Bintan Island

On finding out that the closest Indonesian islands are just an hour away I decide to go and take a look. Another arrival card needs to be filled in and a party wanting to take part in the adventure, bypassed. I am dubious when asked to pay 104 euros for the visa and ready to give up on the project altogether. Then I remembered my son saying to go through with my plans and not to change my mind all the time. AI also says not to pay the requested amount and do so at the border. It would be 15 Euros then.

I was determined to take a taxi to the ferry terminal. It is only that I could not sleep that night and I had so much time to spare that I went by public transport. Amazingly enough, I did pretty well considering the various undergrounds and labyrinths you had to negotiate to find the proper one.

The four stops to the ferry terminal take forever. Eventually we arrive and I go straight to the desk. There are some Europeans here and there and while queuing up to get rid of my suitcase I meet some Germans from Tübingen. 

The lady tells me to board the ship at 10.30, but it is 11 before we can do so. I am barely capable of holding up, so I close my eyes to have at least some pretend sleep.

I have arranged for a pick up and have to reject various taxt drivers wanting to help out. Two men have come to collect me, one of them is holding a sign with a welcome note and my name on it. The driver apologizes for not speaking English so well which is why most of the drive is spent silently as the other man naps. That is if you don’t count the incessant messages the driver receives.

I am awestruck as we arrive at the place and even more so when one of the staff members shows me to my room. While I was barely able to move decently in the room in Singapore I am offered a rather luxurious room with seaview. I immediately regret not having booked a whole week.

So, I quickly change into my burkini. It is scorchingly hot and I don’t want to risk a sunburn. After a bite of a local dish I am unable to postpone my sleep any longer. Also, comparable to Singapore I initially suffer from a splitting headache and the desire to sleep which ultimately results in changing my sleep rhythm. I have to play it by ear, nothing can be done about it.

As always, everyone here has come with family or friends. Approaching anyone would be pointless, even more so since everyone is Asian and the language barrier may be insurmountable. 

After waking up I am ready for morning swim, the sea isn’t though. It is taking a stroll or rather a hike, won’t be coming back for a few hours and I have to make do with the swimming pool. The kids are not bothered about what they wear for their swim. Despite the early hour they just come as they are, i.e. fully clothed. 

There are various things to eat, however no fruits and nothing sweet. The food is also nice and the iced coffee is irresistible.

Later, I book a massage and it is one of the best I have ever had.

After the sea‘s return I go in again. It is a very short swim as I am alone and too anxious to take a long walk for the appropriate depth.