Asia’s Top Bars Head to Cempedak Island

Priyal Dutta1 day Ago1 Mins read35

Running from July to December 2026, the Cempedak Sunset Takeovers will see seven cocktail bars host one-night events at Dodo Bar, the island's beachfront venue.

Cempedak Island Welcomes Asia’s Cocktail Bars for Sunset Takeovers

For travellers looking to pair island escapes with distinctive food and beverage experiences, Cempedak Island has introduced a new cocktail series that brings bartenders from across Asia to its shores. Running from July to December 2026, the Cempedak Sunset Takeovers will see seven cocktail bars host one-night events at Dodo Bar, the island’s beachfront venue.

Held on selected evenings between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm, the series offers guests the opportunity to meet bartenders from across Asia while enjoying cocktails inspired by their respective bars and local ingredients.

Cocktail Experiences in an Island Setting

Located in Indonesia’s Riau Archipelago, around two and a half hours from Singapore, Cempedak Island is an adults-only private island retreat surrounded by rainforest and beaches.

Unlike traditional guest shifts hosted in city bars, the Sunset Takeovers move the experience outdoors, where cocktails are served against the backdrop of the island’s coastline. Each event combines drinks, conversation and island hospitality in a relaxed setting.

Andrew Dixon, Co-Founder of Cempedak Island, said the programme provides an opportunity to exchange ideas with bartenders from across the region while introducing guests to different cocktail styles and techniques.

2026 Sunset Takeovers Schedule

The line-up features bars from Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore and Vietnam:

4 July: Coley, Kuala Lumpur
16 August: Bar Sathorn, Bangkok
19 September: Sora, Phnom Penh
10 October: F*nkytown, Bangkok
7 November: Native, Singapore
12 November: 28 HongKong Street, Singapore
5 December: Hybrid, Nha Trang

Each participating bar will present a selection of its signature cocktails, reflecting regional ingredients, local traditions and contemporary mixology.

A Weekend Escape for Cocktail Enthusiasts

For those planning a weekend getaway, the series offers another reason to visit Cempedak Island. Alongside the cocktail evenings, guests can enjoy the island’s natural surroundings, beaches and dining experiences while discovering the different styles shaping Asia’s cocktail culture.

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Written by

Priyal Dutta - Senior Correspondent/Editor

As Senior Correspondent and Editor at Safari India, I write about the people, businesses, and trends shaping the travel, tourism, hospitality, aviation, and lifestyle industries. My work ranges from breaking news and exclusive interviews to in-depth features and industry analysis, with a focus on delivering accurate, balanced, and engaging stories. I enjoy uncovering the details behind every story and presenting them in a way that keeps readers informed and connected to an ever-evolving industry.