The Residence Bintan

The Residence Bintan is an upscale villa resort by the Cenizaro group in the village of Galang Batang on Bintan's east coast, well away from the bustle of Lagoi. Opened in 2018, it faces the South China Sea and sits within sprawling tropical gardens on a calm bay.

Accommodation ranges from one-bedroom villas and terrace units to beachfront villas and a handful of two-bedroom villas. All come with a spacious bathroom and private deck, and some add a private pool.

What to expect

• A beach and main pool overlooking the sea
• Signature restaurant Rica Rica serving Indonesian and Pan-Asian dishes, plus a bar
• A spa with treatments by ila
• Kakatu Kids Club for children aged 3 to 12
• Complimentary shared transfers from the ferry terminal or airport (book ahead)

Guests praise the spotless rooms and warm service. Because the resort is so secluded, there are few places to eat outside it, so it suits couples and families who genuinely want to switch off.