A hotel worker gave me a brief history of the island. He said that people have lived on the island since 200 AD. The island has been an important port for sea trading between China and India. He said at times it has been under control of China, the Arabs, British and Dutch.
The island gets it's name from a local legend. According to the story, a prince asked a local princess to marry him. She rejected him and threw his jewel ring into the sea and it became the island of Bintan.
We loved playing on the beaches. The sand was a beautiful white color and the blue water was striking against it. Mr. Kungfuyankee had a good time snorkeling and seeing the sea life.
We had the opportunity to attend a cultural show and elephant show. (videos of dancing and music are posted in the previous four blue links). Second daughter got to tell the elephant numbers and it would pick up the correct numbered card and bring it to her. Mr. Kungfuyankee got to be the goalie against an elephant playing soccer. I think they both enjoyed it.
After the show, we all got to ride an elephant. It was awesome. They had me sit on the hip bone so the ride as really bumpy. Elephant skin is really soft but their ears are rough and the elephant hair is course.
Mr.Kungfuyankee surprised us with a night safari where we got on boats and drove down a river and got to catch fireflies. The fireflies live in the mangrove trees next to the river. The girls and I had never seen fireflies so we loved catching them and holding them. It was a real treat.
Traditional Indonesian food included a sweet curry and we tried a traditional caked called Srikaya Panggang. It was thick and had the consistency of mousse but tasted like rice.
Srikaya Panggang
This is incredible!!! What an adventure with the elephants! And so fun with the fireflies. That is just the coolest! You guys are awesome for all the experiences you are brave to make for yourself and try. Love your adventure journal!!!!
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