Tanjung Pinang

Tanjung Pinang (Tanjungpinang) is the main town on the island of Bintan, and the capital of Riau Islands province.

This is the capital of the province of Riau Islands, that separated from the Riau mainland in 2002. The city is fast growing with a population around 200,000. It is a trading, shipping, shopping and tourism "seafood" center in the region. The town has an instantly likeable 'feel' despite being somewhat of a culture shock after squeaky clean Singapore. The local people are very friendly and most will rustle up a few words of English, particularly if you try out your few words of Indonesian! The town wraps itself around several hillsides with different types of housing amidst a plethora of mosques, churches, Buddhist temples, shop-houses, cafes and general confusion! There is no logical centre to the town, but most things radiate out from the ferry port.

Tanjung Pinang today is a sprawling Indonesian town, with mosquitoes and rats running under stilt houses on the coast at low tide and anonymous concrete blocks marching up the hills. However, the area around Jl. Pelantar II still retains the town's Chinese heritage, with densely packed shophouses hawking all manner of goods.

• 500 Luohan Temple. Buddhist temple that contains a fantastic sculpture park. The star attractions are the 500 arhats (Eng: "perfected ones"; Mandarin: "luohan"). All of them have different poses and expressions. The temple is 10 minutes drive from Tanjung Pinang.
• There is also a newly built Buddhist temple which house the largest sitting Guan Yin (Goddess of mercy) in South-East Asia. Locate approx. 10 miles from Tg. Pinang downtown.
• The old ruler's palace and royal tombs, among them the grave of the respected Sultan Haji, who also was creater and author of the first Malay Language grammar book, are among the legacies left by the Riau sultanate.
• The cultural center for stage performances of Malay music and dances is located in Tanjungpinang. The center organizes regular festivals and other performances such as music and dance.

• Raja Haji Fisabillah Monument, downtown Tanjung Pinang. 28m tall and raised in memory of the national hero Raja Haji who died during the heroic battle of Malacca against the Dutch in 1784. He was a famous Malayan king and had his castle on the island Penyengant right outside Tanjung Pinang. Unfortunately the very statue of Raja Haji had been removed by local government due to safety issue - It had been partially worn out. So you can only see the base of the monument now.
• Kelong, 'Kelong' is a stilt house the fisherman built for breeding or trapping of fish, some are built mainly for commercial use but, there are a few that offer stays on the 'Kelong'. Most of them are built away from the bustling town thus, it's a perfect getaway if you're looking for some peace and quiet. Cost is around S$20.00 per room for 2 per night, meals can be arrange with the operator as some provide fresh catch from the sea. Also fishing trip in the open sea can also be arrange with the operator. It's good way to explore and learn how the local do their fishing the 'Kelong' way.

500 Luohan Temple. Buddhist temple that contains a fantastic sculpture park. The star attractions are the 500 arhats (Eng: "perfected ones"; Mandarin: "luohan"). All of them have different poses and expressions. The temple is 10 minutes drive from Tanjung Pinang.

Raja Haji Fisabillah Monument, downtown Tanjung Pinang. 28m tall and raised in memory of the national hero Raja Haji who died during the heroic battle of Malacca against the Dutch in 1784. He was a famous Malayan king and had his castle on the island Penyengant right outside Tanjung Pinang. Unfortunately the very statue of Raja Haji had been removed by local government due to safety issue - It had been partially worn out. So you can only see the base of the monument now.

Kelong, 'Kelong' is a stilt house the fisherman built for breeding or trapping of fish, some are built mainly for commercial use but, there are a few that offer stays on the 'Kelong'. Most of them are built away from the bustling town thus, it's a perfect getaway if you're looking for some peace and quiet. Cost is around S$20.00 per room for 2 per night, meals can be arrange with the operator as some provide fresh catch from the sea. Also fishing trip in the open sea can also be arrange with the operator. It's good way to explore and learn how the local do their fishing the 'Kelong' way.

Take a walk down to the docks and find yourself a little boat to take you for a round trip around the harbour (10 Singapore Dollars or less). Tanjung Pinang is built into the water and being on the water is the best way to see it.

For a longer trip, rent a guide - who will arrange a boat or boats - at one of the piers (i.e., at the end of Jn Pelantar 1 or 2), and go and see Penyengat, Senggarang and Sungai Ular Temple in one go. Price is up to negotiation, may be around 30-40 SGD for two persons. Watch out to get only one person showing you around, and make it crystal clear in the beginning that price is all-inclusive.

