Bintan Island

Upon discovering that the nearest Indonesian islands are merely an hour away, I decide to go and have a look. I need to fill in another arrival card, and there is a group looking to join the adventure that I have to bypass. I feel hesitant when asked to pay 104 euros for the visa and am ready to abandon the project altogether. Then I recall my son telling me to follow through with my plans and not change my mind constantly. AI also advises against paying the requested amount and suggests doing so at the border instead. The cost would be 15 euros in that case.

I was resolute about taking a taxi to the ferry terminal. However, as I couldn’t sleep that night and had plenty of time to spare, I decided to use public transport. Surprisingly, I managed quite well navigating the various underground passages and labyrinths to find the right one.

The four stops to the ferry terminal seem to take forever. Eventually, we arrive, and I proceed straight to the desk. There are a few Europeans scattered about, and while I wait in line to check my suitcase, I meet some Germans from Tübingen.

The lady informs me that I can board the ship at 10:30, but it doesn’t happen until 11. I'm barely able to hold on, so I close my eyes to catch some semblance of sleep.

I have arranged for a pickup and must turn down several taxi drivers wanting to assist. Two men have come to collect me; one is holding a sign with a welcome message and my name. The driver apologizes for not speaking English well, which results in a mostly silent drive as the other man dozes off. That is, if you don’t count the constant messages the driver receives on his phone.

I am in awe as we arrive at the location and even more impressed when one of the staff members shows me to my room. While I could barely move comfortably in my room in Singapore, I am presented with a rather luxurious room with a sea view. I immediately regret not booking an entire week here.

Quickly, I change into my burkini. It is scorching hot, and I don’t want to risk getting sunburnt. After sampling a local dish, I find I can no longer postpone my sleep. Comparable to Singapore, I initially suffer from a splitting headache and an overwhelming desire to sleep, which results in a shift in my sleep schedule. I have to take it as it comes; there’s nothing I can do about it.

As usual, everyone here is with family or friends. Approaching anyone would be futile, especially since everyone is Asian and the language barrier may be too great to overcome.

After waking up, I’m ready for a morning swim, but the sea isn’t cooperating. It seems to be taking a stroll—or rather a hike—and won’t be back for a few hours, leaving me to make do with the swimming pool. The kids are unconcerned about what they wear to swim; despite the early hour, they come as they are, fully clothed.

There are various food options, but no fruits or sweets in sight. The food is nice, and the iced coffee is irresistible.

Later, I book a massage, and it turns out to be one of the best I’ve ever had.

After the sea returns, I go in again. It only lasts for a short swim as I am alone and too anxious to walk far enough to find the appropriate depth.