TRAVEL
| COVER STORY
This page: Left to right: Panorama of Pulau Joyo; Pool Pavilion Opposite page: Top to bottom: Exterior of the beruga; View of the beach from one of the berugas
Pulau Joyo, Indonesia Sometimes, when you want to get away from it all, you really have to venture out and take the path less travelled. It’s all about making the journey worth it and if it’s in Pulau Joyo that you’re going to end up, then the rewards are well worth the trip. Although the island is in Indonesia’s Riau Archipelago, Pulau Joyo is most accessible from Singapore, making it the
compromising comfort, stay in one of the Driftwood Palaces
perfect refuge for the lion city’s residents when yearnings
set right on the beach. Your stunning abode, constructed
for a holiday set in. It takes hopping from one island to
using driftwood salvaged from the sea, comes exquisitely
another to reach this sublime destination, starting with a
furnished with rare furniture pieces and artwork collected
ferry ride from the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, which is
from the owners’ travels. Aside from an ensuite shower and
approximately ten minutes from the Changi Airport. After
bathroom, the beach house is also equipped with a sizable
about two hours, you’ll reach the Tanjung Pinang ferry
living area and terraces with sofas and sun loungers where
terminal where you will be welcomed by one of Pulau
you can take in gorgeous sea views.
Joyo’s staff. What follows is an hour or so drive to the island resort’s private jetty, from which you’ll embark on a
If not standing right on the beach, the resort structures are
25-minute speedboat transfer before finally setting foot on
nestled on the inner portions of the island, intertwining
the shores of this remote paradise.
with lush jungle paths that are ideal for nature walks in the morning. Upon reaching the centre, you’ll find the
The private island is surrounded by beaches and the best
pool pavilion where drinks are enjoyed after a few laps.
part is there’s only a handful of other guests to share white
Should you wish to explore outward, kayaking or sailing to
sand real estate with. Originally constructed as the private
neighbouring islands is a fun way to spend an afternoon.
residential property of a shipping family, the resort offers
Have a picnic arranged at the nearby Pulau Binyoso, another
only eight villas, ensuring enough peace and privacy for
island owned by the same people behind Pulau Joyo. In
everyone. All the accommodation units evoke vibes of rustic
the evening, a wine-fuelled beach party, illuminated by a
luxury that flawlessly blend with the tropical setting. To
bonfire, will add even more unforgettable moments to your
live close to the rich natural elements of the place without
island escape.
76 | TRAVELITE