Riau Islands Accommodations
The majority of the islands are uninhabited. Tanjung Pinang is the capital of the Riau Islands province of Sumatra, and include the islands of Batam, Bintan, Penyengat, Karimun, Kundur, Natuna, Jemaja, Tarempa, Mubur, Raibu, Sebangka, Pengibu Pinangseribu and Tanjung Pinang. Lodging accommodations in privately-owned vacation rentals have all the amenities to make your Indonesian holidays comfortable. Unpack your suitcase and make yourself at home. Imagine waking up on a tranquil, sunny day and walking out into the garden of your vacation rental – cool drink in hand - to plan your holiday activities.
Head south across the Singapore Straits and, if you would like to make golfing part of your holiday, Batam is the island for you. Begin by teeing off at Tamarin Santana’s 9-holes course which is located close to the Nongsapura ferry terminal and the Palm Springs Golf & Country Club. On your second day, the Palm Strings - consisting of three nine-hole courses: Palm, and the Larry Nelson designed Island and Resort – with its secluded bay offers views of the Singapore Strait. The accompanying waving palm trees add to the relaxing ambience enjoyed at the Balinese-style clubhouse.
Charter a boat at the Nongsa Point Marina to explore the islands or enjoy an aerial view of the islands as you fly from the main island of Batam to Dabo, located on the delightfully small island of Singkep. Discover the seemingly less visited beaches of Batu Berdaun and Nusantara. Descendents of Riau royalty still reside on the tiny island of Penyengat, a one-and-a-half kilometre ferry ride from Tanjung Pinang. At the cultural centre, you can see demonstrations of the martial art – pencak silat – and be enthralled by the Malay local dances. A visit to the abandoned Sultan’s Palace is a highlight of the day.
Adventure is the key word for the large island of Bintan. Begin with an elephant ride in the forest at the Bintan Elephant Park. Breathtaking panoramic views are yours when you reach the summit of the Gunung Bintan. On your journey, you will see 40-metre high trees and perhaps see the Silver Leaf monkey and be blessed – as local traditional has it – when you step under the refreshing waterfall. Rent an ATV and explore. The tranquil Lagoi Park and Reservoir offers lush vegetation complimented with cool refreshing breezes. Include the Mangrove Discovery Tour and take time to visit the seaside fishing village of Tanjung Uban. On the Sebung River, you can trawl for fish in the traditional way. Meet dolphins up close at the Dolphin Island Sanctuary, a 35-minute boat ride from Bintan Island.
Check out the privately-owned vacation rental accommodations offered by Owner Direct Vacation Rentals. There is an accommodation to suit different budgets. Perhaps you will pick from among the ocean-view condo rentals as your accommodation or decide on a condo rental in the city. With laundry facilities often times included, it is easy to pack light for your holidays. A villa rental is ideal when holidaying with friends or staying with family. Owner Direct Vacation Rentals offers various vacation rentals: cabins, cottages, apartments, and villa rentals surrounded by gardens.