10 Things To Do at Tanjung Pinang (2 Days/1 Night)

Let’s discover wonderful Indonesia, just 2 hours ferry ride from Singapore lies Tanjung Pinang. A town overlooked by tourists often heading to Batam and Bintan instead. A hidden treasure lies the sleepy town of Tanjung Pinang, located on the same island as the popular Bintan Resorts. 

Getting There

To get into Tanjung Pinang from Singapore, one has to board the 2 hour ferry services from Tanah Merah Terminal. You can choose to either purchase ferry tickets at the ferry terminal on the departure day itself (allow minimum 2 hours before actual ferry departure time) or you can purchase directly online from these main cruises: Majestic Ferry & Sindo Ferry.  Alternatively, I purchase my tickets on the mobile application: Easybook ( Saving tip: There are occasionally discount code, look out for it!)

Things To Do 

#1: Rimba Food Center 

Experience the most authentic flavours of what this island can offer. Visit the night market at Rimba Food center for local delights such as otak-otak, goreng pisang keju. If you craves for BBQ seafood, this is the place to be! Seafood are up to your selection and they BBQ it on the spot just for you! Did I mention the affordable prices one can get at this food center as well which caters mainly to the locals. Remember to go after 5pm if you crave for seafood!

#2: Explore Morning Market 

Wander through the busy lanes of Jalan Pasar Ikan (Fish Market Street) and Jalan Plantar II.  Tanjung Pinang Wet Markets is one of a unique area to witness how the locals go about in their daily groceries and is the best place to purchase some Keropok Gonggong (sea snail crackers) or dried delicacies from the sea such as anchovies which are relatively cheaper here. Experience the madness of motorcycle and crowd that throng through the market especially on a Sunday.

#3: Take the local transport van 

What seems like a normal transport turns out an adventure itself for urban dwellers like us who are used to air conditioners and comfortable buses. Experience the Indonesian way by hopping onto one of the make shift van with the gear stick made out of a simple wood. It’s an experience itself that you should not miss!

#4: Gedung Gong Gong 

The landmark of Tanjung Pinang, make sure you take a photo before you leave this island. A good note is that this landmark is situated nearby to the main ferry terminal. In the day, it is crowded with mostly kids playing in the area. Enjoy the sea breeze as sun sets and stalls of Malay cuisine stalls will be set up to fill your stomach!

#5: Akau Potong Lembu 

Recommend this place to get your dinner fixed here with many roadside stalls being set up in the night. Local food such as oyster omelette, BBQ prawns, seafood noodles, prawn fritters and the food list goes on… satisfy your food craving all at once at this make shift food court. Stalls begin to open from 5pm onwards.

#6:  500 Lohan Temple 

A unique sight with 500 Lohan statues found in this temple vicinity, one of the newest attraction in Tanjung Pinang. It is indeed a grand sight with all the statues being made in China and shipped over, catering to the local Chinese community.  One will be taken aback with each of the statues having different expressions and meaning to it.

#7: Penyengat Island 

It lies just off Bintan Island, a 10 minute boat ride from Tanjung Pinang. This island houses the Masjid Raya Mosque built in 1844 , one of Tanjung Pinang’s most popular attractions for visitors. The island has a laid back feel and one of the best spot to catch the locals kids playing games. One can witness how island life could be with them being carefree. 

#8:  Senggarang Island  

One of the must visit place includes Senggarang Island. My recommendation is to head to the ferry pier, hire a boatman to take you out to both Senggarang & Penyengat Island , only 10 minutes apart from each other. The entire journey including time to explore the temples , mosque should takes you around 3 hours. Things to see on Senggarang Island includes

• Banyan Tree Temple: The Banyan Tree strangely enough has grown to such a mature size that it covers the whole temple with it. Banyan Hotel & Resort Group had since adopted it.
• Sun Te Kong Temple : The temple is very interesting and colorful with many statues of various deities.

#9: Avalokitesvara Graha Temple (Guan Yin Temple)

Do you know? The South East Asia largest indoor Guan Yin statue in meditation position is situated in Tanjong Pinang…admire the sheer beauty of it while one mediate there as the environment was very serene.

#10: Massage 

The final way to fully enjoy Tanjung Pinang is head to the massage center which only cost Singapore Dollars SGD$12 for an hour of heavenly relaxation of body & soul. Recharge oneself for the battle ahead in the new week coming along! 

Categories: Asia Region