Kundur

Kundur is an island in the Riau Islands province of Indonesia, situated to the east of Sumatra island.

Understand
Kundur is part of the Karimun group of islands and is located south of Great Karimun Island.

Although larger than its northern neighbour, Kundur is much less developed and more laid back. Tanjung Batu, the main town, has a busy waterfront and a couple of streets lined with shops.

It used to be mostly a destination for cheap sex and gambling, but a crackdown has put an end to most of it.

Kundur is popular for cycling trips.

Get in
Kundur's port of Tanjung Batu is not designated as a visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry point. Those requiring visas should get one beforehand. For visa-free nationalities, there does not seem to be a problem entering or leaving Indonesia via Tanjung Batu.

As Kundur does not have an airport, all visitors arrive by ferry. Most connections are with neighbouring islands, e.g. Tanjung Balai on Karimun, and the Sumatra "mainland". Direct ferry services to Singapore have been terminated, so you'll need to detour via Batam or Bintan.

From other Riau Islands
To/from Batam via Karimun Island: Several companies operate ferries between Tanjung Batu and Sekupang, the main domestic port on Batam, stopping at Tanjung Balai on Karimun on enroute.
 * The Miko Natalia 3 (Tel: +62-779-21922 in Tanjung Batu; +62-777-21207/31895 in Tanjung Balai; +62-778-321980 in Sekupang, Batam) links Tanjung Batu with Tanjung Balai, the main town on Karimun Island several times daily. Between Tanjung Batu and Tanjung Balai, tickets cost Rp. 46,000 one-way before port taxes. Journey time is over one hour, longer if stops are made at islands along the way.
 * The Marina Batam also operates this route.

To/from Karimun Island only:
 * The Ocean Indoma operates ferries between Tanjung Batu and Tanjung Balai twice a day.

To/from Tanjung Pinang, Bintan
 * One daily speedboat operated by SB Giam Mas (Tel: +62-779-431589 in Tanjung Batu) departs daily from Tanjung Batu at 0745 for Tanjung Pinang, the main town on Bintan. The boat returns to Tanjung Batu on the same day, departing Tanjung Pinang at 1200. The boat has scheduled stops at Galang Island and Moro on Sugibawah Island, while unscheduled stops may be made at various little settlements along the way. Journey time is about 2½ hr each way. The fare from Tanjung Batu to Tanjung Pinang and vice-versa is Rp 130,000 before port taxes. On the other hand, Tanjung Batu to Galang/Rempang costs Rp 95,000, Moro to Galang/Rempang costs Rp 50,000. From Tanjung Pinang to Moro is Rp 95,000, Galang/Rempang is Rp 45,000.

From Sumatra
Boats link Tanjung Batu with various Sumatra mailand ports, such as Tembilahan in Riau province, and Kuala Tungkal in Jambi.

Get around
Angkuts (minivans) link Tanjung Batu with various towns on Kundur Island such as Sawang, Selat Belia and Prayun. Most of these vans leave from the market in Tanjung Batu.

There are also many ojeks (motorcycle taxis) waiting at various intersections in Tanjung Batu.

Tanjung Batu itself is small enough to be covered on foot.

Tanjung Batu
One would not describe Tanjung Batu, the main town on Kundur, as pretty or charming, unlike Tanjung Balai on Karimun which somehow has more atmosphere. Nevertheless, the town is very quiet and relaxed, except for the many ojek (motorcyle taxis) drivers who will constantly yell out to you and ask whether you want a ride (or, if you are a man, a woman!). The main commercial streets are Jalan Merdeka where the market is, and the shop-lined Jalan Jend Sudirman. The waterfront is also interesting with many boats loading and unloading goods. Just relax and enjoy the feeling of being in a timeless tropical port.

Most buildings here have an additional "bird house" on their roofs, housing thousands of swallows. The owners will harvest "birds nest" - a protein-rich gelatine-like substance formed from the saliva of the swallows - which is in high demand by the Chinese who consume them as a health supplement.


 * Cetiya Sasana Kitri (福朝廟) - at Jalan Usman Harun, unique red calabash in front of the temple differentiate it from others.
 * Vihara Dharma Shanti Kundur (泰安廟) - have a stroll and enjoy the breeze in the late evening. Spacious, with tables and chairs. The door is painted with guardian deities, probably one of the great spot in the town.
 * Masjid Raya Nurussalam

Urung

 * Vihara Maitri Segara

Hop over to Pulau Belat.

Do

 * Visit the wet market in the morning. Hive of activity, where many fresh items are sold. Can see chicken slaughtered, and plucked clean. Fishes prepared fresh.

Drink
For bottled drinking water get the local produced AVIGA spring water from PT. Citra Alam Sumber Wita costs Rp 2,000 for a 1500 ml bottle.

Go next
See Get in section for ferry details.
 * Catch a ferry to Tembilahan or Kuala Tungkal in Jambi on the Sumatra mainland.
 * Or if you need a bit more hustle and bustle, head to Tanjung Balai on Karimun.

Telephone numbers
The country code for Indonesia is 62. The area code for Tanjung Batu is 779.