The Journey Begins
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Your Footprint
Light
Singapore – Bintan
Spend a week making a difference on Bintan’s living coast.
From mid June and into July 2026, Guild of Life Limited – a Singapore‑registered non‑profit – will anchor an extended community activation in the fishing village of Pengudang on Bintan’s northern shoreline, with founder Kimberley Burton based on the ground through this period.
This unique 7 Days 6 Nights Reach Out Bintan package invites you to join him for one of those weeks, blending a gentle holiday rhythm with real support for a community‑run mangrove and coastal wellbeing initiative.
Mornings are spent in Pengudang at the Mangrove Community Hub and nearby sites, helping with practical tasks like nursery work, light maintenance at the kindergarten and beachside park, plastic interception and sorting, and preparation for future community events, always guided by local leaders and within the village’s own strategy for wellbeing and livelihoods.
After a simple shared lunch either at the Mangrove Community Hub or back at Bintan Exotica Resort, which is your stunning base for the week, afternoons follow a gentle pattern of one planned experience and then time to slow down. On different days this might mean heading out to snorkel or kayak in nearby waters to see how the mangroves meet the sea, joining a guided visit to neighbouring coastal communities such as honey farms, fishing villages or a coffee plantation, or taking in another stretch of coastline where seagrass and school projects are emerging.
At least one afternoon is deliberately kept free at the resort so you can simply swim, read, nap or watch the light change over the South China Sea, and most evenings end with a short, optional check‑in rather than a formal workshop, keeping the feel relaxed and unhurried.
This is a fully hosted package in our Reach Out series in the Green Cultural Travel style: your transfers, accommodation, meals, guiding and daily programme are included, so you can focus on the experience rather than logistics.
It is not a budget Bintan package or a bootcamp; it is designed for people who are willing to pay a little more so their time and money directly support local guides, families and shared infrastructure in Pengudang. Each full day you are with us, 50 SGD from your fee flows into the Pengudang Mangrove Community Fund, alongside a dedicated daily payment for local guides, helping underwrite ongoing nursery and park work, small repairs at the kindergarten, materials for future community gardens, and – where timing allows – at least one local gathering or mini‑event you can join during your stay
Is this tour for me?
| TRAVEL STYLE | Hosted mixed package of volunteering and private getaway perfect for couples, families, friends or the solo adventurer. |
| SERVICE LEVEL | This package is a premium quality Quick Escape facilitated by Australian Cultural Travel Pty Ltd in our Reach Out range hosted by Guild of Life Limited founder Kimberley Burton and our Local Impact Partners from the Pengudang Mangrove Community. |
| PHYSICAL RATING | We will tailor your programme to your parties capabilities and interests. We plant mangroves, work in the community garden and nursery and so this may be unsuitable for some people but we also offer a range of volunteer activities that suits most peoples interests and capabilities. |
| TRIP TYPE | Private Package |
What’s Included?
- English speaking tour guide
- Return Ferry Singapore – Bintan Resorts Terminal – Singapore
- $50 SGD daily Pengudang Community Impact Fund
- 6 Nights Bintan Exotica Resorts
- Mangrove exploration by small boat
- Pengudang Mangrove Centre and Community Tour
- Coastal Community Tour
- Bintan Hinterland Tour
- Resort beach activities
- Bottled water
- Morning tea
- Afternoon snack
- 6 Breakfasts (Days 2-7)
- 7 Lunches (Days 1-6)
- 6 Dinners (Days 1-6)
Transport
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Shared return ferry Singapore–Bintan (economy class seating)
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Private airconditioned vehicle for transfers between ferry terminal, Bintan Exotica Resort and Pengudang on programme days
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Private airconditioned vehicle for scheduled coastal and community afternoon tours
- Small boat for Mangrove and lagoon exploration
Pricing for Guest (SGD):
| Travelling Style | Garden View Grand Villa | Ocean View Grand Villa |
| Solo Traveler | 2299 | 2520 |
| 2 Guests | 1685 | 1784 |
| Triple Share | 1630 | 1740 |
| 4 – 6 Guests | 1584 | 1703 |
| 7 – 12 Guests | 1522 | 1635 |
For bookings more than 12, please contact us for pricing. Final Price is subject to Guests choice of activities
Day 1: Arrival
Singapore > Bintan Resorts Terminal > Pengudang
It is a scenic ferry ride from Singapore to Bintan where you will be warmly greeted by your local host and transferred along the coast to the peaceful village of Pengudang and Bintan Exotica Resort. Settle into your room, take a moment to freshen up and soak in the relaxed island atmosphere.
Then join your host at the resort for a welcome lunch of simple local dishes. Surrounded by coconut trees and sea breezes on the edge of the stunning South China Sea, it is a gentle introduction to village life and a perfect way to start your regenerative journey.
