Top 5 Must Do's in Tanjung Pinang

Tanjung Pinang must do's include visiting temples, islands, cultural centers and tombs. Tanjung Pinang is a growing city which has become a popular tourist destination. The city plays an important part in the shipping industry which brings many merchants to the area, but despite modern development in the ,you can still see traditional buildings around the city and there are many historical attraction to visit.

Buddhist Temple

A Buddhist Temple is located 10 miles from Tanjung Pinang downtown area. The temple was built recently and it contains the largest sitting Quan Yin in Asia. The temple is a good place to visit in order to learn more about Buddhism.

Palace and Tombs

The royal palace is worth a visit and it is here that you can see the royal tombs where Sultan Haji is buried here. Sultan Haji is a local and national hero and he played an important role in the local history; he managed to keep rule over the surrounding areas until he was killed by the Dutch in 1784.

Cultural center

At the cultural Center visitors can watch traditional Malay dancing and listen to Malay music. There are regular performances held here and the Cultural center is also responsible for the organization of festivals. These performances offer a glimpse into the regions unique traditions.

Penyenget

Penyenget is a small island jut off the coast of Tanjung Pinang. It is only 2.5 square meters. You can hire a boat to reach the island, and if you get a group of people together the trip will be cheaper. Visiting Penyengat is like walking back in time as the island has many historical sites. Many writers and scholars have lived here and in the past it was an important cultural center. On the island is a stone fortress which is remnant of Raja Haji's battle with the Dutch. There are royal palaces and graves on the island. An old citadel is a noteworthy attraction as it boasts beautiful views over the island. The main attraction is the Sultan of Riau Grand Mosque; during the construction of this impressive building, egg white and lime were used as cement.

Shopping

There is an abundance of shopping options in Tanjung Pinang including markets and shops. Hunting for bargains through the maze of streets can result in some good finds. There is something for everyone in from antiques to hand made goods. When you tire of shopping, there are many restaurants to enjoy delicious meals. Seafood is a specialty in the area with fish cooked in coconut being one of the main dishes.