Club Med

We took a taxi to the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal near Changi Airport for the ferry to Bintan, Indonesia where we would spend a couple of nights at Club Med.  Check-in went smoothly and I was impressed that our Indonesian arrival and departure cards had been filled in for us!

The terminal wasn’t maintained to the usual standard we have come to expect in Singapore.  The doors in the complex were mouldy and toilets were of Malaysian cleanliness.

The ferry, Arung Mendara departed at 1105 and arrived at 1050 Bintan time after a smooth sailing.  We were met by Club Med staff and assisted to a waiting bus.  There were only six passengers in the full-sized bus for the 15 min drive to Club Med Ria Bintan.  The two night stay is a treat for Mum as she had a taste of Club Med many years ago and dearly wanted to do it again.  And I was able to oblige after having made some extra money recently

We were given a lively and friendly welcome by Club Med staff known as “GOs”, or Gentils Organisateurs (Gracious/Nice Organizers) and given a cold ice tea and water.  The GOs showed us to our rooms located a somewhat long walk away.  It was nice not to have to wait till the official check-in time of 1500.

My room was located on Level 2 while Mum’s nicer room on Level 3.  She offered to swap.  The room was decorated in wood tones, including nice wooden blinds.  Apart from that the detail in the workmanship of the room was rather poor.

The holiday starts now!  We had lunch and swam in the sea and then the pool.  We watched the flying trapeze in action.  It was referred to as a circus school because guests can try it out under the guidance of Nico from France and Clayton from South Africa.  Both had gymnast bodies.

Deep inside I wanted to try it out but I had hurt my back yesterday sneezing!  And one had to be 100% dry, so maybe later!

I tried yoga instead in a location rather far away.  Mum would have liked to try it but it was too far to go get her.

Dinner works on a rotating menu.  Being Tuesday it was crab night.  I got a big claw!  The food was of a very good quality.

The GOs put on a show after dinner.  They were very highly talented on stage as well as personable when helping out guests face-to-face.  They typically work on six-month contracts and if renewed may go to another property!  They must have an amazing life but work hard from 0830 to midnight daily.

The games started afterwards.  It was “pass the hat”.  When the music stops, one leaves the game.  It got really hot and sweaty.  Apart from such games, it was an enjoyable first (half) day in a resort that I wouldn’t have come to on my own.