Quick Beach Trip -- Bintan or Desaru?

[sociologist]

My husband is coming to visit for a week and we wanted to spend 1 or 2 nights at a nice beach resort. Somewhere we don't have to fly to, preferably. Mainly, we just want to relax and swim on a nice beach. We've traveled quite a bit in the region, so don't feel the need to go anywhere very exciting. Any opinions on Desaru vs. Bintan? Hotel recommendations? Also, which travel agencies offer good packages?

[rails]

Hi,

We have been to Bintan twice. Went there last weekend (highly recommend)

We stayed at Bintan Lagoon (nice) and last weekend we stayed at Niwanna (excellent)

Nirwanna is more conventient for beach as Bintan Lagoon is very hilly.
The service at both places are wonderful. The beach at both places are sandy (not coral). We stayed in a Suite (1148) looks at beach and beach only 20m away from door. Room was so big and beautiful.

I book on the Nirwanna website and booked ferry on their website. I had done alot of research on prices and found to be cheaper direct. Also I do alot of hotel booking with www.wotif.com

The food was much nicer at Nirwanna

Hope you have a great time

Cheers

[sociologist]

Thanks for the reply. I've heard some good things about Nirwana. Ever been to Angsana? Can anyone compare which one has the nicest swimming beach?

[audiojunky]

Thanks for the reply. I've heard some good things about Nirwana. Ever been to Angsana? Can anyone compare which one has the nicest swimming beach?

Angsana is better than both Bintan Lagoon and Nirwana, but much smaller than both.

In terms of ratings Bintan Lagoon is better than Nirwana - it is also more expensive than Nirwana. Nirwana is newer though.

[Superglide]

If money is not the issue, I'd go for Angsana as well, instead of Nirwana.

Beach is the same of course...

[Golf_Ka]

Feel like going there this weekend ... Is there any nice golf course around?

[Strong Eagle]

Well, if you want your average tourist hotel, something that can be found anywhere, then Bintan will work. For the truly unusual check this out.

http://www.islandconnections-intl.com/home.htm

With a couple of pages of commentary.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review ... _Riau.html

http://www.dlconway.com/send_photos_lib ... _beach.htm

Went with my family in July. If you are looking for action and night life, this aint it. If you are looking for a great place, simple living, quiet in the middle of nowhere, this is a great place. Family enjoyed it a lot.