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Riau Islands
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Explore Riau Islands for Batam’s energy, Bintan’s beaches, Malay heritage, inter-island journeys and remote reefs across Indonesia’s western archipelago.

The Riau Islands Province stretches across the Singapore Strait, the Malacca Strait and the South China Sea, forming one of Indonesia’s most geographically dispersed destinations. Its territory includes the industrial city of Batam, the historical island of Bintan, the former royal centre of Penyengat, and more remote island groups such as Lingga, Natuna and the Anambas. Travel here is shaped by the sea: ferries, fishing boats and inter-island flights connect communities separated by water, while the landscape shifts from busy waterfronts and shipyards to mangrove forests, coral reefs and sparsely settled beaches.
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Batam is the province’s principal commercial gateway and the easiest place to begin. Its development as a free-trade and industrial centre has produced a modern, heavily built-up urban landscape, but the island also contains coastal villages, seafood restaurants, golf resorts and the Barelang Bridge system linking several southern islands. Bintan offers a different rhythm, combining the resort district of Lagoi with the provincial capital, Tanjung Pinang, where traditional stilt houses, waterfront markets and boat traffic reflect the province’s Malay maritime culture. The island’s eastern and southern coasts are quieter and more rural than its resort enclave.
History is especially visible around Tanjung Pinang and Penyengat Island. Penyengat was associated with the Riau-Lingga Sultanate and remains important to Malay intellectual and religious history. The Sultan Riau Grand Mosque, royal tombs and the island’s surviving fortifications can be explored on foot, although visitors should allow time for ferry arrangements and local transport. Nearby archaeological and historic traces on Bintan and Lingga add depth to a journey that extends well beyond beach tourism.
Further afield, the Natuna and Anambas archipelagos appeal to travellers prepared for longer journeys and less predictable logistics. Their clear waters, granite outcrops, reefs and small fishing settlements support snorkelling, diving, island-hopping and environmental tourism, but services are more limited than on Batam or Bintan. Across the province, Malay dishes, seafood, Chinese-Indonesian influences and island produce shape the food scene. Riau Islands is best understood not as a single resort strip, but as a chain of distinct island worlds connected by history, trade and the surrounding sea.

When is the best time to visit Riau Islands?

Best: March–May · 31°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January30220
February30200
March (best)31180
April (best)31170
May (best)31180
June31190
July31190
August31200
September31210
October31220
November31230
December30240

Getting to and around Riau Islands

How to get there

Batam is the principal international gateway, served by Hang Nadim International Airport with domestic connections and some regional links, while ferry terminals connect the island with Singapore and parts of Malaysia; routes and immigration arrangements can change. Tanjung Pinang is served by Raja Haji Fisabilillah International Airport on Bintan, and domestic flights also serve selected outer-island airports, including destinations in Natuna, Anambas and Lingga. Visitors should distinguish between airports on the islands and gateway services in neighbouring Singapore or mainland Sumatra. Ferries from Batam or Tanjung Pinang are central to reaching many islands, but advance checks are advisable.

Transportation

Batam has the most developed road network and the widest choice of taxis, app-based rides and car hire, although traffic can be heavy in built-up areas. Bintan is manageable by car or hired driver, particularly when travelling between Tanjung Pinang, rural areas and the Lagoi resort zone. Local boats and ferries connect many islands, but schedules may be weather-dependent and not always frequent. In Natuna, Anambas and Lingga, motorbikes, hired cars, local boat operators and informal transfers are more important than scheduled public transport. Distances should be measured by sea time as well as by map distance.

Best attractions in Riau Islands

Riau Islands offers an unusually varied attraction landscape because its destinations are separated by sea and have developed at different speeds. Batam combines urban entertainment, shopping, golf, seafood dining and the long road across the Barelang Bridge network, with quieter coastal areas in the south. Bintan is known for the resort zone around Lagoi, but its wider appeal includes village landscapes, mangroves, beaches and the historical atmosphere of Tanjung Pinang and nearby Penyengat Island. Lingga provides opportunities to explore a less urbanised island setting and Malay sultanate heritage. Natuna and Anambas are suited to travellers seeking clear water, coral reefs, granite formations, fishing communities and boat-based excursions, although facilities are more limited and journeys require planning. Snorkelling and diving are important activities in several island groups, while kayaking, mangrove trips and coastal walks offer lower-impact ways to see the environment. The province’s best experiences often depend on local boat operators, weather and tides, so flexibility and environmental awareness are more valuable than trying to cover every island in one visit.

