Sabtu, 01 Desember 2012

Bintan Isalnd




Bintan Island or Negeri Segantang Lada is an island in the Riau archipelago of Indonesia. It is part of the Riau Islands province, the capital of which, Tanjung Pinang, lies in the island's south and is the island's main community.
 Bintan's land area is 2,402.28 square kilometres (927.53 sq mi) (total area is 60,057 square kilometres (23,188 sq mi) including 96% sea area). Its administrative region is designated the Bintan Island Regency, one of the six administrative regions of the Riau Islands province. The city of Tanjung Pinang is an autonomous area within the Bintan Island.

Bintan's history is traced to the early 3rd century. The island flourished as a trading post on the route between China and India, and over the centuries it came under the control of the Chinese, the British, and then the Dutch when it was declared part of the Dutch East Indies through the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824. In the 12th century, the Bintan island in the Strait of Malacca was known as the "Pirate Island" since the Malay pirates used to loot trading ships sailing in these waters.


Singapore, the closest major city, is a 45-50 minute trip by motorised catamaran across the South China Sea from Bintan Resort area in the northwest of the island. The island has beaches with beach-front International hotels and resorts; the most prominent of these beaches is the Bintan Resorts set over an area of 300 hectares (740 acres) of tropical environment. The archipelago of the Riau islands is right opposite to this resort across the South China Sea. Indonesia is promoting Bintan as the next best tourist destination after Bali.

On account of Bintan Island's strategic location and size on the India-China trade route, it has a rich history. Along with the local ethnic Malays and the Bugis, domination by the Portuguese, the Dutch, the Arabs, and the British at different times has been a part of Bintan's rich history. Many local internal feuds between the Malays and Bugis, and battles in the sea, with and between foreign invasion forces, have been part of Bintan's history and its straits. From mid 16th century, the Sultan of Johar-Riau kingdom had moved their kingdom between Johar, Riau and Lingga.
The earliest history of Bintan is linked to the history of Nagoya Hills, which is integral with Batam, near Bintan island and other islands of the Riau archipelago. The Chinese chronicles have mentioned that Batam was inhabited by 231 AD when Singapore island was still called Pulau Ujung (Ujung Island). Bintan came under the control of the Malacca kingdom from the 13th century. Later, the Sultan of Johor ruled from here and his reign lasted till the 18th century.

Riau Islands were central to the greater Malay kingdoms or Sultanates, known as the 'Malay World', which had its control from eastern Sumatrato Borneo. For centuries, Riau was the home of Malay and Orang Lautpeople. They had settled in Bintan. These two communities were the backbone of most Malay kingdoms from the time of Srivijaya to the Sultanate of Johor. They had full control of trade routes going through the straits. Migrants from China and Indo-China, though came here later, settled in large area of Asia. After the fall of Melaka in 1511, Riau islands became the centre of political power of the mighty Sultanate of Johor or Johor – Riau, based on Bintan island. They were considered the centre of Malay culture.

From the 12th to 13th century, the Srivijaya Empire of Sumatra held sway over Bintan island. Sri Tri Buana, a member of the royal family of Palembang had visited Riau Islands in 1290. The Queen of Bintan met him and made a strategic alliance. They moved with a "flotilla of 800 vessels to Bintan" where Sri Tri Buana became the king. However, Bintan and its straits got the reputation as a pirate island due to the Malay pirates who seized many ships by forcing them to the port to trade and or loot the cargo carried by them. Hundreds of ships of Malays forced Chinese ships returning from the Indian Ocean to their ports in Bintan. Those who resisted were attacked. Large quantities of Chinese ceramicswere recovered on Bintan, some traced to the early Sung Dynasty (960–1127). The Arabian chronicler, Ibn Battuta, writing on the Riau islands in the 13th century states: "Here there are little islands, from which armed black pirates with poised arrows emerged, possessing armed warships; they plunder people but do not enslave them." Log records of Chinese ships testify these incidents in the 12th century. Even after several centuries, Bintan is still referred by many by the epithet "Pirate Island".
According to historical records, Sri Tri Bhuvana occupied Singapore and then declared himself as the King of Singapore. Before that he renamed Temasek, the island he had occupied, as Singapore. Another explanation mooted to the naming of Singapore is that the king spotted an animal, which he presumed to be a lion, and hence called Temasek as Singapore (Lion City). The reign of Srivijaya empire lasted till the 16th century.

