Riau Province is an archipelago in Indonesia consisting of some 3,000 islands south of Singapore and east of Sumatra. Its close proximity to Singapore has helped it become a popular tourist destination for Singaporeans and Malaysians.
With more than 3,000 islands in the archipelago, beach lovers can be sure to find something that suits their tastes. Bintan is the largest island in the chain and home to the provincial capital, Tanjung Pinang. There is a thriving resort scene on Bintan, and it’s also the gateway for ferries to countless remote Riau Islands.
Bintan’s main town, Tanjung Pinang, offers the best urban environment in Riau. There are many historic and cultural attractions based around the ancient Riau royal family. The town is also the best place to catch a cultural performance of music and dance.
Batam is another popular island in Riau, complete with an international airport, bustling little city center, and an established resort scene. To the west of Batam is Karimun, famous for its granite mine as well as its lovely beaches. Other remote but up-and-coming islands include Lingga, Singkep, and Penuba.
The Riau Islands are simply stunning for their pristine beaches, calm clear waters, and friendly locals. But they have also emerged as a popular destination for cyclists, due to their flat, quiet landscapes. Visitors to Riau Province can choose anything from luxury resorts to extremely remote and sublime islands.
Riau Province has excellent ferry links to Singapore and Malaysia, making it a popular entry point into Indonesia. Batam’s Hang Nadim Airport is the main airport in the province, handling regional flights from around Indonesia, and to Johor Bahru]] in Malaysia. Bintan also has an airport that services fewer flights.
Ferries are the main way to reach the Riau Islands. Frequent ferries depart from Singapore to Batam and Bintan, taking as little as 40 minutes to reach the nearest port. From Malaysia, Johor Bahru is the main departure point to Batam and Bintan, and many parts of Sumatra also provide ferry service to Riau.