Anambas archipelago (Kepulauan
Anambas) is a small archipelago of Indonesia, located 150
nautical miles northeast of Batam Island in the South China Sea between
the Malaysian mainland to the west and the island of Borneo to
the east. Geographically part of the Tudjuh Archipelago, it is
administratively a regency within the Riau Islands Province.
Anambas formed lagoons that
separate the islands. When sea low tide, you can see several islands connected
by a sand dune with other islands. The bottom of the lagoon in the form of
white sand with beautiful coral gardens at several points.
The Anambas islands consists
of 238 islands, only 26 are inhabited. Because of the natural beauty of
Anambas, even CNN named it the most beautiful tropical islands in Asia. Anambas
Islands are one of Southeast Asia's most spectacular coastal spots, with good
snorkelling and diving spots. Do not be surprised if Anambas referred to as a
rival Raja Ampat and its beauty could be beat Maldives.
One of the Anambas islands
with good tourism potential in particular is Pulau Bawah, Pulau Penjalin, Pulau
Durai & Pulau Nongkat. These Pulau, located about 150 nautical miles
northeast of Singapore, is actually a cluster of islets that collectively
surround three lagoons, each of which suitable for snorkelling, scubadiving and
beach activities.
To reach Anambas by air
you must fly to Tanjung Pinang, capital of the province on the
island of Riau Island.
From Tanjung
Pinang, Nusantara Air Charter flies to Matak Airport in the
sub-district of Palmatak. The 48 seater aircraft flies daily. From Matak
airport you must take a speedboat to Tarempa, capital of the Anambas district.
Alternatively, the
Conoco Philip oil company has a Fokker 50 aircraft which is also made
available for public use when there are seats open. This is a plane used
to transport the company’s staff and flies Jakarta-Batam-Matak, operating daily
except Sundays.
From Singapore, take a
ferry to Tanjung Pinang port. Then travel by taxi to the airport to catch your
plane. If you wish to travel by boat, the MV VOC
Batavia and MV Seven Star Island serve The
Tanjungpinang-Letung-Tarempa route vice versa.