Karimun island in Indonesia: how to get there and what to see

Great Karimun, also known as Karimun Besar or Mawas, is an Indonesian island in the Riau Islands province. It is located near Singapore, 37 kilometers, and Batam, 54 kilometers, and administratively belongs to Karimun Regency.

The heart of the island is Tanjung Balai, a busy port town with a lively trade atmosphere. Thanks to its geographical position, the town is a popular tourist destination for residents of Singapore and Malaysia, which makes it even more dynamic.

Rafika Manullang

How to get to Karimun

Karimun has ferry connections with Singapore and Malaysia, as well as with Batam and Bintan islands.

There are two ferry terminals in Tanjung Balai. The main one is located in the eastern part of the island and connects the town with Singapore, Malaysia, Batam and Bintan islands. The second terminal is used for local destinations, such as Kundur.

There are several ways to get to Karimun island:

• From Singapore: Sindo Ferry operates between Singapore Harbourfront ferry terminal and Tanjung Balai. The price of a one way ticket is 53 Singapore dollars. The approximate travel time is about 2 hours.
• From Malaysia: there is a ferry connection between Tanjung Balai and the town of Kukup, as well as with The Puteri Harbour Ferry Terminal.
• From Batam and Bintan islands: there is a regular ferry connection. The travel time is 1.5 to 2 hours.

To move around Karimun island itself, you can use minibuses and rental bicycles.

Rafika Manullang

What to do and what to see on Karimun

Unlike the more tourist developed nearby islands such as Batam or Bintan, Karimun has preserved its authenticity. This place is ideal for those who are looking for a calm holiday and want to get to know real Indonesia.

Among the main attractions of the island is Pavilion Karimun. This is a popular place for selfies and evening walks. The Baituhrrahman and Agung Karimun mosques, and the Cetiya Vidya Sagara temple are also worth attention.

In the coastal zone there is an area with entertainment for children, where you can rent small electric cars, roller skates, or enjoy jumping on a trampoline. After a short walk from the coastal area, you will reach the pier and will be able to admire the ocean view from a small scenic bridge.

In addition, the island offers three main beaches:

• Pelawan: a beach surrounded by lush greenery, with soft sand and calm water, stretching along the western part of the island. It is popular with locals and is well suited for family holidays, as well as for watching colorful Indonesian sunsets.
• Pongkar: a beautiful white sand beach located in the eastern part of the island. It offers charming sunrise views.
• Ketam: a small and rather lively beach located not far from Pongkar Beach.

Pongkar waterfall, also known as Air Terjun Desa Pongkar, is one of the natural attractions of the island. Here you can take a walk through the forest, enjoy its views and sounds, watch birds and energetic monkeys, drink a coconut drink, and, of course, cool off in a small cool pool. There is parking within walking distance of the waterfall. Entry to the area is paid.

Not far from the waterfall begins the route to Mount Jantan, the highest point of Karimun island. Its height is 439 meters, and in clear weather the mountain offers panoramic views of the Malay Peninsula and Singapore.

Sandi rambe, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Where to eat on the island

Karimun treats travelers to fresh seafood cooked according to local recipes. Numerous restaurants and snack places on the coast offer grilled fish, fragrant shrimp, and juicy crabs.

It is worth paying attention to the Asian cuisine restaurant Seafoods 188, which offers a wide range of seafood dishes, and also to Se'Side Resto, located at Maximillian Hotel, where Asian, Indonesian, and Western dishes are served.

Maximillian Hotel

Where to stay on Karimun

The island cannot boast a wide choice of accommodation, but you will always be able to find a suitable place for an overnight stay. We recommend paying attention to the following hotels in the town of Tanjung Balai:

• Hotel Maximillian. It is located not far from the city center and offers easy access to the most popular places. Guests have 99 rooms of different categories, parking, a restaurant, a pool, a spa, and 24 hour service.
• ASTON Karimun City Hotel. It is close to local attractions. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, a pool, a gym, a rooftop terrace, and a number of other facilities.

ASTON Karimun City Hotel