Zen visits

Located on the 17-hectare Cempedak – a private island off the east coast of Bintan, the beach and sea view villas here are constructed with local ‘alang alang’ grass roofs and handcrafted bamboo to promote natural ventilation.

Faced with an outdated hotel built in 1979, Mahmoud was tasked with keeping the original structure intact, while bringing it back to life with design elements that would connect the traditional local vernacular with a refreshing modern sense.