Mapur Island in Bintan Regency, Riau Islands Province

Each person perhaps has a different preference to spend a vacation during holidays. Some want to explore highlands while others want to spend a family recreation at beaches. What about island hopping? This can be done in the famous Riau Island Regency, actually. One of the best islands to visit is located in Bintan Regency, which is called Mapur Island. The location is not quite far from Tanjung Pinang City and this exotic island is suitable for lessening and water sports. It is also surrounded by smaller uninhabited islands! No wonder, tourists can enjoy island hopping there.

The Nuance
In terms of size, Mapur Island is bigger than nearby islands. It is said the total size is about 44 km per square. All of the nearby islands are uninhabited, aside from Merapas Island. For the information, Mapur is inhabited by the locals and it features some simple tourist facilities, as well. The first thing to notice is the pristine shorelines, featuring some big coral reefs. The environment is quite clean, too! Next, the shoreline has a soft texture and comes with many spots for relaxation!

Exploring Mapur Island
So, what can tourists do in Mapur Island? The first recommended thing to do would be beach walking. It is because the island features soft-textured shorelines and beautiful landscapes. Thus, everyone can walk around comfortably, even without wearing footwear. Also, they can take photos in front of the big coral reefs! As an alternative, they only need to find a shady spot in order to enjoy relaxation. The warm wind and stunning sea scenery may accompany them! Somehow, it is recommended to carry a mat and some snacks for eating together with friends on the beach.

Aside from beach walking, tourists can do other things in Mapur Island including water sports. That means visitors can enjoy either snorkeling or scuba diving there. They only need to find a reliable boat service and instructor in order to enjoy the activity comfortably. Once getting in the sea, all tourists would be astonished by the beauty! It is because they can watch fishes, corals, and other objects clearly down there. Not to mention the current is quite safe for snorkeling.

The next fun thing that tourists must do in Mapur Island would be fishing. They can either enjoy the activity at the shorelines or on a boat. Those who love swimming can also do it there, especially during the low tide. Next, in the afternoon, tourists may meet some locals who come to the sea for hunting shells and scallops. These people would cook these later at night! The good thing is that tourists are allowed to join the activity!

Nearby Attractions

• Poto Island
• Marapas
• Kelong Island
• Gin Besar Island

How to Get There
From Jakarta City, tourists can take an airplane at Soekarno – Hatta International Airport and head to Hang Nadim Airport in Batam City directly. This flight usually takes around 1 hour and 35 minutes. Next, from Batam, they should get a boat service at a local port and head to Mapur Island right away.

From Jakarta City, tourists can also take a boat service at Tanjung Priok Port and head to Sri Bintan Pura Port at Tanjung Pinang City. This may take around 45 hours, though. Next, after arriving at Tanjung Pinang, they should take another boat at Mentigi Port and head to Mapur Island immediately. This would take about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Where to Stay

• Joyo Resort
• Batuta Resort