The pristine Anambas are still largely undiscovered. Here you can step back in time, swim in warm blue seas, azure lagoons and view underwater scenery unparalleled in Asia.
Experiencing local hospitality and friendliness towards travelers is no longer as common as it once was in the past, when traveling to faraway lands was a rare event. The way it can be found in spades in the Anambas Islands of Indonesia, makes this place a joy to visit.
The pristine Anambas are a true tropical paradise, still largely undiscovered. Here you can step back in time, swim in warm blue seas, azure lagoons and view underwater scenery unparalleled in Asia. Cruising through the Anambas you’ll come across the occasional island village. Inhabitants are few and warmly welcome visitors with smiling faces and kindness.
As the sun rises, awaken to clear blue skies. The first of the Anambas Islands come into view and arrive at Pulau Bawah in the late morning. The gorgeous lagoon is surrounded by pristine (really!), white sand beaches and coral reefs. Swim and snorkel and, in between, enjoy delicious meals on board.
There’s no way anyone could get bored in this amazing anchorage! Spend the day enjoying more swimming, snorkeling or paddle boarding. Rendezvous diving can be arranged, if you’d like. Or pick one of several hiking trails on the island for a vigorous jungle trek.
The island is home to an exclusive resort project: ‘Bawah Private Island’. Opened mid 2017, this extreme eco resort has safari tented villas and water villas that afford unbelievable sunrise and sunset views. Therefore the resort received Indonesian and international accolades.
A pleasant sail brings you to Pulau Airabu, another equally stunning, azure-colored lagoon. With a little luck, you may have an escort of a playful pod of dolphins. Most importantly with a little more luck, you might catch a fish for a delicious seafood dinner. The local fishermen know how to conserve their resources, besides that no trawling fish nets are allowed. Just simple line and hook are used to fish those Tongkol (little tuna), Kerisi or Kerapu (grouper).
The beaches at Airabu are surrounded by mangrove forests and coral reefs.
The Island group of Lubang Tamban is largely uninhabited and therefore is surrounded by the clearest water you’ve ever seen. It has amazing coral reefs. Walk on the white sand beach, snorkel around beautiful corals, get coconuts straight from the trees. You will feel like a modern-day Robinson Crusoe.
Tarempa, in the heart of the Anambas, is the capital and administrative center of the Anambas. There are many small shops, a bakery and a market offering a wide range of goods. Walking through this friendly and clean town is accompanied with waves and hellos. You’ll be met with an openness and generosity that is humbling. Rent a moped, or “ojek” as they’re called in Anambas, for a ride around town.
Dine on-board, or enjoy a local dinner with yummy fresh seafood at one of the lively restaurants in town. Highly recommended is to try some of the local delicacies like nasi dagang, roti rendang, smokey tongkol. Or you might fancy the popular mie Tarempa (spicy fried noodles with fish and egg). Local cultural events are organized now and then, such as a dance or kite-flying.
This group of islands is again largely uninhabited, and has numerous, wonderfully sheltered bays and coves. You’ll want to spend at least one night at Pulau Ayam, a true gem, with fine white sand beaches, and the remains of a simple resort onshore.
The following day you’ll cruise to Padang Melang, which has the longest white sand beach in the Anambas. There is a small, colourful village to explore. Beyond the village lie shimmering rice fields and there are waterfalls further afield.
The Anambas Islands are an amazing, authentic place with kind and generous people, living at a blissfully unhurried pace. If you like to go off the beaten track, prefer active holidays and idyllic and secluded Survivor-type lagoons, then Anambas is the place for you!
Now, if you’re an sport-fishing aficionado, then you should know that the waters around the Anambas Archipelago are especially fertile. Tuna will be on the hunt all around our boat pretty much all the time. This is resulting in ever-present patches of “nervous water”, where these predatory fish are terrorizing schools of bait-fish in their feeding frenzy. Frequently, the commotion also involves sea birds from above and, more importantly, pelagics from below, such as barracuda and mackerel and even billfish. Other commonly caught fish here include GT, red snapper, trevally and grouper. By the way, if you’re into squid, then rest assured, these are also plentiful.
When it comes to food, you’ll be quite pleasantly surprised at the low cost of meals in Anambas – especially the cost of seafood dishes, which are available everywhere (for obvious reasons). Do have a go at Tarempa Mie, which is a local delicacy. But take note, some dishes can be on the spicy side, so be sure to taste a little bit first before finding yourself with a big serving onto your plate.
