The Anambas islands boast a mesmerizing array of natural beauty and genuine cultural attractions and experiences that redefine the concept of a tropical getaway. From pristine beaches kissed by azure waters to lush rainforests teeming with exotic wildlife, Anambas offers a sensory feast like no other.
As a developer, the Anambas provides you with an exceptional canvas for creating an unforgettable haven for eco-conscious travellers. The inherent natural beauty of the landscapes and seascapes of this tropical wilderness create a perfect backdrop to provide superior guest experiences, where developers can elevate eco-resort and sustainable tourism concepts to new heights.
1. Turtle Nesting and hatching on Durai Island.
21km Northeast of Terempa main town is Palau Durai (Durai Island). The island is the home of sea turtle nesting and hatching in the province. Seeing turtle hatchings on Durai Island offers a unique opportunity to connect with rare and endangered species, support conservation efforts, witness a natural wonder and revel in the natural beauty of this tropical paradise. It’s a rare experience of environmental stewardship and unforgettable memories, making it a highlight of any trip to the paradise islands of Anambas.
2. Palau Bawah Lagoon.
82km South of Terempa is the acclaimed Bawah reserve and Elang private residence of Palau Bawah. The resort and lagoon offer pristine and crystal-clear waters, rich marine biodiversity, seclusion, luxurious accommodations, commitment to sustainability, and the opportunity to witness stunning sunsets. It is a true gem in the province, offering an unparalleled tropical island experience for those seeking a tranquil escape in nature’s embrace.
3. Spices of Paradise at La Luna Restaurant.
In Terempa main town, a short walk from the main ferry terminal (turn left on the main street and head toward the East side of Terempa bay), you will find La Luna restaurant.
A favourite for locals and tourists alike, the fresh local ingredients, spices, and traditional recipes make for a rich, varied and delicious sampling of the provinces natural produce. The outdoor deck is an ideal location to soak up the local atmosphere and catch the tropical sunsets over the bay.
4. Giant Rafflesia in their natural environment
On the hiking trail to Air Bunya waterfall, if you are lucky, you may spot the giant Rafflesia flower in bloom. Anambas is home to the largest Rafflesia in world – Rafflesia Arnoldii.
A flowering rafflesia is a rare and stunning sight. With five red spotted petals and a large bowl in its centre the flower can grow to over a metre wide and weighing up to 11kg.
The rafflesia is in bloom for only a few days a year, and nobody can predict on which days this will occur.
5. Camping on a deserted tropical island
Disconnect from the world and get exclusive access to some of the most pristine uninhabited tropical islands in the world. Wake up to the sound of gentle waves, enjoy panoramic views of the cobalt and turquoise waters, and witness stunning sunsets against the backdrop of the open sea. Immerse yourself in unspoiled nature, from pristine beaches and lush jungles to vibrant coral reefs and diverse wildlife, and nights of a million stars with no visible light pollution.
6. Temburun Waterfall
1 hour by motorbike from Terempa (or 30 minutes by boat) and near to Batu Belah village is the majestic Temburun Waterfall that cascades down from more than 200 meters high over 7 levels before emptying into Peniting Strait.
Soak in the panoramic views of the surrounding tropical islands from the top of the waterfall, or even bathe in the vibrant waters in one of the many shallow pools that make up each terrace of this post card perfect waterfall.
7. Jongkong Race Competition
The Jongkong Race Competition is a traditional event in Anambas, Indonesia that involves a unique and exciting race using traditional wooden dugout canoes known as “jongkong.” These canoes are usually crafted from a single tree trunk and have distinctive designs. The race is not only a display of skill and teamwork but also a celebration of the maritime heritage of the region. It’s a thrilling event that draws both participants and spectators alike to experience the cultural significance and excitement.
8. Drift snorkelling with a paddleboard
Hire stand up paddleboards from Kepri Estates and slowly drift snorkel over the rich and biodiverse coral fields of Anambas.
Watch the sea life drift by, from schools of tropical fish, to basking rays and rare sea turtles, you will see and experience some of the most amazing sea life in the world, as you would expect with the Anambas being located within the globally renowned “coral triangle”.
9. Feast on fresh coconuts
Nothing beats cracking a coconut on a tropical beach and drinking fresh coconut water. Hydration, replenishment of electrolytes, a refreshing taste, low calorie content, nutrient richness, antioxidant properties, potential digestive benefits, benefits for the skin, eco-friendliness, and the opportunity to embrace the local culture. A simple and satisfying pleasure that enhances your well-being and tastes delicious!
10. Visit the abandoned villages of Ujung Island
30km South of Terempa are the abandoned villages of Ujung Island. Established over 30 years ago the 2 villages were a vibrant island community for generations.
Now abandoned, a tour of the area is an interesting and thought-provoking experience of historical intrigue and mystery, with numerous unique photo opportunities of mother nature reclaiming the village environment and buildings that used to house the village communities.
11. Dive the Igara Shipwreck
The Igara was an iron ore carrier that struck an unmarked rock only a year after entering service. The ship now lies in around 40m of water rising to 11m at the top of the wreck.
The wreck is overgrown with corals and divers frequently see schools of barracudas, snappers, fusiliers, angelfish, groupers, and batfish, and three resident nurse sharks are sometimes spotted in the storage rooms in the stern.
12. Charter a liveaboard boat and island hop.
Various charter boats travel to Anambas throughout the seasons and there’s an option to suit every budget, from small craft through to locally designed liveaboards up to 90ft sailing motor yachts, there’s an option to suit any lifestyle and budget.
Wake up every day to a new island or beach in the tropical islands, a luxurious way to explore the paradise islands!
13. Picnic Lunch at Rinyi Island
Only 10km North of Terempa is Rinyi (Rengek) Island which is a popular day trip location.
