Escape the city with our guide to the best private islands near Singapore. Discover barefoot luxury, overwater villas and secluded beach retreats.
Ever dreamed of having an island almost to yourself?
Just a few hours from Singapore, you’ll find a collection of extraordinary private island resorts where deserted beaches, turquoise water and barefoot luxury replace crowds and busy sightseeing itineraries.
Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a family adventure or simply a few days to completely switch off, these islands offer a very different experience to a typical resort holiday.
Some are adults only. Others welcome families with kids’ clubs and jungle adventures. One feels like stepping into your own Robinson Crusoe story, while another combines eco-luxury with exceptional food and conservation.
We’ve visited each of these private islands over the years and this guide compares what makes each one special, so you can decide which is the best fit for your next beach escape.
Good to know: None of these islands require a flight from Singapore. You’ll travel by ferry or road, followed by a short boat transfer arranged by your resort.
Private Islands Near Singapore: At a Glance
| Island | Best For | Travel Time | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nikoi Island | Family-friendly barefoot luxury | Approx. 2.5 hours | Families & Couples |
| Cempedak Island | Romantic luxury | Approx. 3 hours | Adults Only |
| Pulau Joyo | Robinson Crusoe escape | Approx. 3 hours | Couples & Friends |
| Telunas Private Island | Overwater villas & nature | Approx. 3 hours | Families & Couples |
| Batu Batu | Eco-luxury retreat | Approx. 4 hours | Families & Couples |
Which Private Island Is Right For You?
- Best for families: Nikoi, Batu Batu or Telunas
- Best for couples: Cempedak
- Best for luxury: Cempedak
- Most secluded: Pulau Joyo
- Best overwater villas: Telunas
- Best for food lovers: Batu Batu and Nikoi
- Best for a digital detox: Pulau Joyo or Telunas
Private Island Reviews
Nikoi Island
Family-friendly barefoot luxury.
Nikoi Island proves that a private island can be both luxurious and wonderfully family-friendly.
With handcrafted driftwood villas, quiet beaches and a relaxed barefoot atmosphere, it’s the sort of place where children spend their days building sandcastles, exploring the island and snorkelling, while adults finally get the chance to slow down.
Despite feeling wonderfully remote, Nikoi never feels overly exclusive or formal. Nature takes centre stage here, creating the perfect setting to slow down, reconnect and enjoy island life at its simplest.
Why You’ll Love Nikoi Island
- A true barefoot island escape where life slows down from the moment you arrive.
- Beautiful handcrafted villas built from natural materials that blend into the island’s surroundings.
- Excellent snorkelling, kayaking and paddleboarding right from the beach.
- Equally well suited to couples and families.
- Fantastic food that’s a highlight of the stay.
Getting There
Travel by ferry from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore to Bintan, where you’ll be met by Nikoi staff for a 1-hour car journey, then a short 20-minute boat transfer to the island.
Who It’s Best For
Nikoi Island is ideal for travellers looking for a luxury beach escape that still feels relaxed and authentic. It’s one of the few private island resorts that genuinely caters well to both couples and families, making it an excellent choice whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or travelling with children.
Learn more about Nikoi Island on their website here.
Cempedak Island
Romantic adults-only escape.
Cempedak Island was made for couples. Whether you’re celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary or simply escaping everyday life, this adults-only retreat is all about privacy and the chance to properly switch off together.
From its dramatic bamboo villas perched on the hillside to private plunge pools overlooking the ocean, every part of this adults-only retreat has been designed for slowing down and spending quality time together.
There’s no pressure to do anything here. Spend your days swimming, snorkelling, enjoying a spa treatment or simply soaking up the views from your villa before lingering over long dinners as the sun goes down.
Why You’ll Love Cempedak Island
- An adults-only island that’s perfect for couples and honeymooners.
- Stunning bamboo villas, each with its own private plunge pool.
- A peaceful, barefoot atmosphere with no crowds or distractions.
- Excellent snorkelling, kayaking and other water activities.
- Delicious seasonal menus showcasing fresh local ingredients.
