It’s a wet, lazy afternoon in Club Med Bintan; the kind punctuated only by the gentle patter of rain, the distant roar of the ocean and the rustle of the wind. My kids are off on an exciting scavenger hunt around the resort, kindly arranged by the resort’s Gentle Organisers (or G.Os), I’ve got a bestseller and a cocktail in hand, and my husband is currently scouring the Internet, already making plans to book yet another Club Med holiday in the future.
To say that my family loved our stay at Club Med Bintan would be an understatement. From the moment we arrived at the resort, to the moment we left, our experience was one to treasure.
Often slightly overlooked in favour of its local counterpart in Cherating and its glamorous big sister in Phuket (both beloved – and makchic-approved – properties), the award-winning Club Med Bintan on Indonesia’s Bintan Island was a relatively hidden gem that completely charmed us with its unexpected delights and unparalleled hospitality.
Here are five reasons why we fell head over heels for this wonderful family-friendly resort:
1. Proximity to Malaysia and Singapore
My family and I began our trip by flying over from Malaysia into Singapore’s Changi Airport. From there, it was a short ferry ride from the nearby Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Bintan Island’s Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal. Operated by Bintan Resorts Ferries, our ride was a very comfortable, air-conditioned experience, lasting just around an hour, and costing us SGD88 per adult and SGD76 per child (*off-peak, round-trip rates).
An alternative route for those who prefer not to fly: Malaysian visitors can now opt to depart by ferry from Pasir Gudang Ferry Terminal in Johor Bahru to Bintan on a new 1.5 hour ferry service, making access from Malaysia much more convenient. This service currently runs from Friday to Sunday, and is priced at IDR 1,120,000 per adult and IDR 680,000 per child (*round trip rates).
Upon clearing customs at the Bintan Island ferry terminal, we were soon whisked away to the resort via Club Med Bintan’s coach – our exciting adventure was about to begin!
2. Family-friendly amenities & activities
After a warm welcome and a smooth check-in process (makchic tip: make sure to download the My Club Med App on the App Store or Google Play for an easier check-in experience and to stay updated on the resort’s latest happenings), we were all set to settle into our new abode within the island’s peaceful confines.
Our rooms, while slightly dated, were nevertheless more than comfortable for our family of four. My boys loved the adjoining rooms concept, which allowed them the freedom to have their own space, with the security of having their parents in the next room. They also got a kick out of their wearable room keys, making room access possible through a wristband worn at all times during our stay.
Guests can choose between Superior, Deluxe or Suite rooms – each adorned with tasteful Indonesian architecture – with the option for rooms with a balcony for lovely ocean views. We were also given to understand that the resort is undergoing phased room upgrades at the moment (until December 2026) to enhance the travel experience. Thankfully, there were next-to-no noise disturbances during our stay, and visitors will soon be able to enjoy refreshed accommodation options in the future.
During our 4-day, 3-night stay, we were utterly spoiled for choice by the sheer amount of activities offered – with the vast majority handily included under the resort’s famed all-inclusive concept. Families can look forward to a range of fitness and wellness activities (think: padel, tennis, badminton, rock climbing, archery, aerial yoga by the beach, or a round of golf at the nearby Ria Bintan Golf Club), water fun such as snorkelling excursions and kayaking, or just relaxing by the beachside swimming pool and adjacent Splash Pad for the kids, while enjoying calming views of the South China Sea.
During my stay, I also managed to sneak in a visit to the Club Med Spa by Sothys. Tucked away at a quieter corner of the resort, and set amid the island’s rich jungle, I enjoyed a wonderfully soothing massage and some unadulterated ‘me-time’. The spa offers a list of (chargeable) services, such as luxe facials and body treatments using premium products, for wellness seekers.
And the fun didn’t stop after sunset! From phenomenal acrobatic and energetic dance performances (shoutout to the resort’s terrific Circus Team), to flow dance parties, game nights, live music sessions and so much more, there were exciting events to be found at every corner!
3. Friendly G.Os & Kids’ Club programmes
As any parent would know, hotels or resorts with kids’ clubs are a major win – and happily, Club Med Bintan is no exception! Under their Mini Club Med+ programme, kids aged 4 to 10 years old can enjoy a host of fun activities and group lessons under the supervision of the Kids’ Club team, affording parents some much-needed downtime to sample the resort’s other offerings.
For younger children aged 4 and under, childcare services and activities are also available for an added fee under the following options: Baby Club Med (4 to 23 months old), Petit Club Med (2 to 3 years old), and ala-carte Babysitting. If you’re travelling with tweens or teens, they could also opt to join the Teens Club Med programme (for 11 to 13 year olds), or the Club Med Chill Pass (for those aged 14 to 17).
Our kids had an absolute blast with the Kids’ Club G.Os, who were enthusiastic, energetic and most importantly, caring towards their young wards.
4. Beautiful natural setting
There is a relaxed, uncomplicated rhythm to Bintan Island that we loved, which made unwinding an easy process for us. There is greenery as far as the eye can see; from tall coconut trees, to vibrant tropical foliage – with welcome spaces to seek serenity amid the busyness of Club Med Bintan’s activities and events.
My beach babies also loved the resort’s private 2.5km beach, with its clean waters and pristine sand. Although our stay was hampered by the occasional rainfall, we still managed to head to the beach during pockets of sunshine, whiling away many happy hours building sandcastles, collecting seashells, and observing little creatures in their natural habitat.
5. Food, glorious food (and drinks!)
Where do I even begin? We’re honestly still dreaming of the incredible food on offer at the resort, with a delicious array of flavours, cuisines, and options for even the fussiest of palates! Given Club Med Bintan’s all-inclusive aspect, guests can enjoy a free flow of food and drinks at any of their gastronomic restaurants or cocktail bars (though certain premium dishes might incur a separate charge).
From Mongolian stir-frys, rich Indian food, and hearty Indonesian fare, to tenderly grilled prawns, juicy steaks, fresh fruit juices, and decadent desserts (psst: don’t miss their homemade gelato bar!), the resort’s buffet-style offerings at The Waterfall and ala-carte dishes at Zentika left us completely stuffed and satiated during our stay.
Where to go in Bintan with the kids
We were loath to leave our comfy cocoon of Club Med Bintan, but for those looking to explore more of what the island has to offer, the resort does also provide nature excursions, such as a Mangrove Discovery Tour, Fireflies Night Tour or Sunset Cruise, for an added fee.
If you’re heading over to Bintan with young travellers in tow, here are some other family-friendly places you may wish to check out:
- Safari Lagoi and Eco Farm: A conservation-focused animal sanctuary and working farm where families can learn about sustainable farming and visit a variety of rescued animals, including Sumatran elephants, sun bears, and Komodo dragons.
- Plaza Lagoi: Bintan Island’s premier one-stop retail and entertainment hub, offering shopping, dining, spas, and an event venue near Lagoi Bay Beach.
- Chill Cove @ Treasure Bay Bintan: A 90-hectare one-stop recreational leisure hub for thrill-seekers.
Saying goodbye
Farewells are often bittersweet, and we left our island holiday feeling more than a tad sad (some tears were shed, and promises made for a swift return someday). Would we recommend a family vacation at Club Med Bintan? Absolutely. We had the most wonderful experience, and can’t wait to head back there again in the near future!
By Kimberly Lee
makchic’s stay was sponsored by Club Med Bintan. The writer’s opinions, however, are solely her own.
For more information, please visit the resort’s website or check out their Instagram or Facebook page.