In the year 1521, the Portuguese who were on pepper hunt, had the intention of building strongholds in the form of forts during their sea voyages in the East, on Sunda Island in Java after they had received instructions from their King to destroy four forts in India, Sri Lanka and Sumatra. However, they initially failed to capture Bentan, the stronghold of the former Sultan of Malaca on the south east of the Singapore Strait and Atjeh (the capital of a new Sultanate, which was emerging in North Sumatra). At this time, they were successful in establishing a fort at Pasai though were unsuccessful in establishing a fortress at Canton in China and suffered defeat at the hands of the Chinese. In 1524, Malays of Bintan attacked Malacca, which was under the control of the Portuguese.

Bintan first became politically important when Sultan Mahmud of the fallen Sultanate of Malacca fled to Bintan and created a resistance base there after Malacca was taken by the Portuguese forces in 1511. The Portuguese eventually destroyed the stronghold in 1526, and after a few years the Sultanate founded a new capital back on the Malay Peninsula and developed from there.

At the beginning of 18th century the Sultanate of Johor entered into political turmoil and the capital moved back to Bintan as the Bugis took control of the Sultanate. At the hands of the Bugis, Bintan became a powerful trading port, attracting regional, Western, Indian and Chinese traders as well as migrants including Chinese much in the same way Malacca had developed into a regional power three centuries earlier.

European powers wanted to take control of the port, which had a flourishing trade. During this period the British, who controlled Penang, were aggressively looking towards expanding their control to the south of the Straits of Malacca, as they wished to contain the Dutch expansions. They considered Bintan as a possible location. During this period the Dutch had defeated the Bintan rulers and taken control of the island by the end of the 18th century; this had brought to an end the local trading supremacy. This also resulted in checkmating the British ambition to occupy the area. However, an internal power struggle within the Sultanate of Riau-Johor ensued. The British seized this opportunity and occupied the island of Singapore. With this, the importance of Bintan island as a trading port also declined. A new cultural centre developed on Penyengat Island and it got established as the stronghold of Malay and Islamic culture.

However the history changed the fate of Riau as a political, cultural or economic centre when European powers took control of the regional trade routes by taking advantage of political weaknesses within the Sultanate. Singapore Island, that had been for centuries part of the same greater Malay kingdoms and sultanates, and under direct control of Sultan of Johor, came under British control. The creation of a European-controlled territory in Johor-Riau heart broke the sultanate into two parts, destroying the cultural and political unity that had existed for centuries.

The Anglo-Dutch treaty of 1824 consolidated this separation, with the British controlling all territories north of the Singapore Strait and Dutch controlling territories from Riau to Java. Till the independence of Indonesia in 1945, Bintan was under the control of the Netherlands East Indies. However, the Riau Archipelago remained a fairly borderless territory till recently. During the World War II Japanese had occupied the Malay world and Singapore was their headquarters. During this period, many Malays including the upper strata of society had to join the Imperial Army. After the war, from 1950 the Archipelago was a duty free zone till the revolution Konfrontasi in 1963. During this period, the Straight Dollar of British Malaya was the principal currency. Visa free movement of people, which existed then is now no more prevalent. 


(from Wikipedia)





Minggu, 12 Agustus 2012

500 Lohan Temple



Generally, there are rather few monasteries dedicated to the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, 地藏王菩. In Tg Pinang on Bintan Island, Indonesia, there is an interesting Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Vihara dedicated to the Buddhist Bodhisattva.

