Anambas Islands offers peace and tranquility

Anambas Islands offers peace and tranquility

A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Anambas, Riau

Have you ever imagined yourself as Chuck Noland (played
outstandingly by Tom Hanks) in Cast Away? As a nine-to-five
worker, he had to struggle to stay alive in a remote island --
cast away into the most desolate environment imaginable.

But we're not talking about Noland's experience. Instead, the
scenery in the movie is our focus. The no-man's land-island still
has its rich and original ecosystem. Birds are seen flying in the
sky safely without human threat. No industrial or noise pollution
is to be had.

A question remained in my head after watching Cast Away. Where
can I find such a wonderful place like in the movie?

Actually, I didn't have to go very far. Indonesia has such a
beautiful islands. One such group is the Anambas Islands, part of
the great Natuna Islands in Riau province.

Locals often call the Anambas Islands -- comprising of Jemaja,
Siantan, Matak, Mubur, Telaga, Airabu and Bajau islands -- the
Seven Islands.

Located some 800 miles (around 1,300 kilometers) north of
Jakarta, the Anambas Islands are still mostly virginal. They can
be reached by a three-hour flight, though.

To get there, tourists must fly from Jakarta to Tanjungpinang
on Bintan Island, Riau province before transferring to a small
commercial airplane to Matak Island. The total journey takes
around three-and-a-half hours. Flights are only available twice a
week every Tuesday and Thursday

The airport in Matak Island was built by the oil and gas
company ConocoPhilips Indonesia. The company also built several
buildings on the island which was used as the base for its
operations in the gas-rich Natuna Islands to the immediate east.
The company provided a regular shuttle for its employees between
Jakarta and Matak every Tuesday and Saturday.

Local inhabitants have lived in the Anambas islands for years,
but still, the islands are not very populous. The only somewhat
populous area is Tarempa, the capital of Ladan district.

The mountainous interior of the islands has made it difficult
for locals to occupy much of the islands. Most live in houses
built on stilts at the water's edge.

Most Anambas residents are fishermen and depend a lot on the
Natuna sea's richness. They mostly use jongkong (small boats) for
transportation.

Despite its remoteness, Anambas has lots to offer for
tourists. Snorkeling or diving is excellent in these pristine
areas.

"The water is beautiful. Indeed, the threat of sharks are
there, but as long as we are careful it doesn't matter," said
Philip, a tourist from Singapore.

Those who don't like snorkeling and diving can swim, as the
water is clean and safe.

Another recreational option is fishing. The area offers a huge
variety of fish; from tuna to grouper and snappers.

The Anambas islands have been a favorite hangout for tourists,
particularly from Singapore, mostly on fishing excursions. Groups
of Singaporeans and tourists from other neighboring countries
have frequented the islands for the past several years to indulge
in their hobby.

Tourists might also observe the life of turtles in the area.
The best place to see some turtles is Durai islet, which is so
small it does not even appear on most maps.

Durai has a superb beach which is a perfect place for turtles.
Tourists are suggested to come in July, August or October if they
want to see turtles lay their eggs.

Most of the Anambas Islands are still in their original state,
so tourists won't find any agencies or guides to help them
arrange a trip to the islands. Instead, they must prepare the
journey by themselves.

Accommodation will be an important thing to arrange. But no
need to worry. There are three resorts on the islands. One is
located at the tip of Tanjung Tebu on Siantan island while the
other two are on Tarempa island.

The Anambas Indah Tourist Resort in Tanjung Tebu is good
enough. It has 10 double-bed rooms. Each room is equipped with an
air conditioner while the service is okay. Visitors are charged
Rp 100,000 (US$11) per night.

Unlike hotels in big cities, which often provide meals, this
resort is more informal. The owner, Christina, always asks her
guests about the kind of food they want the next day. All
ingredients has to be bought in Tarempa, some 15 minutes away by
boat from Tanjung Tebu.

There are no telephone at the resort, adding to the isolation
and relaxation.

"Telephone lines might be available next year," she said.

The resort location is very strategic as all rooms have an
ocean view from a veranda, where guests can watch the exciting
activities of the local fishermen.

Those who are interested to see a more dynamic population can
visit nearby Tarempa town which has some nice, old buildings,
built by the Dutch. The buildings, unfortunately have been
commandeered by the Indonesian military. Some of the other
colonial-era buildings are now being used by the Ladan district
administration.

In the Tarempa port, you can see busy fishermen, workers and
sailors unloading luggage and merchandise, trading fish and other
activities.

With many things to offer in the Anambas Islands, I begin to
think that I am luckier than Noland. I don't have to struggle
alone in a remote, yet beautiful island. In fact, I did have a
great opportunity to enjoy a small part of Indonesia with its
beautiful environment.

If only Noland was stranded here, perhaps he would not have
wanted to get back to his previous life.