The Journey Begins
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Your Footprint
Light
Pengudang – Bintan
Bintan Pengudang Community Immersion – 4 Days 3 Nights is a slow, land‑led escape on Bintan’s quiet northeast coast, built around real time in the fishing and mangrove village of Pengudang. Staying either at Bunda Homestay and Warung or the intimate ROKA Resort, you spend four days getting to know the people, places and projects that are helping this small coastal community care for its shoreline and shape new livelihoods.
Your journey takes you from the Bintan Resorts ferry terminal into village life, with a first‑day welcome at the Mangrove Community Hub, where local hosts share how mangroves, small‑scale fisheries, crafts and community spaces all connect. Over the next two days you join gentle, age‑appropriate project time at the Hub and nearby sites, hands‑on craft or culinary workshops, mangrove and shoreline visits, and encounters with coastal art and small farms that show how families adapt to changing seas.
Designed as a soft but meaningful immersion, this package is ideal for small groups of friends or families who want children to experience a genuine, light‑touch way of “giving back”, with a built‑in project contribution supporting the community fund for mangrove nursery work, park and kindergarten maintenance and future village‑led initiatives.
Is this tour for me?
| TRAVEL STYLE | 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 partnership with its local Impact Partnerships |
| PHYSICAL RATING | The package includes boat‑based coastal and mangrove activities that involve getting in and out of small boats from both the shore and the water, depending on conditions and the final programme. Guests should have a reasonable level of fitness, be confident moving on uneven surfaces and be able to manage steps and low ladders independently. |
| TRIP TYPE | Private Package |
What’s Included?
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Land transportation by private air‑conditioned vehicle between ferry terminal and Pengudang (return).
- Within the package price of each Adult Guest is a contribution to the Pengudang Mangrove Community project and the Arkasia Foundation which operates a local animal shelter and rescue centre.
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2 nights accommodation at your choice of ROKA Resort or Bunda Homestay and Warung both within Pengudang, with daily breakfast.
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English‑speaking local host/guide throughout the stay.
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Mangrove exploration by small boat
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Culinary and Craft Immersion at Mangrove Centre
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Village walking tour of Pengudang, including shoreline and laneways, with insights into local fishing and village life.
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All meals as specified in the itinerary (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner) using local dishes at your place of stay.
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All local entrance, conservation or community fees related to activities listed in the itinerary.
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Government taxes and service charges applicable to included services.
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Drinking water during activities and transfers (e.g. 2 bottles per person per day) plus unlimited refills for your own bottle.
Exclusions
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Return ferry tickets between Singapore (or other departure point) and Bintan, and any related port charges.
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Indonesian visa fees, if applicable, and any immigration charges.
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Travel insurance (strongly recommended, including medical and evacuation coverage).
- Optional activities, tours or extensions not mentioned in the itinerary.
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Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, extra drinks, and snacks not listed as included.
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Early check‑in or late check‑out at the homestay beyond standard times.
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Tips and gratuities for guides, boat crew and homestay staff (at guest discretion).
Pricing for Guest (SGD):
| Tour Class | Bunda Homestay | ROKA Resort |
| Solo | $494 | $494 |
| 2 PAX | $315 | $315 |
| 3 – 5 Pax | $284 | $284 |
| 6 – 9 Pax | 233 | $233 |
Prices shown are indicative and may vary by travel date, as some peak and prime periods carry higher accommodation rates. ROKA Resort is adults‑only and does not accept children, while at Bunda Homestay couples sharing a room must be married; children may stay at Bunda Homestay on an extra bed, charged according to the child policy.
The timing of certain activities such as the mangrove exploration by small boat is tidal dependent some some flexibility on schedule is required.
Day 1: Arrival in Bintan & Pengudang Village (L,D)
Bintan Resorts Ferry Terminal > Pengudang
Upon arrival at the Bintan Resorts ferry terminal you will be warmly greeted by your local host/driver for a private transfer along the coast to the small fishing and mangrove village of Pengudang. Settle into your chosen stay – either Bunda Homestay and Warung or ROKA Resort – and enjoy a welcome lunch of local dishes prepared by your hosts.
After a short rest, head to the Mangrove Community Hub for a warm village welcome and introduction to life on Bintan’s northeast coast, hearing how mangroves, small‑scale fisheries and community spaces all connect.
Depending on the tides will board a small boat to explore the lagoon and stunning mangroves> the tides are to low we will schedule this for another day of your visit. Later in the afternoon, as the light softens, join your host for a gentle walking tour through the laneways, community park and shoreline to get a feel for village life and the surrounding coastal landscape.
As the village winds down for the evening, return to your accommodation to share a traditional dinner and hear more about the community projects you will be part of over the coming days.
