4 Day 3Nights Club Med Bintan, 13 – 16 March 2010

1-2-3 here we go again….yes, it’s 1st time for Adrian, 2nd time for Anders & me & it was 3rd time for Anthea…haha.

As usual on day of coming home, both the children were “complaining” the stay was too short and they wanted more days. Ok..Point noted and will try to arrange a longer trip next round.

Once again, this place had proved itself to be a World of Happiness, there were no agendas to follow, and it was simply relaxing following the Sun, Sand & Sea.

Day 1: Saturday, 13 March

Singapore → Bintan (TMFT )Dep: 1400 / Arr 1345

For our outbound trip, due to some mistake done by the Ferry operator, 4 of us were upgraded to the Emerald Class cabin. It was like business class on airline..hehe.

We were given priority boarding and do not need to follow the crowd who were queuing. Then on board, we were seated on the upper deck. The seats were able to be inclined. When the ferry started, drinks were served on board for the Emerald class. It was a very good experienced for the family. Especially the children – they simply enjoyed ordering their drinks.

Upon arrival at Bintan, we went to the Club Med counter to do our check in. the reception gave us our rooms keys and towels cards.

Then we were transferred to the Club Med. A little incident happened – as we disembarked from the bus to the resort, Anders missed a step and felt back on his back. He had a slight cut on behind his head and bruises on his back.

The resort doctor immediately brought us to the clinic and attended to his injuries. She cleaned his wound and applied some antiseptic. Then the GO came in and asked if we were ok, then she escorted us to our rooms.

We had 2 adjoining rooms for the stay – one room with a King Sized Bed and the other with a double twin bed. It was a surprised to me as I was only expecting one room.

After checking in and making sure Anders was ok, we went for a tea-break at one of the snack bar.

Then we went back to take a short rest before starting our holiday.

In the evening, I brought the children to the pool for a swim and we met their good friend – Peter. He was a mini club teacher when we were in club med in 2008. Now he is a life guard. We had a nice time at the pool and Adrian went for his gym routine.

Then we went back to change and got ready for dinner. It was buffets for breakfast / lunch & dinner. So the children went around freely getting their own food. Not forgetting their favorite drink bar too. There was free flow of juices & soft drinks.

After a sumptuous dinner, we went to the poolside to watch the entertainment program. It was a very nice aerobatic performance by the GO’s. Then after the show, there were games stall by the poolside and we had a fun time trying out the different games.

Then around 12pm, we went back to our room and call it a night.

Day 2: Sunday, 14 March

We woke up to a sunny & beautiful morning. After a good breakfast, we went around to check out the activities. We had wanted to try Archery but the Q was quite long. So we decided not to wait. I went to do the aqua aerobic while Adrian brought the children to the beachside for some water fun.

The aqua-aerobic session was very enjoyable and following it was a water polo game among the participants. It was a really fun session and I truly enjoyed the sun and got tanned right after…haha.

As usual we had our lunch and managed to watch a special Hollywood show by the poolside. It was a comedy and we had a good laugh.

Then we took our afternoon rest before going for our evening activities. Anthea & Anders played a game of badminton with Adrian and I went to the gym to do some workout.

We had dinner after we went back to shower & change. We went to the theatre after dinner to watch the night entertainment. It was a standup kind of comedy and it was very hilarious. Anders was laughing non-stop throughout the show. Usually before the night show starts, there will be children game for the kid’s club children and Anthea enjoyed watching the games. Anders even had the chance to go onstage to join in one of the game.

Once again after the show, we were all led to the main bar for the crazy signs dance and we had so much fun doing the dance. Then there was another round of movie mania performed by the GO’s.

While watching the show, Anthea & Anders ordered their own drinks from the kids section of the bar. They really know their way around & enjoying the special privileges.

We went back to our rooms around 12 midnight again…haha.

Day 3: Monday, 15 March

I woke up early in the morning around 6.30am. I wanted to book the Terrace restaurant for dinner. This restaurant served grilled food and they only allowed reservation guests.

