During our three days on the island, we dined in different locations each time. The staff thoughtfully curated diverse areas for each group of guests, maintaining a sense of adventure and excitement.
The Indonesian archipelago boasts numerous tropical paradises. While many islands remain uninhabited, a select few provide luxurious accommodations for those fortunate enough to enjoy a retreat on a private island. Pulau Joyo is an exquisite haven, offering its guests beachside comfort, pristine shorelines, and gourmet dining. Moreover, this Robinson Crusoe-like getaway is a mere 2.5 hours from the bustling city of Singapore.
GETTING TO PULAU JOYO, PRIVATE ISLAND
Traveling with family adds a layer of enjoyment to any destination! As a parent, I recognize the challenges associated with long flights, often becoming a source of restlessness for children. Therefore, a family-friendly holiday like Pulau Joyo was a natural choice for us. The absence of a flight made the journey significantly easier, and the boat ride was an enjoyable experience for the kids.
Departing from Singapore, we utilized the Bintan Resort Ferries, embarking from the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal located in northeast Singapore. The ferry schedule offers ample flexibility with over ten departures between 8:30 am and 8:15 pm. The ferries themselves are quite comfortable; if possible, an upgrade to the premium class is recommended—not for the added comfort on the 1-hour ride, but for expedited customs processing at both terminals.
Upon arrival in Indonesia, we were warmly welcomed by a representative from Pulau Joyo. We were escorted to a spacious van, which included a baby seat for our toddler, along with thoughtfully provided snacks and drinks. The one-hour drive was smooth, with well-maintained roads and minimal traffic. The children slept for most of the journey, while adults were treated to glimpses of authentic Indonesian life, passing through small villages and observing daily interactions among locals. There is an undeniable thrill in exploring areas where English is less commonly spoken.
As we neared the private jetty, our children were awakened by a family of monkeys alongside the driveway. We then boarded a modern private boat for a breezy half-hour ride towards the paradise island of Pulau Joyo, greeted warmly by the attentive staff, ready to welcome us on our own beach.
The Design of Pulau Joyo
As we strolled over the small sand dunes with welcome drinks in hand, we were enamored by the environmentally conscious design of the accommodations. The staff selected driftwood from Pulau Joyo and neighboring islands, creating a harmonious blend with the island’s natural beauty. Each driftwood palace is furnished with elegant four-poster beds, draped with mosquito nets, igniting our daughter’s imagination as she claimed her new ‘holiday home’.
Constructed using local materials, the spacious driftwood palaces have a charming, almost homely quality. Set on a small tropical island, every palace lies along the beach, effectively enhancing the planning of the layout. The island’s owners have adopted a thoughtful approach, resisting the temptation to overcrowd the space with numerous rooms to optimize profit; instead, the generous separation between villas grants families their own secluded paradise. The central common areas surrounding the 25-meter pool maintain this theme, providing numerous relaxation zones that feel secluded, allowing guests to enjoy their private beach house experience with sand beneath their feet as they move from their villas to the dining area.
We visited primarily for the beaches, but if you prefer to avoid saltwater, the island’s stunning central pool is an excellent alternative. The 25-meter pool is shaded by original palm trees that were preserved during the accommodation’s construction. Our children were delighted with a uniquely crafted driftwood board that served as a diving platform, affectionately referred to by them as a pirate’s plank.
Island Life
Dining experiences at Pulau Joyo, comprising breakfast, lunch, and dinner, were exceptional. With our feet planted in the sand immediately after disembarking, the atmosphere was relaxed yet sophisticated. The staff elevated the dining experience by maintaining an element of surprise regarding our meal locations, keeping us engaged throughout our stay. Over the course of our three days on the island, we enjoyed meals in different locations, enhancing our sense of adventure.
The culinary offerings were plentiful, featuring a diverse assortment ranging from crab and prawns to succulent steak, fresh salads, and exquisite lobster tails. In between meals, there was a self-service area stocked with local fruits, homemade biscuits, nuts, and brownies, alongside an impressive selection of beverages, including coconuts and customized cocktails.
After indulging in a food coma, we explored the natural beauty and activities available. As a family from Singapore, reconnecting with nature is a high priority during our holidays, prompting us to spend hours on the pristine white-sand beaches. Our mornings were filled with delightful activities, such as chasing crabs, gathering postcard-worthy shells, swimming, constructing sandcastles, observing fish, and collecting hermit crabs. Additionally, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards were available on the shore, allowing us to navigate the island in under 15 minutes.
During the heat of midday, we retreated to the pool’s shade, relaxing with our feet dipped in the refreshing water as we immersed ourselves in literary works, while the children enjoyed playtime on the meticulously maintained grass and in the shallows of the pool.
The staff kindly informed us about potential snorkeling excursions accessible via their boat; however, with such a breadth of activities available at Pulau Joyo and ample opportunities to unwind, we opted not to partake. While the snorkeling photographs appeared breathtaking, the view from the pool accompanied by a chilled beverage was equally captivating.
The Private Island’s Staff
The staff truly exceeded expectations, and their role is crucial, as their quality can significantly shape the experience at Pulau Joyo. Many staff members are local residents, while others have traveled from Java and Bali. Their broad experiences working in renowned hotels across popular tourist locations in Indonesia equipped them with the skills to enhance our holiday experience. The staff struck a fine balance between attentiveness and unobtrusiveness, creating a relaxed ambiance for all guests.
Our Pulau Joyo Experience
Our family—including myself, my husband, our five-year-old, and our two-year-old—thoroughly enjoyed every facet of Pulau Joyo. Unlike some destinations that cater to either children or adults, Pulau Joyo’s private island accommodates diverse preferences, allowing individuals of all ages to derive maximum satisfaction from their island experience.
Seeking respite from the fast pace of city life in Singapore, we discovered a private island paradise that is only a brief 2.5-hour journey away.
This Pulau Joyo private island review was authored by James & @kelly_beckwith of GoTravelDaily.