A yellow signpost points to the entrance of the vihara where visitors enter a gate at the foot of a hill.  A short climb up the slope, the visitor is greeted by a sculpture of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva reach out to beings in the lowest realm.  



Entering the Vihara


To enter the vihara, visitors must pass through an impressive archway guarded by General Heng and General Ha. Next to the archway is a pavilion with Buddhas in Thai style and facing this pavilion is a sculpture of baby Buddha. The surrounding wall is decorated with Tibetian Buddhist symbols.
The main hall is just next to the pavilion where a sculpture of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva sits on the altar. Below it and on the floor is a Taoist deity of filial piety. Guarding the main hall are life size sculptures of the Dharma Protectors Weituo and Sangharama Bodhisattva, 蓝菩萨, more well known as Guan Gong.




500 Arahats, 五百罗汉


From the main hall, a felt of stairs leads visitors to an amazing garden. There, 500 life size sculptures of arahats stand orderly in rows on each of the steps at the edge of the garden. The names of each arahat appear at the base of their sculpture.
Each of the 500 sculptures is extremely lifelike capturing the characteristics, facial features and postures of the arahats. There is a sense of orderly formation and movement at the same time. These 500 arahats must be every photographer’s wonderland.
Facing the 500 arahats are another three great bodhisattvas; Wen Shu Bodhisattva sitting on a lion, Puxian Bodhisattva sitting on a elephant and Guan Yin holding a willow. (文殊菩萨, 普贤菩萨, 观音菩萨)

 

A hidden gem worth looking for


The 500 arahats seem to be main attraction in this vihara. In fact, the locals and tourist maps refer to this vihara as the 500 arahat temple complete with photos of the arahats in the local tourist map.
The vihara is not very easy to find but a few checks with the locals will eventually lead you to the temple. Maybe a little effort required getting there but it is definitely worth it. 






Sabtu, 11 Agustus 2012

Nirwana Beach Club


Situated on the water’s edge of Indonesia’s Bintan island, Nirwana Beach Club welcomes you to the ultimate rustic beachfront hideaway. Indulge in a variety of water sports, nature and the timeless traditions of a village-style living. Feel your spirits lifted amidst the spacious thatched-roof chalets, sunny beaches and a blue ocean, savouring relaxation and a boundless choice of tropical activities.

You can reach Nirwana Beach Club by 1 hour ferry from Singapore to Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal and a land transfer of 10 minutes drive from the the ferry terminal. 

Room Amenities  

  • Air conditioning
  • Mini fridge
  • Shower with water heater 
  • Television


Facilities


  • Sundecks
  • Changing rooms (for day visitors)
  • Nirwana Beach Restaurant (Asian & Western Cuisine) 
  • La Luna Disco & Clubs
 


Activities

  • Jet Ski
  • Ocean Kayak
  • Bodyboard
  • Snorkeling set
  • Laser Sailing - Laser Pico
  • Wind Surfing
  • Dinghy sailing
  • Scuba Diving
  • Wakeboard
  • Waterski
  • Snorkeling Tour / Trip
  • Banana Boat
  • Fishing trip 
  • Catamaran - Dart 16


Other Nirwana Beach Club Photos 


  

Sabtu, 04 Agustus 2012

Bintan Agro Beach Resort










Bintan Agro Beach Resort is located in the eastern part of the Bintan Island. Enjoy Exciting and Breathtaking sceneries of the beach with palm trees, white sands and blue water. A perfect place for you to watch sun rise in Bintan island.

You can reach Bintan Agro Beach Resort by 1.5 hours ferry from Singapore to Sri Bintan Pura Terminal and a land transfer of 45 minutes drive from the Sri Bintan Pura ferry terminal. 