In the afternoon we head to the Mangrove Hub and Community Resource Centre for your Mangrove Project Induction Tour. It is about a 15 minute drive through lush landscapes from the resort to the project. Here you will meet members of the local team, learn about the importance of Pengudang’s mangroves, hear how the community is restoring and protecting this coastline, and take a short walk through the mangrove area to see the project sites.
There is time for a first simple hands‑on activity such as helping in the nursery or preparing seedlings, before you explore the local village, relax, swim or wander along the beach as the sun sets over the South China Sea.
We end the day with a hosted welcome dinner at the Hub with members of the team, catered by the local community. Featuring fresh seafood and other Indonesian favorites, we will also hold a short informal circle to share intentions for the week ahead. Then it is back to the resort to rest and fall asleep to the sounds of the village and the ocean.
Overnight: Bintan Exotica Resort
Day 2: Pengudang Mangrove Hub
Pengudang Mangrove Hub > Snorkeling/Kayaking
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the resort before joining your host for the short transfer to the Mangrove Hub and Community Resource Centre. It is around a 15 minute ride in a private minivan or bus depending on the size of your group, following quiet village roads and glimpses of the coastline along the way.
This morning is spent at the project site, where you help with simple hands‑on tasks such as mangrove nursery work, site maintenance or basic monitoring activities guided by the local team. As you work alongside community members, you gain a deeper understanding of how restoring mangroves supports fisheries, coastal protection and local livelihoods.
A relaxed local lunch is served at the project, often featuring fresh fish, vegetables and homemade sambal prepared by community cooks. There is time to rest in the shade, chat with your hosts and enjoy the village atmosphere before the afternoon’s ocean adventure begins.
In the early afternoon we head to the beach for your choice of snorkelling or kayaking, exploring clear shallow waters, seagrass meadows and nearby reef areas with your guide. This is a wonderful way to see first‑hand the marine ecosystems that healthy mangroves help to protect and to simply enjoy being immersed in nature.
We return to the resort in the late afternoon where you can swim in the pool, stroll along the sand or just relax with a cool drink. Dinner is at the resort restaurant with a selection of Indonesian and simple international dishes, and the evening is free to rest or share stories from your first full day in Pengudang.
Overnight: Bintan Exotica Resort
Day 3: Community Exploration
Pengudang Mangrove Hub > Greater Bintan Community Tour
After breakfast at the resort we once again take the short 15 minute ride by minivan or bus to the Mangrove Hub and Community Resource Centre. The cool morning hours are spent continuing your volunteer activities, helping with tasks such as tending the mangrove nursery, supporting simple site improvements or assisting with other community projects guided by the local team.
Late morning we return to Bintan Exotica Resort to freshen up before we head off to explore more of beautiful Bintan, first enjoying lunch at a local restaurant and taking in this stunning location. This gentle pause in the middle of the day keeps the pace comfortable while still allowing for rich experiences.
In the afternoon your hosts will take you on a coastal drive to visit other nearby communities and small family enterprises. Together you can choose the stops that interest you most, such as a local coffee plantation, honey farms, small‑scale agriculture or other village initiatives that showcase Bintan’s evolving regenerative economy.
As the sun begins to set we arrive at a local oceanfront restaurant for dinner overlooking the water. Enjoy fresh seafood and simple Indonesian dishes while listening to the sound of the waves, before returning to the resort for a peaceful night’s rest.
Overnight: Bintan Exotica Resort
Day 4: Mid Stay Relax
Beach relaxation and experience paradise!
After breakfast at the resort we follow our familiar rhythm, taking the short 15 minute ride by minivan or, for larger groups, bus back to the Mangrove Hub and Community Resource Centre. The morning is dedicated to continuing your volunteer contributions, supporting tasks such as nursery work, light site maintenance or helping with simple community projects alongside the local team.
Lunch is with the team at the Hub and then we return to Bintan Exotica Resort where we give you time to slow down, reflect on the week so far and enjoy the gentle pace of village life.
The afternoon is free to make the most of the resort’s facilities. Included in the package is a spa session including a soothing massage to really wind down. Take watercraft such as kayaks or stand‑up paddleboards out for exploration, swim, read by the pool or simply wander along the beach and watch the changing colours of the sea and sky.
As evening falls we gather again at the resort restaurant for dinner, with a selection of Indonesian and simple international dishes. The night is yours to relax, share stories with fellow travelers or enjoy the peaceful sounds of Pengudang before turning in.
Overnight: Bintan Exotica Resort
Day 5: Coastal Exploration
Pengudang Mangrove Hub > Coastal Discovery Tour
After breakfast we once again follow our now familiar routine, taking the short 15 minute ride by minivan or bus to the Mangrove Hub and Community Resource Centre. The cool morning is spent continuing your volunteer activities, deepening your connection with the local team and the restoration work that is helping to protect Pengudang’s coastline and fisheries.
