine permits are also prohibited.

Places.

Penyengat Penyengat, On the northern tip of Bintan Island, became home to the Maya-Bugis nobility during the 18th century. Remnants of this glorious royal past are still evident in the Penyengat Royal Mosque, Town Hall, mausoleums and palace ruins.

South Bintan

The south of Bintan Island is also home to quaint fishing towns with an easy-going and relaxed kampong (local village) atmosphere. Numerous kelongs (fishing houses built on stilts above sea) flourish on southern Bintan, with some serving up delicious seafood for tourists.