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Best landmarks in Riau Islands

The most culturally significant landmark in the province is the Sultan Riau Grand Mosque on Penyengat Island, an eighteenth- and nineteenth-century royal-era complex associated with the Riau-Lingga sultanate and Malay Islamic scholarship. The island also contains royal tombs, including the burial place associated with Raja Ali Haji, and remnants of defensive works that reveal its former strategic importance. In Batam, the Barelang Bridge network is the defining modern landmark, linking several islands in a large infrastructure project and framing broad views across industrial, rural and coastal landscapes. Tanjung Pinang’s waterfront and traditional stilt-house areas express the continuing importance of maritime settlement, although much of the city is modern. Bintan’s historic traces are less monumental but are significant in understanding the island’s role in regional trade and the sultanate era. In Natuna and Anambas, granite headlands, offshore rocks, forested islands and reef-fringed coastlines function as natural landmarks, demonstrating how strongly geological and maritime features shape the identity of the province.

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Best restaurants in Riau Islands

Dining in the Riau Islands reflects its position at the meeting point of Malay, Chinese-Indonesian and wider Sumatran influences. Seafood is central, particularly in waterfront restaurants and market areas, where fish, prawns, squid and shellfish may be prepared with chilli, sour, coconut-based or soy-seasoned sauces. Batam has the broadest choice, from informal seafood restaurants and noodle shops to modern cafés and hotel dining. Tanjung Pinang offers Malay-influenced dishes, snacks and coffee shops, while smaller islands focus more heavily on locally caught fish and straightforward rice meals. Otak-otak, a spiced fish preparation associated with the wider Malay maritime region, is commonly encountered, as are gonggong sea snails, especially around Batam and Bintan. Visitors should ask whether seafood is priced by portion or weight before ordering. Markets and roadside stalls provide opportunities to try local cakes, savoury snacks and drinks, although choice and opening patterns vary beyond the main towns.

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Best bars in Riau Islands

Nightlife is concentrated in Batam, where shopping and business districts contain hotel bars, karaoke venues, lounges, live-music rooms and late-opening entertainment complexes. The atmosphere is more urban and commercial than in most of the province, and venues vary considerably in style, so visitors should check current local arrangements rather than rely on old listings. Bintan’s resort areas provide hotel bars, evening dining and occasional entertainment, while Tanjung Pinang is better suited to relaxed cafés, coffee shops, seafood restaurants and local evening activity. On Lingga, Natuna and Anambas, nightlife generally revolves around food stalls, small cafés, community gathering places and the quiet waterfront rather than clubs. Alcohol is sold more selectively outside tourist and urban centres, and visitors should respect local religious and community norms. Sunset trips, night markets where available and an unhurried seafood meal are often more representative island-evening experiences than late-night entertainment.

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Best nightclubs in Riau Islands

Nightlife is concentrated in Batam, where shopping and business districts contain hotel bars, karaoke venues, lounges, live-music rooms and late-opening entertainment complexes. The atmosphere is more urban and commercial than in most of the province, and venues vary considerably in style, so visitors should check current local arrangements rather than rely on old listings. Bintan’s resort areas provide hotel bars, evening dining and occasional entertainment, while Tanjung Pinang is better suited to relaxed cafés, coffee shops, seafood restaurants and local evening activity. On Lingga, Natuna and Anambas, nightlife generally revolves around food stalls, small cafés, community gathering places and the quiet waterfront rather than clubs. Alcohol is sold more selectively outside tourist and urban centres, and visitors should respect local religious and community norms. Sunset trips, night markets where available and an unhurried seafood meal are often more representative island-evening experiences than late-night entertainment.

