Penyengat Island
Penyengat Island
4
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles160 reviews
Excellent
57
Very good
73
Average
29
Poor
1
Terrible
0

James K
Istanbul, Türkiye74 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2017 • Couples
Once you have got your head around the fact that there is not much to do in Tanjung Pinang, it is a blessing to find Penyengat. Our hotel driver took us to the dock, where you pay to do the 15 minute ride in the wooden speed boat to the island.

Once you dock, you will encounter a number of Tri-Shaw drivers (scooter with sidecar) touting for your business. They are friendly and less intimidating than the taxi drivers at the ferry terminal. Our driver was very friendly and pointed to the sign (written in Indonessian only) that said "40,000 Rupiah for three people" and "30,000 Rupiah for two people". He then said to my wife and I, "40,000". I pointed out that I understood enough Indonesian to read the sign and he gave in with good grace.

The tour takes about an hour and you get the chance to see all the buildings used in and after the time of the King of Johor's relocation to Penyengat. Our driver stopped at regular intervals for photos and gave explanations of each site of significance. I was able to understand about 50% but this could be a problem if you understand no Indonesian or Malay. He was very friendly and helpful though and taught me about 20 new words, which I am delighted to have although "arsenal", "tomb" and "guns" may not be the first thing a tourist needs to learn.

You can enter the tomb (shoes off) and take pictures and can also enter the glorious wedding reception hall and take pride of place on the king and queen's dais. Expect that lots of Indonesians, who are a very friendly bunch, will want to have pictures taken with you if you are white. I am not quite sure why but it makes them happy and that makes you happy too.

The tour finishes at the grand mosque, which non-muslims may not enter and then it is worth getting a bite to eat from the hawkers just before the dock. Try the otak-otak (minced fish/chicken marinaded in coconut milk and sambal) before being rolled into little sausages and then stapled - yes stapled, into palm leaves to be barbecued). Out of this world. It is also worth sampling some of the "ikan bakar" barbecued freshly-caught fish in a sambal marinade with rice.

The people are warm and welcoming and some speak some English but smiles will get you a long way. All in all this took us about three hours which is plenty unless you want to hire a scooter (25,000 per hour) and see the island at your own pace. If the weather is good, it is also possible to "do the island" as a walking tour and take your swimming gear as there are nice places to swim in the sea.
Written 30 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

sandyandlydia
Brighton, UK22 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2012 • Couples
My wife and I (as part of our hotel tour) took a boat over to this enchanting little island. Although we weren't sure at first, we managed to barter down with the longboat owner and thought it would be worth it.

When we landed, we jumped on a motorbike side car and toured the island this way - it was great fun. The brick winding roads took us around the island to see different cemeteries, an old municipal building, a fantastic view point and some Buddhist temples.

It was a great place to visit and away from any touristy spot! Well worth it if you get the opportunity to explore this ancient piece of Indonesian island territory.
Written 19 August 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Aimlink
Batam, Indonesia200 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2014 • Couples
There is so little to do in Tanjung Pinang that a trip to this island was the highlight of a weekend. The boat ride back and forth is interesting and only Rp6000 each way. The island holds a well-off village, a number of restaurants, a mosque and a few crafts sellers. The restaurant right at the end of the ferry terminal serves excellent fresh fish; we had it barbequed, with white rice, cucumber slices and iced tea (Rp130,000 for two). You can see the bay from your table, although there is lots of trash in the water basically at your feet.
Written 21 April 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

abuben
New York City, NY218 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2016 • Solo
In Bintan, there were three piers: for international, domestic, and local travels. I paid Rp 200,000 for a two-way ride to the once center of the Malay world. I would be the only passenger. One old man was a pilot, and the younger one took charge of docking. The ride took about ten minutes, and the bay was littered with garbage. This would make it hard for them to get the UNESCO recognition. They told me that they would wait for me. When I came back, I found that it would cost Rp 5,000 to reach Penyengat Island; Rp 200,000 would be enough for circling the island.

I walked toward the exit on the jetti. There was a map, but I did not know where to start, and how long it would take. The boat was awaiting, and there is no fixed time. I was told that I could not walk and a small three-wheeled motorcycle would cost Rp 500,000. I got there earlier, and there was no money changer. Two Malay women shrouded in robe came along. One told me that I could not walk, and offered to pay for me. I told her I would mail the money to her. She said that it was unnecessary. But when she heard about the price, she seemed hesitant. She haggled with one driver, and finally settled on something.

The couple rode before me. We stopped at five or six places, including a simple palace, several tombs of royalties and scholars, a magazine, and a custom, where there is a well. They drank and filled the bottle. I washed my hands and drank also. It was rather smooth and almost creamy. The man pointed toward the donation box. The two ladies were looking in their pockets. I inserted all I had into it, and it might be a couple of US dollars. She came from Bantam and owned a small restaurant. Whenever they entered a tomb, they would kneel down and pray.

