Found the perfect weekend getaway

Living in Singapore can really get into your system. And I am not even referring to the government. Now I know what they (meaning the expats here) refer to as ABS, which is an acronym (of course it is) for "anything but Singapore." I was told that on the average, an expatriate living and working in Singapore would suddenly develop this ABS syndrome such that he/she would find any and all excuses to be out of this small city state even for a measly weekend. The best if you can get away for a week, but if not, a long weekend (meaning 3 days) should be more than enough. Just so you can breathe a different air. Never mind if sometimes it is not as fresh because of the smog. Never mind as well if this means taking a long walk from the ferry terminal to the boat or subjecting yourself to another long queue at the immigration. I am sure you are like me. You would be willing to suffer such hassles just to be able to get out for a little while.

And last weekend I was able to find such a perfect place to get out of this highly organized living place. This island is so near and yet so different from Singapore. Trust the same system (meaning this government) to come up with such a wonderful solution to the ABS syndrome.

Bintan Island actually belongs to Indonesia by sovereign rights, but belongs to expatriates like me, by choice. It is such a small and wonderful place to go for a long weekend to relax, be lazy, wander around, read a book, swim, sunbathe, and do all sorts of things that can only be done in an island. It so near that you only have to endure a 45 minute ferry ride and you find yourself transported into a different place altogether. Gone are the high rise buildings that so define this city state. Gone are the hawker's centers that delight your stomach. Gone are the shopping malls that entice you to part with your hard earned money.

Instead, you will find palm trees, long beach, hot and scorching sun that so define nature at its best! So if I were you, next time you feel the symptoms of ABS, grab a newspaper, call that travel agent nearest you and go to Bintan. I am sure you will find it as awesome and wonderful as I did.


I visited the island of Bintan last 18-20 April 2003 and stayed at Angsana Resort and Spa