Heri Sisworo
Kepulauan Riau (Riau Archipleago) mostly called by its acronym; Kepri, is a relatively new province in Indonesia, officially established in 2002. This Archipelago is one of the outermost province in the country, sharing borders with Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, Brunei Darussalam, and Vietnam. This new province show great development in many sectors, including tourism.
Baca juga : Lompong Sagu, Jajanan Tradisional Khas Minang yang Kian Jarang Ditemukan
As tropical islands, it’s only natural that there are lots of beautiful beaches almost in every island. Batam has many modern man-made tourist destinations, while Bintan is considered the richest in natural wonders in the province. But that’s just the tip of the rich Kepri’s tourism potential. Here are some of them.
Lovely Beaches Scattered in Many Islands
If you come to Kepri for its beautiful beaches, you will be overwhelmed by choices you get. In Bintan Island, there is Trikora and Lagoi Beach. Batam has Melayu and Nongsa Beach. There are many more in other islands such as Pasir Panjang, Batu Berdaun, Pongkar, Pelawan, Padang Melang, Pulau Bawah, Batu Kasah, Alif Stone Park, and Sisi Beach. In other words, you can easily find beautiful beach anywhere you go in Kepri.
Awesome diving experience
To no one’s surprise, Kepri also has rich underwater life, especially its healthy reefs. Consequently, there are many diving spots you can find here. Sampur Island is the favorite diving site for those who liveaboard from Singapore, offering high visibility and rich fauna. Anambas Island also has a beautiful and rather untouched coral reef.
The most unique diving spot is probably the Igara Wreck. In 1973, a ship loaded with iron ore named Igara sank. The shipwreck becomes home to many resident fish like nurse shark, turtles, aggressive groupers, barracudas, snappers and many more. Abang Island also has colorful reefs that is popular among people in Batam.
Enjoy Modern Batam
Batam generally is known as an industry and electronic center as well as the gateway to Singapore. Batam is literally a short ferry ride away from the Merlion country.
Batam has undergone a massive development in term of tourism. Now, Batam is a shopping paradise, especially for its hi-tech products. This island is also has several upper class entertainment such as world class golf course, yachting, and several other man-made at desert tractions.
The Exotic Bintan
Bintan is extremely exotic as it has several kind of tourist destinations, from wonderful beaches to hiking treks in its mountains. You will find no shortage of great beaches in this island. Bintan Lagoon Resort is as large and luxurious as it can be. Trikora beach is so large it has to be divided into four parts. There are also the unearthly Danau Biru (Blue Lake) and Gurun Pasir Busung (Busung Desert).
How to get there and what to do in Kepri
The easiest way to reach Kepri is by air to Hang Nadim International Airport in Batam and Raja Haji Fisabililah in Bintan. This archipelago, though, is best explored on boat. The Clearance and Approval for Indonesian Territory (CAIT) policy allows foreign yacht to enter this archipelago just by registering online.
Most of foreign tourist enter Kepri from Singapore or Malaysia by boats to seaports like Bandar Bentan Telani Terminal and Sri Bintan Pura Terminal (Bintan) or Waterfron City, Batam Senter, Harbour Bay, and Nongsa (Batam). Next
