N.G.F - new generation ferry

On 22 June 2009 Bintan Resorts will inaugurate the operation of its two new ferries. Named Wan Sendari and Wan Seri Beni, the ferries feature sophisticated technology and more comfort for their passengers. A peek of its advancement.

Still retaining the catamaran form, there is a subtle color change with an orange lining, while still domitated with the blue and white colors. Also Bintan Resort Ferries logo has moved to the side of the ships.

The most striking feature is the Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull (SWATH) that replaced the usual hulls. With this type of hull, the ship will be more stable in rough waters. The SWATH form was invented by Canadian Frederick G. Creed, who presented his idea in 1938 and was later awarded a British patent for it in 1946. It was first used in the 1960s and 1970s as an evolution of catamaran design for use as oceanographic research vessels or submarine rescue ships.

Additional safety measure was put in place: Now there is an extra fence separating the gates from the water.

Slightly longer than both Aria- and Indera-Bupala, both ships are capable of carrying 300 passengers, of which 57 are available as a new Emerald Class on the upper deck.

The seats are a little futuristic in shape with new color scheme. The front rows are equipped with seat-belts and foldable tables. They also have side pockets where BRF Deli menu and evacuation info are stored. Life jackets are neatly kept in a special basket under the seats.

For all other rows in the economy class, the pockets are in front of the seats. The foldable tables are now sturdier with a special transparent pocket at the back for advertisement materials. This is a nice little touch that will keep advertisements neatly in place.

BRF Deli retained its shape, being at the middle of the deck with center display.

Emerald Class is a new product. Purchase this class (for as low as SGD 52.50 excluding taxes during promotion period - as the ad says) and you will get not only leather-lining wide reclining seats on the upper deck, but also entry to the newly revamped Melati VIP lounge at the Bintan terminal. You will also get a pocket to keep your journey itinerary and other small tickets, free flow of beverages, dedicated counter for collection of boarding passes, priority boarding and baggage handling, and a hassle-free Immigration & Custom Clearance (in Bintan).

If you feel like smoking, you can go out from the upper deck and feel your lungs with that filthy smoke. Limited plastic seats are available outside, which can also be used if you want to pre-tan yourselves.

The control room is where you can really feel the sophistication. All controls are by push-buttons, trackballs. Maneuvering the ship is as easy as playing with the Rolls-Royce made joystick.

When docking, though, control from the side of the ship is still available.

Did I mention about the toilets? Each cubicle is now slightly bigger so you don't need to accidentally knock your elbow against the wall when trying to take out your underwear. In addition, there is now a special toilet with foldable table to change diapers and hand rail for those in wheelchairs.

Talking about wheelchair, there is a special wheelchair area in the economy class. And if needed a foldable bed is ready for you with curtain as partition and hooks for IVs.

While the new and bigger engine enables the ship to reach Bintan Resorts from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in 30 minutes, currently the speed is adjusted such that the current timetable doesn't need to be changed (Afterall, faster means more fuel).

So what are you waiting for? Book your seats now from Bintan Resort Ferries.

Bintan Triathlon 2009 - the race

It was a bright and shining morning. From eight o'clock many participants alrady assembled in Nirwana Beach Club, either warming up in the water or attending their gears, giving a final check before the race began. These are participants for the Sprint Distance (750m Swim, 20km Bike, 5km Run).

The beach was full with blue and yellow caps. Officials kept on reminding participants to have at least two bottle of water throughout the race due to the hot weather.

It started a little bit after nine. Riau Archipelago Vice Governor opened the man race, and they all jumped into the water.

The women waited eagerly. Theirs were started 15 minutes later.

That is when the men started emerging from the water to their bikes.

Nirwana Gardens joined in the race, with their General Manager, Abdul Wahab, in the running leg.

Slightly after one hour the first sprint winner started to enter the finish line, followed by others.

While some seemed to be OK, a few needed a good rest.

But not to worry, even if they don't need to go to the recovery tent, the message girls were waiting for them with big smiles.

Now that the Sprint Distance is over, everybody is preparing the Olympic Distance (1.5km Swim, 40km Bike, 10km Run) for this afternoon. But I guess I'll skip it and just have myself a good message.

Bintan Triathlon 2009

It's less than 24 hours before the start of the reknown Bintan Triathlon, which will be held here in Bintan Resorts for the 5th year tomorrow. More than 1,200 will take part in this annual event. The staff of Nirwana Gardens are up to their necks with the preparation. Here's a glance of the setup.

The first race is swimming in the nice warm waters in front of Nirwana Beach Club. in fact, the main event is set to start and finish here.

Guiding and safety ropes are ready for lay-out tomorrow morning.

When they come out of  the water, they will run throught these yellow and blue flags....

through the nice shower to clean-up any sand, before start cycling around Lagoi.

The finish line, almost ready to receive the participants. Still need to setup a huge clock, though.

More info from the bintan triathlon official site.

Life in a Mangrove

Next time, coming your way.

Mangrove for kids - the story

It was a fine morning, as most mornings we have on the mangrove during this time of the year. In recent years, the award winning mangrove tour of Bintan Resorts (it won the 2003 PATA gold award) has attracted even more with the extended theme of restoration. Numerous schools from Singapore (Crescent Girls and Northbrook students to name a few), Batam and Bintan have visited this tour and joined Bintan Resorts' effort in mangrove restoration.

For most of them, being big city boys and girls, it was a totally new experience, even from the time they feel the wilderness of the thick forest before entering the jetty.

There is always an option for a quick nasi lemak and a sip of the fragrance local teh-o before a short briefing by either the mangrove tour-guide or one of the Environmental and Health Division's staff on the mangrove and its role in the ecosystem.

One good thing about this tour is that safety is totally taken care of. As such children-size life jackets are always available in different sizes, and is a must before stepping down the stair to the boats. Oh, and by the way, that is Mara, my daughter, that you see in front of the pack!

And we all know how kids behave: they scream, they laugh, they shout at each other! Neither us nor the teachers have control over them; even the citizens of the mangrove have no say.

And if you, tour-guides, think that you are prepared, think again, for these little demons have tonnes of questions undeniably valid, undeniably difficult to answer.

Between Angels and Demons though, they would eventually prefer being the angels. Boats will stop at designated areas where mangrove replantation is prepared. 

And if you are in the not so lucky batch, you may need to dwell in the mud instead of walking on sand.

Well, let's not worry too much about that. For the time being, just pass on those saplings, and continue the work with the hoe!

And here's one thing we can all learn from their energy and passion for a greener earth, for they work and work and work untill all saplings are in place.

And when all is done, there is plenty of water to clean the messy foot and shoes and sandals.

And of course, there is always time to play with water before moving on to the next program for the day.