Singapore’s Chilean Ambassador, HE JAMES SINCLAIR MANLEY, arrived in Singapore in 2014, after previous postings in Korea, Egypt, Argentina, Peru, Washington and Jakarta. Since then, he and his wife – both avid golfers – have discovered the pleasures of Bintan Lagoon Resort (BLR), visiting many times, and being honorary guests for the resort’s 20th Anniversary Celebration last year. We asked the Ambassador for his thoughts on the resort.
How often do you visit Bintan Lagoon Resort?
At least once a month, usually over a three- to four-day weekend; I often go with my wife and my three adult children (25, 30 and 32) when they visit me in Singapore.
What do you like best about the resort?
I find Bintan extremely attractive – the nature, beach, food and weather. It’s so close to Singapore – just over an hour from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to the resort beach, and then you’re in the lobby. I find Indonesian people very warm and hospitable, and the team takes care of me very well. I’ve become good friends with Moe Ibrahim, President Director, and Gerald Hendrick, Vice President of Business Development & Hotel Operations. Bintan reminds me in some ways of my home country. The greenery is similar, and so are the beaches, though the water is warmer here (in Chile, it’s around 15 or 16 degrees Celsius), so you can stay in for longer. We have a lot of spicy food in Chile, too.
What are some of your favourite things about BLR?
Besides playing golf, I enjoy the wide range of cuisines. Japanese at Miyako is excellent; for breakfast, Fiesta has good choices; and Chef Ghulam is the king of Indian food! My favourite is Nelayan, by the beach. Having lived in Jakarta before, I’ve developed a fondness for spicy Indonesian food. If I’m not playing golf, I like to take early morning walks on the beach or just have a dip in the water and relax. There’s also 24 hour in-room massage available – it’s a fantastic service, and the masseurs are professionals.
What are your favourite holes on the golf courses and why?
The par 5 in the forest of the Ian Baker-Finchdesigned Woodlands course – I like to walk that course instead of using a buggy because it’s so nice – and the 12th hole by the beach of the Jack Nicklaus-designed Sea View course.
A short ferry ride from Singapore, Bintan Lagoon Resort is an award-winning, 470- room, fully integrated beach, golf and spa resort. It has two 18-hole golf courses, the largest convention centre in Bintan, a private international ferry terminal and two helipads, plus over 50 land and sea activities for guests. For reservations, call 6223 3223 or email reservations@bintanlagoon.com.
This article first appeared in the Travel Guide 2017 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue!
Michaela Bisset
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