What are the main towns in the Anambas Islands?
The Anambas Islands, a remote and stunning archipelago, feature two main population centres, Terempa and Letung. These centres are best described as expanded villages with a few thousand residents each, rather than the bustling towns or small cities one might expect. Located approximately 60 kilometres apart, these villages serve as the primary hubs for the island’s inhabitants and visitors alike.
Transportation between Terempa and Letung is facilitated by the Anambas ferry, which has a capacity of 200 passengers. This ferry operates daily, with the schedule coordinated to align with the flight times from Batam to Letung airport. The journey between the two villages takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes, providing a scenic and comfortable means of travel across the archipelago. The ferry schedule varies seasonally to accommodate the fluctuating flight timings.
Letung, situated on the far western side of the Anambas province, is notable for its new government airport. Currently, the airport features a 1,400-meter runway that accommodates regional flights from Batam. However, there are plans to extend the runway to 1,800 meters to support regional international flights, significantly enhancing accessibility to the islands. Letung also serves as the point of entry for regional ferries arriving from Tanjung Pinang or Batam before continuing to Terempa. The government is actively working to expand and improve the infrastructure in Letung, with the goal of establishing it as the main gateway to the Anambas province. For detailed information on the government’s long-term plans, please refer to the transportation and access section in the comprehensive Anambas Guide.
Terempa, located on the north bay of Siantan Island, remains the primary population centre in the Anambas Islands. It hosts the main government offices, the central transport dock, and immigration facilities, making it the administrative and logistical heart of the region. Historically, travellers to the Anambas Islands would arrive at the private Matak airport, located just north of Terempa, followed by a short car and water taxi ride to reach Terempa. Today, the typical route involves a flight to Letung airport and then a ferry ride from Letung to Terempa.
Additionally, Terempa is serviced by the inter-weekly regional ferry, the “Bukit Raya,” which can accommodate up to 1,000 passengers. This ferry provides essential connectivity for both locals and tourists, facilitating movement and commerce within the region.
For resort developers, understanding the transportation dynamics between Letung and Terempa is crucial. The ongoing infrastructure improvements and the strategic development of Letung as a primary entry point highlight the government’s commitment to enhancing accessibility and supporting sustainable growth in the Anambas Islands. These developments not only improve the overall travel experience but also present significant opportunities for investment in the region. The ease of access and the expanding infrastructure make the Anambas Islands a promising location for luxury resort development, poised to attract discerning travellers seeking a pristine and remote tropical paradise.
Check out the video below for more information about the paradise islands of the Anambas archipelago.