Nikoi Island, Bintan Islands, Indonesia - Explore & Book
"Experience barefoot luxury here at Nikoi, a private island off the east coast of Bintan. Just 2.5 hours from Singapore, this laid-back, secluded getaway offers an abundance of pristine natural wonders and wildlife encounters. Ringed with white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and coral reefs, and blessed with a rainforest teeming with birds, this tiny island offers the ultimate Robinson Crusoe experience. Handcrafted from driftwood with ‘alang alang’ grass roofs, the 18 beautiful stilted beach houses have one, two or three bedrooms, spacious bathrooms, and balconies to maximise sea views and catch cooling sea breezes (no need for air-conditioning). Affordable and far from pretentious, nearly all the ingredients, materials and products deployed are sourced locally; staff are local too. A leader in sustainable tourism, Nikoi Island's eco-friendly principles underwrite all that they do. There's minimal landscaping (building was limited to one area of the island) and natural ventilation, the planting of indigenous plants, removal of plastic from the eco-system and solar-powered hot water. They've also helped establish marine protected areas and supported local education. A haven for honeymooners, young couples or families alike, it's a wild playground for all ages. There's no shortage of things to do – snorkelling, island hopping, fishing, sailing, wildlife spotting – or just reclining on a daybed, cocktail in hand. You'll marvel at the most fantastic carpet of stars come evening too. Highs Super-friendly, dedicated staff make the experience complete – they called us by name and remembered our favourite things There's a choice of swimming pools Beachfront massages in the tented spa, where the only soundtrack is the sea Yummy food using locally sourced, fresh products Spacious, Zen-like beach houses that can accommodate 2-6 people Abundant wildlife including sea turtles, monitor lizards, butterflies, otters, and eagles Lows Book early if you want to come in the school holidays! Expect to see creepy crawlies, though each house has mosquito nets and coils to keep them at bay It's an adventure to get to: a ferry from Singapore to Bintan, then a private transfer and a private launch – but all in, only a journey of 2.5 hours No phones or TVs in the rooms – but there's mobile reception, WiFi, movie projectors and you can borrow books, mags and board games" - Rachel Everett
