Tanjung Pinang
Introduction
You will find history woven into the fabric of Tanjungpinang, the capital city of the Riau Islands province. Located in the southwestern part of Bintan Island and encompassing nearby Dompak and Penyengat islands, this coastal destination serves as a gateway to the region's rich Malay culture.
As you explore the city, you can trace its heritage back to its former roles as the capital for both the Johor Sultanate and the Riau-Lingga Sultanate. This deep cultural history defines the character of the area, offering you a glimpse into the region's royal past.
Before you go
Prepare for your visit by understanding that Tanjung Pinang serves as the capital of the Riau Islands province. As a growing hub for trading, shipping, shopping, and tourism, the city functions as a regional center for seafood. While there is no defined central district, you will find that most points of interest radiate outward from the ferry port.
Getting there
You can reach the city by air via Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport, which hosts domestic flights from several Indonesian cities. For international travelers, the most convenient route involves flying into Singapore and taking a ferry to the island. If you choose to fly into the neighboring island of Batam instead, you can take a taxi to Telaga Punggur to catch a connecting ferry. You may also arrive via sea from Johor Bahru in Malaysia or from various other Riau Islands.
The main passenger port for both domestic and international services is located at the southern end of Jalan Merdeka. If you prefer to travel by land, buses and taxis connect Tanjung Pinang to the port of Tanjung Uban, while bemos and taxis are available from the port of Kijang.
Getting around
You can easily explore central Tanjung Pinang and the old part of town built on stilts on foot due to its compact size. To reach further locations such as Bintan Mall, Bestari Mall, Trikora beach, or local restaurants and temples, taxis are your most convenient option. When using a taxi, ensure you only board from the main road and negotiate a firm price before starting your journey to avoid complications. For those seeking more of an adventure, motorcycle taxis known as ojek are available throughout the area.
Minibuses called Angkutan Kota operate on fixed routes and can transport several passengers at once; you can signal the driver to stop by shouting "pinggir" or "kiri." If your travels take you toward the water, you can take a boat to Penyengat Island from a small alley at Jalan Pos or reach Kampung Bugis from Jalan Pelantar II. While these boats often require you to wait until they are full, you also have the option to hire a private boat if you bargain for the price beforehand.
Where to stay
You can choose from a variety of accommodations depending on your preferred level of comfort. For those seeking high-end amenities, upscale options like the Aston Tanjungpinang Hotel and Conference Center or CK Tanjungpinang Hotel & Convention Centre offer modern facilities including swimming pools and convention spaces. If you prefer a more scenic experience, the Sunset Curly Bay Hotel & Resort provides a picturesque stay, while Alltrue Hotel Bintan serves as a highly rated boutique choice.
For those seeking mid-range options, several hotels provide convenient locations near the ferry terminal or town center, such as the Bintan Panorama Hotel, Lesmina Hotel, and Riau Holidays Indah. Other nearby choices include the Bintan Harmoni, Hotel Paradise, and Laut Jaya Hotel. If you prefer a more secluded experience away from commercial areas, the Bintan Bukit Kursi Resort offers private houses with beach views. For a no-frills, budget-friendly stay, Bong's Homestay is a well-known option for travelers seeking basic accommodations.
Food & drink
Savor a wide variety of seafood, including crab and gong-gong, at local restaurants where prices are lower than in neighboring regions. You can also dine at Padang-style restaurants, where your table is set with dozens of small dishes such as curried fish, fried tempeh, stewed greens, chili eggplant, curried beef liver, fried chicken, and various sambals. For a diverse selection of Indonesian, Chinese, Thai, and other Asian dishes in a rustic atmosphere, visit the food court near the ferry terminal or the one on Jalan Potong Lembu.
Explore local delicacies such as Bak Kut Teh (Chinese Pork Rib Soup), otak-otak, and wet kway teow. If you prefer a modern setting, find national dishes like Pempek, Sup Ayam Kampung, Gado-gado, Soto, and special BBQ of chicken and fish in comfortable coffee shops near the International Harbour. For vegetarian options, a Chinese vegetarian restaurant is available nearby. In the eastern part of town, you can enjoy chili crabs at an open-sided seafood restaurant by the sea. While alcohol is available in many cafes and restaurants, it is typically consumed in social settings; you might try local specialties like Double Kiwi, which comes in both clear and amber varieties.
What to see and do
Explore the cultural heritage of Tanjung Pinang by wandering through the densely packed shophouses near Jl. Pelantar II, where the area retains its distinct Chinese character. You can visit the 500 Luohan Temple to see a sculpture park featuring hundreds of arhats with unique poses and expressions, or travel further to find a newly built Buddhist temple housing a massive sitting Guan Yin statue. The city also preserves the legacy of the Riau sultanate through the old ruler's palace and royal tombs, including the grave of Sultan Haji. For those interested in local arts, a cultural center provides a venue for Malay music and dance performances.
Experience the coastal lifestyle by taking a boat from the docks to tour the harbor or hiring a guide at the piers to visit nearby locations like Penyengat Island, Senggarang, and Sungai Ular Temple. On Penyengat Island, you can see the Masjid Raya and various royal graveyards, while the Senggarang temple complex features Hinduist and Chinese worship sites near a stilt house village. If you prefer a peaceful getaway, stay at a "Kelong," a traditional stilt house where you can experience local fishing traditions. For those seeking adventure, you can join a popular fishing trip on a traditional wooden vessel to head out into the open sea.
Three days in Tanjung Pinang
Day one, you can begin your journey in Tanjungpinang by exploring the local atmosphere. You might wander through the streets of Kampung Bugis or navigate the area around Jalan Merdeka to get a feel for the Malay culture of the Riau Islands.
Day two, travel toward the coast to experience the coastal vibes of Tanjung Uban. You can spend your time exploring the nearby sights and enjoying the scenery of the region surrounding Bintan Island.
Day three, you can take a trip to Penyengat Island to immerse yourself in the history of the Malay Sultanates before preparing for your departure from the area.