If you’re on the lookout for a family-friendly vacation destination that offers the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and quality time, look no further than Natra Bintan Resort. Hop on an hour long ferry ride, followed by a 5-minute complimentary bus service, this luxurious glamping retreat is the ideal choice for families with young children. In this review, we’ll delve into the exciting activities available both within the resort and around Bintan Island, including an enchanting fireflies tour and an enchanting, albeit sunny visit to the Bintan Lagoi Safari.
Accommodation
Natra Bintan Resort sets itself apart with its distinctive glamping concept, featuring 100 safari-themed tents complete with modern amenities and private patios. The spacious family tents can comfortably accommodate a family of four, providing a superior blend of comfort and adventure for both adults and children.
We splashed out for the garden view with a king bed, and the bathroom comes equipped with a jetted jacuzzi / whirlpool that the boys absolutely loved. If you’re thinking this resort looks familiar, that’s because it used to be called The Canopi, until Marriott took over in 2019, renamed it Natra Bintan, and added it to their Tribute Portfolio.
Activities within Natra Bintan Resort
Overlooking Crystal Lagoon, Southeast Asia’s first man-made seawater lagoon, the resort itself offers a wide range of activities from huge water slides to kayaking as well as a water adventure park. Because it is a man-made lagoon, the waters are calm and extremely children safe, with separate areas designated for swimming and other areas for boating and other activities.
When you don’t feel like being soaking wet, you can try out other activities such as archery and ATV rides. You can also choose to rent a scooter and take a ride around the lagoon to take in the sights and enjoy the breeze.
Activities outside Natra Bintan Resort
To be honest, we wanted to have a very chill and relaxing vacation, so most of the time, we stayed within the resort itself. Having said that, we did venture out of the resort and explored:
- Seafood dinner at a kelong
- Fireflies tour
- Safari Lagoi Bintan
First, we had a small boat take us out to a kelong for a nice seafood dinner. Thereafter, we went on a fireflies tour where a guide took us along the river to look for these little illuminating creatures. It was quite an unforgettable experience, seeing them light up the shoreline, and we also had the occasional opportunity to hold some of them in our hands.
Another attraction the kids are bound to enjoy is the Safari Lagoi Bintan. This 330-hectare conservation park is home to an array of exotic animals, including orangutans, elephants, and Komodo dragons. Embark on a guided tour to learn about the park’s conservation efforts and the diverse wildlife that resides there. The boys were thrilled to get up close and personal with the animals during interactive feeding sessions.