EVENTS
Cempedak Island
5 Apr 2025 - 7 Apr 2025
This April we are welcoming back Penny Williams, a self-proclaimed 'Culinary Sorceress, Chef and Adventurer', and a dear friend of ours. Penny has been advising our culinary team for years, helping fine-tune our recipes and spruce up our menus. This visit, she'll be opening the kitchen to our guests with two unique experiences for you to partake in. About PENNY Penny Williams is the owner and Executive Chef of Bali Asli Restaurant and a dear friend of Nikoi and Cempedak Islands. While traveling through Asia in the 1990s, Penny discovered a 'taste' for the local cuisine. She went on to pursue an impressive career that included an apprenticeship at the Savoy and roles in some of Sydney's cutting-edge restaurants such as Restaurant 41, Boathouse at Black Wattle Bay, and Bather’s Pavilion. Her journey then took her back to Asia when she accepted a three-year posting as Executive Chef at the Alila Manggis hotel in Candidasa, Bali. Here, she fell in love with the amazing freshness and vitality of the produce available at her doorstep and the way the Balinese work with it to create a unique tapestry of flavors. She founded Bali Asli in 2011 a restaurant and culinary school in East Bali that promotes Balinese cuisine and culture without exploiting it or its people. Over the years, Penny has traveled regularly from her award-winning restaurant in Bali to spend time with Dika and his team, crafting new recipes and experimenting with different flavor combinations to add to the menu. PENNY on CEMPEDAK While she's on Cempedak Island, Penny will host two exclusive events which you can get involved in: Indonesian Cooking Class Using local ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, Penny will guide you through some of the dishes she and the team have developed on the island over the years. After the hard work is done, sit back and enjoy your work with lunch made by... you! Sun-Downer Cocktail Workshop Unwind with Chef Penny and the team at the Dodo Bar, where you’ll craft your own signature drink using local tropical ingredients and artisanal spirits. Sip your creation from the best spot on the island to watch the sun set. If you are visiting Cempedak during Penny's stay, send us an email in advance to book in for the activities. Back to Events
Nikoi Island
14 Mar 2025 - 16 Mar 2025
Internationally acclaimed magician, Ming Da, will be in residence on Nikoi Island again for two nights this October. Keep an eye out for him around the bar and dinning rooms where he will be displaying some of his best tricks for the families in-house. Ming Da will also be hosting workshops for children where they will walk home with a magic set of their own, as well as a trick or two up their sleeves. These workshops are chargeable at $60 per child to cover the cost of the magic kit. Back to Events
Cempedak Island
28 Feb 2025 - 3 Mar 2025
Start your days with invigorating jungle bootcamps, recharge in the afternoons with restorative wellness activities, and celebrate each evening with vibrant gatherings at the island bar. This one-of-a-kind retreat, set on a secluded private island, offers the perfect backdrop for forging lasting connections. All activities are optional, allowing you to tailor your days to suit your preferences - whether you choose to immerse yourself in group activities or enjoy the tranquility of the island on your own. BalanceWellness coach and retreat organiser, Mae Kwan, will share valuable insights from her UNSTUCK™ coaching program, revealing powerful tools that have helped clients move past their mental blocks, find their balance and create lasting change. Learn why Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) tapping has gained popularity in the UK and US as a method for stress-relief and healing, and discover simple techniques to apply at home. Experience the power of deep relaxation through Mae's signature singing bowl sound bath and chakra-balancing yoga sessions. Let the vibrations guide you into a meditative state that many find hard to access alone. This weekend is your chance to truly reset - stepping away from the noise and finding that sweet spot of calm that's usually just out of reach. FlowElevate your training with our immersive jungle bootcamp. Led by certified yoga instructor and personal trainer Alyssa Kau, this program utilises the natural environment as your gym. Experience a blend of bodyweight exercises and natural obstacles that focus on building real, functional strength and power. In addition to these intense workouts, you will also enjoy yoga flow sessions that enhance flexibility and develop body awareness. Whether you are a fitness enthusiast or just starting your journey, each session is personalised to challenge you while ensuring your safety and motivation under expert guidance. FocusDiscover the transformative effects of cold plunge therapy - a practice that has gained recognition for enhancing mental clarity and reducing stress. Through guided breathing techniques and gradual exposure to cold water, you will learn to stay calm under pressure and develop greater mental focus. This practice, combined with mindset coaching, helps clear mental fog and brings a renewed sense of clarity to your daily life. Free Time Between sessions, join our guided nature walks, water sports, or book a spa treatment. For those wanting to stay an extra day, private sessions with Mae and Alyssa are available to help you continue your journey. Join us to experience how these three pillars work together to create lasting transformation. Each practice builds on the next, creating a complete system for physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Whether you are feeling stuck, seeking change, or ready to level up – this is your path forward. The Practitioners MAE KWAN Wellness Creative & Coach ALYSSA KAUYoga Instructor & Personal Trainer LUKE TANBreath Architect and Cold Therapy Practitioner On Saturday, 1 March, Luke will be offering private (chargeable) sessions for breath work and cold water plunge. On Monday, 3 March, Mae and Alyssa will be offering private (chargeable) sessions for EFT Tapping and Personal Training, respectively. If you’re interested, we recommend extending your stay by an additional night to ensure you secure a slot with them. WHAT’S INCLUDEDThree nights accommodationBoard (three meals per day)Transfers to and from Bintan Ferry TerminalAn itinerary of wellness activities WHAT’S NOT INCLUDEDFerry tickets from Singapore to BintanBeverages (tea & coffee included)Chargeable activities and spa treatments outside the itinerary PAYMENT AND CANCELATION POLICYPay in full80% refundable for cancelations of at least 21 days notice100% non refundable within 21 days notice For more information and bookings, please contact [email protected]. The full flyer can be downloaded here. Back to Events
