Best Private Islands in Indonesia

Hands up if you're dreaming about island escapades as summer rolls around - what better way to spend it than by lounging by the beach? Living in Southeast Asia, we're lucky to stay in a region blooming with biodiversity - on land and underwater. As travel remains out of reach for a little while longer, we fantasise leaving city life behind with these private island resorts in Indonesia for a vacation.

 

Telunas Private Island

Photo courtesy of Telunas Resorts

 

Opened in 2004, Telunas Private Island is one of the most popular private island resorts in Indonesia today. Part of the Riau Islands, 15 overwater villas (from IDR 3,300k++ per night) stretch along its white-sand shoreline, fitted with balconies to overlook the clear waters. Along with its abundance of water sports and relaxing overwater spa, Telunas is also family-friendly, with plenty of activities for your kids. Book through Booking.com and UOB Cardmembers can enjoy up to 10% cashback on hotel bookings, valid till 18 April, 2024.

Telunas Private Island is located at Jalan Anggrek Luar #23, Baloi Persero, Sugie, Moro, Sugie, Moro, Karimun Regency, Riau Islands 29442, Indonesia, p. +62 811 7710 951.

 

Aloita Resort

Photo courtesy of Aloita Resort

 

Off the west coast of Sumatra, you'll find the Mentawai Islands Regency, a chain of 70 islands and islets known for rolling waves that are ideal for surfing. On Simakakang island lies Aloita Resort. Voted the best resort in the regency, their 2km private beach isn't just a good place to relax, it's also a place to ride the waves. Aloita Resorts offers surf lessons services, both for experienced and beginner surfers. Choose between four, six, and eight guest villas with private ocean-facing desks - prices start from IDR 6,600k per night and are inclusive of all meals.

Aloita Resort is located at Simakakang Island, Tuapejat, Sipora Utara, Kabupaten Kepulauan Mentawai, Sumatera Barat 25932, Indonesia, p. +62 813 2097 1810. 

 

Mentawai Islands

Photo courtesy of James Donaldson on Unsplash

 

For an even more private piece of paradise, there are plenty of private villas along the string of Mentawai Islands that you can find through Booking.com (and enjoy a 10% cashback exclusive to UOB Cardmembers). Accommodation options range from cozy beach villas for two to luxury beachfront villas (from IDR 17,730k for two nights), perfect for an escape for two or even a weekend trip with your closest friends. Away from the crowds and surrounded by tropical fauna, the luxury villas come with a private pool and meals of your choice, made by the villa's personal chef.

 

Nikoi Private Island

Photo courtesy of Nikoi Private Island 

 

The 15-hectare Nikoi Private Island has scenery that looks like something straight out of a movie. Local birds and large banyan trees loom over beach houses (from IDR 5,630k per night), handcrafted from driftwood. The waters surrounding Nikoi are only about 20 metres deep, meaning it's a prime spot for coral gardens. Don't be afraid to dive in and explore the waters below. If you're lucky, you can even spot sea turtles or even seahorses.

Nikoi Private Island is located at Bintan Regency, Riau Islands, Indonesia. Contact relax@nikoi.com for bookings.

 

Doberai Private Island

Photo courtesy of Doberai Private Island

 

This 70-hectare, family-run private island in the West Papua province is an ideal place to leave all your worries behind, with a choice of eco-friendly land (from IDR 11,800k per person per week) or water bungalows (from IDR 10,504k per person per week). And in case you're missing the convenience of the city, Doberai is only 25 minutes by boat from Waisai, the capital of the Raja Ampat Regency. Book through Agoda and UOB Cardmembers will receive an 8% discount (up to IDR 1 million) per day for hotel bookings, valid till 31 December, 2021.

Doberai Private Island is located at Urai Island, Yenbeser, South Waigeo, Raja Ampat Regency, West Papua 98475, Indonesia, p. : +62 812 8297 5310.