Finally, I was relieved that it was over. The driver told me that the woman did not pay. I told two men that I only had one S$50 bill. The driver took me to a small shop to exchange money, and I paid and thanked him. There are two possibilities. First, the lady did not pay. Second, the driver lied about it. I really found it hard to judge. I walked toward the jetty, and saw my boat waiting in the bay. I waved and called out. Before long, I was on my way back.
Written 14 November 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Adri Rozali Sandi
Gunung Putri, Indonesia386 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Pulau penyengat terkenal dengan masjidnya
Merupakan peninggalan bersejarah Dan salah satu monument yg ada di pulau bintan
Belum ke tanjung pinang kalau tidak berwisata kuliner, terutama seafood
Must do :
Go to market at pelantar street, there's a Indian traditional restaurant selling delicious prata, canai and asma rojak
Along the street there's many coffee houses selling nice fresh coffee with a nice place to chat with friends

A legendary seafood which is only found in this area is Gonggom
Ask people there what is it actually and then you should try eat it, it's a finger licking good
Written 30 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ratih_Martial
Singapore, Singapore196 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2014 • Couples
We came here by an accident!
Confused-mixed it with another place.

To reach the island,
You need to take water-taxi [wooden boat] only at IDR 7500 [less than SGD$1] with 15 person capacity [this mean you need to wait until reach the capacity before the boat sail] or you can also booked privately at IDR 100000 [SGD$10]

1st impression;
What a nice and peaceful fisherman village, YET after we explore more; discovered that this village has heritage value from 18 century.

You can have quick overview about this island at http://www.indonesia.travel/en/destination/278/penyengat-island

Mind to walk, you can do sightseeing to entire village by use their motor-taxi only at IDR30000 [SGD$3] last stop, we go down at [ARSENAL} to see one of the remains cannon in the island, reached by small climbed to the hill and passed the Sultan grave [fantastic and relaxing view to rest in peace].

We enjoyed a local kopi-susu with sea breeze at the small restaurant facing the sea located right on the village entrance, nice way to end the journey; especially when you're accompanied by your loved ones…
Written 17 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Laydee Leo M
Singapore River, Singapore166 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2013 • Family
We took a boat ride from Tanjung Pinang ferry terminal to the island. Charging us at $1 per pax, we took around 10 to 15minutes to reach the island. Pulau Penyengat is a much quieter island and peaceful as compared to Tanjung Pinang. We felt more laidback and on relax mode on the island. From the guide who brought us around the island (by motorised beca,) we were told that the island of Penyegat is occupied by Malays, hence communication are all done in Malay and not bahasa Indonesia. There were many makam and we were brought to 4 complex of makam. The main mosque which was made using egg white which acts like a cement/glue was well-maintained. The keeper of the mosque did a good job in explaining about the history of the mosque and the island.
There are many mini stalls, and warongs on the island, so food and drinks is not a problem. It took us around 2.5 hours to go around the island and we made many stops to capture the beauty of nature available on the island. The scenery was great and it was just like Singapore in 1970s
Written 5 January 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Swesen
Bali, Indonesia128 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2011 • Friends
Penyengat island is a kingdom complex in the past centuries when Raja Ali Haji was ruled the district. The mosque that believed was made of egg-yolk and the palace complex is now waiting for UNESCO's approval as world culture heritage.

The island is roughly 2,500 m x 750 m wide with numbers of local residents along the eastern coast. Things are that it has neither tourist accommodation nor proper restaurant since visitors are normally taking short trip only. However, simple snack and soft drinks can be easily found throughout the place. You would need less than two hours to enjoy the whole destination without rush since the boat that noted as 'pompong' is available anytime to go back to the main island. There are so many restaurant along the coast of the main island offering local delicacies including seafood, Padang and even Chinese food.

Boat ride: 15 minutes from main island
Cost: negotiable to the boat operator
Dress code: smart casual
Written 4 August 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

NaniAm6967
Singapore, Singapore185 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2018 • Couples
I was hesitated to go at first as we need to take the boat to cross the island. Hub managed to convince me and we chartered the boat all to ourselves @ 200k rupiah, so that we can depart and return according to our time. Rented their scooter taxi. Visited the famous mosque and some tombs of famous people. Visited the museum. Enjoy the fresh young coconut while you are there. Just enjoy the serenity of the village. You should at least visit this place when you are in Tanjung Pinang.
Written 29 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

rjordan1984
Nashville, TN72 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
This was a great a much more authentic Indonesian experience than the typical resorts. It was raw to say the least. It was exactly what I wanted; when I travel I want to see how people really live, not Western Resorts. I am so glad we made a day trip in coming to this island and seeing other surrounding areas.
Written 16 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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