Late morning we depart the project and begin a gentle coastal journey, heading out by road to explore more of northern Bintan. Along the way we stop for lunch at a simple local spot, enjoying fresh dishes while taking in views of the sea and nearby islands.
In the afternoon your host will guide you to one or two special places depending on the day and group interests. Options can include following the stunning coastline to a bamboo‑based eco‑resort, or stopping at a seagrass project site to learn how these underwater meadows support marine life and complement the community’s mangrove work.
We return to Bintan Exotica Resort in the late afternoon with time to relax, swim or simply unwind after a full day of exploration. Dinner is at the resort restaurant and the evening is free to rest or continue conversations about the different communities and projects you have encountered.
Overnight: Bintan Exotica Resort
Day 6: Fishing Life
Pengudang Mangrove Hub > Green Island > Kelong Visit
After breakfast at the resort we make our last morning visit to the Mangrove Hub and Community Resource Centre, taking the now familiar 15 minute ride by minivan or bus. This is a chance to wrap up your volunteer activities, help with any final nursery or site tasks and share reflections with the local team about the week’s work together.
This will be your farewell to the project, but we hope only for now, and so we sit down for a lunch with the team before we return to Bintan Exotica Resort to freshen up and enjoy the gardens or pool. This gentle pause sets the tone for a memorable final afternoon out on the water.
In the early afternoon we board a small local boat for a short trip to a nearby island, giving you time to enjoy the clear shallow waters, beaches and views back towards the mainland. From here we continue on to visit traditional kelongs – wooden platforms used by local fishers – where you can see first‑hand how fishing families work and live in close relationship with the sea.
Having seen how community lives are woven into the ocean, we end the day enjoying seafood at a local restaurant, freshly caught from the waters you just explored. Enjoy a simple but festive meal, share highlights of your time in Pengudang and take in the evening sounds of the village and ocean on your last night.
Overnight: Bintan Exotica Resort
Day 7: Departure
Resort Relaxation > Bintan Resort Ferry Terminal
Enjoy a relaxed final morning at Bintan Exotica Resort with time for a leisurely breakfast, a last swim or beach walk, and space to simply soak up the quiet rhythms of village life. This is a gentle opportunity to reflect on your week in Pengudang and the connections you have made with the community and landscape.
Late morning we check out and transfer along the coast to Banyan Tree Bintan, one of the project’s key resort partners. Here you will enjoy a farewell lunch and a brief introduction to the resort’s own sustainability initiatives, seeing how larger tourism operators are working alongside communities like Pengudang to protect Bintan’s environment and support local livelihoods.
After lunch your host will accompany you to the Bintan ferry terminal and assist with check‑in for your journey back to Singapore or onward travels. An inspiring week in Bintan has come to an end, but the stories, people and places you have encountered will stay with you long after you leave.
End of services
About Your Host
This Reach Out – Great Journey is personally hosted and curated by Kimberley David Burton, founder of Guild of Life Limited (Singapore non‑profit) and Green Cultural Travel, operated through an Australian subsidiary of the non‑profit. With four decades of experience across property, social enterprise and community development, Kimberley now focuses on regenerative projects that bring together local communities, travellers and impact partners.
Guild of Life and Green Cultural Travel work with community leaders in places like Pengudang to co‑create experiences that directly support local livelihoods, culture and ecosystems. Your journey in Bintan is one of the first flagship “Reach Out” programs in this growing global network.
Pengudang Community Plan
Your visit is part of the Pengudang Community Wellbeing & Livelihoods Strategy, a locally led plan that sets out a long‑term vision for nature, culture and livelihoods in the village. A link to this plan is included on this tab so you can explore how current projects mangrove restoration, community gardens, education and visitor experiences all fit into a wider roadmap created with the community.
What Kimberley Will Be Working On
During your time in Pengudang, Kimberley is not only your host but also actively involved in a number of local initiatives alongside community partners:
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Developing the Community Experience Catalogue
Co‑designing and testing new visitor experiences with Pengudang residents, from mangrove walks and kelong visits to cultural storytelling and homestays, to ensure tourism remains community‑owned and regenerative. -
Strengthening English and Storytelling Skills
Supporting local youth, guides and community members to practise conversational English and share their own stories confidently with visitors, helping them access new livelihood opportunities while keeping their voice at the centre. -
Community Garden and Park
Working with local leaders on a new community garden within the village park, connecting permaculture ideas with local food traditions, and creating a welcoming green space for children, elders and visitors to enjoy together. -
Beach Clean‑ups and Mangrove Planting
Joining and helping coordinate practical conservation activities such as regular beach clean‑ups, mangrove planting and simple coastal protection measures, which form part of the broader Pengudang strategy.