Since it’s school holiday and with so many Singaporean around, I need to be a bit KS and true enough, when I went to make the booking, we were already the last few to be seated for the 1st dinner seating.

Since I was early I had my breakfast and went for the morning power walk. It was a good walk around the outside of the club.

After the power walk, I met up with the children & Adrian at breakfast table. They were enjoying their breakfast. I had some bite before going for my aerobic sessions at the gym. The 2 hours session was very strenuous but was very energizing for me. It has been a long time since I do classes.

We met up by the pool and the children were having a good time too and they got so tanned.

In the evening, we went to the beach again and they managed to kayak for a while. Then we had water play by the beach and the pool.

Dinner was at the Terrace and we had a good meal of grilled sotong, crabs, salmon, lobsters with special sauce and many more food.

After the dinner, we went back to the bar for a drink before going for the show again.

Yes, we ended in bed around midnight again…: P

Day 4: Tuesday, 16 March

Bintan → Singapore

Simply rest & relax till our departure at 1400. Arrived Singapore 5pm.

It was our home sweet home day, although we were all a bit sad to go home but I know we will be back for more again, one day.

It has been another memorable and enjoyable family vacation.

亲子团 三天两夜游

Anthea and my In-laws came back from another fantastic Club Med holiday. I went to the Ferry Terminal with my youngest brother in law to welcome them home.

Anthea was very happy and said that she had very good times in Club Med and wished that it could have been a longer holiday…haha.

This was her 1st solo trip without us and I am proud that she did well and my in-laws were able to enjoy their short break too.

They managed to take some photos and from the look of the photos, I knew the trip had been a good one for all of them.

My in-laws told me that upon checked in; they were told that their room has been upgraded. I think my contact person in Club Med may have put in some good words for us…hee. The room was so big and nice. The balcony overlook the seafront. Anthea even had a cozy corner bed to herself…: )

This trip Anthea also picked up the game of badminton from my father in-law and she said she enjoyed the game.

She also had her usual good fun at the swimming pool and by the beach. I am glad she is just like me – active going and enjoys all type of sports.

Of course not forgetting to mention FOOD Glorious food…haha. As usual, they had BIG feasts with all the buffet serving and drinks whole day.

Glad that she had this travel opportunity with her grandparents and I know she had a good bonding time with them, simply by ENJOYING LiFE!!

5 Days/ 4 Nights Club MED Bintan, 2 – 6 November 2008

Back from the wonderful “beachy” experienced in Club Med Bintan. We had such a fantastic and memorable time at the resort that Anthea and Anders felt so reluctant to come home.They were so sad on the day of departure, so to make them feel better, I told them we can plan another Bintan trip again when daddy is home with us, next year.

This is a truly FREE & EASY vacation for us, so there is no fixed itinerary like our previous trips. I just noted down our daily activities.

Day 1: Sunday, 02 Nov

Singapore → Bintan (Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal) Dep: 1400 / Arr 1345

We had an early lunch at the TMFT with my 2nd brother in law family. Both Anthea and Anders were excited and waiting eagerly to go on board the Ferry. We checked in our luggage and started our boarding. The Ferry – Indra Bupala departed on time at 2pm and it was about another ride. we arrived at 1.45pm – Bintan local Time. The time difference is -1 hour. There was a Club Med counter at the arrival terminal and we got our room keys and beach towels card from the counter. Then we boarded the bus and the journey from the ferry terminal to Club Med was about 10 minutes.

Upon arrival at the resort, there was a team of GOs (gracious organizers) at the reception area welcoming our arrival. We were given towels and welcome drinks. The Club General Manager was there, personally, to do the welcome speech. Then we were leaded to our rooms by the GO.

In Club Med, the guests are all known as GM (Gracious Members) and the staffs are all GOs. Everywhere you go around the resort, they will be mingling among the guests. All of them wear the GO T-shirts, so it's very easy to spot them. Each day their T-shirts are in difference vibrant colours.

