Situated South of Batam Island, the Barelang Islands is composed of six islands particularly the Tonton Island, Nipah Island, Setoko Island, Rempang Island, Galang Island and the Galang Baru Island. The Barelang is an acronym for the three bigger islands Batam, Rempang and Galang.
The Barelang Islands is most well-known for the Barelang Bridges, an icon of Batam Island and a well-known landmark in the city. The Barelang Bridges join all six islands and make possible land transportation to and from these islands. Domestically, the Barelang Bridges are also called Jembatan Barelang and Jembatan Habibie, from Jusuf Habibie who was the one who headed the entire Balerang project.
Moreover, although the bridges are collectively referred to as Barelang, every has an individual name for which they are higher recognized locally. There’s the Tengku Fisabilillah Bridge that connects Batam to Tonton, the Nara Singa Bridge for the Tonton Island, the Raja Ali Haji Bridge for the Nipah Island, the Sultan Zainal Abidin Bridge for the Setoko Island, the Tuanku Tambusai Bridge for the Rempang Island and the Raja Kecik Bridge for the Galang Island.
The Barelang Bridges not only function the connections between the six islands of the Riau Archipelago, they’re actually among the prime sights in Batam drawing many tourists to it and to the islands linked with it. The islands are worth seeing if you wish to soak in the culture of the nation and the varied people residing in it.
Tonton Island
The Tonton Island is the first island you may see while you cross the bridge. It’s only a small island with very few buildings and places of work but lots of tucked away seashores where you can go for swimming.
Nipah Island
The Nipah Island is famous for the Lucky Seafood Restaurant found within the island. It serves freshly caught scrumptious seafood!
Setoko Island
The Setoko Island is the place the Kampung Setoko, a conventional tribe in Indonesia, lives.
Rempang Island
The Rempang Island is the biggest island of all of the Barelang Islands. It has quite a few small beaches in its West Coast. A few of the beaches that you may wish to go to include the Melayu Seaside, the Pasir Putih Seashore and the Memory Hill Beach. The seashores have eating places out there and a few even have lodging for those wanting to remain for longer than a day.
Galang Island
The Galang Island is where you will find the Vietnam Village. The Vietnam Village is a famous attraction within the island because of its history. In 1976, “boat people” from Vietnam escaped the conflict of their country and arrived within the island and made it their home. Until 1995 when some Vietnamese were dispatched into asylums in Canada and Australia whereas the remaining were sent again to their country, the village was often known as the “Vietnamese Refugee Camp”.
For 19 years, Vietnamese lived within the island. They constructed buildings and temples that are now well-known attractions of the area. The buildings have been preserved along with some boats that presumably have been utilized by the “boat people” after they fled their country.
Galang Baru Island
The Galang Baru Island also has lots of seashores you can go to for swimming. There are currently many constructions going by way of the island to develop it into a contemporary tourist destination. There are also present lodging must you resolve to remain longer.
Visiting the Barelang Islands could easily make your Batam Island trip truly memorable and relaxing. So, for those who’re tired of shopping in Batam, get some sun as a substitute and plenty of tradition and go to one of many islands.