Tambelan Island in Bintan Regency, Riau Islands Province

A vacation in Riau Islands Province would be a great experience for everyone, especially for those who love island hopping and water sports. So, where should tourists go? As for the reference, they can start exploring Tambelan Island before heading to other islands. This one, in fact, resides near to West Kalimantan Province! It also resides near to other islands including Mendarik, Badas, Benua, Uwi, and Pejantan Island. Thus, visitors would be able to enjoy island hopping comfortably there. The only problem is related to the trip. It is because the voyage may take much time either from Batam City or West Kalimantan.

The Nuance
In terms of size, Tambelan Island is moderate and it is inhabited by about 4000 people. It is said lots of those islanders have moved to other regions like Tanjung Pinang, Jakarta, and Pontianak City due to difficult accessibility. For tourists, instead, the island becomes a great place for getting away from daily routines and noisy city life. It is because the island has an amazing environment, featuring serene beaches and pristine nature. Tambelan is also known for its stunning corals and crystal clear water! No wonder, visitors are likely to enjoy snorkeling and diving there.

Exploring Tambelan Island
The first thing to enjoy in Tambelan Island is indeed to meet local people. According to the locals, the original name of the island was Kandil Bahar, which means the light of the sea. Have no worries. People who live in the island are quite friendly to visitors. They would give information freely and would help tourists regarding direction and facilities. These people mostly work as a fisherman and they have built several fish ponds near to beaches. Some others work as a farmer, though.

The next amazing allure in Tambelan Island is none other than the underwater beauty. As mentioned before, the water clarity is excellent and the sea features amazing corals. Thus, diving and snorkeling are quite recommended there. For those who can’t swim, they can rent a boat and explore the sea on it instead. For lucky tourists, they can even watch majestic dolphins swimming in the sea! One thing, the rental fee of the boat would increase during holidays and weekends!

What is more? Beach walking also becomes a favorite tourist activity in Tambelan Island. Tourists can simply explore the shoreline while watching sea scenery ahead. Next, they must visit local villages and buy some traditional foods. These include Tembuyat, spicy porridge, bingka berendam, and kerupuk atom. All of these taste great and unique! Have no worries. Some seafood is also available there.

Nearby Attractions

• Benua Island
• Uwi Island

How to Get There
From Jakarta City, tourists only need to take an airplane service at Soekarno – Hatta International Airport and head to Hang Nadim Airport in Batam City. This flight may take around 1 hour and 35 minutes, actually. Later, from Batam City, they can get a boat service at a local port and head to Tambelan Island directly. This voyage would take much time, though. Thus, it is recommended to come in good stamina. Tourists also need to carry enough money and supplies.

Where to Stay

• No nearby hotels are available.