When you are in Batam and Bintan (Riau Islands in Indonesia), you will see Sanford mineral water everywhere in hotels, coffee shops, ferry boats, provision shops, supermarkets etc. Sanford mineral water produced in Batam and Bintan has the biggest market share there and is still growing.
During recent my 5-day trip to Tanjung Pinang (on Pulau Bintan), I saw that there were several bak kut teh shops at Jalan Potong Lembu - a popular area where locals go for eating and shopping. I can't fairly recommend any bak kut teh shop as we tried only Heng Long, but I did enjoy their BKT which was among the tastiest I've tried anywhere.
During my visit to Tanjung Pinang, I had the chance to see how otak otak is made at Acong Ota. While in Tanjung Pinang, I tried otak otak from only three different places. Out of the three, I prefer Acong Ota. But, I need to try more otak otak in Tanjung Pinang before recommending any.
The Manabu restaurant in Tanjung Pinang was recommended to us by Marc Thalmann owner of Mutiara Beach Resort when he heard that we were going to spend the night in the port city. Marc knew The Manabu's owner, Chef Gaku for over a decade when Chef was working with the resorts such as Nirwana Gardens in Bintan.
Like many people from Singapore, I have been to the luxurious Bintan Resorts along its north shores. But, I have never been anywhere else on Bintan Island (which is bigger than Singapore in size). So, I jumped at the first opportunity to visit Tanjung Pinang, the capital of Riau Province on Pulau Bintan.
⚠ Warning: Extra Too long post ahead.
Finally, this was my first ever visit to Pulau Bintan (Indonesia) which is so near to Singapore. I am glad to spend an interesting weekend at the huge Bintan Lagoon Resort - the largest on Bintan island.
