Bintan Lagoon Resort to launch own ferry service
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Singapore, 1 February 2010; Bintan Lagoon Resort will be launching its very own ferry terminal and ferry services, expected to be in operation by June 2010. The project, costing the resort SGD15 million, has commenced works since November 2009. The completion of the project will add an iconic structure to the shoreline, which forms the link bridge from the disembarkation point to the Bintan Lagoon Ferry Terminal.
The Bintan Lagoon Ferry Service will be made up of a fleet of two catamarans, one seating up to 150 passengers and the other seating up to 250 passengers, operating from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal. Guests requiring exclusivity will also have the option of arriving at the resort via its VIP boat, with a seating capacity of 30 passengers. Ferry pricing and booking details will be released at a later date once available.
Upon approaching the shores of Bintan Lagoon Resort, tourists will be greeted by a towering, iconic structure which forms the link bridge to the ferry terminal in the resort, conceptualised by Shafee Sajari of Acid Singapore, a Singapore based firm specializing in lifestyle, hospitality and retail designs. The 65-metre long bridge, designed to be serpentine in character, is a salute to nature with sides of the bridge opening up to allow sea breeze onto the bridge. The tall and airy bridge entrance will taper off at the immigration point, forming a screen for secure entry into the building.
The Bintan Lagoon Ferry Terminal spans 1251 square metres in floor area and is expected to be fully operational with immigration facilities for incoming and outgoing tourists, baggage handling, seating area and a duty-free shop. Immigration facilities have been designed in a smooth flowing layout to enable seamless entry and exit for the guests, where checkpoints, baggage belts and security checks are strategically positioned. A VIP desk will be available at the terminal to facilitate entry and exit for guests requiring exclusivity.
The Bintan Lagoon Ferry Terminal and Service is established to add greater convenience for the resort’s guests as they are ferried right to the shores of the resort, be it for overnight stays or golf day trippers. For large leisure or meeting groups, the ability to charter catamarans with the resort’s ferry service will add to the resort’s appeal as a MICE destination.
Other Projects
3 Degrees, Bintan Lagoon Resort’s signature beachfront restaurant – In addition to the ferry terminal and service project, Bintan Lagoon Resort will be unraveling its signature beachfront restaurant, named 3 Degrees, come March 2010. With a seating capacity of 389 persons, the restaurant features large al fresco dining and bar areas with a view of the South China Sea as well as air-conditioned comfort for group dining.
The new restaurant, at 2380 square metres, is located in a standalone building with its inviting beachfront location and slated to be the biggest restaurant on Bintan Island. A feature wall with ethnic carvings creates an impressive welcome at the restaurant’s main entrance which faces the resort. A walk through the courtyard fountain will reveal a beach bar, where upon entering will unravel the stylish, airy interiors of the restaurant.
Designed by the very same designer who conceptualised the resort’s ferry terminal and iconic link bridge, the restaurant follows a casual, laidback concept so as not to distract from its beach appeal. Interiors are done in a light vanilla shade throughout, incorporated with interesting textures from volcanic stones and river pebbles to add tactile character to the restaurant. Natural, preserved chunks of local trees further characterize the restaurant.
3 Degrees is also designed with the guidelines set by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification in mind as the resort gears up for its Green Building certification (see note on LEED on page 3) in 2010. Much of the restaurant’s space is opened up to take advantage of the natural sea breeze, thus cutting down on air-conditioned areas; and natural, sustainable materials are incorporated in the design of the restaurant.
Also directly accessible from the beach, the sprawling Beach Bar with its sundeck offers the best vantage point to capture the beach panorama. Dotted with sun loungers, parasols and landscaped with tall leafy trees on the sundeck to provide shade, the Beach Bar offers sunseekers a relaxing oasis of cool sea breeze and wide variety of ice cold beverages to quench their thirst amidst the backdrop of the South China Sea. An upper sundeck accessible from the beach bar offers patrons more privacy and shade without sacrificing on the view of the sparkling blue waters. Otherwise, retreat to the library bar with a cuppa in air-conditioned comfort.
In the main restaurant, dining in air conditioned comfort is split into two areas. The seafood bar features an open kitchen where guests have an almost theatric view of the chefs’ work area as they conjure up dishes of delightful cuisine amongst the sparks and flames. Cosy groups in this area can also enjoy convenient access to the restaurant’s sundeck. For a warmer ambience, guests can proceed to spacious dining room, where large groups can be catered to.
Apart from the stylish surroundings, patrons are assured of a vast menu offering a fusion of Western and Asian cuisine, which will be priced for the masses with the option of Chef’s menus for those seeking better things in life.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) – Apart from the resort’s constant efforts to upgrade its facilities, corporate social responsibility remains a priority for the organization. As such, the resort is in the process of acquiring its Green certification with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. All construction projects in Bintan Lagoon Resort are carried out in accordance with guidelines set by the council which addresses areas such as sustainability, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources etc. The certification, estimated to be approved by end of first quarter of 2010, will establish Bintan Lagoon Resort as the only green resort on the island.
About Bintan Lagoon Resort
Situated just 55 minutes by high-speed ferry from Singapore, Bintan Lagoon Resort has been the venue of choice for holiday makers and meeting organizers alike. Featuring 473 spacious rooms, suites and villas complemented by 12 wining & dining options, 9 function rooms, the resort boasts of a variety of outdoor locations to cater for every event requirement.
The resort houses two 18-hole championship golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus and Ian Baker-Finch, a spa and a chic nightclub, Silk alongside a wide range of recreational, water and teambuilding activities.
About 3 Degrees Hospitality
Bintan Lagoon Resort is wholly managed by 3 Degrees Hospitality Pte Ltd which is the hospitality arm of 3 Degrees Asset Management Pte Ltd, a private investment firm. Other than Bintan Lagoon Resort, it also manages Baan Yin Dee (www.baanyindee.com) in Phuket, Thailand.
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