Overnight: Pengudang
Day 2: Community Projects, Craft & Coastal Stories (B, L, D)
Pengudang
After breakfast, stroll down to the Mangrove Community Hub for a relaxed morning of gentle, age‑appropriate “project time”. Depending on the needs of the day, this may include helping with light tasks around the mangrove nursery, tidying and simple maintenance in the park or kindergarten area, or assisting with plastic interception and basic sorting – always guided by local leaders and kept comfortable for all ages.
Late morning, join hands‑on craft or culinary activities led by local facilitators, such as simple weaving, ocean‑edge art using cleaned materials or traditional cracker making, before coming together for a home‑style community lunch. The afternoon is kept flexible: you might take an easy village walk, spend more time at the Hub, or return to your accommodation to rest, wander the beach or read in the shade before a relaxed dinner.
Overnight: Pengudang
Day 3: Mangroves, Coastal Art & Village Harvests (B, L, D
Pegudang
After breakfast, visit a nearby mangrove restoration site along the shoreline, where your host explains when and why the young mangroves were planted and how they help protect the coast. Continue along the coast to a remarkable living art space created from salvaged ocean rubbish, hearing how daily clean‑ups have been turned into a creative response to marine debris and changing seas.
In the late morning or early afternoon, visit a small farm on the edge of the village to see how crops, fruit trees and herbs complement fishing and other work, painting a fuller picture of how families make a living in this coastal environment.
We also take time to visit the animal rescue centre and shelter operated by the Arkasia Foundation At its shelter, more than 200 rescued cats—once abandoned or vulnerable—are given safety, care, and a second chance. Arkasia Foundation is also involved in wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and release, carried out in collaboration with BKSDA ( Indonesian Natural Resources Conservation Agency.
Return to your accommodation for some free time, followed by a final shared dinner and an unhurried evening, listening to the village and ocean settle for the night.
Day 4: Slow Morning & Departure (B, L)
Pengudang > Bintan Resorts Ferry Terminal
After a final breakfast, enjoy a slow morning in Pengudang. Take one last wander through the village or across the community park to the beach, spend time at the Mangrove Community Hub, or simply relax and soak up the ocean views from your accommodation.
Depending on your chosen ferry time, you may have an early lunch at your place of stay or along the way on the drive back through Bintan’s lush coastal landscapes.
Your private vehicle will take you from Pengudang to the Bintan Resorts ferry terminal, with the option to stop briefly at a viewpoint or local shop if time allows. On arrival at the terminal, your driver will see you off in time for your onward ferry back to Singapore and your next destination.
End of services
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| Bunda Homestay and Warung Homestay |
ROKA Resort Oceanfront Resort |
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| Bunda Homestay and Warung is a simple but comfortable place to stay in a stunning village‑by‑the‑sea setting. Set just across from Pengudang’s community park, it looks out towards the ocean, with only a short 100‑metre walk separating your room from the sandy beach and calm shoreline. This is a genuinely family‑run stay, so you are close to everyday village life rather than tucked away inside a large resort. | ROKA Resort is an intimate boutique resort on the same quiet stretch of coastline, offering a more polished, design‑focused base while still keeping you close to Pengudang and the sea. Set among gardens with a pool and direct access to a small, uncrowded beach, it feels like a relaxed coastal hideaway where you can hear the waves and watch the light change over the water. |
| Upstairs or Downstairs Double Room | Superior Room |
| Bunda has just two guest rooms – one upstairs double and one downstairs double – both basic but clean and well cared for, with fan cooling and simple furnishings. Due to local customs, couples must be married to share a room. | At ROKA Resort you stay in a Superior Room, a spacious, air‑conditioned double room. Each room has a large bed, private bathroom with hot shower and modern comforts such as quality linens and tea and coffee‑making facilities. |
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Quick Escape
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.
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Indonesian visa fees payable on arrival (if applicable for your nationality).
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International and domestic flights, ferries and transfers not mentioned in the programme.
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Any services not clearly included in the programme.
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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Prices may vary by travel date, as some peak and prime periods carry higher accommodation rates.
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No refund is provided for any un‑utilised portion of this package once travel has commenced.
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English‑speaking local host/guide is included.
Child policy
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Under 2 years: Free.
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2–12 years (sharing existing bed with parents): 50% of adult price.
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Children can only be accommodated at Bunda Homestay; ROKA Resort is adults only.
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Due to local customs, couples sharing a room at Bunda Homestay must be married.
Cancellation policy
Cancellation charges apply to the total 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%.
All cancellations must be received in writing; the effective date is when written notice reaches Australian Cultural Travel Pty Ltd.
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, if in force) may change; guests should check current requirements with official Indonesian government sources and/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 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 jewellery 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, guests should read the brochure and itinerary carefully to assess their ability to cope with the physical requirements (uneven surfaces, boats, heat and humidity).
Operator and emergency contact
This programme is operated by Australian Cultural Travel Pty Ltd, a company associated with and supporting Guild of Life Limited, a Singapore non‑profit.
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
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.
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