**Eco-Retreat on a Remote Indonesian Island: A Labor of Love**
Four years ago, Richard Kvech and his friends stumbled upon a hidden gem – a 50-hectare island off the western coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. The island, Pinang, was uninhabited, with only a dilapidated bungalow and a small field in sight. Today, it’s a thriving eco-resort, built with sustainable practices and a deep respect for nature.
The journey to Pinang Island is not for the faint of heart. Guests must take multiple flights and a boat ride to reach the island, but the reward is well worth it. The resort features six bungalows, a communal space, and a fruit and vegetable garden, all built using locally sourced materials and powered by solar panels.
Kvech, a former medical travel coordinator, is now in charge of marketing and permaculture at Pinang Island. He’s passionate about preserving the island’s natural beauty and promoting sustainable tourism. “We’re trying to interrupt the environment as little as possible,” he says. “The jungle is very active, with hermit crabs, lizards, and gumtree snakes. We want to keep it that way.”
Since opening to the public two years ago, Pinang Island has welcomed 100 guests, mostly yoga and surf enthusiasts. The resort offers a range of activities, including snorkeling, fishing, and kayaking, as well as guided surf trips to nearby islands. Guests can expect to pay $999 per night for eight people, with additional guests welcome at $125 per person per night.
However, the journey to Pinang Island is not without risks. In August 2023, a boat carrying guests to the island capsized during a storm, resulting in the tragic loss of a local captain. The incident prompted the resort to take decisive action, purchasing its own fiberglass boat and implementing advanced safety measures.
Despite the challenges, Kvech remains committed to his vision of creating a niche and intimate eco-resort. “I can never imagine running a hotel for 50 plus people,” he says. “It would be a logistical disaster, and an environmental one as well.” Instead, Pinang Island is a haven for adventurous souls who want to reconnect with nature and find their balance.
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