ClubMed Ria Bintan

Usually, I wouldn't spend S$500++ to go to Bintan. But it's a ClubMed. So when I had the chance to go at a subsidised rate, I jumped at it! :)


ClubMed Ria Bintan is one of many resorts run by the French corporation (Club Med is short for Club Méditerranée, according to Wikipedia). It has an all-inclusive concept, so basically, my 3D2N package includes my return ferry tickets between Singapore and Bintan, lodging, insurance, ClubMed membership, almost round-the-clock food and drinks, and most activities. The resort is run by an international staff known as GOs or "Gracious Organisers". They are a bunch of energetic people who handles everything from your room and ferry logistics, to guiding and overseeing the activities in the resort.



My take on the resort :

• Aside from some items like champagne and spa massages, everything else is free; so it's really a fuss-free and relaxing holiday.
• Family oriented as there are activities catered for the children, and the parents can be free to relax on their own of they choose to.
• Free lessons of water sports activities like windsurfing and sailing, although it is noted that they are available only at specific times, and when the resort gets crowded, you may not be able to get a time-slot!
• Food and drinks are free-flow, with several restaurants and bar-counters available. Food is international, good (but not fantastic) and drinks include wine and other alcoholic concoctions.
• There are different performances every night, by the GOs themselves (really a bunch of talented people), although depending on what you like, you may not enjoy all of them.
• The beach is great! Clean and only for ClubMed members.

For those who wants a really fuss-free, slightly upmarket vacation for the family, ClubMed seems to have it right (of course, depending on your own economic outlook). For more pictures, check out my gallery!

Holiday on Feet

Trekking. Hiking. Tramping. Call it what you want, it is just walking :). Do it on a holiday? Why not? In fact, it is highly recommended!!



Ok, before you start to think of those trips that are 2-3 weeks of pure trekking, well, you don't have to. You can always start with day hikes, or even intersperse different day hikes into your trip. Once you experience it and like it, you can then plan for trips with hikes/treks that last 2-3 days etc. But why hike and tire yourself when a tour bus can bring you to sights?
For one, some of nature's most beautiful sights are not accessible by buses or even cars. With a little walking, you will often see scenes that you can only see in magazines. And sometimes with some serious trekking, you'll see sights that blow your mind away! For nature lovers, it would definitely be worth your while.
And if you're doing hikes or walks in come countries like Nepal, India, China etc, these hikes often passes through villages which yield fantastic experiences no tour can provide you. You can see strange cultures, untouched lifestyles, and make contact with interesting people. It is travel at its best.



Different countries provide different backdrops for your walks. And different seasons add to the variety. From rugged mountains in Pakistan to icy glaciers in New Zealand, and from lush greenery in summer Laos, to striking red in autumn Romania, there is something for everyone!


So put on your walking shoes, and enjoy your walking holiday!