Living in Kuala Lumpur, while offering plenty to see and do, can take quite a considerable toll on one’s mental well-being given the typically rapid pace of metropolitan life. But you won’t have to venture too far for a much-needed slice of paradise. Island vacations are aplenty around Malaysia and Singapore, and when you’re only a few hours away by plane from some of the best private islands in the world, it simply comes down to picking a destination and booking a ticket.
Nikoi
Set in Indonesian waters, Nikoi’s driving forces are barefoot luxury and sustainable tourism. Kick off your shoes to enjoy this back-to-nature experience, starting with wanders through the foliage that covers two-thirds of the island. Every effort has been made to ensure the infrastructure blends seamlessly into the natural surroundings, so you’ll stay in one of 18 open-air beach houses made from local driftwood and swim in pools fringed by natural granite boulders. Stays here are all about beachfront lounging, water sports, indulgent spa treatments, delicious Indonesian-focused meals—and benefiting the local community and environment through The Island Foundation. From SG$390.
Get here: Catch the one-hour ferry to Bintan, then a private one-hour car ride and 20-minute speed boat ride.
Telunas
Courtesy of Telunas Private Island Courtesy of Telunas Private Island
Part of Indonesia’s Riau Islands, Telunas is part private island and part beach resort. The private area consists of 15 overwater villas furnished with custom pieces made from upcycled wooden boats—they’re well-appointed, but don’t expect WiFi and TV. Instead, enjoy the island’s water sports, daily activities—including jungle hikes and pottery—fishing expeditions, and overwater massages at the sumptuous spa. Meal plans cover three feeds a day across a tantalizing array of Indonesian and western fare. From SG$310.
Get here: Take a ferry to Sekupang in Batam, then catch a local boat.
Amanpulo
Beach Pool Casita. Courtesy of Amanpulo Courtesy of Amanpulo Courtesy of Amanpulo
The Philippines is full of picturesque islands, but few deliver luxury island living like Amanpulo in Palawan’s Cuyo Archipelago. Check into a sumptuous Casita, or sprawling Villa that offers seamless indoor-outdoor living, a private chef, and butler. For total wellbeing, the onsite Aman Spa offers everything from a yoga pavilion and hydrotherapy suites to a jungle obstacle course, locally inspired Hilot massages, and resident specialists. There are also pristine beaches, a PADI dive and kite-surf center, and boats to take you fishing and island hopping. Exquisite dining, which includes Filipino and Mediterranean plates, is served across four venues. T+L Tip: Book a beachfront private dining experience for real indulgence. From US$1,500.
Get here: Fly to Manila, then take a 90-minute, private scheduled flight.
Pulau Pangkil
Courtesy of Pulau Pangkil Private Island Resort Courtesy of Pulau Pangkil Private Island Resort
In Indonesia’s Riau Archipelago, Pulau Pangkil is a tropical getaway in one tiny, rustic package. There are nine simple yet elegant villas here—called “Driftwood Palaces”—each one built with locally salvaged logs and thatched roofs, elevated for breeze and privacy, and situated near the beach. Amenities include a freshwater pool nestled amidst native greenery and natural boulders, dedicated massage bales, and a swimming pontoon; you can also play boules and volleyball, try water sports, or hike in the island’s central jungle. Rates include three meals a day, return transfers from Bintan, and beach bonfires each evening. From SG$370/night.
Get there: Take the one-hour ferry to Bintan, a 1.5-hour land transfer, then a quick boat ride.
Cempedak
Courtesy of Cempedak Private Island Courtesy of Cempedak Private Island
Consider Cempedak Nikoi’s urbane older sister. Developed by the same owners, the adults-only Cempedak offers a similarly sustainable barefoot luxury experience, but in an elevated style that incorporates ecologically friendly architecture combining bamboo, local alang alang grass, and recycled teak. The 20 handcrafted duplex villas epitomize indoor-outdoor living and come with private pools, while the restaurant’s hyper-local daily menus are best enjoyed in the treehouse-style dining pods; take a picnic hamper to a nearby deserted island for a castaway adventure. Make time to enjoy a spa treatment and explore the island’s pristine nature—you might spot pangolins, dugongs, and Irrawaddy Dolphins. Stays here also support The Island Foundation. From SG$475/night.
Get here: Get a one-hour ferry to Bintan, a one-hour drive, then a 30-minute speedboat ride.
Kokomo
Courtesy of Kokomo Private Island Fiji Courtesy of Kokomo Private Island Fiji Courtesy of Kokomo Private Island Fiji Courtesy of Kokomo Private Island Fiji Courtesy of Kokomo Private Island Fiji
Part of Fiji’s Kadavu Islands, Kokomo is the eponymous Beach Boy’s song come to life. This is definitely a place for getting away from it all with cocktails and moonlit nights, though its gearing towards multi-generational travelers means there’s plenty more to do. There are 21 villas—each with private infinity pools—and five Grand Residences offering sweeping views from their hilltop perches; activities from fishing and yoga to surfing and village tours; access to the Great Astrolabe Reef that teems with manta rays and sea turtles; and the garden-like spa specializing in Fijian-inspired wellness rituals. Everything has been designed with sustainability at the fore, from the locally grown produce and caught-to-order seafood at the island’s three restaurants to the modern Fijian aesthetics created with sustainable building materials. From US$3,400.
Get here: Fly direct to Nadi, then catch a 60-minute domestic air transfer on a seaplane or helicopter.
This article first appeared here.
Lede and hero image courtesy of Amanpulo.
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Gayatri Bhaumik is a professional writer and communicator, and an avid traveller. Always ready for her next adventure, Gayatri took her first flight at 10 days old and hasn’t looked back since. After long stints in Bangkok, Melbourne and London, she is now based in Hong Kong. Gayatri currently contributes travel and lifestyles stories to a range of publications including Travel + Leisure SEA, ECHELON, SPH Magazines, Forbes Travel Guide, Luxe City Guides, Elite Traveler, Hong Kong Madame, Chika Magazine, Destination Deluxe, and The Loop HK.
