A Solo Traveller’s Guide to Bintan Indonesia

Bintan Island is a hidden gem located in the Riau Islands Province of Indonesia. With its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush forests, it’s an ideal destination for solo travellers seeking adventure and relaxation. Here’s a guide to help you make the most of your solo visit to Bintan Island.

Exploring Bintan Island

Bintan Island is home to numerous attractions, including the Pasar Oleh Oleh Bintan market where you can buy souvenirs and the Bintan Mangrove Discovery Tour where you can explore the island’s mangrove forests by boat. In addition to these, the island also boasts several historical sites like the Banyan Tree Temple and the Trikora Beach War Memorial.

Getting Around Bintan Island

There are several ways to get around Bintan Island, including renting a car, hiring a taxi, or taking a shuttle bus. For those who prefer a more adventurous mode of transportation, renting a motorbike or bicycle is also an option. Additionally, some resorts offer transportation services to and from the ferry terminal, making it easy for travellers to get to their accommodation.

Outdoor Activities

Bintan Island is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can go hiking, biking, or kayaking through the island’s lush forests and rugged terrain. The island’s beaches are also perfect for water sports like surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and jet skiing. For a more relaxing activity, visitors can try fishing, yoga, or meditation.

Food and Nightlife

Seafoods in Bintan
Seafoods in Bintan – Photo by Jerry Shen on Unsplash

The Island is known for its delicious seafood, which is a must-try for visitors during their stay at any Bintan Island resort the likes of The Residence Bintan. The island has many restaurants serving fresh seafood dishes, including grilled fish, prawns, and squid. After a day of exploring the island, solo travellers can head to one of the island’s bars to unwind and socialize with other travellers for a more relaxing time.

Fun Things to Do in Jakarta at Night

Whether you’re into dancing, chilling at a rooftop bar, shopping for souvenirs, or sampling delicious street food, Jakarta has got something for everyone; here’s what you can enjoy in the city after the sun has set!

Jakarta at Night
Jakarta at Night | Image by iqbal nuril anwar from Pixabay

Dance Till Dawn at Nightclubs

If you’re looking for a place to dance the night away, Jakarta has got you covered. There are plenty of nightclubs around the city that cater to different music tastes, from EDM to hip-hop and everything in between. Most of these venues, within easy reach of properties like Oakwood Suites Kuningan Jakarta, have killer sound systems, epic light shows, and some of the best DJs in the world spinning the tunes. Some of the most popular clubs to head to are X2, Dragonfly, and Colosseum.

Embark on Bar-Hopping Escapades

If you’re not in the mood to take to the dance floor, the city has some great bars where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a drink or two. The rooftop bars are particularly popular because they offer stunning views of the city skyline including Cloud Lounge and Henshin which are easy to access from Kuningan-based luxury apartments. Jakarta also offers plenty of laid-back places too where you can grab a beer and hang out with the locals. Check out spots like Basque and Camden Bar for a more casual vibe.

Shop Till You Drop at Night Markets

If you’re a shopaholic, you’re going to love Jakarta’s night markets. They’re open until relatively late at night, so you can browse the stalls and shop to your heart’s content; don’t forget to bargain (politely of course!) for discounts. One of the most popular night markets is Pasar Baru, where you can find everything from clothing and jewellery to electronics, souvenirs, and yummy food. The Pecah Kulit Night Market and the Santa Night Market are worth checking out too.

Enjoy Some Exotic Foodie Adventures

Jakarta offers some truly delectable street food which is the perfect complement to your nightlife experiences. You’ll find street food vendors on almost every street corner as well as at night markets selling all kinds of delicious snacks and meals; highlights include bakso (meatball soup), nasi goreng (fried rice dish), gado-gado (vegetable salad with peanut sauce), chicken satay and pempek (fish cake). Some dishes can be pretty spicy, so if you’re not used to it, start with something mild and work your way up.

Things to do in Bali

Bali is a beautiful Indonesian island that is known for its stunning beaches, lush green forests, and unique cultural traditions. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or a little bit of both, Bali has something to offer for everyone. In this blog, we will explore four things to do in Bali that you shouldn’t miss.

Visit the Temples

Bali is famous for its ancient temples, which are a significant part of the island’s culture and religion. Some of the must-visit temples include Tanah Lot, Ulun Danu Beratan, and Uluwatu. Tanah Lot is a beautiful temple perched on a rock formation in the ocean and offers a stunning sunset view. Ulun Danu Beratan is a temple located on the shores of Lake Beratan, and it is a popular spot for photographers. Uluwatu is another temple located on a cliff, and it offers spectacular ocean views.

Explore the Beaches

Bali is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. From the famous Kuta Beach to the secluded Sanur Beach, there is a beach for every type of traveler. If you are looking for a party atmosphere, head to Kuta Beach or Seminyak. If you want to escape the crowds, head to Nusa Dua or Sanur Beach. You can also try your hand at surfing at some of Bali’s famous surf spots like Uluwatu, Padang Padang, or Bingin Beach.

