The Journey Begins
| Style: | Hosted |
| Theme: | Cultural |
Your Footprint
Light
Pengudang Mangrove Discovery
Step beyond the resort and into the living coastal village of Pengudang, where mangrove forests, traditional fisheries, and community-led restoration come together in one immersive day.
Travelling by private air‑conditioned vehicle from your resort or ferry terminal, you will be welcomed at the Mangrove Community Hub, a beautiful building on stilts over the water, crafted largely from reclaimed wood. After morning tea, you will hear from project founder and local conservation leader Iwan Winarto about how mangroves protect the shoreline, support fisheries, and secure livelihoods for Pengudang’s families.
Depending on the timing of the tides, you will then head out on a guided boat journey through the mangrove channels to explore where the ocean meets the land and then upstream to experience this stunning mangrove ecosystem.
During the visit we will share a traditional lunch at the centre prepared by our local community members. We take time to wander through the village and community park, and watch fishermen repairing their floating “kelong apung” platforms, which are later towed one to two kilometres offshore for overnight fishing before the catch is brought back at sunrise.
In the afternoon, visit beachside mangrove restoration sites planted by the Initiative in previous years and see how they are beginning to form their own ecosystems, before continuing along the coast to the remarkable living art space of salvaged driftwood and ocean trash beside the wetlands—an evocative place created by the remarkable Mr Madun that quietly reveals both the vulnerability and resilience of this coastline.
Your guide and driver then return you leisurely to your resort or ferry terminal, including a final stop for afternoon refreshments featuring local traditional snacks
Is this tour for me?
| TRAVEL STYLE | Private Guided Day Tour perfect for couples, families, friends or the solo adventurer. |
| SERVICE LEVEL | This superior package is facilitated by Australian Cultural Travel Pty Ltd in partnership with its local Impact Partner |
| PHYSICAL RATING | Suitable for most ages and fitness levels; involves short walks on uneven ground and getting in and out of small boats. |
| DURATION | Approximately 8 hours, with activity order adjusted to suit tidal conditions. |
What’s Included
-
Air‑conditioned private transport
-
English-speaking tour guide
-
Professional local driver
-
Mangrove Community Hub tour and morning tea
-
Mangrove exploration by boat
-
Pengudang village and community park walk
-
Traditional lunch at the centre
-
Mangrove restoration beach visit
-
Living Art Project visit (subject to host availability and conditions)
-
Pick up and drop off from your resort or ferry terminal
-
Bottled drinking water
-
Afternoon tea with local snacks
Pricing Per Guest (SGD)
| Travelling Style | Price |
| Solo Traveller | $178 |
| 2 Guests | $165 |
| 3-5 Guests | $149 |
| 6-9 Guests | $134 |
| 10-12 Guests | $120 |
Mangrove Community Hub & Village Welcome
Living Coastal Village
Your journey begins with a private, air‑conditioned transfer from your resort or ferry terminal to the coastal village of Pengudang. On arrival you are welcomed at the Mangrove Community Hub, a beautiful building set on stilts over the water and crafted largely from reclaimed wood.
Here you enjoy morning tea and an introduction to village life before hearing from project founder and local conservation leader Iwan Winarto about how mangroves protect the shoreline, support fisheries, and help secure livelihoods for Pengudang’s families. This warm, personal welcome sets the tone for a day that is as much about people and place as it is about the landscape.
Mangrove Boat Exploration
Where Ocean Meets Land
Depending on the tides, you then head out on a guided boat journey through the mangrove channels to explore where the ocean meets the land. As you glide quietly between the roots and canopy, your local guide shares stories of the wildlife, traditional fishing grounds, and the vital role mangroves play in buffering storms and nurturing juvenile fish.
This is a chance to slow down, notice the details of the ecosystem, and understand why community‑led restoration here is so important for the wider Bintan coastline.
Village Walk & Traditional Lunch
Bunda Warung & Kelong Life
Back on shore, you stroll through Pengudang’s community park before sitting down to a home‑style lunch at the centre prepared by members of the local community. After lunch, wander to the waterfront to watch fishermen repairing their floating “kelong apung” platforms, which are later towed one to two kilometres offshore for overnight fishing before the catch returns at sunrise.
Seeing this up close offers a rare insight into how traditional fisheries, mangroves, and village livelihoods remain closely intertwined.
Beach Mangroves & Living Art Space
Restoration in Action
In the afternoon you visit beachside mangrove restoration plots planted by the Initiative in recent years and see how young trees are beginning to establish their own mini‑ecosystems along the shore.
From here the tour continues to a remarkable living art space beside the wetlands, created by local resident Mr Madun from salvaged driftwood and ocean trash. With its hand‑built walkways, lookouts, and sculptures, this quiet, otherworldly place speaks powerfully to both the vulnerability and resilience of Pengudang’s coastline, and invites reflection on our own relationship with the sea.
