Weekend getaways to Cempedak and Nikoi Private Islands have become more seamless following the reinstated ferry timings from Singapore’s Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal and Bintan Ferry Terminal this year. The private islands continue to be the beacon of rest and restoration away from the bustling city to discerning guests, this time without needing to dip into guests’ precious annual leave days.

Visitors looking to make a last-minute weekend escape have the option of jet setting from the city on the new ferry timing at 5.55 PM on Fridays from Singapore to Bintan and living their weekend vacation to the fullest with the new ferry service timing from Bintan to Singapore, which leaves at 6.35 PM on Sundays. The extended timings create opportunities for families and couples to reconnect with nature and foster deeper bonds while rejuvenating for the week ahead.

Visitors to both islands can look forward to easier entry processes for weekday and weekend escapes, with the up-and-coming Visa on Arrival (VoA) policy for the Riau Islands in the works. Currently in its finalisation stage, the draft policy, announced by the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, introduces a peek into the two types of upcoming visa programs, which are categorised based on the duration of stay: a 30-day VoA, priced at IDR 500 thousand (S$42), and a short-term visa, priced at IDR 100 thousand (S$9) and valid for seven days. Guests booking a spontaneous getaway at Cempedak or Nikoi Islands after the confirmation of the policy in the near future will be treated to a smoother and more accessible travel journey than before.

Cempedak and Nikoi Stay Packages

Both islands offer a variety of stay packages designed to immerse guests into natural and untouched splendour. On both islands, guests can opt for packages such as the Last Minute Long Weekend, where travellers can enjoy three nights amid lush greenery in a beach-facing or sea-view two-storey villa, daily board, access to the island activities, a round of sunset cocktails, dinner under the stars and 120 minutes worth of spa treatments per person.

Other evergreen packages include mid-week getaways with A Romantic Escape package, which comes with a complimentary night’s accommodation, invigorating couples massage, pre-dinner cocktails and a bottle of bubbles, and the Relax & Rejuvenate package, with daily spa treatments, yoga classes and healthy meals; ideal for wellness enthusiasts.

Interior of the villa on Cempedak Island

Upcoming events

Ubah Rumah Residency Programmes

From July to October 2024, visitors to both islands can indulge in a variety of activities and workshops aimed at enriching, engaging, and entertaining. At Nikoi Island, guests are welcomed to delve deeper into culture and environment topics led by various artists-in-residence and researchers-in-residence at Ubah Rumah, Nikoi Island’s artist studio and research outpost in the Riau Islands.

Ubah Rumah will host a range of workshops in the upcoming months, including discovering the intricacies of sustainability issues within the textile industry from 31 August to 5 October 2024. Art enthusiast guests can look forward to artist-in-residence Lusiana Limono, an artist and textile crafter by trade in Jakarta. Limono beckons all to explore further sustainability within textiles and how to value-add into their lives with everyday materials.

Workshops at Ubah Rumah continue to offer a unique opportunity for all to blend art, sustainability, and community together, fostering a deeper understanding of our impact on the environment and our bodies.

Island Wellness Retreat

Cempedak Island will host its inaugural “Island Wellness Retreat” from 18 October to 21 October this year. The 4D3N exclusive retreat, hosted by seasoned wellness professionals, invites guests to embark on a journey of self-discovery and rejuvenation amidst the natural beauty of Indonesia. Guests can immerse fully into a plethora of wellness activities, including guided meditation, ice baths, soul-soothing sound healing, and revitalising yoga.

Guiding at the helm of this health-focused getaway are distinguished experts – wellness creative and MASE Lifestyle wellness consultancy founder Mae Kwan, ice bath and breathwork facilitator David Jacob, and transformation coach Tamsin Bradshaw, who will lead the opening fire ceremony.

The Island Wellness Retreat is priced at S$2,100 for single occupancy and S$2,640 for double occupancy and includes all wellness activities, accommodation, transfers and daily board. For more information and to book, download the flyer or contact [email protected]. (Note: Only one villa remains available for the highly anticipated Island Wellness Retreat. Secure your spot now for a rejuvenating and transformative experience.)

Ferry Timings 2024
Singapore to Bintan:
Monday to Thursday: 8:10 am, 11:10 am and 2:00 pm,
Friday to Saturday: 8:10 am, 11:10 am and 5:55 pm,
Sunday: 8:10 am, 11:10 am and 2:00 pm

Bintan to Singapore:
Monday to Saturday: 2:35 pm and 6:35 pm,
Sunday: 2:35 pm, 4:35 pm and 6:35 pm.

Images: Cempedak and Nikoi Private Islands