Getting There
Travel by ferry from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore to Bintan (around one hour). From there, you’ll be met by resort staff for the one-hour drive across the island, followed by a 30-minute speedboat transfer to Cempedak Island.
Who It’s Best For
Cempedak Island is best suited to couples celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary or special occasion, or anyone looking for a peaceful beach escape away from busy resorts. If you’re travelling with children, Nikoi Island is the better choice, while Cempedak offers a more intimate adults-only experience.
Learn more about Cempedak Island on their website here.
Joyo Resort
Robinson Crusoe adventure.
If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping to your own deserted tropical island, Joyo Resort comes remarkably close. Rustic driftwood villas sit just steps from the beach, there’s barely another soul in sight and life quickly settles into the rhythm of the tides.
The island is so small you can walk around it in about 20 minutes, yet somehow it feels like your own private corner of Indonesia.
During our stay, we rarely saw another guest outside meal times, making it one of the most peaceful places we’ve ever visited.
Why You’ll Love Joyo Resort
- The most Robinson Crusoe-style escape in this guide.
- Rustic driftwood villas with plenty of character.
- A wonderfully relaxed atmosphere where life moves at a slower pace.
- Great snorkelling, kayaking and paddleboarding straight from the beach.
- Perfect if you’re looking to disconnect from the outside world for a few days.
Getting There
Travel by ferry from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore to Bintan (around one hour). From there, you’ll be met for the transfer across Bintan (around 1 hour 20 minutes), followed by a speedboat ride to Joyo Resort (30 minutes).
Who It’s Best For
Pulau Joyo is ideal for travellers who value peace, simplicity and nature over polished luxury. It’s a wonderful choice for couples, friends or anyone wanting to disconnect for a few days and experience island life at its most relaxed.
Learn more about Joyo Resort on the website here.
Telunas Private Island
Overwater villas and a true digital detox.
Wake up in an overwater villa, watch the sunrise from your balcony and fall asleep to the gentle sound of the waves beneath your room. That’s the magic of Telunas Private Island.
Unlike many private island resorts, Telunas caters equally well to families and couples.
Families love the overwater villas with their children’s loft bedrooms and the supervised kids’ club, while adults can retreat to the Ridge Villas, relax in the overwater spa or spend their days exploring the calm waters by kayak or paddleboard.
Why You’ll Love Telunas Resorts
- Beautiful overwater villas inspired by traditional Indonesian kampung houses.
- Spacious family villas with loft bedrooms that sleep up to three children.
- One of the only private island resorts near Singapore with a supervised kids’ club.
- Adults-only Ridge Villas with private plunge pools for couples seeking extra privacy.
- A peaceful overwater spa where you can relax to the sound of the sea below.
- Calm waters that are perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding and swimming.
- A genuine digital detox with no televisions and an emphasis on reconnecting with nature.
Getting There
Travel by ferry from Singapore to Batam, where you’ll be met by resort staff for the onward boat transfer through Indonesia’s Riau Islands to Telunas Resorts.
Who It’s Best For
Telunas Resorts is perfect for families looking for a private island experience that’s both relaxing and engaging, while the adults-only Ridge Villas also make it an excellent choice for couples.
Learn more about Telunas Private Island on their website here.
Batu Batu
Eco-luxury in the heart of a marine park.
Batu Batu is one of those places you almost want to keep to yourself.
Set on Pulau Tengah within the Johor Marine Park, this beautiful eco-resort strikes the perfect balance between luxury and sustainability. Surrounded by rainforest and empty beaches, it feels peaceful without ever feeling pretentious.
What also sets Batu Batu apart is how well it caters to families, with spacious villas that can accommodate up to three children and clever kids’ annexes complete with bunk beds.
One of the things we love most about Batu Batu is that conservation isn’t just something they talk about. The resort actively protects the surrounding marine environment and supports a sea turtle conservation programme, giving guests the chance to learn more about the wildlife that makes this part of Malaysia so special.
The food is another standout. Every meal feels thoughtfully prepared using fresh ingredients, making dining just as much a highlight of the stay as the beaches and snorkelling.
