Highlights of Riau Archipelago

Lying between Singapore and the island of Sulawesi, the Riau Archipelago is home to a myriad of tropical islands many of which are uninhabited or receive very few visitors. A geographical region, rather than an administrative one, the Riau Archipelago has a colourful history and at one time in its 'Islamic period' (15-18th centuries) the region included the island of Singapore. When the colonial powers reached these shores Singapore was ceded to the British and the archipelago started to take its present day shape. The main islands within the archipelago include Batam, Rempang, Galang, Bintan, Combol and Kundur and of these Bintan is perhaps the most famous as a tourist destination with its large resort hotels and famous beaches. However elsewhere in the archipelago you can also find the remote, smaller Anambas Archipelago which includes the Bawah Reserve - a luxurious retreat, a million miles away from the glitz of Bintan.