Chinese New Year in Tanjung Pinang

Tanjung Pinang, is the main port town on Bintan Island, where trade and passenger ships link to all parts of Indonesia and Singapore. It is a good point of departure to other islands in the area and only a two-hour boat ride away from Singapore. All photos on this page is taken with the iphone's camera.



ITINERARY:

Day 1: Singapore - Tanjung Pinang
Day 2: Tanjung Pinang - Singapore



DAY 1 (04 February 2011, Friday)

It was the second day of the Chinese New Year during my visit to Tanjung Pinang. Arriving at Tanjung Pinang in the afternoon, Novi and her parents came to pick me up before we went house visiting at Senggarang.


A large section of the old part of the town was built in traditional local fashion, on stilts, over the water. It is not uncommon to see rats running under homes and to walk through thick swarms of mosquitoes.







'Pek Do', the pregnant fish literally known as 'white stomach'. It is commonly eaten here in Tanjung Pinang.


Home made fish crackers at one of the relative's home


From the Kelongs, it is a short walk to the Senggarang Temples. The temple complex includes a Chinese and Hindi tepmple, a 40-armed statue and several animal deities.






There is also a mini-carnival/funfair with games to keep the atmosphere alive.






Most of the shops were closed due to the Chinese celebrating Chinese New Year.


However, some streetside stalls were open.


Dinner at a pretty delicious vegetarian restaurant - Bumi Maitri.




Late night seafood supper at a nearby coffeeshop!






DAY 2 (05 February 2011, Saturday)

Breakfast time!





Shopping at Pasaraya Bintan Dua Satu


Massage at Taipan's



Another temple visit



And finally farewell to Tanjung Pinang!




MORE PHOTOS

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FAST FACTS

Falcon3 Ferry ticket: S$50
Food & Beverage and Miscellaneous: S$35
TOTAL EXPENDITURE: S$85



TRAVEL GUIDES / NEWS / MAGAZINES

Wikitravel - Tanjung Pinang
http://wikitravel.org/en/Tanjung_Pinang

Indonesia Tourism
http://www.indonesia-tourism.com/riau-archipelago/tanjung-pinang.html

Tanjung Pinang Travel Guide
http://www.world66.com/asia/southeastasia/indonesia/bintan/tanjung_pinang

Tanjung Pinang Ferry Schedule
http://bintanisland.ekowisata.info/tanjung_pinang_ferry.html

Penguin Ferry
http://www.penguin.com.sg/ferryschedule.php