We had 2 rooms and it was connecting room. The rooms are seaview rooms and each room has its own balcony. While waiting for our luggage to be delivered to the rooms, we headed to the Zentika restaurant for our tea-break. It served finger food and light meals. After eating our tea, we went back to our room to have a quick rest before exploring the resort.

At 5pm, we changed and went to the beach. Club Med had its private beach and the beach was very clean. Anthea and Anders had a fun time playing with the small waves.

After an hour of fun by the sea, we went back to change and got ready for the Information Meeting at 6.30pm. It was a very useful meeting and the GO provided us with all the information on the resort. Then we headed to the Waterfall restaurant for our Buffet dinner. The spread was really sumptuous and there was free flow of RED/WHITE wine during dinner.
After a very fulfilling dinner, we headed to the Trapeze area for the show. It was very entertaining. Then after the show, we were guided to go to the poolside where there were games booths. Anthea and Anders had a great time trying the different games. It was so much fun. We went back to our room almost near midnite... : )

Day 2: Monday, 03 November

We woke up to a bright and sunny day and had our breakfast at the restaurant I brought Anthea and Anders to the Mini Kids club and let them joined the activities. I tagged along with them as I know Anders needed time to warm up to strangers.

They had morning games - for Anders group, they played balls and badminton. As for Anthea group, they had kid's archery. Anthea enjoyed the archery session. Anders was a bit in tear when I met up with them at sports centre.

Then they went to the Trapeze area to do the rope walking. It was the 1st time that Anthea and Anders tried these kinds out outdoor sport and I am glad they had fun at it.

The GO brought them back to the Kid club area and they had pool time@ mini club pool. They played water games and also had a chance to do the slide.

After a quick shower, they were brought to the restaurant for lunch. I signed them out after lunch. We met up with my Parents in law for lunch. My parents in law went for the different sport session in the morning. My FIL did the kayaking and my MIL did the aerobic class. They had a good time too... : )

In the afternoon, we had our afternoon nap. In the evening, we went to the beach and did some swimming. My FIL discovered that there were many fishes in an area. So he brought the children there and we feed the fishes with bread. The water was so cleared and we can see the fishes and they were beautiful.

Anthea and Anders had a good time by the beach. Then we went back to our room to change and get ready for a BBQ dinner at La Terrasse restaurant. (For this BBQ dinner, advanced reservation is required.)

The BBQ dinner spread was good – BBQ Squid, Crab, Fish and grilled lamb with herb. We had a good time and of course, a good Rose Wine to go with the dinner.

After dinner, we went to the theatre to watch a dance show performed by the GOs. After the show, the GOs leaded us to do the Crazy Sign dance and it was really fun. Then there was FREE foot massage by the poolside and some other programs for the GMs. Most of the cocktails were FREE from the bar. So we really drank to our heart contend. Anthea and Anders had a good time ordering their juices. Again we went back to our room near to midnite... : P

Day 3: Tuesday, 4 November

In the morning after breakfast, I left Anthea and Anders at the kids club. I went on with my own agenda. I started with the Step class and then continued with the abdominal class.

Then I went to the beach and did the aqua aerobics. After the aerobic, there was game session organized by the GO and I had great time at the games by the beach. The Sun, the Sun and the Sea felt so great and energizing... : )

Then I went to the restaurant to pick up Anthea and Anders as requested by them. We had an eventful morning.

We took our afternoon nap and then went to the beach again in the evening. The children just love the beach. They also took a quick swim in the pool.

Dinner was at the Waterfall restaurant. Although we ate 90% of our meals there, the food changes every time and the International spread choices was very wide.

After dinner, we went to the theatre and there was a children Bingo game in progress. We joined in the fun.

