Amy's Private Island Birthday Bash!

When one can boast, “I am going to a private island for the weekend.” I can honestly say the bar is set quite high.  Well to my greatest pleasure the private island in the middle of the South China Sea exceeded my ‘bar.’ What an unbelievable weekend I just had!

Andrea and Jill

My friend Amy (whom I met through our mutual friend Theresa) was celebrating her 39^th birthday in style!  She rented this island in Indonesia called Pulua Pangkil (Pulua means beach or island?).

We all met at the ferry terminal at 5pm on Friday afternoon.  There were 20 of us.  I had met some of the gals from a previous outing in Singapore.  My friend Andrea joined me too.  There was also Amy’s cousin Joe (an ER doctor in Beijing), Preeti’s friend Matt who happened to be in town, some great people from the UK and Australia who all lived in Singapore.  Just a really good mix of people who all didn’t know everyone but by the end, all really great friendships were formed.

We took a long 2 hour ferry ride on a local boat to Bintan (an island in Indonesia) went through customs there then loaded a bus to take us to another ferry.  Then rode that small ferry (just for us) for about 30 minutes.  Now all this is happening in the pitch black darkness of the evening.  As we approach this island of Pangkil,( one of the girls couldn’t even find it on her GPS on the phone), you see this beautiful beach with tiki torches ascending from the beach into the dark jungle.   We then had to load onto a dingy boat to be brought to shore.

Bags and flip flops in hand, we feel the fine grains of sand squishing between our toes and we are greeted by the staff giving us some fresh juice (which we all add some vodka to) and we are escorted to our “Swiss Family Robinson” rooms.  There were 20 of us and we were separated into about 8 houses.  All made of wood and thatched roofs.  Andrea and I were in the main house which as just above the disco ball, bar, eating area and relaxing couches.  Perfect! 

We all freshened up and then met for dinner about 9.  The food was fantastic on the island.  We had breakfast, lunch and dinner and there were snacks all the time! And then continued to celebrate being Friday on an island till the wee morning hours!

As Saturday morning came, Andrea and I, were up at the crack of dawn along with Lyndon, Petahn and their 6 month old Noelle.  Seeing the island in the daylight was breathtaking!  Andrea had discovered all the gems first – finding the pool at the other end of the island was a great find!  

With coffee in hand, I also went explored this beautiful island.  Our house was at one end of the island and so you pass all the different tree house looking accommodations.  Each one of cabins had views of the beach/sea and a hammock hanging underneath their cabin or a deck with chairs.  The entire place just blended so nicely within the natural surroundings of the island. 

After passing all the “palaces” you come to a fork in the path and go left through mangroves, tall palm trees, and lush jungle like trees all lined with tiki torches.  Oh by the way you never had to wear shoes on this island, nice combed sand everywhere.  

After the secluded walk through the jungle you come upon two huge boulders which you have to duck through, once on the other side there is this beautiful pool.  The pool was also made to fit in amongst its natural surroundings.  Cozy chairs, driftwood chaise lounges, a bar, another bedroom and a path to the sea! 

By 9 am I was on my bed having a full body (and much needed) massage! We spent most of the day napping, reading, chit-chatting with everyone, swimming in the sea and pool – just relaxing!

Saturday night was the designated birthday celebration.  We were asked to bring something white to wear which made the  evening feel classy!  After cocktails and drinks the delicious chocolate with mocha icing birthday cake arrived and champagne was served and some speeches were made! 

We all then walked out to the beach where a huge bonfire was lit and then we all watched with awe at a beautiful display of fireworks, just for us! 

The night continued on well into the night!  Sunday morning brought late-risers, more massages, more relaxing, reading, swimming.  

Me and birthday gal Amy

Andrea and I took some kayaks and paddled around the island too.

We left our world of paradise at 4:30pm and I was all the way home by 10pm.  I tell you this has got to be one of the best birthday parties I have ever attended!!!!

Andrea and I are thinking of renting it for our 40^th birthdays next spring.  Anyone want to join us????