Pulau Pangkil Kecil

For a small offshore island, Pangkil is home to a surprising diversity of birds, animals and plants. The island’s natural vegetation comprises coastal forest with a wide variety of trees and shrubs capable of living in the relatively dry conditions with salt-laden winds.

Rates
(depending on number of travellers and season):
From SGD 2,000 per night for up to 10 people, including full board.

Location
Pangkil lies in the South China Sea off the southeastern corner of the larger island of Bintan. Its remoteness engenders white-sand beaches and crystal-clear water, yet it is easily accessible from Singapore, only 95 km (50 miles) away.

Accommodation
There are six “driftwood palaces” constructed entirely from logs salvaged from the sea. Four have 2 king-sized beds and the other two have one king-sized bed each. Electric fans are provided in all rooms, as are linens, towels, and mosquito nets. Each house has a flushing toilet and shower next door. There is a tree house for an adventurous couple or singleton. Pangkil can accommodate between 10 and 30 people in stunning comfort catered for by a staff of more than 20.

Activities
You can swim in the freshwater pool, snorkel the reef, sail, kayak and explore the nearby islands for picnics or beach-combing. There are two Laser sailing dinghies, several sea-kayaks, a speedboat and snorkelling equipment - all free of extra charge.

Best time to travel
You can visit Pulau Pangkil whenever you want. Being 140 km from the equator, Pangkil has an average temperature of 26.6° C, year-round. November to January are the coolest months, and February is usually the sunniest. It rains throughout the year, but it rains most from November to January.

Getting there
Regular fast ferries leave Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, near Changi Airport in Singapore, for Tanjung Pinang on Bintan Island. You will be met and escorted to the jetty near the fishing port of Kijang. The speedboat will take you on a 35-minute ride through mangroves and reefs out to the island.