STRESS-FREE WEEKEND TRIP

	PLEASURE ISLAND We’ve heard of other parents’ Bintan experience, so we decided to take our maiden trip to the Indonesian island. The first resort hotel that came to our mind? Angsana Bintan, which recently had a major renovation.
	JUST LIKE HOME (BUT BETTER) Our family of five checked into the Angsana Suite, a spacious ground-floor unit with two bedrooms and a living room. It even comes with an outdoor jacuzzi, sundeck and garden, which allowed us to hold our private barbecue party. The resort hotel has 106 suites and rooms for different budgets and travelling groups.
	REST AND RELAX Ahh… the bliss of a private beach. Okay, so we didn’t own it, but it sure felt that way. The Friday afternoon when we were there with the kid and grandparents, it was just us. Our four-year-old busied herself building sandcastles (tip: pack your own beach toys!) and spotting hermit crabs. The rest of us were happy to sit on the powdery white sand, stare into the clear waters and be hynoptised by them. Now, isn’t that the whole idea of a vacation? Water sports enthusiasts can also approach the resort’s marine centre for activities including windsurfing, kayaking and snorkelling lessons.

WHO HAS TIME TO NAP?
Besides time at the beach and pool, our little one loved dropping by the Kids’ Club. The cosy room has toys, games and books for children aged three to 10 years. Water and cookies are also provided. It’s free for guests.

Older ones can sweat it out at the new recreation deck with games like billiards, table tennis, carrom and more. Parents with infants who want to enjoy some private moments can also request for a babysitter.

 MAKAN UNDER THE STARS
Our preschooler couldn’t stop gazing at the star-dotted sky when we were enjoying our alfresco dinner at the resort’s beachside restaurant, Pantai Grill and Bar. Its barbecue buffet, available only on Friday and Saturday evenings, offered a mouth-watering array of meat cuts, seafood and vegetables.

GETTING THERE
It’s a 50-minute ferry ride away from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Bintan. Don’t worry, your restless kid will lap up every minute of the experience. Ours divided her attention between the sea view and movie (it was showing animal-espionage CGI comedy Cats & Dogs). On board, you can also buy drinks and snacks, such as hot dog buns and nachos. And yes, there are toilets, too. Tickets cost from $25.25 for adults, and from $21.25 for children (infants to 12 years old). Visit www.brf.com.sg for the schedule and online booking.

Ask for the Angsana Unveiled package, which is valid till November 2011. It is priced from US$185++ ($225) per room, per night for double occupancy, and includes daily breakfast for two people. You are guaranteed a 3pm check-out and return land transfers to and from Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal. You’ll also enjoy a US$50 credit per booking that can be used on food and beverage and recreational activities. Visit www.angsana.com or e-mail reservationsbintan@angsana.com for details.

Read the September 2011 issue of Young Parents for more expert advice and local tips to make you a better mum or dad.