Telunas Private Island, Riau Islands, Indonesia – Exclusive Eco-Resort with Overwater Villas near Singapore

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Relaxation & barefoot luxury on a romantic island paradise with a sustainable concept and social commitment

Only three hours from Singapore, one finds this environmentally friendly, hidden jewel on a small island. Without W-Fi, keys, air conditioning, TV or ringing phones, Telunas Private Island offers pure relaxation in 15 traditionally built water villas, in the infinity pool, or in the spectacular spa on stilts in the middle of the beautiful jungle.

It all started with a dream…

College friends Mike and Eric made their dream come true with Telunas Beach Resort when they opened this small, family-run eco-resort in 2004. With its remote location, it is influenced by the local culture. It has a positive impact on the surrounding communities, the eco-system, and the environment. Here guests can reconnect with nature and escape from everyday life. 

 

10 years later, the exclusive Telunas Private Island was added. At the moment another resort on a small Indonesian island is being planned.

Both Telunas resorts are extraordinary in their own way. Everything is designed to support the surrounding villages and the 160 talented local staff, Children from all over the world are introduced to the beautiful natural scenery and the sustainable way of life. And isn’t this how tourism in the future should be? Sustainable, supportive, and with a more profound local experience. 

The Telunas philosophy

Simplify.
Clarify.
Connect.

It is only a one hour ride with the ferry from Singapore to Batam, followed by another one and a half-hour boat trip to Telunas. Finally, one arrives at the island where one is welcomed with a bright smile even when it is raining.  

It is really seldom that we bonded with the local staff so quickly and were able to do so much with them, and as a result, got to know and understand their way of life on a much more intricate level. They are some of the friendliest people we have ever met. We never felt like guests, but more like friends. 

Inviting cool water

At the beautiful infinity pool, you can relax with a great view of the sea.

At lunchtime and in the evening, you can enjoy delicious cocktails with your feet in the sand at the sand bar. In the hotel lobby, there is also an Honesty Bar, where you can always get fresh juices and beer.

Overwater Villas

The 15 water villas are inspired by the Melayu architecture and built like an Indonesian Kampung – a traditional water village – using only local materials on stilts above the water.

All villas have a balcony with sun loungers, a living area, a bedroom with a king-size bed and magnificent sea views, a natural stone bathroom, and a loft bedroom for children.

The roof consists of sage leaves, which are only collected when they have fallen to the ground naturally.

Inside the villas with their rustic style, look like chic beach houses. The beautiful wooden floors, the cozy rattan furniture, and the handmade furniture from local fishing boats create an incredibly comfortable atmosphere.

There is no air conditioning as the villas are naturally wind conditioned thanks to the sea breeze. And to completely eliminate plastic bottles, there is a hot and cold water dispenser. Mosquito repellent and after-sun lotion are also provided.

From the balcony, you have a great view of the sea, the Telunas Beach Resort, and the most breathtaking sunrises. If you like, you can even try fishing here.

Ridge Villas
On Teluna’s Private Island, five beautiful villas are currently being built on lofty heights on the mountain, which will soon offer stunning views of the beautiful ocean.

Local fresh cuisine

In the fabulous open restaurant, breakfast is served daily, and at noon and in the evening, you have a changing 3-course à la carte menu to choose from. The chef, Surya, and his team put a smile on your face with a mixture of delicious traditional Indonesian and Western-influenced dishes. 

Breakfast

In addition to all kinds of different Indonesian coffees, fresh fruits and juices, muesli, and much more are offered. The warm sweet dishes and egg dishes can be ordered the evening before, at dinner.

Lunch

At lunchtime, fresh salads and typical Indonesian dishes are served. If you don’t like the specific dish, an alternative is always offered.

If you have been fishing, you can enjoy your freshly caught fish at lunch or dinner.

Dinner

Those who wish can also book a candlelight dinner, a gala dinner by the pool or even a meal in the village.

 The food is fresh, mouth-watering and varied. The service is terrific!

Telunas Spa

The absolute highlight here at Telunas Private Island is the unique above-water spa with its beautiful open treatment rooms on stilts surrounded by mangrove trees. The view of the sea is mesmerizing!

The spa treatments are very professional and wonderfully relaxing with the sound of the waves and the wind. Highly recommended!

Activities

Daily special activities are offered, such as cooking classes, waterfall walks, village tours, boat trips for fishing, and much more. There are also kayaks and paddle boards for the beach and a natural jogging path.

Handline Fishing

An exceptional experience was the boat trip, where Sarul showed us how to catch fish the traditional way, with only a fishing line and hook.

Of course, it was not as easy as it looked. But it was a lot of fun. And the good thing: it is a sustainable fishing method.