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Best shops in Riau Islands

Batam has the province’s most extensive shopping scene, with large commercial centres, electronics and fashion retailers, supermarkets, cafés and shops serving both residents and visitors. Tanjung Pinang is more useful for traditional markets, everyday goods, snacks and small independent shops, while the Lagoi resort area on Bintan offers resort-oriented retail, crafts and gifts rather than the breadth of a city centre. Markets across the islands are good places to look for dried seafood, local biscuits, woven goods, batik and small handicrafts, although selection varies and authenticity should be judged carefully. Penyengat and Tanjung Pinang are appropriate places to seek Malay-influenced souvenirs connected with local history and literature. Visitors travelling to Natuna or Anambas may find locally made food products and simple handicrafts, but should not expect a formal shopping district. Pack fragile or perishable purchases securely and carry cash when buying from island markets or small stalls.

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Riau Islands essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Indonesian rupiah, written as IDR or locally as Rp. Cards and contactless payments are commonly accepted in larger hotels, shopping centres, established restaurants and resorts in Batam and Bintan, but smaller businesses, boat operators, markets and outer islands generally rely on cash. ATMs are more readily available in the principal towns than in remote island communities. Carry clean, smaller rupiah notes for local transport, food stalls and short boat transfers, while retaining a reserve for journeys away from major centres.
Safety
Normal precautions against theft and scams are appropriate in crowded terminals, markets and busy urban areas. Sea travel requires particular care: use established operators where possible, follow their safety instructions and check weather conditions before departing. Strong sun, humidity, slippery rocks, currents and coral can make coastal activities hazardous, while remote islands may have limited medical facilities. Traffic can be busy in Batam, and road conditions vary elsewhere, so visitors hiring motorbikes should have the appropriate licence, wear a helmet and ride conservatively.
Emergency Situations
Indonesia’s national emergency arrangements apply throughout the Riau Islands. Police can be contacted on 110, while medical emergency services are commonly reached through 118 or 119; the single 112 number is available in some Indonesian areas but should not be assumed to work everywhere. Ask accommodation providers or local authorities for the most effective local contact, especially on outer islands. At sea, contact the boat operator, harbour authority or local rescue service immediately; remote islands may have limited ambulance, hospital and coastguard resources.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress modestly when visiting mosques, royal sites and village communities, and remove footwear where requested. Ask before photographing people, religious buildings or military and port facilities. Follow local instructions around reefs, mangroves and beaches, avoid standing on coral and take rubbish back from unserviced islands. Public behaviour should be considerate, particularly in conservative communities. Tipping is not a fixed regional obligation, but a modest amount for good service is appreciated. At markets and small stalls, ask prices politely and pay in rupiah where possible.