Leisurely Coastal Drive & Farewell
Heading back
As the afternoon light softens, your guide and driver escort you on a relaxed return journey to your resort or ferry terminal, including a stop for local snacks and refreshments along the way. This is time to ask final questions, capture last coastal views, and reflect on the people, stories, and landscapes you have encountered.
Your day in Pengudang concludes with a deeper understanding of mangrove ecosystems, traditional fishing life, and the community‑driven efforts helping to protect this special part of Bintan for generations to come.
End of services
Private Day Tour
Exclusions
- Other personal expenses
- Other activities
- Tips, and all services not clearly mentioned
Key Information Remarks
- Prices are net per person in United States Dollars (USD) and are subject to change without prior notice
- No refund for any un-utilized Tour or Activity
Guide surcharge:
| Guide Type | Individual | Group |
| Mandarin speaking guide | $50 per day | $70 per day |
| Spanish speaking guide | $45 per day | $65 per day |
| Other language(by request) | $60 per day | $80 per day |
Child policy
- Child under 2: Free of charge
- Child over 2 and above: 50% of adult cost
CANCELLATION:
- Period before arrival Amount of Cancellation of the Tour or Activity Price
- More than 60 days before arrival- Free Of Charge (FOC)
- More than 45 days before arrival– 30%
- Less than 21 days before arrival – 50%
- Less than 14 days before arrival – 80%
- Failure on traveling date at point of arrival 100%
Travel Rules and Policy
Citizens entering the Philippines must meet the following conditions or risk being refused immigration clearance and may be deported:
- Citizens traveling to the Philippines are urged to https://etravel.gov.ph/ with Philippine authorities for an eArrival Card within 72 hours prior to departure.
- Passengers who are fully vaccinated must possess a recognised proof of vaccination. Travellers aged 15 and above who are not fully vaccinated are required to present a negative laboratory-based Rapid Antigen Test taken 24 hours before departure from country of origin.
- Unvaccinated traveller aged 15 and above who are unable to present a negative pre-departure laboratory-based Rapid Antigen Test will be required to undergo testing in the upon arrival in the airport. Those who test positive for COVID-19 will be required to complete a facility-based quarantine in the Philippines.
- Accompanied, unvaccinated children aged 14 and below shall follow the quarantine procedures of their parents and guardians.
- Unaccompanied unvaccinated children aged 14 and below must go through the same procedure as traveller aged 15 and above.
Local Culture
Filipinos are well known for being hospitality. Many of them go the extra mile in making visitors feel almost like VIP’s. So when you find yourself in a Filipino home, don’t be surprised if you’re forbidden to help out with anything — guests are usually not made to lift a finger.
Arrival Complications
We don’t expect any problems, and nor should you. However, if you are unable to commence your Tour as scheduled for any reason, please contact us immediately. Please refer to our emergency contact details.
Emergency Contact
If you need to contact us in an emergency, it is best to call the Green Cultural Travel Local Expert Partner. If you don’t receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message with your contact information so they can return your call as soon as possible.
Emergency Contact Numbers
Philippine Cultural Travel
Contact Number: +639164218900
Tipping
Depending on the service, it is discretionary in the Philippines to tip service providers, such as waiters. Though not compulsory, tipping shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your holiday. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels.
When selecting your tour or activity please read the brochure and itinerary carefully to assess your ability to cope with the requirements of your selected product.
Safety and Security
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt for keeping your valuables safe. Leave your expensive jewellery at home. You won’t need it while travelling. Many of the hotels you stay at have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables while on tour.
Green Cultural Travel – Community Programs
As we are owned by Green Cultural Travel Hub Limited UEN 201705140R a Singapore registered “Not for Profit” company our profits allow us to continue our support of community projects in the destinations our guests visit.
Purchasers of our Packages will automatically become members of our Green Cultural Travel Hub a place of connection for like minded travellers wanting to make a difference. Members of our Hub receive a monthly magazine and access to some great travel specials and follow the progress of the community programs we support. Guests can also take the opportunity when booking a Package to make their own donation to Green Cultural Travel Hub Limited.
Local Dress
Philippines is generally warm, so wear natural, lightweight and tropical clothing all throughout the year. This is as basic as it gets.
Green Cultural Travel Hub
When you purchase a Green Cultural Travel package you automatically become a member of the Green Cultural Travel Hub. This connects you to us and like-minded traveller. Our bi-monthly magazine is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories, special offers and contests. We also include more information on how you can give back, and support, the people and places we love to visit through our local Community Programmes.
More Great Packages
Cabiokid Foundation Permaculture Farm
Philippines Cebu City Guided Full Day Tour
