Anambas Islands

Anambas Islands
Islands and Regency

Anambas Islands seen from far.

Seal

Anambas location in the South China Sea.
Country Indonesia
Province Riau Islands
Capital Terempa
Area
 • Total 637.10 km2 (245.99 sq mi)
Population (2010)
 • Total 37,493
 • Density 59/km2 (150/sq mi)
Time zone WIB (UTC+7)

Anambas archipelago (Indonesian: Kepulauan Anambas) is a small archipelago of Indonesia, located 150 nautical miles northeast of Batam Island in the South China Sea between the Malaysian mainland to the west and the island of Borneo to the east. Geographically part of the Tudjuh Archipelago, it is administratively a regency within the Riau Islands Province.

The Anambas archipelago contains a large reserve of natural gas that is exported to countries such as Singapore and Malaysia. The island of Matak is the main base for oil exploration.

Other islands are Siantan (Terempa), Mubur, Jemaja and Kiabu (Airabu).

According to CNN, the Anambas Islands are one of Southeast Asia's most spectacular coastal spots, with good snorkelling and diving spots. One of the Anambas islands with good tourism potential in particular is Pulau Bawah . Pulau Bawah, located about 150 nautical miles northeast of Singapore, is actually a cluster of islets that collectively surround three lagoons, each of which suitable for snorkelling, scubadiving and beach activities.

The shipwrecked vessels Seven Skies and Igara attract a variety of indigenous marine life and offer diving opportunities.[1]

Whilst the majority of the population generates their income from fishing and fishing-related industries, tourism has been gaining traction. Hostel and hotel rooms are available in Jemaja and Tarempa, along with some homestay locations.

By ferry

Two ferries ply the waters between Tanjung Pinang and Anambas, VOC Batavia and Seven Stars. The ferry journey takes about 7-9 hours, depending on conditions. Tanjung Pinang also offers the Pelni-owned cruise ship, Bukit Raya. This vessel can take up to 900 passengers to and from Anambas. Keep in mind that the Bukit Raya can take up to 20 hours to reach its destination.

Administration

The Regency is divided into seven districts (kecamatan) - tabulated below with their 2010 Census population:[2]

Name Population
Census 2010[3]
Jemaja 5,621
Jemaja Timur
(East Jemaja) 		2,028
Siantan Selatan
(South Siantan) 		3,177
Siantan 9,920
Siantan Timur
(East Siantan) 		3,290
Siantan Tengah
(Central Siantan) 		2,755
Palmatak 10,620

References

  1. ↑ Macguire, Eoghan (17 April 2012). "Asia's top five tropical island paradises". CNN. Retrieved 24 October 2012.
  2. ↑ Biro Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 2011.
  3. ↑ Biro Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 2011.

See also

References

    External links

    Coordinates: 3°6′N 105°40′E / 3.100°N 105.667°E / 3.100; 105.667

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