Visit and explore Penyengat Island, once the old capital of the Riau Kingdom, with this fun tour! Learn about its rich history and the many lands it reigned over. See historic palaces, mosques, forts, and other historical landmarks. Enjoy a delicious set meal after the day’s adventures.
— Reservation Restrictions —
— Prohibitions & Restrictions —
Please arrive at the designated location 15 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
This is a shared transfer with the option of early or late pickup
Guests must be fully responsible for their own safety and property. KKday and the tour operator are not responsible for any damage, loss, or bodily harm to the guest's property, whether caused by the organizer's negligence or other factors
Penyengat Island is most commonly accessed from Tanjung Pinang, the capital of Bintan Island. Visitors typically take a local motorized boat, known as a 'pompong,' from the main jetty in Tanjung Pinang. The boat ride is short, usually lasting about 10 to 15 minutes, and offers pleasant views of the coastal area surrounding the island.
Penyengat Island holds profound historical significance as the former royal seat of the Riau-Lingga Sultanate. It served as a pivotal center for Malay culture, literature, and Islamic scholarship. The island is renowned for its rich heritage, featuring well-preserved historical structures like grand mosques and remnants of royal palaces that reflect its influential past as a powerful kingdom.
Penyengat Island features several compelling historical landmarks for exploration. Prominent attractions include the distinguished Sultan of Riau's Grand Mosque (Masjid Sultan Riau), notable for its distinctive yellow architecture. Visitors can also explore remnants of old palaces, such as the Raja Ali Haji palace, and an old Dutch fort, all offering insights into the island's storied past and colonial influences.
The primary language spoken by the local population on Penyengat Island is Bahasa Indonesia, which is the national language of Indonesia. Additionally, a significant number of residents also speak various dialects of the Malay language, underscoring the island's deep-rooted Malay heritage. While not universally understood, some English may be comprehended by tour guides and at key tourist-focused locations.
The optimal period to visit Penyengat Island for cultural exploration is generally during the dry season, which spans from March to October. During these months, the weather is typically sunny with minimal rainfall, creating ideal conditions for comfortably exploring the island's historical sites and engaging in outdoor activities. Visiting outside this period may increase the likelihood of rain.
To explore Penyengat Island's numerous heritage sites, visitors commonly use a traditional local motorized tricycle known as a 'Baechak.' This unique mode of transport offers an authentic and convenient way to navigate the island, providing easy access to landmarks like the Sultan's mosque and the ancient fort, while offering an immersive cultural experience.
To reach Tanjung Pinang, Bintan, usually from Singapore, travelers take a ferry. Ferries depart regularly from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore and arrive at Sri Bintan Pura Ferry Terminal in Tanjung Pinang. The ferry journey typically lasts approximately 2 hours. Upon arrival in Tanjung Pinang, local boats are readily available to connect travelers to Penyengat Island.
A guided heritage tour of Penyengat Island can be conveniently arranged through a reputable travel platform like KKday. Booking through KKday offers a comprehensive experience that often includes efficient transfers, a knowledgeable local expert guide to deepen your understanding of the island's history, and a pre-arranged lunch. This ensures a seamless and enriching visit, eliminating the complexities of independent planning.