The minute I stepped off the shuttle bus, which took guests from a gyrating experience of a ferry (easily connected from Tanah Merah), a group of hearty dancers started to show a bit of traditional dance.

Guests, including myself, started to drag suitcases and head for the reception; waiters served an interesting cocktail that I didn't touch because of my worrisome attitude towards water quality.

For the price of the room itself, it fits the tariff somewhat. The rack rates featured on their website are substantially more expensive than the package that I bought from the travel agents in Singapore. Only the rooms are indoors, however. The hallways are partially exposed to the elements, which may accomodate a fresh breeze and a "tiki" feel.

Unfortunately, due to the nature of the ferry ride from Singapore accounting the constant gyrating of the ship (twas monsoon season), the first thing I did when I got to my room was: taking a very long nap in the good sized bed. The rest, in the most part was luxurious and quiet.

The room is spacious and there's cable television featuring channels from various countries. When I visited, channels featured included the Australia Network as well as programming from South Korea, Malaysia, and for homesick Singapore. Yes, there is also CNN.

The room also features a desk, and refrigerator. They also included two water bottles, as well as a kettle with two pouches of Nescafe coffee along with some tea. Fortunately, even though they do provide you with water bottles, the water system (as read on the sign sitting behind the faucet inside the bathroom) is equivalent to the standards of Singapore.

Since going to the other side of Bintan Island, the one where all the locals live is tragically hard to do, the hotel also features a couple of restaurants. They may be expensive but considering the circumstances you will get quality food.

In the end, Nirwana Resort Hotel may be a little expensive for the budget-wary, but definitely a good vacation spot to indulge in relaxation.

• Swimming Pool(s)
• Seaside View
• Restaurants
  • Serving various cuisines.
  • Vegeterians are catered comfortably.
• Wheelchair Accessibility: see Advice.

• Cable TV
• Coffee/Tea Maker

• Internet
  • Found near the front lobby of the hotel for a fee.
• Meals
  • There are restaurants inside the hotel, regularly featuring buffets. They also provide a free shuttle to a restaurant built on stilts.
  • They may offer complimentary meals as part of your vacation package or hotel room deal, but don't count on it.

• Consider going to a travel agent for a vacation package while in Singapore. It's more than likely cheaper to package your ferry ride and accomodation for Bintan than reserving the two separately.
• Unfortunately, those who are physically challenged may have a hard time getting to Bintan, as there are a few upward steps between the gate at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal and the ferry itself. The hotel does have elevators that may help you, however.
• For those of you who are enthusiasts of chess, there is a life-sized chess set that can be literally played, on a life-sized chess board! Not for the wary of large objects, however.

• Written by Phillip Hong.
• The hotel was visited during the middle of December, 2006.