WORKING WITH OUR PANGKIL STAFF
We have an army of more than twenty staff on the island just to look after you and your group. They are however trained to be ‘low key’ and apart from meal times will not be seen much until you ask for a specific activity. They will however bend over backwards to make your stay thoroughly memorable and enjoyable. So don’t be afraid to ask for help rigging the Lasers or having the speedboat follow novice kayakers around the island etc. No matter how wild and crazy your request we’ve probably had it before !

LANGUAGES
Most of our staff do not speak much English but many are trying to learn and could do with some encouragement. We will always ensure that one or two of our fluent English-speaking staff members are with you at all times (on the island and transport legs)

ELECTRIC POWER
Electricity is supplied around the clock (220 volts) by a sophisticated set of generators. The Driftwood Palaces have Singapore/UK power outlets (3 square prongs), suitable for hairdryers, mobile phones, laptop computers and so on.

COMMUNICATION & ENTERTAINMENT EQUIPMENT

• There are no TVs/VCRs in either the villas or the common areas
• There are sound systems in the bar and at the pool
• Bring your own CDs and/or iPod/MP3 players
• There is no landline phone on the island.
• There is no fax.
• There is no internet connection
• Mobile/Cell phones do work on the island. We have a signal booster on the kitchen to enhance GSM coverage. The closer you are to the kitchen, the better the reception should be. The island is however in Indonesia and you need to have a ‘roaming’ service activated by your carrier

WATER
Bottled drinking water on the island is complimentary. There is no need to bring your own. It is safe to brush your teeth using the tap water. All tap water is brought from Bintan where it is sourced from a really clean spring.

WHAT TO BRING
As little as possible:

• Passport
• Swimwear
• Reef shoes (although we would prefer that you do not touch or tread on the coral)
• A sarong, or possibly a long-sleeved shirt for the evenings (with a steady sea breeze, it can be refreshingly cool in the evenings)
• Sunglasses, sun-screen, and a hat
• Your favourite mosquito/bug protection lotion (insects aren’t a problem and we do provide repellent in the rooms, but for your maximum comfort we’d recommend you bring your tried and tested brand)
• Your own toiletries including soap and shampoo
• Personal medication
• Board games and books. We don’t stock much
• Cash (Singapore dollars) or a cheque book to settle bar bills (we don’t accept credit cards)
• Tobacco Products - We do not sell cigars or cigarettes on the island.

WHAT NOT TO BRING

• Linen and towels. These are provided
• Alcohol. We have a S$15 corkage fee if you bring your own wine

SAFETY TALK
We encourage you to listen to the safety talk proffered by our Customer Service Manager (usually given on arrival on Pangkil).

BONFIRE
Our staff will build you a fire on the beach after dinner if you would like one. You will have to bring your own marshmallows though !

DEPARTING PANGKIL
Provided there are no other groups arriving that day, we don’t have a checkout time and you are free to leave as late as you want. It is up to the Group Organiser to make sure everyone leaves Pangkil on time. Our staff are not very good at nagging !

Your group will need to leave Pangkil 2 HOURS before your scheduled ferry departure (if you are going to Tanjung Pinang) or 3 HOURS ahead of time if you are going to Lagoi

We suggest you allocate ½ hour prior to your departure to settle the bill for your group. The soft drink and alcohol bill will be itemised (but not by guest) and presented with any other charges. It is up to you how you divide this amongst your group. Again SGD cash or a single SGD cheque only – no credit cards.

OTHER
We do not have a shop on the island. If you crave chocolate for example you’ll have to bring your own. You will not go hungry – this we promise – but some groups like to bring cheeses and crackers for example. You are welcome to store anything you bring in our fridge.

TIPPING
This is entirely optional, but if you’ve received outstanding service, we’re sure that the staff on the island would gratefully receive any gratuities. They have a system which ensures fair distribution to all staff on the island as well as the boat crew.