Anambas Islands 2026: Indonesia's Hidden Archipelago Paradise in the Riau Islands

The Anambas Islands are one of Indonesia's last truly hidden paradises — an archipelago of around 255 islands in the Riau Islands province, sitting in the South China Sea between Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula. Getting here takes effort, but that is exactly why Anambas still feels untouched. This is your complete 2026 travel guide to getting there, where to go, and what it costs.

The Anambas archipelago — 255 islands of turquoise.

Where Are the Anambas Islands?

Administratively it belongs to Kepulauan Riau (Riau Islands) province, and the regency capital is the small harbor town of Tarempa on Siantan Island.

Of the roughly 255 islands, only a fraction are inhabited — the rest are uninhabited specks of white sand and coconut palms in turquoise shallows. The key names are Siantan (Tarempa), Pulau Bawah, Durai, and Mubur. Island hopping by chartered boat is the defining Anambas experience — you will have entire beaches to yourself.

Getting There: Flights and Ferries to Tarempa

Every trip starts with a domestic connection plus a ferry or boat ride. The two main gateways are Tanjung Pinang and Batam.

• Via Tanjung Pinang: fly from Jakarta to Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport (TNJ), then take a fast ferry or speedboat from Tanjung Pinang harbor to Tarempa — typically a 4–6 hour sea crossing depending on the vessel and sea conditions.
• Via Batam: fly into Hang Nadim Airport (BTH), then connect by ferry to Tarempa — a longer crossing of roughly 7–9 hours, usually run as a scheduled service.

Ferry schedules in this part of Indonesia are not daily and can shift with the weather, so build at least one buffer day into your itinerary and confirm departures with your hotel or a local agent before you fly in.

Tarempa: The Gateway Town

Tarempa is where every Anambas trip begins — a working fishing town of wooden stilt houses, morning fish markets, and mosques, wrapped around a sheltered bay. Try the fresh grilled fish and mie tarempa (the town's beloved noodle dish) at the waterfront warungs.

Practical base notes: Tarempa has the archipelago's best supply of guesthouses, small hotels, and boat charter operators. Mobile signal fades fast once you boat out to the uninhabited islands, so download offline maps and tell someone your plan.

Powder-white beaches on Pulau Bawah, Anambas.

Pulau Bawah: The Crown Jewel

Pulau Bawah is the Anambas name travelers whisper about — a cluster of tiny islets with powder-white beaches, swaying palms, and a shallow turquoise lagoon made for swimming. Independent travelers can reach nearby public beaches and snorkeling spots by chartered boat from Tarempa.

A day trip here usually means swimming, beach picnics, and snorkeling straight off the sand — the water is calm, warm, and absurdly clear. Take all rubbish back to Tarempa — there are no waste services on the uninhabited islands.

Snorkeling and Diving in Anambas

Below the surface, Anambas is one of the Riau Islands' richest marine areas: healthy hard and soft coral gardens, clouds of reef fish, turtles, and the occasional reef shark or ray. Many sites are shallow enough for confident snorkelers to enjoy without scuba gear.

Divers can arrange trips through operators based in Tarempa — the area around Pulau Bawah and the outer islets holds the best-known sites. Rental equipment is limited outside the resort, so pack a mask, snorkel, and reef-safe sunscreen. Never stand on or touch coral.

Island Hopping: The Classic Anambas Day Trip

The standard way to see Anambas is a full-day chartered boat trip from Tarempa visiting 3–5 islands: a mix of swimming lagoons, snorkeling reefs, sandbars, and picnic beaches.

Charter prices are usually quoted per boat, not per person — roughly ~IDR 1,500,000–3,000,000 per day including fuel and a local skipper, so traveling in a group of 4–6 brings the per-person cost down sharply.

Best Season to Visit Anambas

The driest, calmest window generally falls around March–October, with the clearest water and smoothest seas for boat trips. November–February can bring rougher seas from the northeast monsoon — ferries are more likely to be delayed. For the best balance of calm seas and reliable schedules, aim for April–September.

Pristine coral reefs — Anambas is a snorkeler's dream.

How Much Does an Anambas Trip Cost?

Anambas is not a budget-backpacker destination — the remote location adds transport costs. Rough ranges for 2026:

• Domestic flights (Jakarta–Tanjung Pinang or Batam): ~IDR 800,000–1,800,000 return, booked in advance.
• Ferry to Tarempa: ~IDR 200,000–500,000 one way depending on vessel and route.
• Guesthouses in Tarempa: ~IDR 250,000–600,000/night; mid-range hotels higher.
• Full-day boat charter: ~IDR 1,500,000–3,000,000 per boat, split between the group.
• Meals: ~IDR 30,000–100,000 per meal at local warungs; fresh seafood is the bargain.

A 4-day trip (2 travel days + 2 full island days) typically lands around ~IDR 4,000,000–8,000,000 per person excluding international flights to Indonesia.

Practical Tips for Anambas First-Timers

• Book the ferry before the flight: confirm Tarempa ferry departures first, then book flights to match — not the other way around.
• Bring cash: withdraw in Tanjung Pinang or Batam; card payments are rare outside the resort.
• Pack a dry bag: boat transfers involve wet landings on beaches — protect phones, cameras, and passports.
• Sun protection is essential: reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and a rash guard — the equatorial sun is fierce on open water.
• Learn a little Indonesian: English is limited in Tarempa; a few phrases smooth every negotiation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to the Anambas Islands?

Fly to Tanjung Pinang or Batam, then take a ferry to Tarempa (4–9 hours depending on the route). Small aircraft also serve Tarempa's Letung Airport on select routes. Always confirm ferry schedules before booking flights.

What is the best time to visit Anambas?

April–September offers the calmest seas and clearest water for snorkeling and island hopping. November–February can bring rougher seas and ferry disruptions from the northeast monsoon.

Is Pulau Bawah open to independent travelers?

Parts of the Pulau Bawah area host a private-island resort, but nearby public beaches and snorkeling spots are reachable by chartered boat from Tarempa — you do not need to be a resort guest to enjoy the area.

How much does a boat charter cost in Anambas?

A full-day charter from Tarempa runs roughly ~IDR 1,500,000–3,000,000 per boat including fuel and skipper. The price is per boat, not per person, so a group of 4–6 splits it affordably.

Do I need cash in the Anambas Islands?

Yes. Withdraw cash in Tanjung Pinang or Batam before crossing — ATMs in Tarempa are limited and card payments are rare outside the resort.

The Anambas Islands are the tropical escape Indonesia forgot to commercialize — empty beaches, living reefs, and lagoons you'll have all to yourself. Would you make the journey to Tarempa? Tell us in the comments!