Apr 11, Barelang Islands, Batam A weekend getaway

Tengku Fisabilillah Bridge

Barelang Islands consists of 6 islands south of Batam. Barelang gets its name as an acronym from 3 of the island's names - Batam, Rempang & Galang

The 6 islands are Tonton Island, Nipah Island, Setotok Island, Rempang Island, Galang Island and Galang Baru Island

Bridge construction started in 1992 and took several years to complete as there were no roads on the islands or any other infrastructure.

During construction a main road was built that runs down through the center of each island, with roads branching off to various locations. It is about a 40 min trip from the 1st bridge to the end of the last island

The bridges have been named after rulers of the Melayu & Riau Kingdoms that ruled during the fifteenth to eighteenth centuries

The 1st bridge is called Tengku Fisabilillah Bridge and joins Batam and Tonton Island. The bridge is just over 640 meters long and is a cable stayed type bridge.

It is a very popular place for locals & tourists, as the bridge is almost 40 meters above the water and provides spectacular ocean & island views.

Barelang Islands are approximately the following distance from these locations: 30 mins from Hang Nadim Airport 30 mins from Harbor Bay Ferry Terminal, Batu Ampar 35 mins from Batam Center Ferry Terminal, Batam Center 40 mins from Sekupang Ferry Terminal, Sekupang

30 mins from Waterfront City Ferry Terminal,
Waterfront City 50 mins from Nongsapura Ferry Terminal, Nongsa

Tonton Island is a very small island with only a couple of government buildings on it.

There is a large seafood restaurant, Lucky Seafood Restaurant on Nipah Island

Setoko Island is home to a traditional village, Kampung Setoko

The largest of the Barelang Islands, Rempang Island has many nice beaches along the west coast, such as Melayu Beach, Pasir Putih Beach and Memory Hill Beach, to name a few. These beaches are good for swimming and have restaurants serving local food with drinks available.

Some now offer budget beach front accommodation at reasonable prices.

Vietnam Village, a former Vietnamese Refugee Camp, was built by Vietnamese ?Boat People?

that escaped the war in Vietnam by boat, and arrived at Galang
Island in 1976 and occupied the village until 1995

Around 250,000 Vietnamese occupied the camp during its 19 year history, with most eventually gaining asylum in Australia or Canada, while others were returned back to Vietnam under emotional circumstances

The Vietnamese built several buildings and temples during their stay; these have now been preserved and made into a tourist attraction. There are some replica boats of the ones used by the Boat people to flee from their homeland.

A Church and the Quan Am Tu Quil Buddhist Temple (built in 1984) are still used by worshippers today, and is one of Batam most visited attractions. The Khong Pan Su Cam Yao administration building, a clinic, and social services complex & youth center were built and ran by the refugees.

View the Ngha Trang Memorial Wall, built as a tribute to the boat people of Vietnam; or visit the Galang Museum with its many interesting artifacts.

Today the camp remains preserved for visitors to stroll amongst, and read & view the camp history from many of the displayed paintings and documents

The last of the Barelang Islands, Galang Baru Island has at its southern tip a Kelong style restaurant serving seafood and local favorites. Currently some budget style beach front accommodation units are being built and should be ready some time in the near future. At the tail end of Galang Baru Island is a little island with a white sandy beach where you can relax with a refreshing swim or a picnic. The waters around the Barelang Islands are also excellent fishing grounds. Local fishermen have sturdy wooden fishing boats available for charter. Take your camera to capture some stunning, breathtaking views.

Didn't find what you were looking for? Then just use the Search Box below to continue to get that information you want!