The recently-launched Flyboyz, a new bistro and bar by The Flying Dutchman and entertainer Chris Henson, is the only Singaporean-owned F&B establishment on Bintan
When the ferry docked at Lagoi Bay, I was not only excited about this trip to Bintan but also the chance to meet Mark van Cuylenberg, “The Flying Dutchman”, whose radio shows I’d always listened to in the morning.
Now, I was among the first to check out Flyboyz, his new bistro and bar – and the only Singaporean-owned food and beverage establishment on the island – jointly started with Chris Henson. Henson is also a familiar face, having been host, entertainer, businessman and TV actor.
Family-Friendly Bistro
Flyboyz is a three-storey establishment comprising a restaurant with a diner concept, a music bar playing retro hits, and an open-sky lounge serving Cuban-inspired cocktails under the stars.
Henson said, “I’ve always been a fan of the beach bar concept with an open and relaxed atmosphere, and wanted to open one with a distinct style that would appeal to Singaporeans as well as tourists.”
The Flyboyz Bistro on the ground floor has a mission to never let anyone leave hungry, and its enormous portions are testament to this. The garlic bread, burger buns and honey mustard are homemade, and among the standouts.
The star of the kitchen is possibly its 18-inch rendang pizza, which boasts a unique sweetness in its meat.
Scenic Rooftop Dining
Flyboyz has struck gold with its amazing location. You’ll be completely captivated when the sun starts to set and it becomes a pink-orange yolk slowly descending the citrus sky into the ocean.
The best point to catch this mesmerising view is at the al fresco rooftop lounge of Flyboyz, named “Cuba”. Patrons can enjoy jazz music handpicked personally by the showbiz veterans.
The Corned Beef Cutlet I had was delightful and the Mexican Mountain (salsa, cheese and chips) was addictive. Mangrove Madness, a green-coloured juice drink – apparently made with mustard greens, spinach, orange juice and pineapple juice – was my favourite. It was cooling and not too sweet.
Worms for Dessert?
If you dare, take on the Bintan ‘worms’. The more squeamish members of my party had a problem with the appearance of this dessert. But after finding out that they aren’t worms but gelatine noodles in chocolate ‘soil’, many of us proceeded to slurp down several portions.
After dinner, we headed to Hoobar on Level 2. Boom Shakalaka, said to be Riau’s best reggae band, also performs retro music from the ‘70s to the ‘90s.
I certainly had a ‘fly’ time at Flyboyz.
By Samantha Phey
Flyboyz Beach Bar is located at Lagoi Bay, Bintan and is a one-hour ferry ride from Singapore. Visit www.flyboyzbeachbar.com for more information.
ADVERTISEMENTS