The Amorese Duo: Nikoi Island – Rustic Luxury, Part I

Somehow we were able to get away the last week in April! Yes, I realize that it’s May 8^th – I’m a little behind but since you probably don’t want to hear the gory details of how sick I was, then I’ll just jump into the adventure. We left from the Singapore Cruise Center and then started a beautiful, fantastical trip!

So, thank you to a great friend for recommending such a wonderful experience. Nikoi Island is truly a special place that may not be for everyone but has definitely become our top destination! Sorry Kauai, Nikoi is now number one!

Let me take you through how you actually get there! First, you take a Ferry (sans Durians - LOL) to Bintan, then you are taken by car to the other side of the island and finally, after an hour in the car, you take another boat ride, this time only ½ hour to the final destination, Nikoi Island. It was such a great trip; everything was handled and we didn’t have to think about a thing – wow!

Okay - an interesting story about the car ride over. Motorcycles are quite prevalent and the preferred mode of transport in Bintan (Indonesia), but what's amazing is how many people and things they can put on one motorcycle. So, the picture below exhibits the "things." But, I couldn't get a picture of the family I saw on one bike - there were 5 people on the bike - I swear. The Dad was driving, there was a child in front of him, then two children behind him with the Mom bringing up the rear and she had a baby in her arms! It's such a different way of being here - survival, needs not wants, etc. Much different from the US and it's humbling.

There were futons on the boat to Nikoi - that's where we sat! Too cool!

Once we got on the island, we were greeted by the island Manager, Marjan, and a wonderful girl with cold towels – awww…heavenly. At that point, we were guided to Yogi’s Bar/Reception Desk and had a glass of fresh squeezed orange/pineapple juice. The check-in process was non-existent, which was actually quite nice! We arrived in time for lunch and after we checked out our “hut” we headed back for an absolutely fantastic lunch: Squid Salad, Fish Curry, Stir-Fried Eggplant and Rice that ended with a dessert that was the best I think I’ve ever had! It was a shaved Orange Ice with Orange Segments topped with a piece of Chocolate & Cointreau (see picture!). There is no dress code and the feel is almost bohemian – we ate with our feet in the sand - all of the dining areas’ floors were sand!

We immediately met some fantastic couples; we’re still in communication! I actually toured a bit of Singapore with Catherine this past week. I’m having lunch with Mandy on Monday! Great to meet you guys!

So, here are the facts that you might want to know about this little island: there’s no A/C, yes, NO A/C! If you know me, then you might be surprised that I would even consider this, but being able to sleep in the open air and experience nature so closely was too much temptation! It was approximately 85-90 degrees daily with no rain and fairly high humidity. Nikoi is only 67 miles from the Equator. There are only 15 beach houses and the whole island is only 37 acres!

Needless to say, the pool and the ocean were the places we hung out at most! I’d never really done snorkeling and I loved it there; the coral was fantastic and to see all of the fish was just beyond words! I needed my Dad’s underwater camera – smile!