Cempedak Island
31 Dec 2024 - 1 Jan 2025
Ring in the New Year with an unforgettable celebration on Cempedak Island! Our "Sparkling Into 2025" event promises an evening of joy and excitement, set against the stunning backdrop of the island’s boathouse. Starting at 5 PM, the festivities kick off with live music at sunset and complimentary canapés, followed by a chill DJ performance to set the mood. Guests can enjoy an authentic Indonesian bazaar-style dinner before being serenaded by Seis Band, leading up to the midnight countdown. Raise a glass with a sparkling toast and marvel at a dazzling fireworks display before dancing into the night with a lively DJ afterparty. Back to Events
Nikoi Island
24 Dec 2024 - 1 Jan 2025
Join us for festive celebrations on Nikoi! You'll be treated to a special dinner on Christmas Eve and rumour has it Santa will be making an appearance again on Christmas Day. For New Years, the beach will be transformed into an Indonesian street market, complete with all our favorite local delicacies for you to try. The party kicks off them with music, a countdown and of course fireworks to bring in the new year. Back to Events
18 Dec 2024 - 18 Dec 2024
Wednesday 18th December 3pm - 4:30pm As part of our Christmas preparations each year, the carpentry team are always busy crafting homemade decorations out of spare wood found on the island. This year, they're opening up their workshop to our guests for a special event. This will be hosted by Rasi one of our carpenters and Reny, our sustainability coordinator. You'll be re-purposing discarded driftwood into beautiful Christmas trees to take home with you. Don't worry, they can be flat packed in your suitcase! You will also have the chance to use our laser printer to make a customised star to go on top. There is no extra charge, but there are only 6 slots available in order to keep the experience small and intimate, so please email us if you would like to book in. It will be one Christmas tree per slot, but multiple family members can join and you will then work together. Children are of course welcome but they will need to have a parent with them. Back to Events
Cempedak Island
3 Nov 2024 - 4 Nov 2024
Join us for a rejuvenating Pilates experience with Dr. Stuti, a highly experienced Physiotherapist and certified STOTT®️ PILATES Instructor. With over 14 years of experience, Dr. Stuti brings her expertise in core strength, posture alignment, and mobility to Cempedak Island. She is the founder of Core Tuck In, a physiotherapy clinic and Pilates setup in Ahmedabad, India. Dr. Stuti will lead complimentary mat Pilates sessions, designed to help you strengthen your body, improve flexibility, and leave you feeling refreshed. Whether you're new to Pilates or a seasoned practitioner, these sessions are suitable for all levels and provide the perfect way to enhance your wellness journey during your stay. Class Details: Dates: 3rd and 4th NovemberTime: 6:30 amLocation: The Jetty Book your slot by emailing us at [email protected]. Back to Events
Nikoi Island
13 Oct 2024 - 30 Nov 2024
Artist-in-Residence Residency Period: 12 October - 30 November, 2024 Gilles Massot Gilles is a multidisciplinary artist and academic whose work focuses on exploring connections between different disciplines, people, events, and places. His visual art practice delves into photography and its relationship with time and space. After studying architecture and photography in Marseille, Gilles moved to Singapore in 1981. He became active in the local art scene, participating in important events such as the first Festival of Arts Fringe and the 1987 Yin Yang Festival. In the 1990s, he traveled extensively across Asia and Europe, leading to over fifty exhibitions and numerous publications in magazines across both continents. In the 2000s, Gilles shifted his focus to academia and research. His book Bintan, Phoenix of the Malay Archipelago (2003) deeply influenced his artistic work, which now often includes historical and ethnological themes in mixed-media projects. He also earned an MA in Fine Arts, studying the origins of photography in the 18th century, particularly its links to ideas about images in English gardens. More recently, he completed research on Jules Itier, who took the first daguerreotypes in various Asian countries in the mid-1800s. Under his alter ego, Professor Ma, Gilles is exploring the parallels between the history of photography and quantum mechanics. Currently based in Singapore, Gilles teaches at LASALLE College of the Arts. His work is featured in collections at the Singapore Art Museum, Buona Vista MRT station, and the Maison Européenne de la Photographie in Paris. He has been honored with the French cultural award Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres. What is Ubah Rumah? Ubah Rumah, which means ‘Home of Change’, was inspired by the nomadic culture of the indigenous Orang Laut community and the maritime history of the region- both of which are relatively undocumented. The program commenced in November 2022 and, since then, an artist and two researchers have completed residency periods on Nikoi Island. During these periods, they developed their own projects, conducted workshops with guests, engaged staff and visited local communities on Bintan to discover more about the local history and culture. Find out more on the Ubah Rumah website and Instagram. Back to Events