main towns of the Anambas islands

What Are the Main Towns in the Anambas Islands?

Overview of Terempa and Letung

The Anambas Islands, a remote and stunning archipelago, feature two main population centers: Terempa and Letung. Although many visitors might expect bustling towns or small cities, these centers function more like expanded villages, each housing only a few thousand residents. Terempa and Letung sit roughly 60 kilometers apart and serve as the primary hubs for both locals and tourists.

Transportation Between Terempa and Letung

The Anambas ferry connects Terempa and Letung, carrying up to 200 passengers per trip. It operates daily, and its schedule aligns with flight times from Batam to the new Letung Airport. This scenic ferry journey spans about two hours and 40 minutes. Moreover, the timetable changes seasonally to accommodate different flight schedules.

Letung: Gateway to the Western Anambas

Located on the far western side of the Anambas province, Letung stands out for its government-operated airport. Currently, the airport has a 1,400-meter runway that supports regional flights from Batam. However, the government plans to extend it to 1,800 meters to permit regional international flights, thus boosting accessibility. Letung also serves as the entry point for regional ferries arriving from Tanjung Pinang or Batam, which then continue to Terempa. Furthermore, officials remain committed to enhancing Letung’s infrastructure, aiming to establish it as the main gateway to the entire province. For more details on these long-term strategies, consult the transportation and access section in the comprehensive Anambas Guide.

Terempa: Administrative and Logistical Hub

Terempa lies on the north bay of Siantan Island and functions as the region’s administrative heart. It hosts government offices, a central transport dock, and immigration facilities. Historically, travelers reached the nearby Matak Airport, then took a short car ride followed by a water taxi to arrive in Terempa. Today, most visitors fly to Letung Airport and then board a ferry from Letung to Terempa. Meanwhile, an inter-weekly regional ferry called the “Bukit Raya” services Terempa, carrying up to 1,000 passengers. This crucial route supports local commerce and tourism, ensuring connectivity across the archipelago.

Implications for Resort Developers

For resort developers, understanding the flow of people and goods between Letung and Terempa remains vital. The government’s ongoing infrastructure improvements and strategic focus on Letung underscore its commitment to accessibility and sustainable growth. These developments not only simplify travel for visitors but also create lucrative opportunities for investment. Consequently, the Anambas Islands offer an attractive location for upscale resort projects, ideally suited for travelers seeking a pristine tropical paradise that is still relatively off the beaten path.

For more information on the main towns of the Anambas islands, and this exceptional resort development region, please check out Kepri Estates YouTube channel, or our Comprehensive Anambas Guide Blog.

Check out the video below for more information about the paradise islands of the Anambas archipelago.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main towns in the Anambas Islands?

The Anambas Islands are anchored by two main towns, Terempa and Letung, which function as the primary administrative, transport, and population centres of the archipelago. These towns operate as enlarged villages rather than cities, concentrating government services, port facilities, and air links that support both tourism flows and regional development logistics.

How are Terempa and Letung connected for daily travel?

The Anambas Islands connect Terempa and Letung through a scheduled passenger ferry that aligns with regional flight arrivals. This maritime corridor enables daily movement of residents, tourists, and freight, ensuring reliable transfer between the western air gateway and the eastern administrative hub across the core of the island province.

What role does Letung play in access to the Anambas Islands?

The Anambas Islands designate Letung as the western gateway because the town hosts the region’s main operational airport and serves as the first arrival point for most travellers. This function channels passenger flows, supports inter-island ferry operations, and anchors planned runway and terminal upgrades designed to expand regional and international connectivity.

Why is Terempa considered the administrative hub of the Anambas Islands?

The Anambas Islands centre administration in Terempa because the town accommodates provincial government offices, immigration services, and the principal deepwater port. These institutional functions make Terempa the focal point for policy implementation, commercial shipping, and long-distance ferry services that link the archipelago to the wider Indonesian transport network.

How do Terempa and Letung influence resort development logistics?

The Anambas Islands rely on Terempa and Letung as complementary logistics nodes, with Letung handling inbound air traffic while Terempa manages administrative processing and freight distribution. This dual-hub system streamlines material supply chains, workforce mobility, and regulatory coordination, reducing operational friction for phased resort construction across remote island locations.