Sights

Old Dutch houses on Sambu Island

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Back in the 1930s, the Shell Oil Co discovered oil near Palembang in South Sumatra. The company set up twin refining and distribution facilities on Sambu Island (Indonesia) and Pulau Bukum (Singapore). Sambu reverted to Indonesian ownership in the 50s and has not changed much since. Visit there to enjoy the old Dutch houses and matured trees and gardens. Life here is slow and gracious. Almost no cars, nearly everyone walks. When you walk off the jetty veer to the right - keep away from the official Pertamina faclities that lie to the left of the jetty. When you can see a tiny bank building, follow the stairs up past the tiny post office ("Kantor Pos"), passing the big mosque to your right and head towards the first old Dutch houses. Affer the second or third house, turn right and go up over the hill. Keep well away from the Pertamina oil facility that occupies the northern half of Sambu Island. You will pass through a beautiful old secondary forest before reaching the other side of the hill and the coast. Take your time. But if you still have plenty of time, turn left and walk north along this coast for a couple of hundred metres, but dont go past the foootball field. Then follow the coast south, back pst more old Dutch houses, then up over the hill and back to the jetty.

BEE PEE ISLAND

If time allows, cross over the straits from Sambu to see busy but old fashioned Blakang Padang (BeePee) Island. Many years ago, BeePee had a sister island on the Singapore side of the Straits called Blakang Mati which is now better known as Sentosa. On BeePee, it is possible to hire a "becak" (three wheeled tricycle rickshaw) to explore island life. If you walk along the main street, some helpful locals will quickly try to make friends and practice their English. Get them to help hire a becak. Tell them you want to go to "Pulau Sekanak", a trip which covers most of the island.  Or visit the small hotel Budi Penolong in front of the main mosque and talk to the owner Nasrun, a friendly guy who used work on the oil rigs. If you just want to take a walk, you will find a two or three kilometer loop around the town covers a lot of scenic vistas. If you want to arrange to hire a boat for a swim on a nearby deserted island, give him a call first on 0778 312 486. He will need a day or so to work out the details for you.

Or hire a properly equipped boat from KTM Resort Rp120,000 return includes waiting for 2 hrs.

The KTM Resort at Tj Pinggir is well maintained and a nice place for finish off the day with lunch on their kelong restaurant. KTM has nice 2 bedroom cottages and two salt water swimming pools.  KTM Resort, 20 2br cottages S$120/night sleeps 6 to 10, 18 hotel rooms - $60, 2 sea water swimming pools with massage spa in pool, BBQ area. General Manager - Djui Tjie Ng Hand phone: +62 811 69 4316. Resort Address: Jalan Kolonel Sugiano, Tanjung Pinggir, Sekupang, Phones: +62 778 321775 - 321201 or 327277; FAX: +62 778 322883

FOR MAPS AND PICS OF THIS AREA, see nedbatam.com/daytrips