This private island is the perfect romantic escape

When we started planning our Around the World adventure, the idea of relaxing on a private island nestled in the vibrant South China Sea seemed utterly inconceivable. Despite our affinity for extraordinary accommodations, nothing could have prepared us for the unparalleled experience awaiting us at Cempedak Private Island.

Cempedak Private Island is just 91km from Singapore (2.5 hours by ferry.) The island emerges as a rare sanctuary, captivating with its natural allure and redefining the standard for romantic seclusion. Imagine waking up in an open bamboo villa, greeted by the gentle caress of the ocean breeze. Did you hear that? We didn’t either! There are no other hotels, restaurants or shops near the villas - just the sweet sound of the rainforest.

Upon arrival, we were treated like VIP guests. We were greeted at the dock when our boat arrived and were quickly ushered up to the restaurant for a welcome drink and a delicious lunch. Our butler guided us to our villa, each equipped with an iPad so that you can text and look up all the activities available on the island. The isolation of the island and the fact that there are only 20 villas made it really feel like we were there on our very own private island. There were many moments where it was just Teraj and I - we barely saw any other people! It epitomized the quintessential private island experience (minus the need to purchase your own island.)

Architectural Elegance:

Each one of Cempedak Island’s villas is a masterpiece of design, predominantly crafted from bamboo and indigenous materials. Seamlessly blending contemporary luxury with rustic charm, the interiors are thoughtfully curated, featuring natural materials and earthy tones that create a warm and inviting ambiance. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame breathtaking views of the azure ocean, inviting you to lose yourself in the beauty of your surroundings. Despite the open concept, the villas provide an intimate sanctuary facing the ocean.

Personal Impressions of Exclusivity:

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From the onset, the absence of children under 16 provided an unparalleled sense of exclusivity. Throughout our travels, we have often been subjected to crying babies or misbehaving children on planes, in restaurants, and hotels. Not here!

As a couple seeking an intimate escape, the tranquil ambiance was a breath of fresh air, fostering an atmosphere where the only sounds were the gentle whispers of the sea and the harmonious calls of nature. A vacation within a vacation!

Daily Activities

The resort offers a daily complimentary activity for guests, and we happily took advantage of an archery session. It was fun competing against each other and learning how to aim and shoot a bow and arrow. It’s harder than it looks - you really have to have strength to pull back! There is also a tennis court and croquet, which was not as riveting as I remember from playing years ago, but fun nonetheless. The resort offers rock climbing on certain days as well, but we sat that one out so we could really experience total relaxation.

Culinary Delights

Dining at Cempedak Island often resembles a fine dining experience, with Indonesian dishes exquisitely plated to reflect the culinary mastery of the chefs. Every detail, from the arrangement of ingredients to the presentation of the final dish, speaks volumes about the dedication to culinary excellence. In fact, after over 200 days of travels, Cempedak remains one of our top culinary experiences. The island’s single restaurant serves as the epicenter of gastronomic exploration.

Unlike communal dining settings, each couple is seated at separate tables, providing an intimate dining experience that allows for cherished moments without the pressure of small talk. The daily menu, showcased on mini chalkboards at the entrance, changes based on the freshest ingredients sourced from local markets. For those with specific preferences, the attentive staff gladly accommodates requests for personalized culinary journeys.

The restaurant focuses on traditional Indonesian dishes like nasi goreng, Indonesian fried rice (often considered one of the country’s national dishes), and beef rendang, which is slow-cooked with coconut milk and spices for several hours. Because of the bold flavors and rich spices, this food was one of the best we had on our trip around the world.

Wildlife Encounters and Intimate Moments:

Encounters with the island’s wildlife enriched our connection with nature and with each other. From leisurely beach strolls to exhilarating snorkeling adventures, we witnessed schools of fish and graceful toucans soaring overhead, each moment deepening our appreciation for the island’s untamed beauty.

The resort provides complementary snorkeling gear, so we took it back to our villa wear we suited up and dove into the water directly from our private beach. Right away, we were greeted by a small school of fish. There are coral reefs on the eastern side of the island and you can arrange with the resort to take you there by boat. Though we didn’t see any this time around, there are sometimes turtles lurking about! The resort also offers complimentary kayaks, windsurfing, and stand-up paddle boards.

We went for a short hike in the forest area of the island and were startled by a croaking, growling sound which we thought was something sinister. It turned out to be two beautiful toucans sitting on a branch right above us! During the same hike, we almost walked into a giant spider web with a terrifying spider and that’s when we ended our hike and went back to the safety of our pool.

A Haven for Couples:

Our time at Cempedak Island wasn't just a getaway; it was a peaceful and romantic experience we shared together. For couples wanting a secluded and luxurious escape where every moment feels special, Cempedak Island is the perfect choice. It's a place where you can find solace in each other's company and create unforgettable memories in a serene setting. And who doesn’t want to stay at a kids free private island?