Two of us spent five mid-week days (Monday to Thursday nights) at the Mayang Sari, and can only echo the positive comments we read about it on TripAdvisor. We had a spacious cabin (with a comfortable kingsize bed) facing the attractive beach, and loved being able to walk a few paces across grass into the sea. The water seemed very clean - amazing for the Malacca Straits - and though there was a 'watch out for jellyfish' notice we certainly never saw one!

The staff were extremely helpful and very welcoming; the buffet breakfasts in the Spice Restaurant were excellent, and in general its food was so good that we hardly began to explore the other restaurants in the overall Nirwana Gardens complex ourselves (though fellow guests gave us a good report of the Thai restaurant). The chef even cooked us our favourite dessert (lemon meringue pie, in case you'd like to know!) though it wasn't on the menu. That's an indication of a hotel that cares.

There were one or two minor niggles - some of the TV channels kept getting 'technical faults', one of the electrical sockets in the bedroom was faulty, and the shower fitting in the bathroom was coming loose - but certainly nothing to spoil a really enjoyable stay.

We'd recommend the mangrove excursion by boat - very atmospheric, though we didn't see much animal or bird life.

Overall, one of the best hotel stays we've had, and we certainly hope to make the short hop across from Singapore again.

Service:
thumbs up. We were 'escorted' to our suite in a buggy... cool! And when we missed the bus to pasar oleh oleh, the attendant took an extra mile to send us to the next stop. Easy check out, and we could leave our luggage with them at ease.

Room:
Rustic, 'kampong' feel. Big and simple-decorated room with all necessities in place. The woody interior made one felt relaxed. As we stayed in the seaview suite, i enjoyed staying in the room and watched the sea. It also had a table a 2 chairs outside the room for you to be closer to the nature. Drinks in the fridge were one-time complimentary.

Beach:
wooo... loved the white sand and clear seawater! Beach benches were scattered sparsely hence it gave the users the privacy. Best thing was, the beach was not pack with people unlike the adjacent resort, though has more water sport facilites but it was too noisy to our liking.

- The Mayang Sari was the best! Lovely people, amazing staff, so quiet and peaceful - the beach is clean and very private.
- Location was right on the beach. The Sea View Chalets sat on the beach so you could hear the waves each evening.
- Hospitality of staff was amazing! It was my boyfriend's birthday and they came in the evening with a birthday cake, very unexpected.
- Food was delicious - pretty average at Nirwana Resort; but go to the Thai restaurant next to Indra Maya Villas.
- Water stunning - so warm and the jelly fish catchers made sure you weren't stung (we didn't even see one jelly fish over the 5 days we were there).
- Feel free to use your breakfast voucher at Nirwana Hotel which has more variety than Mayang Sari and just as lovely people.
- Take insect spray - the sand mosquitos bite - 27 bites and counting! Especially when lying on the hammock in front of your villa.
- Price at the restaurants: for an Indonesian Island they used Singapore dollars and everything was expensive. We stocked up on breakfast hugely and then had dinner.
- The rooms are a rustic Indonesian feel and not luxurious by any means; however they provide you with fresh insence each day; fresh towels; fresh linen and the air conditioning makes it lovely. The rooms are a 3 star room.
- Feel free to use all the Nirwana facilities - we went swimming at Nirwana pool as there is no pool at Mayang Sari - but you can use the Banyu Villas pool too and that is quieter than Nirwana Hotel as Nirwana has a lot of children and families. Use the gym too.
- Mayang Sari room service from Spice Restaurant is lovely - fresh, hot and cheap too! The Thai restaurant is to die for ... amazing tables on the beach. Just book for a Saturday night otherwise you miss out on the outside tables.
- Spice Restaurant and Thai Restaurant next to Maya Indra Villas is the best for food. You are reliant on the prices they set and Nirwana is just too expensive, but Mayang Sari was much better costed. Except for breakfast - don't be afraid to use your Mayang Sari vouchers at Nirwana - they have more variety for the all you can eat buffet breakfast.
- We travelled as a couple and found it to be private and relaxing when we wanted it; but there were plenty of activities to keep us occupied.
- You are over 1.5 hours outside of the main city so you are bound by the prices and activities that the resorts offer. Some of them are on the expensive side, but things like canoeing is reasonable and fun!
- The beach is beautiful - Mayang Sari beach much better than Nirwana or Banyu Villas ... so private and the sand is luxurious.
- Staff are SO VERY friendly - always chatting ... learn a few Indonesian words too and you get rewarded by a great experience.
- For any Australian's, we forgot that you needed a Visa to Indonesia - you can buy it for SNG$17 each when you get into Bintan at the ferry terminal, not sure if it is cheaper getting it in Australia.
- Insects galore - they fumigate the resort surroundings each evening so not too bad, but remember it is tropical so you need insect spray.
- Weather is a perfect 29 degrees each day; ocean temp around 24-26 degrees and a mix of sun and overcast which was great as the sun was harsh and easily burnt.
- It only rained twice while we were there - and for half an hour each time then it cleared.
- November to March is monsoon so will rain more though ...
- Enjoy!!

Date: 8th Sept to 10th Sept

I have just returned from Mayang Sari Resort in Bintan. At first, i was totally captured by the beach by the resort. When i got to the chalet i was supposed to stay in, i was disappointed. The room was kinda old. The wooden floors were creaking and there is this odd smell that was there the whole time.
But plus points are the fast response of the resort staff, they are also very friendly too. The beach was definitely great too!
The Aroma Day Spa just located opposite the Pasar Oleh Oleh, the rooms are clean and up to date services are there. Price is much cheaper than the ones the resorts offer, also, you just need to call to reserve a slot for your spa/massage and there will be free 2 way transportation!!!

Mayang Sari will be good if you not really particular about smell and old looking bed sheets (they are clean though).