Indonesia’s Anambas Islands: A Top Cruising Destination
The Anambas Islands Archipelago in Indonesia is now being recognised as a new and exceedingly attractive South China Sea cruising destination, thanks to a huge improvement in facilities and the ease of clearing yachts in and out. This collection of over 200 small Indonesian islands is part of the Indonesian Riau Islands Province.
The relatively seldom visited Anambas Islands lay between Singapore and Borneo, located 150 nautical miles northeast of Batam Island in the North Natuna Sea between the Malaysian mainland to the west and the island of Borneo to the east. The group of islands has remained under most yachts’ radar with its silent existence going back for centuries, never really reaching outside its own boundaries. In fact, in the past the Anambas group of islands were regarded as too remote and off-the-beaten-track place and a place that only the most intrepid of travellers would venture to. However, these days the Anambas group of islands are accessible, and they are nothing short of paradise!
Most of the islands are breathtakingly beautiful, with pristine white sand and perhaps a coconut tree here and there, and are typically surrounded by a gorgeous turquoise gin-clear sea. The islands have been avoided by most cruising yachts in the past despite the Archipelago's relative proximity to Singapore, Malaysia and somewhat further, Borneo. A major reason in years past was that Indonesia was difficult to visit due to the immigration rules for yachts. “Now these immigration formalities for arrival in Anambas can be done via email from any location or country by the yacht owner/ captain or agent”, reports Captain Thomas Taatjes, heading up Asia Pacific Superyachts Indonesia.
Captains that have made the journey now report there is a lot of praise for what the local and administrative people have done for cruising visitors. “The best means of dealing with formalities when not coming to these islands from within Indonesia, but rather from Singapore, Malaysia or Borneo, is to use our services as we know the ports where e-forms are accepted (not all ports in Indonesia accept e-forms) and all the paperwork that must be completed before the yacht reaches the Anambas Archipelago.”
Yachts can sail directly to Tarempa from Borneo (240 miles), from Singapore (150 miles), from Tioman, Malaysia (130 miles) and from relatively nearby Indonesian islands, such as Batam. “It’s possible to cruise among the Anambas Islands any time of the year; however, the season of SW monsoon (April to September) offers drier conditions and a calmer sea”, says Captain Thomas. At a radius of 40 miles from Tarempa there’s an amazing choice of anchorages waiting for you to enjoy diving, snorkelling, sunbathing or visiting a luxurious hotel (such as on Bawa island), or meeting the local people. “A nice surprise is the friendliness of the locals when visiting the small villages scattered among the bays, helping to make your visit an enriching experience”, enthuses Captain Thomas.
“If feeling more adventurous there are many trails to hike crossing the islands, often bringing you to a spectacular viewpoint from the top of an island or leading to beautiful waterfalls. While anchored in one of the idyllic lagoons or bays you can easily swim from your boat to a snorkelling or diving area and discover the underwater beauty or a deserted beach to explore.”
A customised itinerary from APS could include Pulau Bawah Island, Pulau Ritan Island, Pulau Airabu Island, Durai Island, Tempara, Sintan Island. Your agent can also help you with the many reefs bordering the Anambas Islands that provide well protected anchorages as due to narrow passages to enter those lagoons, navigation can be tricky. The airport is on another island less than 10 miles away (Pulau Matak Island) where you can anchor close by if more convenient.
Those that do journey to the Anambas Islands might also find more dream voyage discoveries in setting forth towards other parts of Indonesia.