Why, look who’s getting all spiffed up for the ’gram. Yup, Bintan’s getting all Instagrammable, what with, not one, but two glamping resorts popping up on the island. You’ll find them all at Treasure Bay Bintan, a 338-hectare hub (that’s as big as 470 football fields) which houses idyllic glamping resorts, the Crystal Lagoon, a massive sea-water lagoon, and Chill Cove, a plethora of retail and F&B outlets that surrounds the lagoon. In other words, this could be the just what Bintan needed to up its cool factor.

It’s all about desert-inspired glamping here at this 3.5-star tented resort, brimming with 100 air-conditioned teepee-style tents, each 45sqm in size, with customisable bedding for up to four guests.
Room rates: From S$149
To get here: Take an hour-long ferry ride from Singapore. Complimentary bus transfer service to and from Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal is available. Each journey takes about 10 minutes or less.

The Anmon prides itself in being a sustainable resort, so toiletries and amenities are provided on request, and to reduce the use of single-use plastic bottles, the resort is equipped with water coolers. And yes, there is wi-fi, so you can Insta-story your heart out.

These modern bathrooms, albeit non-airconditioned, are probably more luxe than what you have at home.

Feast on Mediterranean-inspired nosh at The Compass Rose, then have a tipple, or three, at the Tipi Bar, helmed by an award-winning mixologist from Singapore. Or if you prefer a little privacy, order in-room dining or have a barbecue under the stars at your patio.

But if you’re hungry for some adventure at dinner, step out from The Anmon and book a kelong dinner experience and feast on fresh seafood at the Kampoeng Kelong Seafood Restaurant, which is perched overwater and proffers the best sunset view of the mangrove river. Additional charges apply.

Guests at The Anmon are given free access to frolick at the Crystal Lagoon, the man-made seawater lagoon that’s about the size of 50 Olympic-sized pools, where water sports like kayaking and wakeboarding are available.

Not far from The Anmon is Natra Bintan, a glamping retreat that, although not new to the island, has recently been given a new lease of life (it was previously known as The Canopi Bintan).
Room rates: From IDR 1,800,000++ (S$175).
To get here: One hour by ferry from Singapore, followed by a short transfer to the resort. Complimentary two-way transfers from the Bandar Bentan Telani Port available.

Nestled within the Chill Cove at the Crystal Lagoon, Natra Bintan prides itself in providing ‘nature travel’ experiences for its guests in all-inclusive packages. Pick from the array of water sports at the lagoon (bumper boat rides! Water slides! Wakeboarding!), or explore on land on an ATV, go on a mangrove night tour, and more.

Natra’s 100 modern chic glamping tents measure at 40sqm to 45sqm and sleep up to four glampers. Of course, it wouldn’t be bona fide glamping if these digs didn’t come replete aircon and wi-fi.

The Glamping Deluxe Tent and the Lagoon View Deluxe Tent are pimped up with a private outdoor whirlpool.

Like The Anmon, you can request for a tent-side barbecue dinner that’ll take place at your doorstep, literally. That is, if you’d rather not soak in the views from the resort’s all-day dining restaurant, Patio, which serves up organic nosh and cocktails, with a side of Crystal Lagoon views.

More info at https://www.theanmon.com/ and https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/tnjtx-natra-bintan-a-tribute-portfolio-resort/.

Photos: The Anmon, Natra Bintan