Trikora
From Wikitravel
Trikora is the eastern beach of Bintan, Indonesia.
[edit] Get in
Take a cab from Tanjung Pinang. It should cost no more than 150,000 INR, or if you're good, you might be able to negotiate a better price. Alternatively, if you're going solo or the group feels like enjoying the wind in their hair, hop onto a motorbike. Negotiate with one of the many ready takers outside the ferry station and make sure you settle on an agreeable price. This could range anywhere from S$10 to S$15 for the over an hour journey to Shady Shack. The ride alone is a delight, with scenes of village life on one side and pockets of the amazing waters on another. It is also possible to rent a motorbike which I did from a local at the ferry terminal for 90,000 INR per day for 5 days (although negotiations started at 150,000 per day, I suspect there are better deals around). I think there might be a place to rent motorbikes from in the TP, but I didn't have time to look around TP as it was getting dark.
[edit] Get around
To get around Trikora, arrange for transport with Lobo - either motorcycle or a van - to check out the locale.
[edit][add listing] See
The Trikora area is for beach-lovers who enjoy their sandy spots without the crowds. There are quite a number of beaches dotting the stretch, each with its own character and charm. Shady Shack (km 41) is at Trikora Tiga (Trikora 3) and there are more beach gems through to Trikora Empat (Trikora 4). If you're staying at Lobo's he will be more than happy to arrange a motorcycle with a rider or a van to take a group. Pack some chilled beers in the eski and head out to soak in the serene setting of village life along the way. The locals are very friendly and some speak a smattering of English.
[edit][add listing] Do
Island hopping, jungle tours, kelong tours, fishing, picnicing, and volley ball.
If you feel like doing a bit of spot fishing, ask Lobo to see if he can arrange for a boat to take the group out on a day trip. Kelongs (Stilt mobile homes made for fishing) abound too and there's a chance you could get onto one to see firsthand how they get their catch.
If all else fails, there's always the art of climbing coconut trees to master! The locals will be happy to share some tips!
Bintan Agro Beach Resort (km 36) have water sports and Island tours available to outsiders as well as guests. eg, S$15pp for Island Tour. I also rented a small local 2 person fishing boat with a sail and paddles for 50,000 INR for the day from a local fisherman. I didn't try and negotiate hard as these guys don't have much. He was happy, and I was happy that he would trust me with his livelihood :)
[edit][add listing] Buy
Dried fish is good and fresh fish is better! Restaurants will cook your fish that you bring in at a price and will not in the least be offended.
[edit][add listing] Eat
Seafood! There are a couple of restaurants. They are quite cheap unless you go up-market. See Yasin Bungalows below.
[edit][add listing] Drink
If you stay at the Shady Shack, Lobo will go down to town to get you beer, etc. There's a fishing village called Kawal not too far away from Shady Shack and Lobo or whoever is around will be happy to hop onto their bikes to grab some beers. However, you can always pick up duty-free from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal with its great stock of liquids. Forget about nightlife unless you want to hang out at the local karaoke joints which are at least about 45 minutes away on motorbikes from Shady Shacks. The whole idea is to chill out with your own drinks by the beach and when night falls, head to Shady Shack's version or an indoor hangout (a few basic long benches and tables) to have some group fun singing and dancing (if there's a CD player around).
Yasin Bungalows (km 38) has a good standard bar and restaurant for this area where generally it's hard to find anything very much, and it's not expensive.
For something upscale, you may wanna stop over at Bintan Agro Beach Resort in the afternoon. There's a nice restaurant sitting on the water that serves food and drinks in a very pleasant setting.
[edit][add listing] Sleep
- Pondok Wisata Susy
42km mark from Tanjung Pinang. Owned by Mr. Solarto and his wife 'Ms. Annie'. It's right beside Shady Shack and of similar style: The beauty of simplicity.
Basic wooden huts, some with A/C, on one of the nicest beaches of the island, Pantai Trikora. White sand, crystal clear blue water, coconut-trees and a quiet and relaxing atmosphere to switch off your everyday life.
Ms. Annie is providing delicious indonesian food including snacks, seafood or just a sip out of the coconut. Spend your time hanging out on the beach or with Mr. Solarto and his family and learn more about the indonesian culture and lifestyle.
Rooms from Rp110K (S$17) incl. breakfast.
- Shady Shack. 41km mark from Tanjung Pinang. Owned by Lobo, this is affordable and rustic, although quite basic. Some rooms have fans and an attached bathroom. Don't expect anything upscale - everything here is basic but that's the beauty of this place. One magical thing it has going for it is the 'private' beach that is all yours. Walk about 50 metres away from the site and there is this gentle sloping beach that stretches out with clear waters with shades of blue, gin-clear and emerald green. Should try skinny dipping when no one is around - pure bliss! When there's enough of a crowd, Lobo and gang are more than happy to do up a bonfire when the sun settles. You can't beat the stunning combination of sitting under a brilliantly star-studded sky lisening to some of the locals sing their melodious tunes. Sleep to the sounds of gentle waves washing up the shore and get up to glorious mornings just perfect for a dip in the warm waters after (free) breakfast. Rooms from Rp165K per night(S$25) for 2.
- Yasin Bungalows. 38km mark from Tanjung Pinang. Owned by Bintan Agro Beach Resort, and is their rustic budget alternative to their more expensive upmarket resort 2km away. This place is a real gem, more organised and upmarket than Shady Shack, but at a similar price. A nice rustic 2 person bungalow built over the water just S$25 per night. Plus they have a bar and restaurant with good food, etc... at very reasonable prices (eg, great nasi goreng 12,500 INR).
[edit] Get out
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