Day 1: Arrival, Welcome & Connection
Day 1: From Singapore to Bintan and into nature
The Singapore group gathers at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal and takes the late afternoon ferry across to Bandar Bentan Telani. At the ferry terminal, they are greeted by Dilla and Dewi part of the Camp Facilitation Team and who are also part of our Founders Youth Leadership Cohort with Australian Cultural Travel Pty Ltd.
They will ensure your arrival goes smoothly and assisting with the transfer to Bintan Exotica Resort, where the group is then welcomed by Iwan and other members of the Pengudang Mangrove Community Project team.
Once settled in, the camp begins with a welcome dinner of Bintan and Singaporean flavours, followed by a cultural event and informal art, music, and conversation. The evening also includes a short opening talk from Iwan about the Pengudang Mangrove Community Project, and introducing the weekend’s focus on waste, plastic, and coastal change. The group is then split into mixed teams, which will stay together throughout the camp, with rotating team leadership built into each day’s activities to encourage collaboration, confidence, and shared responsibility.
Overnight: Bintan Exotica Resort
Day 2: Mangroves, Beach Clean-Up & Creative Action
Day 2: Mangroves, Marine Waste, Art & Celebration
After breakfast, the group travels to Pengudang to meet the Mangrove Community and university participants. The day focuses on understanding Bintan’s coastal environment, the impact of marine waste and the practical work already being carried out by local people. Participants begin by visiting the mangrove planting area to see previous planting work and learn about the role mangroves play in protecting the coastline, supporting fisheries and responding to environmental change. Depending on tides and conditions, the group may also take part in mangrove planting. The group then works along the nearby coastal strip in smaller teams of around 10 participants. Together, they carry out a beach clean-up, collecting rubbish from the shoreline while setting aside suitable, safe material that can later be used in the collaborative art project. Lunch is shared at the mangrove centre with members of the Pengudang Mangrove Community and the visiting university group. This is followed by conversation about local environmental challenges, community action and the relationship between tourism, waste and the health of the coast. In the afternoon, participants visit Pak Madun’s coastal site in small groups. The visit is designed to be respectful and reflective, with interpretation support where needed. Participants will have the chance to hear about his daily work collecting material washed in from the sea and the way he has transformed this ongoing problem through practical work, landscape-making and art. Pak Madun will then be invited to join the group for a collaborative creative session. Working in their leadership teams, participants use selected materials collected during the beach clean-up to develop artworks, messages or practical ideas that respond to the issue of marine waste. Teams begin preparing their work for sharing on the final day. The group returns to Bintan Exotica Resort for dinner and a Saturday-night celebration. The evening includes DJ music, dancing, informal performances and time for the Singapore and Bintan participants to relax, connect and enjoy the energy of the camp together after a full day on the coast.
Overnight: Bintan Exotica Resort
Day 3: Banyan Tree & Farewell
Day 3: Sustainability, Beach Time & Return
On the final day after a relaxing breakfast and time on the beach for early birds we bid fair well to one stunning Resort and head to another. After a 45 minute drive through lush Indonesian landscapes we enter the Lagoi precinct and visit the sunning Banyan Tree Resort. We begin our visit there with a sustainability tour and conservation briefing, learning more about the resort’s environmental practices and approach to responsible tourism. This is followed by lunch together at Banyan Tree, giving the group time to relax before the final session.
After lunch, the camp comes together for a final group presentation, where each team shares their artwork, business ideas, and creative responses developed over the weekend. This is a celebratory moment to reflect on what they have learned, recognise each other’s ideas, and enjoy the sense of achievement built through the camp.
The afternoon then opens up for free time to enjoy the beach and resort facilities before changing and preparing for departure. The camp closes with the ferry ride back to Singapore, carrying new friendships, fresh thinking, and a stronger sense of shared responsibility for the coast.
End of services
Camp and Specialist Facilitators
Iwan – Founder Pengudang Mangrove Community Project
Iwan Winarto is the founder of the Pengudang Mangrove Community Project, a community-led initiative in Bintan that combines mangrove restoration, environmental education and ecotourism as tools for coastal resilience and local livelihood. Over the years, his work has grown from a simple idea into a grassroots movement that brings together villagers, youth, schools and visiting partners in support of the shoreline and the life it sustains.
At the heart of Iwan’s approach is a belief that conservation works best when it is shared, lived, and connected to community benefit. Through mangrove planting, beach clean-ups, restoration learning, and partnership-building with universities and local groups, he has helped turn Pengudang into a living classroom where people come not only to learn about the coast, but to take part in its care.
On this Bintan journey, Iwan helps hold the space as host, community leader and guide. His role is to connect guests with the place, the people, and the deeper story of Pengudang — bringing together mangrove landscapes, shoreline realities, and local action in a way that feels grounded, generous and real.
Dilla and Dewi profiles here and Mr Mandu and Mr Henky
Click on the tabs below to view our Resort Partner
| The Resort | Your Villa |
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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. |
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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Hosted Learning
This experience is hosted by a team of experienced facilitators and adult chaperones who will accompany the group throughout the journey. Their role is to support the programme flow, look after participant wellbeing, and help create a safe, engaging and organised camp environment.
Exclusions
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Departure Fee and Visa on Arrival Fee
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Other personal expenses such as laundry, drinks and mini-bar charges.
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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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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
Prices are net per person in Singapore Dollars (SGD) and are subject to change without prior notice.
No refund is provided for any unutilised portion of the package once travel has commenced.
English-speaking local host/guide is included.
Child Policy
This experience is offered only to people from the age of 16 to 20.
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
Travellers are responsible for ensuring they meet all Indonesian entry, visa and health requirements for their nationality at the time of travel.
Entry rules, visa policies and health protocols may change; guests should check current requirements with official Indonesian government sources and/or their airline before departure.
Local Culture and Dress
Bintan has a warm tropical climate year-round, so light, breathable clothing is recommended, along with a hat, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes or sandals.
Indonesia is generally modest in dress, so please bring at least one outfit that covers shoulders and knees for village visits, university visits and community meetings.
Guests are asked to respect local customs and traditions, particularly when visiting homes, mosques, campuses or community facilities.
What to Pack
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Light, breathable clothing for hot and humid weather.
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Comfortable walking shoes or sandals.
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A hat and sunscreen.
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One modest outfit covering shoulders and knees.
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Swimwear and a towel if using the beach or pool.
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Personal toiletries and any essential medication.
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A refillable water bottle.
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A small day bag for excursions.
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Passport and any required travel documents.
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Cash or cards for personal expenses and tips.
Tipping
Tipping is discretionary but very much appreciated by local guides, drivers and service staff.
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
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.
Many hotels provide safety deposit boxes for secure storage of important items.
When selecting this journey, please read the brochure and itinerary carefully to assess your ability to cope with the physical requirements, including 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:
Kim Burton
kim.burton@greenculturaltravel.com
+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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