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Ring in the Year of the Pig at Bintan Lagoon

Where: Jalan Indera Segara, Bintan Utara, Lagoi, Riau, Indonesia, 29155

Hop a flight for Singapore and a 55-minute ferry ride and you end up on the Indonesian island of Bintan, famous for beaches, tropical gardens and views over the South China Sea. And with Chinese New Year approaching, the Bintan Lagoon Resort has a bunch of special packages to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Pig.

From 11 to 24 February--including the special New Year's Day, falling on February 18 this year--you can get special deals on villas for between four and seven people. Special package rates run from about $300 for four people up to$530 for seven, and include transfers from the ferry terminal, breakfast and a drink at the bar. Bintan Lagoon Resort offers what you'd expect from a beachside luxury resort plus endless outdoor activities including golf, tennis, soccer, volleyball and more than 30 water sports. Maybe you can make a New-Year-of-the-Pig-Resolution to get fit and healthy and start it all at Bitnan.

[Photo: Pixolute]

Related Stories:
· Bintan Lagoon Resort reviews [TripAdvisor]

Indonesia Hotel Reviews / → All Tags

Dutch and Asian Fusion in Indonesia

Where: 65 Jalan Tunjungan, Surabaya, Java, Indonesia, 60275

A heritage hotel in the town of Surabaya, Indonesia sounds a little sketchy. After all this isn't exactly a tourist's town. But the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Majapahit Surabaya adds a major dose of flair to this city that once was hot on the trail to becoming the next Amsterdam.

The Dutch colonists have long since departed though their trail is clear throughout the hotel and its city. Now Dutch and Asian styles converge to create sort of new wave fusion dish; old-world style gardens, a manor, and the class that Mandarin hotels are so known for.

The reviews from this place are great and it pulls in several "best hotel I've ever stayed in" to brag upon. This coming from those who got over the initial disappointment of less than impressive façade and ventured on past to the gem inside:

Early photos depict it as a grand country estate, with a twin tower "manor house" flanked by graceful colonnaded wings, all set in sweeping lawns. But this aspect was to change. An art deco frontage was added in 1936, which leaves you feeling somewhat underwhelmed on arrival. That's until you walk out through the back. Then, voila! The gleaming old "manor house" still stands in all its glory. The lawns have metamorphosed into gardens, exuberantly tropical but artfully designed.

Those into all things fusion should adore this place. A Dutch manor, Indonesia, and a mini Amsterdamn in walking distance, what's not to love?

Related Stories:
· The grand old duke of Surabaya [Syndey Morning Herald]
· Mandarin Oriental Surabaya Reviews [TripAdvisor]

Indonesia Hotel Reviews / Ritz-Carlton Hotels / → All Tags

Ritz Jakarta's 'Huge-Ass Bathroom' Impresses Guest

Where: Jl Lingkar Mega Kuningan Kav. E.1.1 NO.1, Jakarta, Java, Indonesia, 12950

Having topped a recent guest satisfaction survey, we know the Ritz Carlton is doing something right in terms of service.

And blogger Sticks and Stones found out just what it is that the hotel chain offers, even in a place like Jakarta where the water is always yellow.

I began by taking a shower in my huge-ass bathroom which was more than twice as big as my office cubicle, then a looooooong soak in my bathtub next to the large picture window looking out onto the (smoggy) Jakarta cityscape in my Bulgari bath salts? (Sidenote: the Bulgari bath salts provided are red, because when they turn the water pink and fragrant, you will forget that the water in Jakarta is actually yellow ... I suppose even the Ritz can't control Jakarta's municipal water supply.) How I then cleared email and did work in my thick, plush, terrycloth bathrobe while enjoying CNN on my 42-inch flat-panel plasma TV? How I ordered room service from one of my three phones (bedside, desk, and crapper-side) while enjoying longans from my complimentary fruit platter? How I asked for "sprigs of fresh mint for my tummy" (to make mint tea) and was met with a "Certainly, madam" from the concierge?

So aside from the questionable color of Jakarta's water, we're happy to hear that the Ritz is living up to its name on the other side of the world. Being on the other side of the world has other advantages too--with the exchange rate, this glorious room can be yours for about $150 bucks a night.

Related Stories:
· Sticks and Stones [Blogspot]
· Ritz Carlton Jakarta Reviews [TripAdvisor]