Click on the tabs below to view our partners.
| Resort and Setting |
Facilities and Atmosphere |
| Bintan Exotica Resort is a relaxed beachfront hideaway on the quiet northern coast of Bintan, just a short drive from Pengudang village. Nestled between mangroves, coconut trees and the South China Sea, it is your comfortable base for the week – close enough to the community projects to keep travel times short, yet peaceful enough to fully unwind between activities. |
The resort blends traditional Indonesian “gubuk” hut‑inspired architecture with modern comforts, creating a simple, friendly environment that suits couples, friends and small groups. Guests enjoy an ocean‑facing pool, open‑air restaurant, easy beach access and leafy paths connecting the different bungalows, with staff known for their warm, personal service. |
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| Garden View Grand Villa | Ocean View Grand Villa |
| Our garden view villas offer a cozy Indonesian‑style retreat surrounded by tropical gardens, ideal for solo travellers, friends or couples. Each villa features either one queen bed or twin beds, air‑conditioning, private bathroom, and a small terrace where you can sit outside and enjoy the evening breeze after your days adventure. These rooms are a great value choice while still keeping you close to the beach, pool and main facilities. | For guests wanting a little extra space and a stronger sense of “barefoot luxury”, our ocean view villas offer the opportunity to relax and soak in the views of the South China Sea. Featuring a king bed or twin beds, upgraded interiors and a larger terrace or pavilion‑style outdoor area, they are perfect for couples or guests who plan to spend more time relaxing at the resort between project activities. |
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Reach Out – Great Journey
Exclusions
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Other personal expenses (laundry, drinks, mini‑bar, etc.)
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Optional activities not specified in the itinerary
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Tips and gratuities
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Travel insurance
- Indonesian Visa payable on arrival
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International and domestic flights, ferries and transfers not mentioned in the program
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Any services not clearly included in the program
Key Information & Remarks
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Prices are net per person in Singapore Dollars (SGD) and are subject to change without prior notice.
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No refund is provided for any un‑utilised portion of the Reach Out – Great Journey package once travel has commenced.
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English‑speaking local host/guide is included. Other language support may be available on request, at additional cost.
Child Policy
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Child under 2 years: Free of charge (sharing existing bedding with parents).
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Child aged 2 years and above: 50% of adult cost (sharing room with parents, with meals and activities as per program).
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation charges apply to the total Reach Out – Great Journey package price as follows:
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More than 60 days before arrival – Free of charge
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More than 45 days before arrival – 30%
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Less than 21 days before arrival – 50%
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Less than 14 days before arrival – 80%
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Failure to travel / no‑show on the day of arrival – 100%
Travel Rules and Policy – Indonesia
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Travellers are responsible for ensuring they meet all Indonesian entry, visa and health requirements for their nationality at the time of travel.
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Entry rules, visa policies and health protocols (including any COVID‑19 related measures) may change; guests should check current requirements with official Indonesian government sources or their airline before departure.
Local Culture and Dress
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Bintan has a warm tropical climate year‑round; light, breathable clothing is recommended, along with a hat, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes or sandals.
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Indonesia is generally modest in dress; please bring at least one outfit that covers shoulders and knees for village visits and community meetings.
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Guests are asked to respect local customs and traditions, particularly when visiting homes, mosques or community facilities.
Tipping
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Tipping is discretionary but very much appreciated by local guides, drivers and service staff.
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As a guideline only, guests may consider small tips for good service at restaurants or for local guides and drivers at the end of activities or the journey.
Safety and Security
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Guests are advised to use a neck wallet or money belt for passports, cash and cards, and to leave expensive jewelry and valuables at home.
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Many hotels provide safety deposit boxes for secure storage of important items.
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When selecting this journey, please read the brochure and itinerary carefully to assess your ability to cope with the physical requirements (uneven surfaces, boats, heat and humidity).
Our Impact Model – Pengudang Community Impact Fund
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This Reach Out – Great Journey includes a daily contribution of 50 SGD per person to the Pengudang Community Impact Fund.
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The fund is managed with local partners to support community‑led initiatives in and around Pengudang, including mangrove restoration, livelihoods, education and wellbeing projects.
Operator and Emergency Contact
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This program is operated by Australian Cultural Travel Pty Ltd a wholly owned subsidiary of Guild of Life Limited a Singapore Non Profit.
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For questions before or during travel, please contact:
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Name: Kim Burton
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Phone / WhatsApp: +61 483 342 837
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In case of arrival complications or delays, guests should contact the above number or email as soon as possible so that assistance can be arranged.
More Great Packages
Bintan Coastal Crafts and Cuisine – Pengudang Private Full-Day Tour
Bintan Pengudang Community Discovery Private Full-Day Tour
