Alvinology goes to Bintan - Day 3 of 3

On our last day in Bintan, we were very reluctant to leave Banyan Tree resort, having gotten accustomed to the relax lifestyle in our less than 24 hours stay.

We woke up at around 5.30am, catching the first ray of the morning sun from the open window directly in front of our bed.

Sleepy as we were, we dragged ourselves awake and started packing our stuff. We were to check out of our villa at 10am. Romi, our driver from Bintan Holiday.com was coming to pick us at the reception at 10.15am. He will then send us to the Bintan Resorts ferry terminal to catch our ferry at 11.35pm.

Found these fruits peppered on the front porch of the villa in the morning

The cool thing about staying at Banyan Tree was that they really take care of everything for you right to the last detail. Usually, one would have to collect your ferry boarding pass at the terminal yourself, at least an hour earlier. At Banyan Tree, the staff will have the boarding pass collected for you a day prior and hand deliver it to you with a nice thank you letter, as well as an accompanying feedback form on your stay at Banyan Tree.

After we are all packed, we head off for our complimentary breakfast at Treetops restaurant via the buggy service. The breakfast starts at 7am. We were one of the first guests to arrive.

Staff use giant leaves to sweep the floor instead of brooms

There's a pool just besides Treetops restaurant — There’s a pool just besides Treetops restaurant

Usually in Singapore, under the sweltering heat, we would opt to stay indoor at alfresco restaurants. At Treetops, the view was just too beautiful to give up. Rachel and I took a table at the edge of the railing, soaking in the sea breeze while enjoying the magnificent sunrise over our breakfast.

Another picture of the breath-taking view from the restaurant

There'a reason why the restaurant is called Treetops — There’a reason why the restaurant is called Treetops

The International buffet offers a good variety of food to satisfy our palates. Rachel and I even poured a glass of sparkling Perrier with a tingle of orange juice each for a morning toast.

Rachel's a la carte poached egg — Rachel’s a la carte poached egg

Rachel's first plate for breakfast — Rachel’s first plate for breakfast

Rachel's second plate from the buffet line — Rachel’s second plate from the buffet line

We ate quite a bit, slowly savouring our food while enjoying the view. It has been a while since we have been this relaxed.

After breakfast, we headed to the beach again for one last swim. There weren’t much people around in the morning and we enjoyed a romantic stroll, picking up more hermit crabs along the way.

The crabs left some interesting patterns in the morning sand

We then left the beach to head back to our villa for one final dip into the jacuzzi. All good things have to come to an end. Before we realise it, it was already 10am and it was time for us to leave Banyan Tree.

Buggy sending us back to the resort lobby

At the Banyan Tree lobby, waiting for our driver

Our driver came at 10.15am sharp and fetched us to the ferry terminal promptly.

There, we quietly went through the routine to clear the Indonesian custom and board the ferry back to Singapore. Rachel and I wished we had spend another night at Banyan Tree. We are likely to be visiting the resort again after our traditional wedding in June this year. 🙂