Local Tips
Penyengat Island is easiest to appreciate with time to walk between its historic sites rather than as a hurried stop. Batam and Bintan have very different characters: Batam is urban and commercial, while Bintan combines Tanjung Pinang’s local life with a separate resort landscape around Lagoi. For Natuna and Anambas, build flexibility into the itinerary and confirm accommodation, boats and onward transport before arrival. Seafood is often best enjoyed at waterfront restaurants or local markets, but ask about portion sizes and pricing before ordering.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHalo[hɑːloʊ]
GoodbyeSelamat tinggal[səˈlɑːmət ˈtɪŋgəl]
YesYa[jɑː]
NoTidak[tiːˈdɑːk]
Please/You're welcomeSilakan/ Sama-sama[siˈlɑːkən/ sɑːməˈsɑːmə]
Thank youTerima kasih[təˈriːmə ˈkɑːsi]
Excuse me/SorryPermisi/Maaf[pərˈmisi/ mɑːf]
How are you?Apa kabar?[ˈɑːpɑː kɑːˈbɑːr]
Fine. And you?Baik. Dan kamu?[baɪk. dɑn ˈkɑːmu]
Do you speak English?Apakah kamu bisa berbahasa Inggris?[ˌɑːpɑːkɑː ˈkɑːmu ˈbɪsɑː bərˈbɑːhɑː ˈɪŋɡrɪs]
I don't understandSaya tidak mengerti[ˈsaɪə tiːˈdɑːk məŋˈərti]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseSaya ingin melihat menu, silakan[ˈsaɪə ˈɪŋɪn məˈlɪhæt ˈmɛnu, siˈlɑːkən]
I don't eat meatSaya tidak makan daging[ˈsaɪə tiːˈdɑːk ˈmɑːkən ˈdɑːɡɪŋ]
Cheers!Bersulang![bərˈsuːlɑːŋ]
I would like to pay, pleaseSaya ingin membayar, silakan[ˈsaɪə ˈɪŋɪn məmˈbaɪjɑːr, siˈlɑːkən]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Tolong![ˈtoʊlɒŋ]
Go away!Pergi![pərˈɡi]
Call the Police!Panggil polisi![pænˈɡɪl pəˈliːsi]
Call a doctor!Panggil dokter![pænˈɡɪl ˈdɔːktər]
I'm lostSaya tersesat[ˈsaɪə tərˈsɛsɑt]
I'm illSaya sakit[ˈsaɪə ˈsɑːkɪt]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Saya ingin membeli...[ˈsaɪə ˈɪŋɪn məmˈbəli]
I'm just lookingSaya hanya melihat[ˈsaɪə ˈhɑːnjɑ ˈməˈlɪhɑːt]
How much is it?Berapa harganya?[bəˈrɑːpɑ hɑːrˈɡɑːn]
That's too expensiveItu terlalu mahal[ˈitu tərˈlɑːlu ˈmɑːhɑl]
Can you lower the price?Bisakah kamu menurunkan harga?[ˈbɪsɑːkɑː ˈkɑːmu məˈnʊrʊŋkɑːn ˈhɑːrɡɑ]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Jam berapa sekarang?[dʒɑːm bəˈrɑːpɑ səˈkɑːrɑŋ]
It's one o'clockJam satu[dʒɑːm ˈsɑːtu]
Half past (10)Setengah sebelas[səˈtɛŋə ˈsəˈbəlɑs]
MorningPagi[ˈpɑːɡi]
AfternoonSore[ˈsɔːrə]
EveningMalam[ˈmɑːlɑːm]
YesterdayKemarin[kəˈmɑːrɪn]
TodayHari ini[hɑːrɪ ˈiːni]
TomorrowBesok[bɛˈsɔk]
1Satu[ˈsɑːtu]
2Dua[ˈduːɑː]
3Tiga[ˈtiːɡɑ]
4Empat[ɛmˈpɑːt]
5Lima[ˈliːmɑ]
6Enam[əˈnɑːm]
7Tujuh[ˈtuːdʒʊh]
8Delapan[dəˈlɑːpən]
9Sembilan[səmˈbɪlɑːn]
10Sepuluh[səˈpʊlʊh]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Di mana ...?[di ˈmɑːnɑː]
What's the address?Apa alamatnya?[ˈɑːpɑː əˈlɑːmɑːt]
Can you show me (on the map)?Bisakah kamu tunjukkan saya (di peta)?[ˈbɪsɑːkɑː ˈkɑːmu tuːnˈdʒʊkən ˈsaɪə (di pəˈtɑː)]
When's the next (bus)?Kapan bus berikutnya?[ˈkɑːpɑn bʊs bɪˈrɪkʊt]
A ticket (to ....)Sebuah tiket (ke ....)[səˈbʊəh ˈtiːkɛt (kə ....)]

