Visiting yachts are discovering an archipelago of ancient beauty…
The Anambas Islands in Indonesia

The Anambas Islands, an archipelago in Indonesia, are slowly gaining recognition as a new and highly attractive cruising destination. The appeal is driven by its remote and unspoiled attractions, a huge improvement in facilities, efficient clearing of yachts in and out, and glowing reports from visiting yachts. 

A collection of over 200 small Indonesian islands in the South China Sea, the amazing Anambas Islands is moving from being considered just a remote, off-the-beaten-track place to a cruising paradise for those with a penchant for exploring new seas and lands. 

Facing the wide-open ocean, the Archipelago provides a panoramic view of blue seas and green islands dotted with azure lagoons with sheer endless reefs filled with a kaleidoscope of colorful coral species, as well as magnificent sea creatures, big and small. Verdant jungles of exotic plant species and countless cultural and culinary unique experiences await travelers on land. Despite the relative proximity to Singapore at a mere 150 miles, this island group has remained under the radar, its silent existence never really reaching outside its own boundaries for centuries.

Explaining what makes the Anambas Islands so special, and how it’s much easier than you might think to clear immigration, despite the archipelago’s remoteness, is Captain Thomas Taatjes, director & GM of Asia Pacific Superyachts Indonesia, “Those with a penchant for exploring new seas and lands will find a cruising paradise. Changing regulations are paving the way to welcoming more yachts and formalities-wise you can internationally clear into Indonesia by vessel and permits, visas, etc., the same as elsewhere in Indonesia.” 

Captain Thomas suggests several trips within the archipelago. “The biggest island (and a very pleasant town) where all formalities take place on arrival is Terempa on Sintan Island. It is a deep anchorage near a long road built on piles. It is the best place to resupply and also serves as the spot to welcome guests flying in to join the yacht at the airport on Pulau Matak Island, less than 10 miles away; or anchor close by if more convenient. The East side of both Pulau Sintan and Pulau Matak offer an incredible choice of anchorages. Many reefs border the Anambas Islands and provide well-protected anchorages but because of narrow passages to enter these lagoons, navigation can be tricky.”

“The main Anambas islands are Siantan, Jemaja, Matak, Mubur and Kiabu. The two most populous are Letung on Jemaja and Anambas’ capital Tarempa, located on Siantan. Setting foot on an intriguing world of bountiful islands also awards visitors the opportunity to meet the locals, descendants of the once mighty ‘Orang Bugis’. 

These proud seafaring people of yesteryear with their colorful past retain their strong bond with the sea today.” A nice surprise is the friendliness of the locals in the small villages scattered among the bays, which adds an enriching experience to your visit. Here you will find isolated anchorages with clear water and fishing villages along the way, ensuring a fresh supply of seafood. The fishing is fantastic as the waters are quite fertile with tuna, mackerel, giant trevally, grouper, and even billfish. These are just a few of the likely catches. Fish-based products are Anambas’ signature dishes, the two most popular ones are Mie Tarempa and Luti Gendang. 

Captain Thomas suggests several trips within the archipelago – such as Pulau Bawah Island, Pulau Ritan Island, Pulau Airabu Island, and Durai Island.  “The biggest island (and a very pleasant town) where all formalities take place on arrival is Terempa on Sintan Island. It is a deep anchorage near a long road built on piles. It is the best place to resupply and also serves as the spot to welcome guests flying in to join the yacht. The airport is on Pulau Matak Island, less than 10 miles away and you can anchor close by if more convenient. 

The east side of both Pulau Sintan and Pulau Matak offer an incredible choice of anchorages. Many reefs border the Anambas Islands and provide well-protected anchorages but because of narrow passages to enter these lagoons, navigation can be tricky.”

To enjoy a week-long trip within the remote lush Anambas Islands, look no further than nearby Yudan and Kembung twin islands, then possibly on to the bigger Jemaja Island, suggests Captain Thomas. “Those interested in turtle conservation efforts will find a mother & baby turtle sanctuary at Dewata Island, followed by a visit to a nearby beach on the bigger Jamaja Island.  A visit to Durai & Rengkik Islands the next day will extend your experience of watching turtles hatching and scurrying to the beach.”

“The Penjalin Islands offer stunning beaches and it’s easy to spend a full day on the beach and exploring the reefs. Next will be Moonrock Bay, a stunning lagoon type bay with lush jungle, vibrant reefs to snorkel and a sandspit beach where once again, turtles can be spotted, says Taatjes, adding, “The southern islands of the Anambas offer Snake Island and sandspits, with a gigantic granite boulder and vibrant reefs perfect for snorkeling.” He notes the Bawah Island Reserve (or Ayam Island) is not to be missed, a private resort and lagoon, which might need a one-night booking to fully enjoy all the attractions and explorations. A final island at the end of the week could be to set forth to Jemaja Island to spend the day at Ayam (Chicken) Island, a small islet off Jemaja known for its beautiful beaches.  From Jemaja you can depart the Anambas from Letung Airport.

Now gaining recognition worldwide for its potential as a paradise island holiday and marine eco-tourism destination, the main attractions of the Anambas Archipelago are its ruggedly beautiful environment, the exceptional clarity of its seawater and significant coral reef coverage along with the many as yet untouched ‘Survivor-type’ islands and their lush often still-unexplored jungles. 

Part of the Indonesian Riau Islands Province, the relatively rarely visited Anambas Islands group lie between Singapore and Borneo and are among Indonesia’s northern-most border archipelagos. “It’s possible to cruise among the Anambas Islands any time of the year, however, the season of SW monsoon (April to September) offers drier conditions and a calmer sea”, explains Captain Thomas, adding, “The islands are stunning with crystal-clear waters and abundant coral reefs, however poor and inaccurate charts make navigating these waters a challenge and can be hazardous. It is best to consult satellite imagery and experienced experts that have cruised the region.”

These days it is rare to cruise to a new destination that appears remote but is closer than you think. The amazing Anambas Archipelago is now easier to access than ever before.