Nope, there's no air-conditioning. But here's why you should visit Cempedak Private Island, which is just a ferry ride away
Wishing for a tropical getaway doesn’t automatically mean hopping on a plane to a faraway island for an out-of-this-world experience. A pristine beach paradise is also found in our own backyard, if you know where to look. Cempedak Private Island, as we’ve discovered on a peaceful and relaxing three-day jaunt, is a place that stole our hearts… for many reasons.
The charm of this island starts with its close proximity to Singapore. It’s situated off the coast of the Riau islands in Indonesia, and getting here includes a one-hour ferry ride to Bintan, another hour by car to reach the jetty (shared with sister island, Nikoi) and a final 30min speedboat ride to reach the remote location. It’s no walk in the park, for sure, but for us, this three-part journey beats being stuck on a plane for hours on end.
While it’s only two-and-a-half hours away from Singapore, it’s worlds away from the concrete jungle we’re used to. In place of reclaimed lands and towering buildings are emerald green waters teeming with marine life, fine sand that stretches out like a welcoming carpet, and lush foliage surrounding the villas. Completing the picturesque scene is the vast blue sky and wispy white clouds that frame everything like a Monet masterpiece.
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NO SINGLE-USE AMENITIES
With founder Andrew Dixon being a champion of sustainability, the resort was built with ‘barefoot luxury’ in mind, with the purpose of treading the earth more lightly. Hence, our two-storey abode is stripped of 'daily comforts' like an air-conditioner, TV, fridge, as well as single-use amenities like toothpaste and toothbrush (it’s recommended you that bring your own). But what it lacks in supply, it makes up with clever and beautiful design.
The villa was made with sturdy bamboo (sourced locally in Java and Sumatra), which, Dixon, explained was the material of choice not only for its aesthetic looks but its ability “to grow back within two years”. As for the roof, it was crafted from alang alang cogon grass that lets the natural sea breeze in.
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