Good Friday Getaway @ a Kelong, Bintan, Indonesia

It was a poetically quiet weekend for me. Away from people, the city, i took a much-needed refresher in a kelong in Bintan. Most city-landers would probably turn up their noses at the thought of staying in a spartan, dirty kelong without even the basics of modern conveniences that what an acclaimed "resort" would have. The room i was to reside in for 2 nights come simply furnished with a bug-infested bed (we actually see these little black things jump around, surprisingly we dint get any bites), a tiny sink that is even tinier than those furnished for children in public toilets, a dusty bathroom where the toilet doesn't even have an automated flush. I can just see one thousand and one city-landers turning up their noses at having to spend a relaxing weekend in this place, but i was filled with apprehension and excitement. The first day i was there, my week-long cold was instantly cured. My cluttered, narrowed mind welcomed the change in climate and surroundings. My heart and mind swam with the vast seas and skies and sands everyday. I felt so small in the vast beauty of nature, and yet so protected too.

I remember one time when I stood on the rickety planks of creaking wood, breathing in the salty sea breeze, letting the skies consume me, watching the soft ripples of the waters, and i thought, I am only like them all.. one little drop in the seas, one little blue in the shades of blues. So what does a little pea like me matter. I have become so narrow, by enlarging all my thoughts and hurts. For that split second, I felt the beauty of nature washing away my hurts for the moment, embracing me in their beauty

Nothing can describe the peace and beauty i found in the place, the pics only came so close. It was the only time i wish i was an artist, with a palette to catch the colours on canvas. Words were meaningless, so let the pics take u on the journey for now.

My Living Pad for 3 Days



The Scenes of Nature









Us








The Life








The People


I have to at least mention the people. Was sooo glad i chose the local resort to stay in. The residents are beyond nice. Hospitable and always with a ready smile or helping hand. The other side of life. The simplistic. Where a kind gesture means nothing more than that. Their impeccable service remains etched in my mind. Although we do not understand their language, we could feel the warmth behind the words. I remember the kelong-er who greeted us with a cheery Good Morning as we watched the sunrise, our BBQ cooks who cooked us a delicious last dinner, the friendly masseau, the residents picking cockles for a living. The residents reminded me of the simple kindness that is lost in the depths of city life.

Back to the City after 3 Poetic Days


Nooooo... Speed me back to the kelong, for my heart isn't back here yet

*Thanks K babe, for the wonderful recommendation to the kelong*