Stand at the end of Jl. Pelantar II and the town shows you its two faces at once: densely packed Chinese shophouses on one side, and on the other a waterfront where boats wait to carry you to the islands that hold most of Tanjung Pinang's history. The name itself comes from a beach tree that once jutted into the sea and guided voyagers heading for the Bintan River.
Tanjung Pinang suits travellers who are happy to move by boat and on foot, who care more about mosques, tombs and temples than about resorts, and who do not mind haggling for a fare. It is a Malay cultural centre that also carries Chinese, Dutch and British layers from its centuries as a trading port and royal capital.
This guide covers the sights within the town and the short boat rides beyond it, then strings the best of them into a single day.
Top things to do in Tanjung Pinang
1. Penyengat Island
The island holds the legacies of the Riau–Lingga Sultanate: the old ruler's palace, royal tombs, and the grave of Raja Ali Haji, author of the first Malay grammar book. The old vice-royal mosque, the Masjid Raya, is still in use, and locals claim its mortar was made from egg.
Combine it with the rest of a boat trip, since guides at the piers can arrange Penyengat, Senggarang and Sungai Ular Temple in one go. Agree an all-inclusive price at the start, and make sure only one person is showing you around.
2. Senggarang Temples
This temple complex includes both Chinese and Hindu places of worship, among them a 40-armed statue and several animal deities. From there you can walk to a stilt house village, where a temple has a tree growing into it.
Boats run frequently from the Tanjung Pinang piers to Senggarang, and the fare is negotiable, so haggle before you board.
3. Sungai Ular Buddhist Temple
Also called the Snake River Temple, it sits a little way up the river known for its windings. The draw is the gory murals depicting the Chinese version of hell.
The best and probably only way to reach it is by boat, so fold it into the same negotiated trip as Penyengat and Senggarang.
4. 500 Luohan Temple
This Buddhist temple contains a sculpture park whose star attractions are the 500 arhats, each with a different pose and expression. It is about a 10-minute drive from Tanjung Pinang.
Pair it with the newer Buddhist temple that houses the largest sitting Guan Yin in South-East Asia, located roughly 10 miles from the downtown.
5. Harbour round trip by boat
Tanjung Pinang is built into the water, and being on the water is the best way to see it. Walk down to the docks and find a small boat for a round trip around the harbour.
Expect to pay around 10 Singapore Dollars or less, and settle the price before setting off.
6. Jl. Pelantar II
The area around this street retains the town's Chinese heritage, with densely packed shophouses selling all manner of goods. It is the most rewarding stretch for a slow walk on land.
It is also where you will find the piers, so combine a wander here with arranging your boat trip.
7. Raja Haji Fisabillah Monument
The monument stands downtown, raised in memory of the national hero Raja Haji, who died in the battle of Malacca against the Dutch in 1784. The statue itself was removed by the local government over safety concerns after it had partially worn out, so you will see only the base.
Visit it as part of a walk through the downtown rather than as a trip in itself.
8. Museum Sultan Sulaiman Badrul Alamsyah
This museum is one of the named places in the city and a natural stop for the sultanate history that shaped Tanjung Pinang.
Set aside time for it on the same day as your downtown walk, when you are already in the centre.
9. The cultural centre for Malay music and dance
The cultural centre for stage performances of Malay music and dances is located in Tanjung Pinang, and it regularly organises festivals and other performances.
Check what is on while you are in town, since performances are scheduled rather than continuous.
10. Kelong stay
A kelong is a stilt house that fishermen build for breeding or trapping fish. Some are built mainly for commercial use, but a few offer stays, and most stand away from the bustling town.
Rooms cost around S$20 per room for two per night, and meals can be arranged with the operator, some of whom provide fresh catch from the sea. Fishing trips in the open sea can also be arranged, and it is a good way to learn how locals fish the kelong way.
11. Fishing trips
Many Singaporeans use Tanjung Pinang as a departure point for fishing trips. The vessels are usually made of wood and rarely equipped with GPS or modern equipment, yet they are often booked solid six months ahead.
If fishing is the point of your trip, arrange it well before you travel.
12. Masjid Raya
The old vice-royal mosque on Penyengat Island is still in use, and locals claim its mortar was made from egg. It is one of the principal buildings of the sultanate legacy on the island.
See it as part of your Penyengat stop, alongside the palace and royal tombs.
13. Masjid Al Muhajirin
One of the named places of worship in the city, and a straightforward stop for visitors interested in the town's religious life.
Combine it with the other central stops on your downtown walk.
14. Masjid Ukhuwah Islamiyah
A second named mosque in the city, useful if you are tracing the places of worship across town.
Fit it into the same half-day as the other central sights rather than making a separate journey.
15. The city's churches
GBI Tagba, GPIB Wonosari and Kristus Raja are the named churches in the city, reflecting the Christian communities among Tanjung Pinang's population.
Visit respectfully and outside service times, and group them with your other central stops.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start at Jl. Pelantar II, walking the shophouse streets while the day is still cool, then go down to the docks and negotiate a boat. Use it for a round trip around the harbour, then continue to Penyengat Island for the Masjid Raya, the old ruler's palace and the royal tombs, including the grave of Raja Ali Haji.
Afternoon: Extend the same boat arrangement to Senggarang Temples, with its 40-armed statue and animal deities, and the stilt house village where a tree has grown into a temple, then on to Sungai Ular Buddhist Temple for the murals of the Chinese version of hell. Back on land, take in the Raja Haji Fisabillah Monument and the Museum Sultan Sulaiman Badrul Alamsyah downtown.
Evening: Return to the waterfront around Jl. Pelantar II, and if a performance is scheduled, spend the evening at the cultural centre for Malay music and dance.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get around the sights outside the town centre?
By boat. Rent a guide at one of the piers, such as the end of Jn Pelantar 1 or 2, and they will arrange a boat or boats to see Penyengat, Senggarang and Sungai Ular Temple in one go. The price is up to negotiation, may be S$30–40 for two persons, and you should make it crystal clear at the beginning that the price is all-inclusive.
What does a harbour round trip cost?
A little boat for a round trip around the harbour costs around 10 Singapore Dollars or less. Find one by walking down to the docks.
Can I stay on a kelong?
Yes. A few kelongs offer stays, most of them away from the bustling town. The cost is around S$20 per room for two per night, meals can be arranged with the operator, and some operators provide fresh catch from the sea or arrange fishing trips in the open sea.
What is there to see on Penyengat Island?
The Masjid Raya, the old vice-royal mosque still in use, along with a few more mosques and graveyards, some of which include royalties. The old ruler's palace and royal tombs are there too, among them the grave of Raja Ali Haji.
Decide whether your priority is the sultanate legacy on Penyengat or a slow day along Jl. Pelantar II, then start planning your boat and your dates around it.