• Penyengat Island. Places to visit include the Masjid Raya - the old vice-royal mosque, which locals claim is made "from egg" (the mortar, that is, not the whole building). There are also a few more mosques and graveyards to see, some of which include royalties.
• Senggarang Temples is a temple complex including Chinese and Hinduist worshipping places. This includes a 40-armed statue and several animal deities. From there, you can walk to a stilt house village, where there is also a temple that a tree has grown into. There are boats going from Tanjung Pinang piers to Senggarang frequently, haggle for price.
• Sungai Ular Buddhist Temple, or Snake River Temple, is a little way up the so-called snake river (for its windings). The best (and probably only) way to get there is by boat. Go there for some gory murals depicting the Chinese version of hell.

Penyengat Island. Places to visit include the Masjid Raya - the old vice-royal mosque, which locals claim is made "from egg" (the mortar, that is, not the whole building). There are also a few more mosques and graveyards to see, some of which include royalties.

Senggarang Temples is a temple complex including Chinese and Hinduist worshipping places. This includes a 40-armed statue and several animal deities. From there, you can walk to a stilt house village, where there is also a temple that a tree has grown into. There are boats going from Tanjung Pinang piers to Senggarang frequently, haggle for price.

Sungai Ular Buddhist Temple, or Snake River Temple, is a little way up the so-called snake river (for its windings). The best (and probably only) way to get there is by boat. Go there for some gory murals depicting the Chinese version of hell.

Fishing Many Singaporeans often use Tanjung Pinang as a departure point for fishing trips. The vessels used are usually made of wood and are rarely equipped with GPS or any modern equipment. Yet they are often booked solid six months ahead.

• . Buddhist Temple

Tanjung Pinang is famous for its wooden handicraft, and indonesian designed textile. Everything else is cheap with some products lower than 10% of the prices in Europe.

• Ramayana Shopping Mall (Jalan Wiratno No. 1), a double-storey shopping centre. Sells clothes and apparel on the first floor, with a rather understocked supermarket and gaming arcade on the second. The mall also contains a fast-food restaurant and an Internet cafe.

Products:

• Keropok (Deep-fried crackers) - Buy keropok from the wholesaler in the main marketplace at the old part of town (Jalan Plantar II). They will be at least 50% cheaper than at the resorts.
• Fakes: Just like in most of South-East Asian countries, pirated goods are available openly. DVD and music CD are everywhere, often not more than one Singapore dollar for a DVD. Quality is "ok". You can test the quality before you buy.
• Tea & Coffee: The most popular brand for tea in Tanjung Pinang is called Teh Prendjak by PT.Panca Rasa Pratama. It has a very unique flavor that you can find in nowhere. Most tourists will buy them as gifts.
• Also are the 'Kaya' ( a local bread spread) made from coconut and egg are a must try, some may find it too sweet for their liking.
• Electronics: Very competitively priced in Tanjung Pinang. The shops carry many of what you may need. When buying electronic goods, remember that Singapore uses 240 V voltage with a British-style three-pin plug.
• Cameras & Watches: The main street from the Ferry Terminal has a selection of camera shops. Prices are significantly lower than in many other countries.

Keropok (Deep-fried crackers) - Buy keropok from the wholesaler in the main marketplace at the old part of town (Jalan Plantar II). They will be at least 50% cheaper than at the resorts.

Tanjung Pinang has many seafood restaurants, and prices are low by Singaporean (or even Western) standards, Try crab (ketam) and gong-gong, a local mollusk.

Padang restaurants, named after the town of Padang, can also be found throughout Tanjung Pinang. In a Padang-style restaurant, the table will quickly be set with dozens of small dishes filled with highly flavored foods such as curried fish, fried tempeh, stewed greens, chili eggplant, curried beef liver, fried chicken, and of course, sambals, the spicy sauces ubiquitous at Indonesian tables. Customers take - and pay for - only what you eat from this array of dishes.

As for local delicacies you might want to try

"Bak Kut Teh" - The Chinese Pork Rib Soup (Pricing between Rp 20.000 - Rp 25.000) can be found at Jl. Potong Lembu or Around Jl. Pelantar II area.