Hike a Volcano

Bali is home to two active volcanoes, Mount Agung and Mount Batur. Hiking up Mount Batur to watch the sunrise is a popular activity among tourists. The trek is moderate, and it takes around two hours to reach the summit. Once you reach the top, you can enjoy the stunning views of the sunrise over the Bali Sea.

Experience Balinese Culture

Bali
Bali – Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash

Bali is known for its unique cultural traditions, and it is worth taking the time to experience them. You can attend a traditional Balinese dance performance or visit a local village to learn about their daily life and customs. You can also try your hand at making traditional Balinese crafts like batik, wood carving, or silver jewelry.

Relax

If you’re looking for some relaxation, Bali offers many spas and wellness centres where you can indulge in a traditional Balinese massage or enjoy a soak in a hot spring. Even popular nature resorts in Bali the likes of Nirjhara offer spa treatments and holistic ayurvedic therapies. You can also take a dip in one of Bali’s many beaches, such as Nusa Dua or Padang Padang.

Discover the Beauty of Bandung: A Guide to Your Perfect Day Trip

As the country’s 3rd largest city, Bandung is not only West Java’s mountain stronghold, but a holiday hotspot for the masses. Here’s what day-trippers can do during a tour of this scenic hideaway.

Tangkuban Perahu
Tangkuban Perahu | Image by Affan Fadhlan on Unsplash

Marvel at the Cimahi Rainbow Waterfall

While the best time to gaze upon the Cimahi waterfall is during sunset when the light turns the cascade into a vertical rainbow, this towering natural wonder is stunning at any hour. Although the waterfall is known to double in size during the monsoon season, it is worth visiting the venue during the warmer months so that the hike up to the location is a more pleasant experience.

Hike Up the Tangkuban Perahu Volcano

No day tour of Badung would be complete without exploring the Tangkuban Perahu Volcano, which erupted for the last time in 2013. Those who are based at the FOX Harris Hotel City Center Bandung or any of the best hotels in Bandung must find a local tour operator for this volcanic tour even if the hike up to the crater’s lips is not that long.

Take a Dip in the Hot Springs

One of the best things to do in Badung is to enjoy a dip in the many hot springs in town. These hot springs are a result of the area’s volcanic heritage. Apart from the healing benefits of this warm dip, one can also unwind in style at either the Cibolang hot spring or the Sari Ater.

Uncover the Tea Estates

Don’t forget to stop by the many tea estates occupying Bandung where one can not only explore the tea plantations but also sign up for a factory tour. The tea estates close to Kawah Putih are especially captivating and ideal for long walks.

Top Experiences and Adventures in Indonesia You Should Definitely Try

Those with a passion for adventurous activities and thrilling excursions will find Indonesia meets their holiday needs. Let’s explore some of the most exciting experiences available in the country.

Mangrove Forest Tour

Ranked among the most rewarding things to do in Indonesia, exploring the mangrove forests occupying breathtaking Bintan is a must for those who wish to walk on the wild side with mangrove snakes staring back from branches above. There’s no better way to uncover the beauty of nature than embarking on this mangrove tour. Visitors based at The Residence Bintan and similar rests will find that it is one of the top things to do in Bintan.

Snorkelling in Kanawa

Snorkelling
Image via Wikimedia Commons (Julie aka Piper from Southern Michigan, USA, Snorkelers watching fish, CC BY-SA 2.0)

Tipped to be one of the top snorkelling destinations in Indonesia, Kanawa offers tourists a glimpse of the coral gardens and the marine life occupying the Indonesian sea bed. Often compared to the exquisite underwater landscapes of Koh Phi Phi, Kanawa is a less crowded locale to engage in your favourite activity.

Ayung River Rafting

Those who head down to Ubud for a beach holiday can also sign up for a river rafting excursion of a lifetime. Taking rafters through the dense jungles of this tropical paradise, the rapids of Ayung River offer experienced and newbie rafters a fantastic challenge.

ATV Ride

ATV rides are not only accessible on the beaches of Indonesia and its pastoral villages but also in the country’s lush jungles. Travellers hankering for an off-road adventure will find that there’s nothing more engaging than driving down the rocky surfaces of Indonesia’s untamed wildernesses.

 

 

 

Getting to know people and culture in Indonesia

The nature of Indonesian national culture is somewhat similar to that of India, multicultural, rooted in older societies and interethnic relations, and developed in twentieth century nationalist struggles against a European imperialism that nonetheless forged that nation and many of its institutions. There is no one unified Indonesian culture as such, but the Hindu culture of the former Majapahit empire does provide a framework for the cultural traditions of the central islands of Sumatra, Java and Bali. This country is rich in heritage and culture. There are a great number of hotels and resorts in Indonesia, but the Ascot Kuringam Jakarta is one of the best of the luxury Service apartment in Jakarta. The Ascott Kuningan Jakarta is located on a prime business location providing easy access to many of the city’s shopping, dining and entertainment venues. The 185 appointed apartments rooms are lavishly and elegantly designed, with a fully equipped kitchen, dining and luxury bathrooms. There are also a number of recreational activities such as swimming, basketball, badminton, fully-equipped gym and many more other facilities.

