Is The Westin Nirup Island Worth Visiting?

Private island, 45 minutes ferry... sounds a lot like The White Lotus experience at a stone's throw away!

When I first heard about The Westin Nirup Island, I was curious but unsure if it would live up to the hype that I've been seeing on TikTok. After spending 2D1N there, I can say my experience was great for a quick getaway. This post shares my personal journey, highlighting what stood out and what could be better. If you’re considering a trip, this might help you decide if The Westin Nirup Island is the right destination for you.

Ferry ride

Horizon Fast Ferry is your only direct way to Nirup and it currently only has 5 ferries during the year-end holiday on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays. You'll have to take the ferry from Harbourfront Ferry Terminal right next to Vivocity.

You can purchase your tickets online and head over to the counters to get your physical 'ticket'.

I won't lie but I was doubting my choice of Batam when I was at Harbourfront Terminal. It was nothing like a private terminal, but it was filled with throngs of people heading over to Batam, Harbourbay...

But when I managed to get on board the ferry, this is where I pat myself on the back for choosing to visit Nirup island. There wasn't that many people on the ferry on a Friday afternoon, and we managed to select from numerous seats even though I've only bought the economy tickets. 45 minutes later... the big 'Westin' sign sitting atop the hill came into our view.

Here's where I think I could have done better... If you truly want the luxurious experience, do yourself a favour and grab the business class / first class tickets from Horizon Ferry for about $30 more per person. This gives you first access to the immigrations, the arrival buggy, the check-ins, and everything... Or if you are a typical Singaporean like I am, I got right in front of the ferry once I saw the island coming into view, and got myself right at the back of the business class ferry ticket holders. This meant about 3 groups in front of me, and not having to wait a whole lot - this can make a huge lot of difference since every one, literally every one will have to go through the same order of immigrations, buggy, hotel check-in before getting to their paradise room.

But once that is all done... Here's where you can start enjoying!

Arrival and First Impressions

From the moment I arrived, the setting felt like a peaceful escape from the everyday rush. The little private terminal was simple, but had all you needed. From there, you can already see the island’s natural beauty peeking, with lush greenery and calm waters surrounding the resort. Because I happened to be the first few, I only had to wait 1 - 2 minutes for the buggy to bring me right up to the hotel lobby. It was an exciting ride as we were all clueless as to where we're going, which made it all the more fun!

The check-in process was smooth and welcoming, with staff who seemed genuinely interested in making my stay comfortable. We were given welcome drinks and a cold towel to freshen up from the buggy ride.

The resort’s design blends modern comfort with the island’s natural charm. Walking through the lobby, I noticed the open spaces and large open air spaces that let in plenty of natural light. It felt refreshing and inviting, setting a positive tone for the days ahead.

Accommodation Experience

Once we've gotten our room key cards, we headed briskly and with excitement to our room. We've booked a twin room (because it was the cheaper one) and was given one on the third floor. There aren't any lifts in this resort, but it wasn't a problem for us as all we had were bag packs for our little getaway. For those who are thinking of bringing your roller luggages, there are ramps, or the hotel staff will be glad to bring it directly to your room.

Our room was spacious and well-appointed, with a large balcony that offered a stunning view of the ocean. The bed was comfortable, and the room had all the amenities I needed, including a good Wi-Fi connection and a well-stocked minibar. I appreciated the attention to detail, like the calming color scheme and soft lighting, which made it easy to relax after a day of exploring.

The bathroom featured a large rain shower and quality toiletries and it felt like a small luxury that made a big difference in my overall comfort in the hot, sunny, island.

Dining and Cuisine

The Westin Nirup Island offers a variety of dining options, with 4 in-house restaurants and bars. The main restaurant, Island Kitchen, serves a mix of local and international dishes, with fresh ingredients and well-balanced flavours. And if you head down to Salt at the beach, it serves seafood, which was said to be sourced locally and prepared with care.