"Otak-otak" (Costs mostly Rp. 1.000 (buy 10 get 2 free)) can be found at Jl. Pelantar II.

"Wet kway teow" - rice noodle(Pricing between Rp 12.000 - Rp 20.000) can be found at Jl. Pasar Ikan, Jl. Tambak, Jl. Potong Lembu.

Or, head to the local food court just across the street from the ferry terminal. There is also the Potong Lembu street food court on Jalan Potong Lembu. A large range of Indonesian, Chinese, Thai and other Asian dishes are available. Beer is also sold and on several tables it was being consumed by locals, suggesting that it is socially acceptable. The atmosphere is rustic to say the least, but it is incredibally atmospheric and the food 'anak' - delicious!

Other national delicacies such as Pempek, Sup Ayam Kampung, Gado-gado, Soto, Special BBQ of Chicken and Fish are also available in a comfortable modern coffee shop like " Sweet " located at Jalan Bakar Batu No.102 C so near that it takes only 5-10 minutes walk from the International Harbour.

For those who are vegetarian, there is a Chinese vegetarian restaurant (Bumi Maitri) at 'Suka Berenang'. They open until 9PM everyday and the price is very reasonable.

Sam's Anna Jalan Yos Sudarso, is a thatched roof, open sided seafood restaurant located next to the sea. They serve excellent chilli crabs and other seafood dishes at prices far below Singaporean ones. Service is fine without ever being slick, partly as being a large restaurant there is a long distance from the serving hatch to tables. It's located in the Eastern part of town. Be warned that there are two Sam's Anna's in town, the one on Jalan Lr Sutami being a burger joint aimed at local teenagers!

Alcoholic drinks are available in most of the cafes and restaurants, nonetheless of being the country with the largest Muslim population. Non-Muslim Indonesian drink alcohol only in social setting. Despite this, no-one has a problem with others drinking and many local Muslims are happy to sell it.

If you like to drink new things, try the local "Double Kiwi", which comes in clear (i.e. vodka-like) and amber (i.e. whisky-like) fashions, at only 15-20 degrees alcohol.

• Sebauk, Senggarang, +6285264709696. 30 mnts. there is a restaurant just by the city head office in senggarang. it is often visited during lunch. the view is the open sea.. sometimes the waves and the wind is breezy and put u to sleep. So little tourist know this place.. affordable.

Sebauk, Senggarang, +6285264709696. 30 mnts. there is a restaurant just by the city head office in senggarang. it is often visited during lunch. the view is the open sea.. sometimes the waves and the wind is breezy and put u to sleep. So little tourist know this place.. affordable.

Avoid drinking while driving. While in the old time, you might be stopped for drink driving and could "settle" your way through with $10-$20, the policeman might now charge you with bribing attempt instead. As a consequence, you might be jailed for up to 3 months and the officer would get a stipend for US$1,000.

If you are stopped by police for any offence, just ask to write you up and pay the summon letter directly to the nearest bank. This would be a cheaper, faster and risk free settlement.

There are several Internet cafes called "warnet" in Tanjung Pinang. You can find one at Bintan Mall in downtown 200 meters from the Ferry Terminal. Another place is the everpopular Ramayana Shopping Mall in uptown. Some hotels have Internet connections, but be forewarned, their speed is slow. There are also a few Internet cafes located along 'Tambak', which is within downtown, costing between Rp5000 to Rp6000 an hour.

Tanjung Pinang is the best place to catch ferries to the other islands in the Riau and Lingga archipelagos, including Batam,Tanjung Balai karimun,Galang, Moro, Tanjung Batu, Lingga, Singkep, and the Natuna Islands. Tickets can typically be bought at the ferry terminal to these places and are typically only a few dollars for even long journeys. Beware that the notion of time is loose, cancellations can happen, and ferries may arrive at alternate ports during bad weather. Knowledge of some Malay or Indonesian (or even Mandarin) is recommended as there are few English speakers outside of Tanjung Pinang. However, the archipelago is extremely scenic and if you have the time to explore, it is highly recommended to see the thousands of uninhabited tropical islands in their natural beauty, which you will come across in any ferry travel through the region.

in the evening we can see the beauty of the sea between tanjungpinang and Penyengat Island, somewhere in hill top we can enjoy a whole tanjungpinang view.. this place is gorgeos.. usually the youngs gather here.. but still worth coming to..