The legal system is based on the Old Dutch penal code, social life as well as the rites of passage is founded on customary or “adat” law, which differs from area to area. ”Adat” law has been instrumental in maintaining gender equality in Indonesia. Indonesian art forms are greatly influenced by religion. The famous dance dramas of Java and Bali are derived from Hindu mythology and often feature fragments from the Hindu epics such as Ramayana and Mahabharata. As a whole the people are artistic by nature and express themselves on canvas, wood, metals, clay and stone. The batik process of waxing and dyeing originated in Java centuries ago and classic designs have been modified with modern trends in both pattern and technology. Generally people in Indonesia are friendly, easy going and helpful.

Nigel Walters is a travel writer, who writes under the pen name, Fritzjames Stephen. His content is based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+

Top 5 things to do in Bali

Bali, a tropical paradise blessed with immense natural splendour, has long been a tourists’ favourite. Not only is it home to numerous attractions, it also offers plenty of things to do. First and foremost be based at a Nusa Dua resort such as the reputed he Laguna Resort & Spa Nusa Dua Bali which is noted as an exceptional luxury resort Bali has to offer. Why not take some time to interact with the friendly locals, sampling delectable local dishes at various eateries. Also make it a point to witness some of the colourful local festivals such as the Bali Arts Festival which features vibrant cultural performances and activities. A holiday in Bali would not be complete without learning some surfing on the Kuta beach; it is bound to provide the right amount of adventure to your vacation in this part of Indonesia.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Bull Racing In Bali

Most of us have heard of bull fighting in Europe and in other parts of the world, but in Asia bull racing is the competitive sport that takes the spotlight. Although India and several other countries have regular bull races, the races in Indonesia are the most popular. The interesting part about the sport is the particular animal that is used for competing; it is the water buffalo, a generally passive creature. These animals are harnessed to a chariot and they run up to 2km on a stretch of beach or a road. The main races are held during the dry season in the months July, August, September and October. There are other races that are scheduled occasionally but they are mostly for tourists so the competitive spirit is less aggressive.

In Balinese tradition the races are called Mekepung, the kind of water buffalo that are used for the races are called Negara bulls among the locals. People are not exactly certain about the origins of the race, but there are some hints that suggest it is a celebration of the end-of-harvest season. The bull races are not actual individual races instead the competition is between two groups. Each group is made up of around ten to twenty pairs of bulls. The race begins with two pairs of bulls from opposing teams racing on a muddy track. It is hard to imagine that the water buffaloes actually race in a competition, but you will be surprised by the speed at which they run.

The bulls are attached to a chariot or cart and one person rides the bulls. The riders carry a small stick with which they will encourage the bulls to run faster. Bull racing is a cultural practice which signifies the vibrancy of Balinese society. The bulls are often accessorised with gold embellishments, strings of beads and shiny material.

If you want to catch some of the live action you need to head over to a bull racing track in Negara. One of the closest tourist destinations to Negara is Ubud so when it comes to accommodation an Ubud hotel is your best bet. Search for a luxury retreat Bali to find more about the places that are available. Uma Bali is a great choice for tourists as they offer spectacular rooms and amazing cuisine.

Nigel Walters is a travel writer, who writes under the pen name, Fritzjames Stephen. His content is based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.Google+

Water Sports in Bali

Surrounded by azure ocean waters and set amidst tropical shores bathed in sunshine, the island of Bali offers plenty of outdoor fun for those looking to engage in water sports. Look to stay at an Ubud hotel such as Alila Villas Bali and make your excursions to the coast where one can try a range of motorised and non-motorised water sports. This hotel provides luxurious Ubud accommodation and enjoys a tranquil setting by the banks of the Ayung River.

For a day of fun and frolic in the surf make your way to one of the many beaches in Bali. There is much to choose from when it comes to water sports for both young and old alike. If you love experiencing action packed excitement then you can take part in jet skiing, surfing, water skiing, wake boarding and parasailing which begins in the water and ends up taking you on an unforgettable ride in the air! For more relaxed adventures one can try snorkelling which lets you observe the colourful array of marine life, while intrepid travellers can also choose to go diving and explore the mysterious waters of the deep.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Surfing in Bali

An idyllic island paradise to have fun in the sun and the surf, Bali is a perfect getaway in which to enjoy a surfing holiday. Those looking for a luxury resort Bali has to offer by its picturesque coast can consider The Laguna Resort & Spa Nusa Dua Bali. This luxurious Nusa Dua resort offers the very best in contemporary comforts and is an ideal base from which to experience a wealth of water sports too.

Surfing enthusiasts looking to ride the waves in freedom have many points of interest to choose from when in Bali. The premier surfing point however, is considered to be Kuta which caters to novices and experts alike. Look to visit between November and April when conditions are at their best. Another great surfing hotspot is Sanur where one will find Tandjung Reef and Sanur Reef both known for their ideal waves. Not to be missed is a chance to enjoy surfing in the Bukit Peninsula where Impossibles, Uluwatu and Dreamland are among the sites where one can experience a thrilling day of surfing.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+