History of Riau Islands

Early Maritime Settlement and Trade

The islands’ position between the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and the South China Sea made them part of maritime trading networks long before modern Indonesia. Coastal communities relied on fishing, boatbuilding and exchange between islands, while sheltered straits provided anchorages for vessels moving through the region. Archaeological evidence and later historical records point to long-standing links with the Malay world and with commercial centres around the Malacca Strait. The dispersed geography encouraged a culture of sea travel and inter-island connections that remains central to life in the province.

Srivijaya and Later Malay Political Networks

From the early medieval period, the wider Riau archipelago was influenced by powerful Malay polities connected to Srivijaya and later centres on Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula. Control of shipping routes was often more important than direct occupation of every island. Local rulers, ports and trading communities participated in systems that moved forest products, spices, ceramics and other goods across Southeast Asia. Although political boundaries changed repeatedly, the islands’ strategic significance endured because they commanded approaches to the Malacca and Singapore Straits.

The Johor-Riau-Lingga Sultanate

The Riau Islands became a key centre of the Johor-Riau-Lingga Sultanate, a Malay sultanate whose political and cultural influence extended across parts of the peninsula and archipelago. Bintan, Tanjung Pinang, Penyengat and Lingga were important locations at different times. Penyengat became closely associated with the royal court, Islamic scholarship and Malay literary culture. The surviving mosque, royal tombs and fort remains on the island provide a tangible connection with this period, while the Malay language and cultural traditions of the province retain elements of its legacy.

Colonial Rivalry and the Treaty of 1824

European rivalry reshaped the archipelago during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824 divided spheres of influence in the Malay world, placing the Riau-Lingga sultanate within the Dutch sphere while the British consolidated influence to the north around the Malay Peninsula and Singapore. The agreement altered established political and commercial relationships and helped create the foundations of the modern border between Indonesia and Malaysia. Tanjung Pinang and other ports continued to participate in regional trade under colonial administration.

Riau-Lingga, Islam and Malay Literary Culture

The Riau-Lingga court and the island communities around Penyengat made an important contribution to Malay religious, linguistic and literary history. Raja Ali Haji, a nineteenth-century scholar and writer associated with Penyengat, is particularly remembered for works on Malay language, history and ethics, including the Gurindam Dua Belas. His legacy is commemorated in the cultural identity of the province and in accounts of Penyengat’s intellectual life. The island’s mosques, graves and courtly remains should therefore be understood as part of a wider cultural landscape, not simply as isolated monuments.

Japanese Occupation and Indonesian Independence

During the Second World War, the Riau Islands were occupied by Japan, as were other parts of the Netherlands East Indies. Wartime control disrupted trade and imposed severe pressures on local communities. After Indonesia proclaimed independence in 1945, sovereignty over the islands was incorporated into the new republic, although the surrounding maritime region remained strategically sensitive. The province’s later history reflects both national integration and continuing interaction with neighbouring Malaysia and Singapore through migration, commerce and family connections.

Batam’s Industrial Transformation

Batam changed dramatically from a relatively lightly developed island into a major industrial and commercial centre from the late twentieth century. Its designation as a free-trade and investment area encouraged manufacturing, shipbuilding, logistics and construction, while its proximity to Singapore supported cross-border business and tourism. Large-scale development brought roads, bridges, housing and new urban districts, particularly around the island’s central and northern areas. Batam’s modern economy contrasts with the older maritime settlements and rural landscapes found elsewhere in the province.

Riau Islands in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Riau Islands, Indonesia

Discover the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in Riau Islands with Evendo - 100% free.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
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Plan your perfect trip to Riau Islands with Evendo. Discover attractions, book hotels, tours, and experiences, and explore like a local. Download now - it's completely free!

  • In-depth history of Riau Islands
  • Travel essentials and tons of local advice
  • User-friendly navigation through the app and the destination
  • 'Near me' feature to find nearby attractions and amenities
  • Curated local tips to experience the destination like a local
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs

Embark on an unforgettable journey to the Riau Islands with Evendo, the ultimate app-based travel guide. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, Evendo ensures you make the most of your trip with comprehensive information and seamless booking options.

Explore iconic landmarks like the Barelang Bridge, the vibrant Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall, and the serene Penyengat Island. Dive into the rich history at the Sultan Mosque and unwind on the beautiful beaches of Bintan Island. Savor delicious local cuisine at renowned restaurants such as Golden Prawn Seafood Restaurant and Harbour Bay Seafood Restaurant.

With Evendo, planning your trip has never been easier. The app provides detailed descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details for all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in Riau Islands. Say goodbye to the hassle of searching for tickets and organizing your itinerary - Evendo has everything you need in one place.

The app also features an in-depth history of Riau Islands, travel essentials, and curated local tips to help you experience the destination like a local. Use the 'Near me' feature to easily find what's around you, no matter where you are. And the best part? It's 100% free, with no in-app purchases or additional costs. Download Evendo now and start exploring!

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