Kenduri Seni Melayu in Tanjung Pinang City, Riau Islands Province

Perhaps tourists have a similar reason for visiting Riau Islands Province. It is none other than to enjoy island hopping. The presence of big and small islands make the region is worth an exploration. Well, aside from that, visitors can take advantage of the local traditions as entertainment. Many unique local performances are available to watch, after all. These include the famous Kenduri Seni Melayu. This festival is quite merry and presents various types of arts performances. The locals often call it KSM, actually. Also, the festival is usually done in two or three days at the end of the year (in November).

The Nuance
In terms of nuance, Kenduri Seni Melayu is definitely rousing. It is because the festival consists of various performances including literature, theater, music, and much more. Also, more attractions are available including poetry and rhyme reading. As for the location, the local government usually chooses Engku Putri Field, located in Batam City. Also, it is performed indoor! What about the participants? Aside from local artists, foreigners also participate in the event, especially those who come from neighboring countries.

Exploring Kenduri Seni Melayu
It is true that each region in Indonesia has a cultural festival. In this case, Riau Islands Province is not an exception. Kenduri Seni Melayu, in fact, has become one of the best tourist allures in that region. For tourists, however, they must come at the exact date. Thus, they must find out information regarding the schedule first. The fact is that the festival occurs annually at the end months of the year. According to the locals, the purpose is to celebrate Batam City’s anniversary.

As mentioned earlier, lots of cultural performances occur at that festival. The regular or prime one is called Mak Yong, though. Aside from that, other attractive performances occur including poetry, exhibitions, dances, and much more! Some newest shows are Zapin song, Lambak Dance, Dondang Sayang Mambo, and Rambak Madani! That means the festival is dominated by the Malay culture. Despite the fact, it also shows various local arts and performances originated from numerous Indonesia’s regions. Tourists won’t be bored, therefore.

Well, tourists must also know the purpose or function of KSM. In a nutshell, the festival is meant to introduce and retain local cultures, especially the ones that belong to Malay culture. Another function is to lure foreigners and outsiders to visit Riau Islands Province. The festival is done annually, in fact. Aside from watching the cultural performances, the audience can also enjoy traditional foods bazaar, later! What a fun event!

Nearby Attractions

• Bintan Pottery
• Tugu Pensil
• Kampung Pelangi
• Gong-Gong Building

How to Get There
Well, in order to watch the festival, everyone should reach Batam City first. From Jakarta City, for example, they can take an airplane at Soekarno – Hatta International Airport and head to Hang Nadim Airport. This flight usually takes around 1 hour and 35 minutes, actually. Next, from Batam City, tourists should reach a local port in order to get a boat service. Their destination would be Tanjung Pinang City. Also, the voyage would take around 3 hours or more depending on the weather.

Where to Stay

• Fajar Guesthouse
• Bintan Plaza Hotel
• Airy Hotel