From the ancient white fig tree with a hollowed-out trunk you could camp inside of, to the resident monitor lizards to the soft white beach and calm swimming waters to the East, there’s plenty of tropical delights on this small and conveniently located island. Only a few minutes and short boat ride from Terempa.
14. Seashell and coral collecting on Semut Bakau
The unique beach and sand bar on Semut Bakau shifts throughout the seasons and constantly seems to collect corals and artefacts from surrounding waters.
Whenever we visit the Southeast of Anambas we stop by for lunch and every time we find something new and interesting to add to our coral and shell collection. After lunch a snorkel in the North channel to see the passing schools of fish and rich corals is a relaxing way to finish the stopover.
15. Snorkelling the Mengkudu Island Coral Fields
The coral reefs around Mengkudu Island are teeming with an array of colourful and healthy coral formations. You’ll encounter hard corals like staghorn and brain corals, as well as soft corals that sway gently with the currents.
The vibrant colours and intricate structures of these corals create a mesmerizing underwater landscape. With crystal clear waters and surrounded by tropical fish species, it is an awe-inspiring experience.
16. Nyamuk Jetty Restaurant
When travelling Southeast from Terempa, the Nyamuk village restaurant is a great place to stop for seafood lunch or even just a delicious cup of local coffee on the way home from island hopping. The fishing village of Nyamuk always has an ample supply of ocean delicacies and the floor seating on the jetty dining areas offer an authentic local dining experience at a very modest price!
A must see if you are heading past and only 18km from Terempa.
17. Jurassic Bay at Lobong Temban Island
29km South of Terempa is a bay that is easy to miss but is an amazing experience! At low tide most power boats can get past the corals and enter a narrow bay that is half a kilometre long.
Massive granite boulders line the entrance, and the bay is surrounded by virgin forest and teeming with tropical wildlife. A step into this bay is a step back in time, from the echoing birdsong from the surrounding tropical canopy to the tropical butterflies floating past, it is a magical and mysterious location.
18. Terempa Mosque
Recently completed, the Terempa mosque is built on a manmade peninsula that rises out of the waters at the entrance to Terempa bay. When travelling to Terempa it is now the landmark with its crisp white paintwork and colourful dome glistening in the tropical sun.
The mosque is a beautiful and traditionally built mosque over 10 stories high with towering minarets that can be seen from close do Durai Island nearly 20km distant to the Northwest.
19. Spot the Napolean Wrasse at Batu Garam
The northern bays of Batu Garam Island are known to host the endangered napoleon wrasse. The Napoleon wrasse is one of the largest reef fish in the world. They can grow over 2 metres long, weigh up to 190 kg and live for up to 30 years. They have fleshy lips and a prominent hump over the head.
If you’re in the waters of Batu Garam, check out the steep coral reef slopes off the Northern bays, you’ll never know what you might see!
20. Market Street in Terempa
The main street of Terempa is where all the action is! From local restaurants and cafes to the hustle and bustle of the market stalls.
A visit down the main street is an immersion in the local culture, the local foods and produce of the province as well as a fantastic place for street food after sunset.
21. Sunrise from the Anambas Resort
Our favourite location to watch a sunrise is looking over the bay from the Anambas resort over water villas.
The bay is always host to a variety of boats and activities and there are always interesting sights to see as you wake up to a new dawn and start soaking in the calm, balmy tropical weather.
For that poster perfect photo of a tropical sunrise, you can’t go past the view from the Anambas resort over water villas.
22. Air Bunyi Forest Waterfall
Deep in the forest of Siantan island near Air Bini Village lies the air Bunyi waterfall that cascades over and around majestic granite boulders and outcrops.
Although it’s a jungle trek to get there, the majestic waterfall and peaceful pools and river at the base are a perfect swimming spot to cool off. The trek on the way to Air Bunyi is known to host the rare Rafflesia flower too!
23. Sea Turtles Gazing on seagrasses of Buan Island
24km South of Terempa is the scenic Buan Island.
As well as fantastic corals and sea life surrounding the island, it has a shallow and hard to get to mangrove lagoon to it’s south. If you arrive without too much fuss and noise, you can swim in the lagoon and may see rare sea turtles grazing on the sea grasses that cover the lagoon floor. A fantastic photo opportunity of these rare and majestic creatures.
24. Private Island Tour with Kepri Estates
See all the sites, the finest beaches and private islands with a Kepri Estates private island tour. Kepri Estates can organise everything you need for private island hopping and s how you the best of the best that is the paradise islands of the Anambas.
With all snorkelling hear, dive gear and SUPs available you can fully immerse yourself in the pristine environment, camp on remote beaches and deserted islands and take in all the sights and sounds of some very special locations.
25. Tropical and Rare Bird Watching
Did you know there are 179 species of birds in Anambas? From Kingfishers to Eagles to migratory birds passing through the South China Sea, there is a constant variety of feathered friends in most forest areas of Anambas and there is nothing that brings you closer to nature than hearing the tropical bird life of Anambas herald the new day at dawn!
Be aware, white bellied sea eagles love to attack drones, so please keep watch if you are using one!
26. Whale Shark Spotting
During the annual whale shark migration in September and October is the best time to try and see these magnificent gentle giants of the deep.
Whale sharks are naturally curious creatures and are known to approach divers and snorkellers for a closer look, so make sure you bring your underwater camera when you are out on water during the whale shark migration period.
27. Sunsets over the Islands
The combination of warm oranges, pinks, purples, and reds as the sun dips below the horizon, intensified by the clear skies and the reflection on the water, make sunsets in Anambas ever so special.
And when the sun sets over such a picturesque backdrop, it creates a breathtaking and enchanting scene. Pick an elevated spot on any island in Anambas, it’s that easy in the paradise islands…