Why You’ll Love Batu Batu
- A beautiful eco-resort set within the protected Johor Marine Park.
- Fantastic snorkelling, kayaking and paddleboarding in calm, clear waters.
- Exceptional food that is a genuine highlight of the stay.
- A strong commitment to sustainability and sea turtle conservation.
- Spacious villas designed for couples and families, with many featuring children’s annexes with bunk beds.
Getting There
Arrange a private transfer from your hotel in Singapore to the coastal town of Mersing (3-4 hours depending on border traffic), where you’ll board Batu Batu’s boat for the 20-minute journey to Pulau Tengah.
Who It’s Best For
Batu Batu is perfect for travellers who love nature but don’t want to compromise on comfort. It’s equally well suited to couples looking for a peaceful escape and families wanting plenty of outdoor adventures, with opportunities to snorkel, explore the rainforest, spot wildlife and simply enjoy spending time together in a spectacular natural setting.
Learn. more about Batu Batu on their website here.
Planning Your Trip
Best Time to Visit
The private islands in this guide can be visited year-round, but it’s worth being aware of the seasonal weather before you book.
The Northeast Monsoon, which typically runs from December to late February, can bring rougher seas and stronger winds. Ferry and boat transfers may be bumpier than usual, and while it’s rare for services to be cancelled, weather conditions can occasionally cause delays.
If you’re dreaming of calm, crystal-clear water for swimming, snorkelling and paddleboarding, you’ll generally find the best conditions between March and October.
Getting to the Private Islands from Singapore
One of the best things about these private island resorts is that they don’t require a flight. Instead, you’ll travel by ferry or road before completing the final leg of the journey by boat.
The Indonesian islands in this guide (Nikoi, Cempedak, Pulau Joyo and Telunas) are reached via either Bintan or Batam. You’ll take a ferry from Singapore’s Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, where resort staff will usually meet you on arrival and arrange the onward transfer by car and private boat.
Batu Batu, on the other hand, is located off the east coast of Malaysia. Most guests travel by road from Singapore to the coastal town of Mersing before boarding the resort’s boat for the short transfer to the island.
Although the journeys take a little longer than simply checking into a beachfront hotel, they’re all part of the experience. By the time you step onto the island, you’ll already feel a world away from the city.
Immigration and entry requirements
As all of these resorts are outside Singapore, you’ll need a valid passport and will pass through immigration when leaving and returning.
For the Indonesian islands, you’ll need to meet Indonesia’s current entry requirements, including any visa requirements that apply to your nationality.
For Batu Batu, you’ll enter Malaysia, so be sure to check the latest Malaysian entry requirements before you travel.
When returning to Singapore, remember that all travellers must complete the SG Arrival Card (SGAC) online before arriving. The form is free to submit and can be completed up to three days before your arrival in Singapore.
FAQs
Nikoi Island, Telunas Private Island and Batu Batu are all excellent choices for families. All offer family-friendly villas (with kids’ annexes, lofts or bunk rooms) and kid-friendly activities. Telunas has a supervised kids’ club.
If you’re looking for a romantic escape, Cempedak Island is hard to beat. This adults-only resort has beautiful bamboo villas with private plunge pools and a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere.
For couples who enjoy nature and don’t mind children being around, Nikoi, Pulau Joyo and Batu Batu also make fantastic romantic escapes.
Nikoi is one of the quickest to reach, taking around 2½ hours via ferry, road transfer and speedboat. Although none of the islands require a flight, transfer times vary depending on the destination.
None of the islands require a flight. The Indonesian resorts are reached by ferry from Singapore’s Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, followed by a car and boat transfer arranged by the resort. Batu Batu is reached by road from Singapore to Mersing in Malaysia, followed by a short boat ride to the island.
We recommend staying at least two nights to make the journey worthwhile, although three or four nights is ideal if you really want to switch off and enjoy island life at a slower pace.
These islands can be visited year-round, but the calmest seas are generally between March and October. During the Northeast Monsoon (typically December to late February), sea conditions can be rougher and boat transfers may be bumpier, although the resorts remain open. If you’re travelling during this period, it’s worth allowing a little extra flexibility in your plans.