Bintan Treasure Bay, a new water resort city along the coast of Bintan, has begun the first phase of contruction, the first major development to take place on the island in recent years.
The project will measure up to 337ha in total, with 89ha to be built up by 2015. Materialising then will be a 149-room luxury resort with 30 villas as well as serviced residences, a marina with a multi-modal transportation terminal and several entertainment and retail attractions.
Paul Leong, chief operating officer of Bintan Treasure Bay, said: “What we are planning for our water resort city will set new benchmarks in the region, redefining what it means to be a world class tourism destination.”
Bintan Island, part of Indonesia's Riau Archipelago and a 45-minute ferry ride from Singapore, saw the rise of Bintan Resorts in 1990s, a mega-venture between Singapore and Indonesian businesses. It aimed to get visitors to the Lion City to extend their stays as well as improve the fortunes of Bintan itself.
This ambition has been somewhat derailed by Singapore's consistent efforts to enhance its appeal, and now, with the arrival of two classy integrated resorts – Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa – featuring convention facilities, casinos, Las Vegas type entertainment and restaurants helmed by celebrity chefs among others, world interest in the city is at an all time high.
The future Bintan project renews an intention to once more persuade holiday makers and event planners to consider the region's potential.
For more information, visit www.treasurebaybintan.com
Alisha Haridasani