As the resort was newly opened, I wanted to have my meals at the main kitchen as there seems to always be people dining there (and it felt safer). Of course, the other choices like the Constellate bar looked amazing, with choices of different pizzas and a pizza oven decked by the pool. But because I went during the low season, we didn't want to be the only pizza-eaters...

To be honest, the food wasn't the best, but the ambience of the al-fresco restaurant at Island Kitchen, which overlooks the ocean was sufficient and very enjoyable for us. We dined and drank and had a wonderful lunch, dinner, and breakfast there. What could have been better would be to have more choices, but for a short getaway where we really wanted peace... I will say we had that. If you want a dining tip, we loved the Nasi Goreng and had it two times in a row!

Breakfast was also at the Island Kitchen, with a good selection of hot and cold items. The fresh fruit and baked goods stood out, and we had a wonderful time stuffing ourselves with croissant and pistachio donuts. The coffee, though, could have been better... Nonetheless, we still enjoyed ourselves as the staff were attentive without being intrusive (they even remembered our names!), creating a relaxed atmosphere for meals.

For guests who would like a special evening, you can have dinner at the beachfront restaurant - Salt. And on weekends, there's a BBQ buffet dinner where you can dine with the sound of waves and a gentle sea breeze. As we were there for only one night, we didn't manage to enjoy these.

There is currently also an ongoing all inclusive dining package if you book The Westin Nirup online and I would say it is worth the money (I did the room and breakfast only package and found that I paid close to the all inclusive dining package after checkout)

Activities and Relaxation

One of the reasons I chose The Westin Nirup Island was for the chance to unwind and enjoy nature. The resort offers several activities, from water sports to indoor fitness lessons. It was a pity however that the weather was stormy when I was there and we went down to the beach only to be told that we couldn't try stand-up-paddling nor kayaking. But we did had a fun private time, playing beach volleyball (somewhat). And because it was so cooling, it was nice to sit down at the lounge chairs, feeling the breeze in our hairs and skin without worrying about the hot sun!

Another highlight for this retreat is the spa, deserving a mention for its tranquil setting and skilled therapists. The spa’s use of natural products added to the overall sense of well-being and having a view of the ocean was a plus. The sauna is free-to-use for all guests if you don't like massages.

If you prefer to stay active, the fitness center is well-equipped and overlooks the ocean, making workouts more enjoyable. There are also yoga sessions available, which can be a great start to the day.

The kids club were not quite open yet when I was there but it will be by next year. Nonetheless, there's two pools available - one at the resort and the other by the beach which gives plenty of fun for children!

Service and Hospitality

Throughout my stay, the staff at The Westin Nirup Island were consistently friendly and helpful. Whether it was offering recommendations for things to do or accommodating special requests, they went out of their way to ensure a positive experience.

I noticed that the team seemed well-trained and motivated, which made interactions feel genuine rather than scripted. This level of service added a personal touch that enhanced the overall stay.

Practical Tips for Visitors

If you decide to visit, here are a few tips based on my experience:

• Book activities in advance to secure your spot, especially for spa treatments.

• Bring insect repellent for evenings, as the island’s natural environment attracts mosquitoes.

• Plan your meals if you have dietary restrictions; the staff are accommodating but advance notice helps.

• Use the resort’s buggy service for easy access to the beach, and other parts of the resort without hassle.

• Pack light, breathable clothing suitable for warm weather and outdoor activities.

  
  

Final Thoughts on The Westin Nirup Island

The Westin Nirup Island offers a blend of natural beauty, comfort, and thoughtful service that makes it a strong choice for travellers seeking relaxation and a connection with nature. My stay was marked by peaceful moments, delicious meals, and friendly faces.

There are still some kinks to work out in the island and some may feel like there's nothing much to do... but I personally feel that it does provide what it advertises, a tranquil, private retreat.

And when I get tired of flying, don't have much time, and still want to get into an oasis of peace, I'll be booking my next ferry to The Westin Nirup Island.