Location
Bintan Resorts may be less than an hour of catamaran ride away from Singapore, but is worlds apart in terms of what we have to offer. The resort-destination spreads across the northern shores of Bintan and faces the South China Sea and comprises a good range of beach resorts and hotels to suit the budgets and needs of all holiday-makers.

Weather
The dry calm season from late March to early November is characterized by clear sunny days and calm pristine waters. Late November to early March is generally the windier season with passing showers, although you still get good sun throughout the day. This period is suited for windborne sports such as Windsurfing. The island's annual Windsurfing competition - The Mana Mana Amslam, which is part of the Asian Windsurfing Tour - is held during this windy season in January.

Time Difference
Bintan is one-hour behind Singapore time or +7 hours to the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Language
Bahasa Indonesia is the national language and simple English is widely used.

Currency
The main currency used in Indonesian is the Rupiah (Rp) however the Singapore Dollar (S$) is widely accepted at the resorts. Most hotels accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit card payments. Should you be heading down south to the greater Bintan for some sightseeing and shopping, it is advisable to have ready notes and coins in Indonesian Rupiah (Rp).

Tipping
Tipping is not a necessity in Bintan, but it is acceptable to leave a small tip especially when good service has been rendered. Hotels levy a 10 per cent service charge and 10 per cent government tax on accommodation and dining bills.

What to Wear
Light, informal, cotton clothing and sturdy, comfortable shoes are recommended. Other recommended items include sunshades and insect repellent when going into the forests.

Postal Services
The Resorts' hotels can arrange to send mail. At Tanjung Pinang, postal services are available from the main post office at Jalan Pos.

Potable water
World Health Organization Standards potable water is available at all hotels within Bintan Resorts.

Environmental control
Liquid waste is managed by sewerage treatment plants. Solid waste is collected daily from the resorts and disposed of in our own sanitary land-fill site.

Telecommunications
The resort has modern telecommunication facilities, including IDD, facsimile/data lines and card-operated payphones. Local calls can be made with phone cards.

Medical care
Medical needs are catered for by a clinic with doctors on call 24 hrs, and supported by a highly efficient emergency evacuation system.