There was an Asian Dance show performed by the GOs and it was really entertaining. After the show, we were leaded to the Bagus Bar for Casino Night. Chips were given to all the GMs and we were told to collect as much chips as possible for the Final Lucky Draw. It was a fun time for the family, we played Black Jack and excitement was in the air. Too bad, we miss the BIG Draw by 1 digit...: P

We had our drinks by the bar before calling it a day.

Day 4: Wednesday, 5 November

Anthea wanted to join the Kids club again, so I left both of them there in the morning after breakfast. I went to try the Golf and it was tough. Then I went to gym and did my gym routine.

Then I headed to the poolside where my Mil was doing her aqua aerobic session. I picked the children after their lunch and met up with my PILs for lunch.

We had our usual nap after lunch. In the evening, we went to the pond side to feed fish. There was a Komodo dragon and the children had a good chance to see the real thing, other than from the books. There were also monkeys and squirrels in the woods.

After feeding the fishes and Komodo dragon, we went to the beachside for waves playing again.

We had our dinner and then watch the Trapeze show. The night continued with the GO's doing Sport Theme at the Bagus bar. There were different sports at a corner. My FIL tried the table tennis challenge. Anthea and Anders tried a table game that needs them to throw the token into individual slot. Not sure of the name. .. : )

When I told the children it was time to go back to rest, both of them were so reluctant to go back to the room and wanted to play more.

The main reason was 2 of their favorite “GO teachers” were there – Peter and Hiro. Peter is very good with children and he can do “magic” to entertain them, so the children likes him a lot. Hiro is also a very nice teacher and she is also very hands on with children. I would say that all the GOs in the Mini Club are very professional. That's why parents are confident to leave their children at the club.

Day 5: Thursday, 06 November

Bintan → Singapore Dep: 1435 / Arr 1630

This was the last day of our vacation. We had breakfast and then did our check out at 11am. Anthea and Anders wanted to say good-byes to their “teachers”, so we went to the kids club to say Bye-bye to Peter and the rest. I know both of them will miss the fun “teachers” and also the great activities that they had enjoyed.

Then we went to the Bar for drinks before having our lunch.

After lunch, we went to the reception area for our departure bus to the Ferry Terminal. The teams of GOs were there and they were clapping and waving Bye Byes to the GMs who were leaving. The ambiance was great and the feeling was sad.

This had been a wonderful vacation for the family and I know that one day, we will be back.

I felt renewed and recharged and I look forward to another vacation experience in Club Med again.

Thank you for the GReAT Fun time, CLUB MED GOs. You GUYS are fantastic!!!

Leavings / Club MED...

31 October 2008 will be a special day for me to remember – it is the last day for me at Philips. Luckily for me, few of my department colleagues were either travelling or on leaves, so I was not too emotional at the Leaving hours. I left the office at 5.30pm to go to the PPS to do my exit clearance. Then it was all the way out and no more looking back... : )

I received a very meaningful gift from a colleague from another department. A small notebook with these words:

For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord.
“Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to gives you hope and a future.” Jer 29:11)(NIV)

I am a free thinker and I really appreciate these words of encouragement.
Thank you very much, Jee.

Yesterday was also the day that my parents left for the 45 days 探亲trip to Hainan Island. I will miss my 老爸 home cooked meals and my 老妈 weekdays house cleaning. My mom even asked me if I needed to engage a Part Time cleaner to clean the house. I told her I am the one for the job...haha.

Last evening, we had the chance to do a video conference with Adrian. He is very well, judging from the video and the food they were cooking for lunch – Bak ku teh.
He will be joining a Full day tour to the borders of Lebanese today. I am really happy for him as the 2nd trip seems to have trained him better for the cooking part, especially.

Today is the End of term 交流会for Anthea's 天下lesson. There were simple performances put up by the Nursery/K1/K2 children.

We met up with my PILs for dinner after her class. Then we went home for me to complete my packing for our 5 Days 4 night Club Med Bintan trip.

I am looking forward to a relaxing break and hope the children will have great fun too.

We are off to Club Med Bintan ...till we update again - Selamat tinggal !!