Telunas Beach Resort

The Telunas Beach Resort is a back-to-basics beach resort. It is very popular with large families and school classes from all over the world. The Telunas Center offers an unforgettable learning experience for students outdoors.

There are a dining room, a diving platform, and an expansive beach. Another restaurant is currently being built where families can enjoy a little more peace and quiet.

Sustainability, nature conservation, and social commitment

Digging wells, protecting endangered sea turtles, teaching English as a second language, providing sports equipment and facilities for local children, repairing schools, replacing roofs for local islanders, providing a computer lab and college scholarships for students, Teluna’s healthy lifestyle camps, reducing plastic – these are just some of the projects Mike and Eric are working on for the surrounding communities. For example, the resort furniture was made by local craftsmen, and the houses themselves were built by local builders. (More info >>)

Impacting Indonesia for a Better Tomorrow

Young fishermen, like Sarul, who were slowly running out of an income source due to overfishing of the seas, has found a great job at the Telunas resorts. Sarul, with his big infectious smile, loves to take care of the guests and introduce them to his culture. 

Conclusion

The back-to-basics concept at Telunas is a perfect fit. We love such simple, yet luxurious resorts. The ultimate luxury here is to unplug, reconnect with yourself, and energize your soul amidst nature.  You are surrounded by natural materials, enjoy healthy fresh food, and get to know the country and its people. The simplified lifestyle without keys and TV, far away from the hustle and bustle of the world, has something to it! Teluna’s Private Island is a wonderfully romantic, hidden gem that offers warm hospitality and exceptional service that comes from the heart. It is a unique haven for a romantic holiday with so much added value! 

Room: 15 water villas, each for a maximum of five people
Flight time: approximately 11 hours from Germany to Singapore
Transfer: 85 km from Singapore, about a 50-minute ride with Batam Fast Ferries from the Harbourfront Ferry Terminal in Singapore to Sepukang in Batam. The outward journey: 11:10 am departure. The return journey: 12:30 pm. It costs approximately 25 EUR in return. You arrive at the Reception terminal, and then it is an hour and a half boat ride in a traditional long wooden boat to Telunas. The cost is a  bout 54 EUR return.
Visa: On arrival, valid for 30 days, free of charge
Vaccinations: none required
Air Temperature: 23 – 31 degrees Celsius
Water Temperature: 28 – 30 degrees Celsius
Time difference: CET +6 hours
Best time to travel: All year-round. Close to the equator, it is tropically warm all year round, with no distinctive rain season. Daily showers are typical. It is usually sunnier from December to April.
Price: From IDR 940k ++ per night, approximately 200 EUR. A mandatory fee for meals of IDR 940k ++, approximately 56 EUR per adult per night is charged and for children IDR 400k ++, about 24 EUR per child per night. A minimum stay of two nights applies.
Activities: Kayaking, Paddle Boarding, Reading, Swimming, Excursions, Cooking Classes, Massage, Shuttle to the Beach Resorts, Kids Club
Special Features: Sustainable concept, digital detox, delicious food, beautiful nature, warm hospitality
Perfect for: couples, romantics, honeymooners, families, friends, nature lovers


Ruko Imperium Superblock Block B No. 35&36 Jalan Sudirman, Taman Baloi, Batam Center, Batam 29432. Indonesia
stay@telunasresorts.com
Telephone: +62 811 7710951
www.telunasresorts.com

Conde Nast Johansen Luxury Hotel – Spa-Kollektion
2019 – TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
2018 – TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice – Family (Indonesia)
2017 – TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice – Family (Indonesia)
2016 – TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice
2015 – TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice – Family (Indonesia)
2014 – TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
2013 – TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice – Best Service (Indonesia)
2012 – TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice – All-inclusive (World)
2011 – TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
2010 – TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence

Another luxurious resort that is also socially committed can be found on the other side of Indonesia, on Sumba Island: Nihi Sumba Island, Indonesia – Wild Romance in the Tropical Luxury Hideaway by Chris Burch

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Please note: Our stay was sponsored by Telunas Private Island. Thank you very much! Nevertheless, the opinions expressed in the article are 100% our own!

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Monique De Caro

Monique De Caro

Luxury Travel Blogger & (Wedding) Photographer at Monique De Caro | Photography & Design
Hallo, ich bin Monique #lebensfrohe Weltenbummlerin #Fotografin #Travel Bloggerin und die Schreiberin dieses Blogs. Da ich selbst Hochzeitsfotografin bin und ich meinen Mann Marcus am Strand Anse Source d´Argent auf den Seychellen geheiratet habe, möchten wir euch vor allem Tipps für wunderschöne Flitterwochen, die eigene Hochzeit am Strand, Luxusreisen, einzigartige Hotels oder die romantische Auszeit zu zweit geben.
Monique De Caro
- 3 years ago

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