Travelogue around Asia Pacific Part II: Day 2

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Day 2 - Bintan tour

Bintan - Our day began bright and early. The alarm rang at 7:00 a.m., and I rolled out of bed with the anticipation of the adventure ahead. I had a quick shower and we are ready for the tour.

But first our breakfast, it was a simple buffet spread at the hotel. No frills, but satisfying. The essentials were there—eggs, toast, local fried rice, fried bee hoon, some tropical fruits, and freshly brewed coffee. It was just what we needed to fuel up for a full day of sightseeing and activities.

Punctuality is always a good sign when it comes to travel logistics, and our driver, Ari, arrived promptly at 8:00 a.m. With a warm smile and a clear passion for showing us around the beauty of his island, Ari spoke English and quickly put us at ease. He gave us a quick overview of the day’s itinerary, and off we went in his comfortable Daihatsu Xenia.

Entrance to 500 Lohan temple

First Stop: 500 Lohan Temple

The first destination on our tour was the famous 500 Lohan Temple, located amidst green hills and surrounded by lush vegetation, the temple complex is known for housing—yes, literally—500 stone statues of enlightened disciples (lohans).

Every single one of the Lohans are made looking different and unique.

As we walked among the rows and rows of intricately carved stone figures, each statue seemed to have its own personality. Some were laughing, others were meditative, and a few had exaggerated facial expressions that made us smile.

It was fascinating to learn that each figure was designed to represent a different story or lesson from Buddhist teachings. The craftsmanship was impressive, and the peaceful atmosphere made it a reflective experience.

Second Stop: Quan Yin Temple – Grandeur in Scale

Next up was the Quan Yin Temple, a sprawling compound dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy. The sheer scale of this temple was breathtaking. Towering gates, intricate tiled roofs, and massive sculptures adorned the space.

Inside the main hall, a massive statue of Quan Yin looked over worshippers and tourists alike. We watched as locals lit incense and prayed.

Third Stop: The Thrill of the ATV Ride

Our next adventure was something completely different—a 10km ATV ride through a rugged trail.

When we arrived, the ATV organisers greeted us warmly, and I was immediately impressed by how organized and safety-conscious they were. We were suited up with elbow and knee guards, and even provided rubber slippers to change into since the path ahead was extremely muddy. It’s those little thoughtful touches that make all the difference.

After a short briefing, we revved up our engines and hit the trail. The path was a rollercoaster of muddy slopes, shallow streams, and forest clearings.

The adrenaline rush was real as we climbed up inclines and sped down muddy tracks, occasionally splashing through puddles. The trail was around 10 kilometers long and took us over 40 minutes to complete.

By the end of it, we were muddy, sweaty, and completely exhilarated. We cleaned up at the wash station (kudos again for the facility), and shared laughs about the bumps and splashes along the way.

Fourth Stop: Stingless Bee & Coffee Farm

Next, we made our way to a stingless bee and coffee farm, a tranquil oasis that combined ecological learning with sensory delight.

Ripen coffee bean

The farm specialised in Arabica coffee, which typically grows best in cooler highlands. However, this farm had creatively adapted the cultivation process to Bintan’s lower-altitude climate by planting coffee trees under the shade of tall trees, mimicking the cooler conditions.

Bread fruit tree

In Asia, breadfruit is usually treated as a vegetable and picked before it is ripe to be used in cooking. The flesh is often cut into chunks and parboiled before being added to coconut milk and other seasonings to make a curry-like dish. Breadfruit can also cut into very thin slices for deep frying and flavoured with salt, chilli powder or sugar syrup.

The breadfruit tree was found to have some medicinal properties. The leaves are prepared as tea to lower blood pressure and control diabetes. The bark is used to treat headaches, while the latex improves skin problems and helps in the recovery of sprains and backaches.

drying process of the coffee beans

Pax pounding the beans

Stingless bee honey may have unique advantages, particularly in its potential for wound healing, antioxidant properties, and unique sugar composition. Stingless bee honey contains a rare sugar called trehalulose, which may have a lower glycemic index than regular honey, potentially benefiting blood sugar control and weight management.

I had never encountered stingless bees before. These tiny creatures are native to tropical climates and, true to their name, don’t sting. We were shown the hives and even tasted honey straight from the source—it had a floral, almost citrusy note to it. Unique and refreshing.

Roselle tea

Fried bananas

Lunch at Family Restaurant

After the morning's activities, it was finally time for lunch—and we were more than ready for it. Ari took us to a local favourite simply called “Family Restaurant.” This restaurant kelong was just beside a bridge along a river.

Our table was soon filled with a mouthwatering spread:

Buttered Sotong – Crispy, tender squid with a rich, savoury butter sauce.

Onion Omelet – Light and fluffy, with a sweet-savoury aroma.

Stir-Fried Kai Lan – Cooked perfectly, with a hint of garlic and a crunchy bite.

Lala Clams – Fragrant with ginger and lemongrass, a burst of umami in every bite.

Fresh Grouper Fish – Steamed and served whole, tender and melt-in-your-mouth fresh.

Sixth Stop: Bintan Sand Dunes and Blue Lagoon

Refueled and recharged, our next destination was the Bintan Sand Dunes and Blue Lagoon. If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re in a desert one moment and standing by a turquoise lagoon the next—this is the place.

The Bintan sand dunes and blue lakes started as an abandoned bauxite mine. Over time, rainwater filled the excavated basin, creating the blue lakes. The desert-like landscape with white sand dunes is a result of wind and sediment deposition in the area, similar to how dunes form in other desert regions.

We had a refreshing cold coconut

Last stop: Lagoi Bay Beach and Souvenirs

To end the day, we headed to Lagoi Bay, known for its upscale resorts and serene beachfront.

We took a leisurely walk along the beach, admiring the clean promenade and modern resort facades. The vibe here was more polished, almost like a different world compared to the rustic charm of the rest of the island.