Bintan, Club Med

It is the June school holidays soon. People are packing their bags and leaving on jet planes. Many people must have their fixes of overseas vacations. Nothing wrong to take a break but for some folks better to be careful not to over indulge such as going first then pay later.

These days it does get a little more tricky. It could be flooding at one place but then drought at another. Then there is the H7N9, etc.

Others have staycation, checking into a hotel locally. It is good to also support your own economy. I have done a staycation cum overseas stint at Changi and Pulau Ubin on a Vesak Day previously:

http://gforce-guru.blogspot.sg/2010/05/i-survived-ubin.html

I have some friends with young children in toll and have asked me for suggestions on simple and convenient things to do. It was the same question I asked myself many years back when my children were at that age. We wanted a short vacation somewhere not too far away where the children have things to do, a place we have not been before and where the costs are not over the moon. We decided on Club Med at Bintan. 

Bintan is familiar territory for me as I used to organise golf trips for friends to Bintan Lagoon and Ria Bintan. The courses there are so beautiful so it was like a holy pilgrimage for us twice a year. So from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, we hopped onto a catamaran to get there fast and to take it slow.

See how young the children were. 

Looking back, they really grew up fast. So did I. 

Just ensure that you pick the right timing of the year to visit as the open South China sea can be rougher at certain times of the year. How I love this picture of the rocks behind with the sea rushing in.

Another rocky outcrop. 

A sight to behold would be to watch the waves crashing onto the rocks. The sound of the sea rushing to shore is therapeutic. When you were out in the sea you will soon realise that you are just so small and insignificant. 

If the sea were rough, they would not allow you to participate in sea sports. It would be closed.

It is not cheap to be there but you pay a single time and everything is provided for. International cuisine from Western, Italian, Chinese and a good variety of desserts, drinks, free flow all the time.

You will be assigned GO - Gentils Organisateurs or  Gracious Organisers to take care of  your family. 

Various interesting sports facilities are available like archery.

Golf, volleyball, basketball, badminton, etc.

Certainly a whiff of the sea nearby. You can just stand there and gaze at the sea. 

Parents can leave their children to the GOs who would keep them busy and occupied with children's art, fun and play so young parents or parents of young children can get some breaks and to relax. Or one can later bring your children out for you own family fun.

Or be like the old man and the sea.

Keep a sharp eye on the surroundings and you can spot picturesque scenery that can easily be made into postcards.

Walk on tight ropes or...

Practise gymnastics if you like.

Frolic in the waters.

Or just simply be a beach bum.

Every night the GOs worked really hard to entertain you with their performances like acrobatics or magic show. I remember asking for wine over dinner and they simply gave me a whole bottle.

It good wholesome family fun. Watch out for the GOs walking around creating fun. I recalled one with an iron sticking from his back and he will make fun of you when he bump into him.

I saw a Korean couple perhaps on honeymoon. The GOs actually set up a covered table outside the restaurant inviting unsuspecting people for a card game. So this Korean couple were having a card game and were not aware that another GO lifted the table cloth below and started painting the guy's toenails. When the game was over. Guffaws were all around  when he was shocked that his toenails were painted red.

Club Med Bintan, thanks for the memories!