Nikoi and Cempedak Private Islands, located in Indonesia's Riau Archipelago, have released their 2024 Impact Report, showcasing how these two private islands are setting new benchmarks for sustainable tourism.

Over the years, Nikoi and Cempedak have become recognised as leading sustainable, luxury private islands where conservation, community and culture sit at the heart of the experience. Situated 91km off the coast of Singapore, the islands feel remote and untouched, yet remain easily accessible for Australians seeking a deeply regenerative escape - one that not only restores and inspires guests but also delivers lasting benefits to the local people and the environment that sustain them.

Since opening Nikoi in 2007, and Cempedak in 2017, co-owner Andrew Dixon has embedded sustainability into every aspect of design, operations and guest experience. An Australian entrepreneur now based in Singapore, Dixon's leadership in regenerative tourism was recognised in March 2025 with his appointment to the board of The Long Run - a global community of nature-based tourism businesses committed to the 4Cs framework: Conservation, Community, Culture and Commerce. Both Nikoi and Cempedak are accredited Global Ecosphere Retreats®, the highest level of sustainability certification awarded by The Long Run.

Highlights from the 2024 Impact Report (aligned to the 4Cs framework) include:

Conservation

• A record-breaking turtle hatching season, with 2,497 hatchlings released across both islands (including 44 critically endangered Hawksbill and 2 endangered Green Turtles)
• Active participation in marine protection through a resident marine biologist conducting water-quality and coral health monitoring, and leading interactive citizen-science activities with guests
• Regenerative farming initiatives: over 84,000 eggs harvested, an average of 600 kg of vegetables grown monthly, significant soil health improvements, and a Seed Sovereignty Project that halved seed procurement costs

Community

• In 2024, The Island Foundation (an important initiative and registered charity set up by the islands' co-founders to support education and community development across Bintan and neighbouring islands) supported 13 Learning Centres across Riau Islands, delivering 2,294 classes, reaching 598 students, and provided 1,260 hours of teacher training, including expansion into Lingga Regency, home to many Indigenous Orang Suku Laut.
• The Green Leaders programme inspired grassroots staff-led sustainability projects — from eco enzyme production to upcycled Jenga sets and driftwood art — cultivating creativity and ownership among team members
• Women's focus groups engaged 42 female staff, fostering peer support, career development, and workplace inclusivity
• Collaboration with vocational colleges supported 11 trainee placements, helping nurture the next generation of hospitality professionals

Culture

• Ubah Rumah Residency (a creative residency and research programme based on Nikoi, designed to explore and document the cultural and ecological heritage of the Riau Archipelago) welcomed 12 artists and researchers from six countries in 2024, facilitating creative research and shared cultural exploration that resulted in digital archives and active engagement with local stories
• A staff cultural trip to Bukit Batu cemetery — guided by a Ubah Rumah artist-resident — strengthened team connection with Riau's heritage in a deeply meaningful exchange

Commerce

• Through The Island Club membership initiative and a partnership with Jord International, over S$98,000 was raised for local community and conservation projects
• Staff loans offered a safe and accessible financing option for the team and, by extension, their communities, supporting long-term financial stability and trust
• Partnership with Seven Clean Seas delivered measurable waste reduction: Nikoi offset 1,179 kg of plastic, Cempedak offset 797 kg, with combined savings reinvested into staff‐funded celebrations

In launching the 2024 Impact Report, Andrew Dixon reflected: “Our philosophy has never been about simply reducing harm. From the very beginning, we set out to prove that tourism could be a force for regeneration – a way to restore ecosystems, empower communities, and give people meaningful connections to nature.

“What makes Nikoi and Cempedak unique is that guests don't just stay on a private island; they become part of a much larger story of protection and renewal. Whether it's learning directly from a marine biologist on the reef, seeing how our food is grown and sourced, or experiencing the care that goes into every design and detail, we want every guest to leave not only refreshed but inspired by the difference travel can make when it is guided by purpose.”

Underscoring the islands' leadership in sustainability education is the launch of Nikoi's partnership with Green School Bali's Green Camp. Announced in early 2025, this marks the first time the internationally recognised nature-based education programme has expanded beyond Bali. Family-friendly island, Nikoi was selected as the inaugural partner thanks to its commitment to conservation, biodiversity and family-focused experiences. The collaboration introduces immersive, hands-on activities for children, giving younger guests opportunities to learn about marine conservation, ecology and sustainable living in one of the most biodiverse settings in the region. For more information on Green Camps at Nikoi visit https://nikoi.com/event/green-camp-nikoi/.

For the full 2024 Impact Report visit https://nikoi.com/app/uploads/2025/09/2024-Impact-Report-Final-1_compressed.pdf.

For further information on Nikoi Private Island visit https://nikoi.com/.

For further information on Cempedak Private Island visit https://cempedak.com/.

Ends

Notes to editor:

Impact Report images are available here.

Nikoi Private Island images and media kit available here.

Cempedak Private Island images and media kit available here.

Media Contact:

Rachel Jones, ANZ PR Representative

rachel@thisishelm.com.au

Andrew Cavallaro, ANZ PR Representative

andrew@thisishelm.com.au

About Nikoi Private Island

Nikoi Island is a 15-hectare private island located 8km off the east coast of Bintan, Indonesia. Committed to providing inspiring architecture, good food and personal service amid a spectacular natural setting, Nikoi puts a significant emphasis on conservation and deep consideration for the environment and local communities. Each component of the island, from construction to food sustainability, is crafted to minimise wastage and adverse impacts while providing guests with a truly tranquil and secluded escape.

About Cempedak Private Island

Cempedak Island is a unique private island with sustainability at the forefront of its ground-breaking design. Approaching by private speed boat across shimmering azure waters towards the white sands of Cempedak, the island's stunning hand-crafted bamboo villas will be just visible through the natural jungle-foliage. And this is a true retreat – luxury on Cempedak means space and time to truly disconnect – with a maximum of 40 guests, adults only policy, no televisions and an island that has been slowly developed over several years to preserve the natural habitat and wildlife. Every guest will find a secluded idyll on Cempedak and going barefoot is positively encouraged.