Batam – The Riau Islands Province (Kepri) has long been known as an attractive tourist destination offering natural beauty. Not only that, but the tourist destinations in this region, which borders Singapore, are also rich in history and culture.
As a result, tourism in Kepri is popular among both local and international tourists. Well, Detikers must be curious about the favorite tourist spots in Kepri. According to the official website of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, here are the must-visit tourist destinations—make sure to read the review until the end!
Favorite Tourist Destinations in Kepri
1. Bintan Island
Bintan Island serves as one of the main entry points for tourism in Indonesia, making it highly potential for developing a shopping tourism hub and cross-border tourism.
According to data from the Central Statistics Agency of Bintan Regency, in January 2019, 40,479 international tourists visited Bintan Island, a significant increase from 26,993 tourists in January 2018. This rise in visitor numbers is a positive sign for the region.
In addition to shopping tourism, Bintan Island also has great potential in the marine, cultural, historical, educational, and religious tourism sectors, which can attract tourists.
2. Bintan Mangrove
In addition to beaches, Bintan Island also has a mangrove forest located along the Sebong River, spanning 6.8 km.
Tourists can explore the river by motorboat. In addition to enjoying the beauty of the mangrove forest, visitors can also see various wildlife such as monkeys, otters, tree snakes, and kingfishers, adding to the appeal of the tourist experience.
3. Senggiling Beach
If you are looking for a relatively quiet beach, Senggiling Beach could be a good choice. This beach features white sand and a natural environment, as it has not yet been heavily visited by people. In addition to its white sand, Senggiling Beach is also adorned with a row of coral rocks that enhance the beach’s scenery.
4. Ekang Tourism Village
Ekang Tourism Village on Bintan Island offers a unique rural nature tourism experience. Here, tourists can learn gardening, play with rabbits, and try various exciting sports, such as horseback riding, cycling, and jogging. This place is perfect for family vacations.
5. 1,000 Faces Temple
The distinctive Chinese ambiance is immediately felt upon arriving at the 1,000 Faces Temple on Bintan Island. This temple, originally named Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Temple, features hundreds of statues of various sizes and facial expressions. It is said that these expressions depict the various expressions of Buddha when he took human form.
The statues are made of granite and carved by Chinese artists. In addition to the thousand-faced statues, another attraction of this temple is the five-meter-tall Buddha statue standing at the front of the temple.
6. Kawal Blue Lake
As is typical of former mining areas, Bintan Island has a beautiful lake known as Kawal Blue Lake. This lake was once a former mining site that is now filled with water and has become a tourist destination. The white color of the rock piles blends with the clear blue water, making this place one of the favorite photo spots for tourists visiting Bintan Island.
7. Penyengat Island
Located not far from Bintan Island, Penyengat Island can be reached by ferry. Despite its small size, Penyengat Island is an attractive religious tourist destination worth exploring.
One of the famous religious tourist sites here is the Sultan Riau Grand Mosque. Additionally, Penyengat Island offers other historical attractions, such as the Mesiu Building, the Abdurrahman King’s Tomb Complex, the Ali Haji King’s Tomb Complex, and the Office Palace. The attractions of Penyengat Island are well-known even in neighboring countries like Singapore and Malaysia.
8. Treasure Bay
Treasure Bay has long been one of the favorite tourist destinations on Bintan Island. Spanning 338 hectares with a swimming pool covering 6.3 hectares, this place is recognized as the Largest Swimming Pool in Southeast Asia.
What makes it unique is that the pool at Treasure Bay uses seawater that has undergone a purification process. Another distinctive feature is the pool’s edges lined with white fiber, which resembles white sandy beaches at first glance.
9. Telunas Beach
Telunas Beach Resort, located in the Karimun Islands, is one of the tourist destinations offering a unique experience.
With accommodations in the form of overwater bungalows, Telunas provides a unique experience for travelers seeking tranquility and natural beauty. This place is the perfect choice for those seeking a more private and exclusive vacation, away from the crowds.
10. Natuna Islands Marine National Park
The Natuna Islands are renowned for their stunning marine national park. This area is home to various rare marine species and healthy coral reef ecosystems. The Natuna Islands are also a favorite destination for adventurers who want to explore the wilderness and climb hills to enjoy panoramic views of the sea from above. With its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, Natuna is one of the best places in the Riau Islands to enjoy nature.
Well, now you know that the Riau Islands have extraordinary tourism potential that continues to grow. The local government is also actively developing infrastructure and promoting tourism potential to attract more visitors. It’s not just the natural beauty but also the rich cultural heritage that makes this region uniquely appealing.
Article Source : https://www.detik.com