I've been to Bintan several times now and yes there is visa on arrival (sometimes this can back up and cost you 20-30 minutes or more). The trip isnt as quick and easy as it should be. Overall, I've found that door to door to Bintan from Singapore is not much less time than going to Phuket from Singapore, we usually opt for the later as the flights are so cheap now (no VOA hassle either).

Additionally, I'm not sure why people say things like "don't go in the water" or "don't put your head in." I swim in the water here in Singapore at east coast park, for a frame of reference I'd say it's no worse than the Los Angeles area, really it's about the same-- oil splotches on your feet from time to time, ear infections possible especially after big rainstorms. But it's simply not true that you'll get sick if you put your head under. And then Bintan is better water than here in Singapore, so I am perfectly comfortable swimming there. Plus, all of the nicer places on Bintan have pools so you can just have your kid stay there if you are too concerned.

As far as locations, I've stayed at the Angsana Resort (most recently) and the Mayang Sari (not sure about the spelling) and been over to the Banyan Tree. The Angsana and Banyan Tree are right next to each other, BT is a step up in quality but also more $$. Angsana was decent service etc. I'd stay there again. These two places are set on a nice fine powder sand cove. I thought this was a great beach. The Angsana is pretty nice, it will certainly do for a quick weekend, as a resident of Singapore I would just say that it certainly beats hanging out here for a weekend, especially if you have already been here!

We also tried the bungalows at Mayang Sari and I thought rustic would be a nice way of describing them, but I'd be more candid though and say "dump." We also looked around at the nearby Nirwana Hotel, it was nothing special either. I wouldn't go back here.