Is a private island holiday in Indonesia calling? If you can’t quite find the time for a long mid-year vacay and are wondering where to go on holiday in Indonesia, here’s a way to take the edge off with a super vacation from Singapore. Plus, this quick trip allows you to skip the hassle of airports – you can travel by boat to both Telunas Beach Resort and Telunas Private Island. And there’s also a special offer until the end of August!
Where to go on holiday in Indonesia
In Indonesia’s patchwork of more than 17,000 islands, Telunas Beach Resort and Telunas Private Island are hidden gems to most. But, luckily for us, they’re easily reached from Singapore! Just take the one-hour ferry to Batam and the resort staff will then escort you on the onward boat ride to Telunas Resorts. There, you’ll leave the city behind and have soft sand under your feet. Once you’ve relished the sunset views and quiet beachfront, here are five more ways to make the most of a weekend stay.
#1 Try a fishing adventure
The joy of going on a short vacation from Singapore is disconnecting from work and life. But it’s also nice to try something new or surround yourself in nature. Fishing combines both of these! If you haven’t tried it, it’s an exhilarating feeling to reel in your first catch.
At the resorts, you can book a fishing trip to try hand-line fishing and crabbing. And there’s an added bonus: what you catch, the resort Chef can prepare for your dinner!
This add-on experience to a Telunas stay includes learning how to tie a fishing hook, put on bait, use a fishing spool and hold and handle a fish safely. You’ll also get other tips, tricks and expert advice. All you need to do is put on sunscreen and meet the team at the jetty.
#2 Unwind on a romantic escape
If you’re in need of a weekend or short vacation from Singapore to reconnect with the special person in your life, an island getaway is an excellent start. Follow this up with a traditional open-air massage on Telunas Private Island under the pavilion where you can feel the tropical breeze off the water beneath you. Or at Telunas Beach Resort, add on a massage right beside the beach. You’ll hear waves break softly on the shore while being pamepered!
There are four massages to select from, including the signature massage with long gliding strokes, Balinese deep tissue massage, a blend of Thai and Swiss techniques or an aromatherapy treatment.
In the evening, the resort can put together a special candlelight dinner with an exclusive multi-course menu as an add-on experience. All you’ll need to do is choose whether to dine on the beach or out on the jetty.
#3 Chase waterfalls
If you ask us, there’s no greater reward at the end of a hike than cooling off (or cannonballing!) in a natural pool of water. At Telunas, you can hike through secondary rainforest and spot jungle wildlife as you head towards a lovely waterfall. At the end of the trail, take a moment to indulge in a perfect post-hike dip. This excursion is seasonal and a free activity when you stay on the Private Island. (It’s also available as an add-on for a stay at the Beach Resort.)
#4 Choose a resort or private island holiday in Indonesia
You don’t have to plan a trip to the Maldives to stay in gorgeous overwater accommodation. Telunas Resort has a few different options, all with uninterrupted ocean views and furnishings made from upcycled wooden boats.
The Beach Resort has four accommodation choices starting with an overwater room for two to an overwater bungalow with or without a balcony, for two to five people. The largest abode is a three-bedroom bungalow with a loft and balcony for 6 to 12 people.
The Private Island has two options. There’s an overwater villa with a sitting room, private balcony, king-size bed and a children’s loft, and also a couples-only private villa located on the ridge with a king bed overlooking the sea and private plunge pool.
If you’re bringing the family for a weekend away, there’s also a fantastic Kids’ Club for those staying on the Private Island, while at the Beach Resort you won’t run out of games by the shore. Plus, there’s always the favourite activity amongst adults and children alike – jumping off the jetty!
#5 Try local traditions
Ever tried to play the Kompang? This traditional drum is used for special occasions – and at Telunas you can learn a few rhythms and experience traditional Melayu drumming. When multiple rhythms are layered over one another, it creates a harmonic beat.
Another experience is visiting the resort’s Malay neighbours (Indonesia’s Riau Islands are home to a substantial Malay population) and their village to learn about the local culture. Alternatively, the resort can also organise an opportunity to try some mouth-watering Malay cuisine cooked by local island residents, even during a short vacation from Singapore.
Exclusive discount!
To celebrate 20 years of sharing this destination with travellers, Telunas has created a special 10 percent discount for Expat Living readers who book a stay at Telunas Beach Resort from July through August. This promotion applies for the entire months of July and August (excluding 7 to 11 August when the resort is fully booked) and applies to room rates at Telunas Beach Resort. Claim the offer by emailing marketing@telunasresorts.com.
To find out more about booking a short vacation from Singapore at the resort, visit telunasresorts.com.
Getting there
First, take the ferry from HarbourFront to Sepukang in Batam. After clearing customs, you meet the Telunas representative on the other side for the transfer to the private boat. It’s a 60-to-90-minute trip to Telunas, passing by beautiful island scenery. Telunas is one hour behind Singapore time.
This article about a private island holiday in Indonesia first appeared in the July 2024 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue and also subscribe so you never miss a copy!
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