Room Amenities  
  • Air conditioning
  • Balcony/terrace
  • Desk
  • Hair dryer (available on request)
  • Minibar
  • Shower with water heater
  • Electric Kettle (for tea/coffee making)
  • Telephone 
  • Television


Facilities
  • Sea sports centre
  • Wind surfing centre
  • Banana boat rental
  • 2 beach volley ball courts
  • World class Oceanic Spa 
  • Exclusive Indonesian gift shop
  • Swimming pool
  • Meeting Room
  • Asian and Continental Restaurant
  • Private beach
  • Sun Moon Restaurant (a kelong restaurant above the sea) 
  • Kayaking
Activities
  • Diving
  • Kayaking
  • Banana Boat 
  • Wind Surfing 
  • Spa
  • Cycling
  • Island Hopping
  • Snorkling




Room Type 

 Other photos of Bintan Agro Beach Resort


Bintan Agro Beach Resort - Lobby

Bintan Agro Beach Resort - Gazebo Spa

Bintan Agro Beach Resort - Asiana Swimming Pool

 

Bintan Agro Beach Resort - Gazebo Spa

Bintan Agro Beach Resort - Snorling

Bintan Agro Beach Resort - Horse Riding

Bintan Agro Beach Resort










Bintan Agro Beach Resort is located in the eastern part of the Bintan Island. Enjoy Exciting and Breathtaking sceneries of the beach with palm trees, white sands and blue water. A perfect place for you to watch sun rise in Bintan island.

You can reach Bintan Agro Beach Resort by 1.5 hours ferry from Singapore to Sri Bintan Pura Terminal and a land transfer of 45 minutes drive from the Sri Bintan Pura ferry terminal. 


Room Amenities  
  • Air conditioning
  • Balcony/terrace
  • Desk
  • Hair dryer (available on request)
  • Minibar
  • Shower with water heater
  • Electric Kettle (for tea/coffee making)
  • Telephone 
  • Television


Facilities
  • Sea sports centre
  • Wind surfing centre
  • Banana boat rental
  • 2 beach volley ball courts
  • World class Oceanic Spa 
  • Exclusive Indonesian gift shop
  • Swimming pool
  • Meeting Room
  • Asian and Continental Restaurant
  • Private beach
  • Sun Moon Restaurant (a kelong restaurant above the sea) 
  • Kayaking
Activities
  • Diving
  • Kayaking
  • Banana Boat 
  • Wind Surfing 
  • Spa
  • Cycling
  • Island Hopping
  • Snorkling




Room Type 

 Other photos of Bintan Agro Beach Resort


Bintan Agro Beach Resort - Lobby

Bintan Agro Beach Resort - Gazebo Spa

Bintan Agro Beach Resort - Asiana Swimming Pool

 

Bintan Agro Beach Resort - Gazebo Spa

Bintan Agro Beach Resort - Snorling

Bintan Agro Beach Resort - Horse Riding

Jumat, 03 Agustus 2012

Nirwana Resort Hotel




Nirwana Resort Hotel offers 245 rooms & suites (112 Superior Rooms, 86 Deluxe Rooms, and 27 Nirwana Suites) catering to every budget and need, offering breathtaking ocean, pool or garden views. The rooms are spacious and fully furnished with modern amenities for your comfort.

Room Amenities 

  • Air conditioning
  • Tea/coffeemaker
  • Telephone
  • Television
  • Shower with water heater 
  • Safe Box 




 
Facilities
  • Boutique
  • Business center
  • Car rental
  • cocktail lounge
  • Dry cleaning and laundry
  • Nursery
  • Restaurants 
  • Meeting rooms

     Activities

    • Fitness center
    • Kids club
    • Spa & Massage
    • Outdoor pool
    • ATV & Dune Buggy
    • Water sports
    • Snooker
    • Elephant Park Tour
    • Mangrove Tour
    • Jungle Trekking
    • Entertainment Game Center
    • Snokeling Clinic
    • Paintball
    • Archery
    • Air Rifle 
    • Jogging Track

     

    Room Type


      Other Photos of Nirwana Resort Hotel