The Anambas Islands in Indonesia are like something out of a dream. Crystal-clear blue water laps at white sand beaches, with lush green islands sprinkled across the horizon. Divers can marvel at colorful coral reefs bursting with fish, while some beaches are home to nesting turtles.
Unlike many island chains, most of the 255 Anambas Islands are untouched, offering a peaceful escape. Tarempa, the capital, sits on Siantan Island. Here, you'll find calm lagoons perfect for swimming and relaxing. Colorful coral reefs teeming with life make the Anambas a paradise for underwater adventurers. Whether you want to soak up the sun on a pristine beach or explore the wonders beneath the waves, the Anambas Islands offer an unforgettable Indonesian adventure.
Since it's a collection of islands, boats are your main way to travel between them. Pom pongs are slower wooden boats, perfect for a relaxed journey and soaking up the scenery. They're also a budget-friendly choice. They run on diesel fuel, so expect a leisurely ride.
Getting to the Anambas Islands involves flying to a nearby island first. You'll need to land in Tanjung Pinang, the capital of the Riau Islands province located on Bintan Island.
From there, you can catch a smaller plane to Matak Airport on Palmatak Island within the Anambas regency. This flight takes around an hour, but be prepared for a pricier one-way ticket, costing around Rp 1.2 million. Finally, a speedboat ride will take you to Tarempa, the capital of the Anambas Islands on Siantan Island.
The Anambas Islands are a paradise for water lovers! The crystal-clear waters are perfect for snorkeling, where you can see colorful fish and amazing coral reefs. Many islands even have calm lagoons, ideal for swimming and relaxing in the gentle current.
If you want to explore more than just your resort island, don't worry! Since most islands are inhabited, getting around is easy. You can chat with locals to find out about boat rentals or tours to visit other islands. This is a great way to discover hidden beaches or find local villages where you can experience the friendly Indonesian culture.
To top it all off, no island getaway is complete without delicious food! The Anambas Islands are famous for their fresh seafood. Imagine enjoying a plate of perfectly grilled fish or flavorful curry, all made with ingredients caught right there in the surrounding waters. It's a delicious way to end a perfect day of exploring this tropical paradise.
The Anambas Islands are located in the South China Sea, among Indonesia's northernmost islands.
The best time to visit the Anambas Islands for both exploring and diving is during the dry season, which lasts from April to September or October. During this time, you'll enjoy calmer seas, less rain, and less wind.
While Anambas likely has fewer mosquitos than other parts of Southeast Asia, thanks to local mosquito control efforts, it's still wise to pack insect repellent, especially DEET, if you plan to explore more rural areas.
The good news: malaria is not a common disease (not endemic) in Anambas, so you can consider the islands malaria-free.
Travel Tips for Kepulauan Anambas