The last time I had ever visited Bintan, it had been with all our closest friends, when I was around 7 years old. This time, to my utter excitement, we planned to visit Bintan again with all our friends. AT THE SAME RESORT TOO! And since I had loved “Cassia Bintan” the last time we had stayed there for a week or so, I was incredibly excited to return. I was slightly disappointed as we would only have a sojourn of 1 and a half days. Nevertheless, I was eager to spend time with my friends and family at a scenic, beautiful place like Bintan. It was a break from the hustle-bustle of the city, and we would all get to relax in the sea and the swimming pool😊.
Chattering animatedly on the ferry ride, I was certain that our families were the loudest there. The prattling of our siblings, the chitter-chatter of the ladies and the guffawing of the men. The most noticeable difference this time as compared to the last time was that we were left alone to do whatever we wanted, being older and all. Having claimed the front seat, we had the full view of the “sea” stretching out in extensive lengths in front of us.
Upon docking, we waited a while for the bus that would take us to the resort, which was quite exhausting. Having to stand through check-in was also slightly tiring. However, we took that time to explore the expansive resort, with a huge beach, the sea glistening under the golden sun peeking out from the fluffy clouds. A lot had changed, the resort looking fresher and newer, with new colors and new facilities. A foosball table had been replaced by a table-tennis table, free for everyone to play on. There was the option of buying a lawn tennis package. The reception and breakfast hall were more spacious and much airier.
Apparently, there were different rooms for the parents and the children of one family. Thus, I would be rooming with my sister separately in a room beside that of my parents. After devouring cup noodles(FOR SOME REASON, I LOVE CUP NOODLES. I’M ALWAYS ASKING FOR THEM BECAUSE WE RARELY PURCHASE CUP NOODLES. Besides, there’s a different feel to eating in an airport, or while travelling. It’s quite thrilling, you know. When I was younger, it made me feel like I was embarking on a swashbuckling adventure😉.)
We visited another family’s room, as it was their son’s birthday. THE CAKE WAS DELICIOUS. This weekend, we would be celebrating 3 birthdays and 1 anniversary. However, IT WAS SO NOISY. I think I lost an eardrum☹.
So, with good wisdom, after the celebration, four of us went for a walk on the beach, watching the splendid sunset. There was a band playing and people were strolling around the beach. The ambiance was quite pleasant, and we enjoyed the cool wind and pleasant weather. For the next day, we planned to relax on the beach, go swimming, AND some of us planned to awaken at 5:30 a.m. to watch the sunrise. I HAD NO IDEA HOW I WOULD BECAUSE IT WAS ALREADY 11:45 P.M. But I was sure an alarm would do it…
Thankfully, it did.
The sunrise was spectacular, the crimson rays spotlighting the edges of the buildings, creating a soft glow. We woke up before everyone else and enjoyed the sunrise, relaxing on the beach for a while along with the other “crazy” few who had woken up that early. However, it was worth it😊.
We spent the rest of the day grabbing breakfast and lunch (I LOVE MILKSHAKES, PIZZA, AND PASTA AND…I GOT ALL THREE. My parents couldn’t say anything because it was a complimentary buffet, and I could pick and choose from the wide variety of food available. Believe it or not, for breakfast, I stuffed myself with 4 pancakes, a bowl of chocolate syrup, an omelet and two glasses of juice. ON TOP OF THAT, I HAD A FULL PIZZA AND A CHOCOLATE MILKSHAKE FOR LUNCH😉.), screaming, shouting, and playing on the beach and in the swimming pool, guffawing and chit-chattering with all our friends, meeting at another family’s house to celebrate the anniversary and joint birthdays, and calling it a day by watching the vivid sunset, which painted the sky in shades of mauve, orange, fuchsia and deep, brilliant reds.
The one thing I noticed at the beach was the WAVES. They were HUGE, and Em was terrified of them, especially during high tide. Standing in the waves, you would be knocked back by at least 3-4 steps when they hit. However, I HAD SO MUCH FUN! I loved them and even got Em to finally put one foot into the water. Besides, they were so much like an amazing massage, a place to unwind in.
Until of course, I got splashed in the face by salt.
So.Much.Salt:(
Thankfully, I executed my revenge. It was absolutely hilarious, and we spent a total of 6-7 hours outside our room from the morning to the afternoon. I don’t think we even remained in the actual room for anything except sleeping. Quite a lot like the cruise!
It was a trip I had craved for a long time, and was a refreshing break from our daily routines, the monotonous cycle of life, work, and school. I enjoyed it immensely and it was an incredibly short but pleasing, fun vacation.
Signing off…