 

Misool Eco Resort

Photo courtesy of Misool Eco Resort 

 

Also in Raja Ampat, Misool Eco Resort is a hideaway with hands-on service. With just a capacity of 40 guests on the island, it's almost guaranteed you'll be waited on hand and foot. Its eight water villas are built on the island's lagoon, offering a serene scene of still water and open skies. If coral reefs right under your villas aren't enough, the island also has its own swimming hole and House Reef. Rates start from IDR 44,000k for eight nights, inclusive of meals, snorkelling, and use of kayaks and paddle boards.

Misool Eco Resort is located at Yellu, South Misool, Raja Ampat Regency, West Papua 98483, Indonesia.

 

Bawah Reserve

Photo courtesy of Booking.com

 

Discover the Anambas Archipelago at Bawah Reserve, a sustainable private island developed in 2012. This ultra luxurious island not only gives you the luxury of turquoise waters and sunny skies, but it's also a place that puts conservation of nature above all else. Whether you're living in one of their suites, overwater bungalows, or lavish villas, the beautiful sights you see are all under marine conservation. Prices start from IDR 24,700k per room per night - UOB Cardmembers can get up to 10% cashback if they book via Booking.com.

Bawah Reserve is located at Pulau Bawah, Siantan Sel., Kabupaten Kepulauan Anambas, Kepulauan Riau 29791, Indonesia, p. +65 6970 5482. 

 

Pulau Pangkil

Photo courtesy of Pulau Pangkil Private Island Resort

 

For folks on a more modest budget, Pulau Pangkil is a great getaway for those who want luxury life without breaking the bank. The main feature of their resort are their Driftwood Palaces (from IDR 3,540k ++ per adult per night), made from logs salvaged from the sea and built near to the beach shore with open, airy designs. For big families, the the resort gets fun and fancy with their Treehouse and Pool House options, which takes full advantage of the greenery around them.

Pulau Pangkil is located at Kelong, Air Gelubi, Bintan Pesisir, Kelong, Bintan Pesisir, Kabupaten Bintan, Kepulauan Riau 29151, Indonesia. Book through their website or paradise@pangkil.com.

 

Kura Kura Resort

Photo courtesy of Kura Kura Resort

 

Built around one of the largest lagoons of the Karimunjawa Archipelago in the Java Sea, Kura Kura is the go-to resort if you like spaces to yourself. Away from mass tourism, the natural wonders of the 22 hectare resort remains relatively untouched, with daily free excursions to Cemara Besar (Robinson Crusoe Island) for snorkelling and paddling. Their accommodations stretch across the island, with 18 spacious Pool Villas (from IDR 7,100k per room per night) and 15 Seaview Cottages (from IDR 6,220k). The resort doesn't provide wifi, giving you an opportunity to connect with nature. Book through Agoda and UOB Cardmembers will get an 8% discount per night for hotel bookings.

Kura Kura Resort is located at Menyawakan Island, Kemujan, Karimunjawa, Kabupaten Jepara, Jawa Tengah 50149, Indonesia, p. +62 24 7612707.

 

Amanwana

Photo courtesy of Aman Resorts

 

The only resort on Moyo Island, a stay at Amanwana means unimaginable opportunities to explore the island's marine life. Accessible on commercial flights from Bali via Lombok, the resort has only 12 luxury tents (from IDR 20,370k per night) - fit with a spacious living area and decorated with Indonesian artwork and coral stones. And when you're not enjoying me-time in these super comfortable living areas, take advantage of some of the best scuba diving and snorkelling spots in Indonesia.

Amanwana is located at Moyo Island, Labuan Aji, Labuhan Badas, Kabupaten Sumbawa, Nusa Tenggara Bar. 84313, Indonesia, p. +62 371 22233.

 

Pulo Cinta Eco Resort

Photo courtesy of Pulo Cinta Eco Resort

 

This eco resort takes the term 'private island' loosely. With just 15 villas (from IDR 3,002k++ per night) built around the small island, it practically feels as if you're floating on water, connected only by bridges. At Pulo Cinta, its overwater villas gives you full access to the seabed below. But it's also the perfect place to truly live-in-the-moment, with activities like stargazing at night that lets you appreciate the world just as it is.

Pulo Cinta Eco Resort is located at Patoameme, Botumoito, Boalemo Regency, Gorontalo, Indonesia, p. +62 812-8975-9980.

Top image: Raja Ampat, Indonesia