Kindred Escapades: Nirwana Gardens, The Bintan Island Getaway (Day One)

Mommy's cousin Yhani, (originally from Los Angeles) who's vacationing in the Philippines, side-tripped here together with her hubby, B. It was their first time to visit us. We picked them up at Changi Airport and had just disembarked when we got there. Since we had ample time, we grabbed some Thai for lunch. Right after we finished, we hopped on the train then the cab straight directly to Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal.

We boarded the 2pm ferry ride bound for Bintan. Since it was a Tuesday on an off-peak season, we got through check-in and immigration in a breeze. There were only a handful of us inside the boat. They all were eagerly goofing about and munching M&Ms before we started to drift away. Sun was shining bright and the skies were clear. En route, we saw different kinds of vessels on the water. Casey had fun staring at them barely halfway Singapore Strait until he dozed off-- his head comfortably padded by his rested elbows as he looked off the window. All three of them asleep except Nina. She was entertained by the TV on-board. In certain areas, we hit huge waves that rocked the boat.

As soon as we spotted the island with its pristine waters all around, it instantly gave us this relaxed vibe. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city and life in the fast lane. A much needed break.

B snapping a photo of the catamaran that would ferry us from Singapore to Indonesia

Descending plane ready to land at Changi Airport as ships are tethered to the ocean floor below

Our BRF ferry approaching Bandar Bentan Telani/Lagoi

Our free shuttle bus was already waiting for us as soon as we got off the door. We had the entire back seat of the bus to us three while Yhani and B were seated towards the front. We momentarily waited for more vacationers who were headed towards the same resort. The ride took around 15 - 20 minutes. As were checking-in, the resort staff served us chilled winter melon drinks to cool our parched throats. Then, we walked towards our respective chalets-- hurriedly drop off our bags, unpack and change to beach outfit.

Coconut trees provide greenery and shade around our chalets

There are some times you would prefer first to just lie down, relax and take your time. This one was different. The very moment we stepped off the shuttle bus, the beach was really inviting and irresistible that you would want to jump in right away. It was paradise!

Yhani and B were already soaking in the sun as soon as we got to the shore-- they probably were able to take a nap on this banana-looking sun beds. Casey was already very comfortable around them that he makes 'gigil' and pinches their tummies. They decided to stand up and went for the water. Being behind the camera was a struggle. The warm sunlight on the skin and fine-ticklish-white sand under your feet just makes it so tempting to take a dip-- i wish I had a water proof SLR with me. Lol. The Angelenos seem to be having a blast!

It has been a long time since Casey has been to the beach. As soon as he heard the splashing of the medium-sized waves, he tightened his grip around mommy. Slowly, we eased him into the water. Yhani and B assisted Nina in making him comfortable by splashing water towards him and playing around.

No, there wasn't any oil around nor jellyfish

Yhani and B exploring the north-western coast of Bintan Island, Indonesia

Playing peek-a-boo with his tito and tita

Various kinds of sea shells scattered on the sand

They surfaced and dried themselves as they were getting hungry. Nearby was La Luna Restaurant which was right at the shore. Mommy read reviews that their pizza was good. So we ordered a pepperoni and cheese pizza, chilled fresh watermelon juice, Heinekens, french fries, and fried bananas. Pretty cool we had the al fresco place all to ourselves! It looked as if we booked the entire restaurant. Yanti, one of their servers, was all smiles. We were all so hungry the food didn't take long to disappear. Haha.

After lunch, as were idling and chatting, a monitor lizard paid us a visit. It didn't get close nor did it try to attack us. We just saw it pass by and make its way into the shrub.

Yanti, one of La Luna's servers, bringing us our drink

Casey working his way through the french fries

We went back into lounging on the sun beds and just enjoy the sea breeze. After which we made our way back to our respective chalets, goofing around along the way. It was just half a day but we've already loosened up and reveled in nature's beauty.