Bintan Island with a 1year old- have you been/would you go?

[zuzkah]

Hi. My dh, our 11months old son and I are going on holiday to Oz via Singapore. Im trying to find a beach resort to stay for 5 days. Sentosa doesn't seem like a good option because of the poluted waters. Calling to all who have been to Bintan. Would you go there with your little one? Is the ferry a drag after a long flight or is it ok? How long does it take to get there from the airport to the resort? What about mosquitos and drinking water? Please any experience would be helpful. Thanks.

I have been to Bintan three times from Sg. It is ok for a couple of days for a little break if you live in Sg anyway. If I had travelled a long way I would be disappointed. The ferry can be ok but can be very choppy (ferry takes just over 1 hour but you have to get to ferry terminal so from Changi wd be probably be 3 hours trip to get to Bintan). Bintan Lagoon Resort is expensive and the rooms are very tired. The children's pool area is shabby. For 5 days I would go up to Langkawi or Ko Samui. Connect straight from Changi. Much nicer. Use bottled water to drink and do teeth. Use plenty of mozzie spray, esp at dusk. Don't forget hep vax.

Not sure I'd go out of my way to go to Bintan. Last time I went stayed at the Banyan Tree, which was nice, but much more of a couples resort. 5 days is a long time there, don't think there is enough to do with LO.

IMO not the best for small one. It's Indonesian rather than Singaporean isnt' it? From what I remember was not as clean as Singapore and a bit wilder. Depends on what you're looking for I suppose. Wouldn't personally take my 18month old there as would struggle with food and water and things to do.

Thanks ladies. We have decided against it. So I guess will stay in Singapore only. Maybe the Mandrin oriental?

What fleur said.

Mandarin Oriental & others in marina bay very business travel type

Shangri-La pool much nicer for holiday imo

Sentosa resort & spa very relaxing even if you don't actually swim in the sea.. You can still go down to the beach at sunset and have a drink and a leisurely stroll.
Gorgeous terrrace for romantic evening meal.

sorry about short replies but BF and typing with only left hand

Shangri La pool is warm to swim in!!.

Would have a look at the Shangri La, have stayed there myself and children were well catered for. Think the Mandarin Oriental is more for adults travelling without children and business travellers. Its also a bit out of the way.

slim22 - well done. I wouldn't manage BF and type
We have finally decided for the shangri la sentosa. (Think it is final but everything can change tomorrow...oh our decision making is not very good nowadays with our 7 months ds)
attilameercat - shangri la in the orchad road? The pool looks great. It was one of our options but thinking a bit too expensive.