Terempa’s Flying Fish Ceremonies Have Been Greeting Sailors for Centuries

Tucked into the Anambas Archipelago of Indonesia’s Riau Islands, Terempa is the kind of port that makes seasoned cruisers do a double-take on the map. This small fishing town on Siantan Island sits amid some of Southeast Asia’s most dramatically turquoise waters, ringed by jungle-draped hills and coral reefs that rival anything in the Maldives. If you’re fortunate enough to have this port on your itinerary, prepare for one of the region’s most authentic and unhurried Indonesian experiences.

Arriving by Ship

Your first impression of Terempa will likely be the colour of the water — an almost implausible blue-green that frames the modest wooden pier where tenders or smaller vessels dock. The port infrastructure is simple; there’s no grand cruise terminal here, which is precisely part of its charm. You’ll step ashore directly into the rhythm of a working fishing town, where painted wooden boats bob alongside nets drying in the equatorial sun.

The town itself is entirely walkable from the dock, and most attractions sit within a short distance on foot or by ojek (motorcycle taxi). Locals are generally welcoming to visitors, and despite the remote location, you’ll find enough English spoken to navigate your day comfortably. Don’t expect polished tourism infrastructure — embrace the rawness of it.

Things to Do

The reefs surrounding Terempa are arguably the main event. Snorkelling and diving here can be extraordinary, with healthy hard coral formations, sea turtles, and reef sharks in relatively undisturbed waters. Ask locally about the best current conditions before you jump in, as tides can be strong.

On land, a walk up to the hilltop viewpoint above town rewards you with sweeping panoramas across the archipelago — on clear mornings, the view of scattered islands dissolving into the horizon is genuinely breathtaking. The local market, operating in the early hours near the waterfront, is worth an early alarm call; it’s where fishermen unload their catch and vendors sell tropical fruits you may not recognise by name.

Visiting the Chinese temple near the centre of town offers a glimpse into the island’s multicultural heritage — Chinese traders and settlers have shaped Terempa’s culture for generations, and the temple remains an active, meaningful community space. Step in quietly and respectfully.

Local Food

Seafood dominates Terempa’s food scene, and you’d be doing yourself a disservice not to lean into it fully. The local speciality is mie tarempa — a spiced, wok-fried noodle dish cooked with fresh fish, chilli, and a deeply savoury sauce that has its own cult following among Indonesian food travellers. Hunt it down at the small warungs (street eateries) clustered near the market.

Grilled fish served with sambal and steamed rice is ubiquitous, inexpensive, and consistently excellent. Fresh coconut water is everywhere, and you’ll also find sweet Malay-style kopi (coffee) served thick and strong at roadside stalls. Prices are low by any standard — a full meal rarely costs more than a couple of dollars.

Shopping

Terempa isn’t a shopping destination in the conventional sense, and you won’t find air-conditioned souvenir boutiques. What you will find are small shops selling dried seafood, local spices, and handmade textiles that make for far more meaningful keepsakes than mass-produced trinkets.

Look out for locally produced dried fish and prawn crackers, which are packed and easy to carry home. The small batik and woven fabric pieces available at market stalls reflect the distinctive cultural blending of Malay and Chinese traditions. Bargaining is standard and expected — do it with a smile and good humour.

Practical Tips

The local currency is the Indonesian Rupiah, and while some vendors may accept US dollars, you’ll get better value exchanging cash before arrival or in Tanjung Pinang before reaching Terempa. ATMs are limited and unreliable in this part of the archipelago, so carry adequate cash.

The heat and humidity are relentless year-round, so wear lightweight clothing, a hat, and apply sunscreen before you even step off the tender. Reef-safe sunscreen is strongly encouraged given the fragile marine environment.

Respectful dress matters — cover your shoulders and knees when visiting the temple or market areas. Mosquito repellent is advisable, particularly if you’re visiting at dusk. Mobile data can be patchy; download offline maps of the island before your ship arrives.

Cruises That Visit Terempa Indonesia

Terempa sits on specialist and expedition-style itineraries rather than mainstream megaship routes, given its remote location in the South China Sea. Cruise lines that explore the Indonesian archipelago in depth — such as Variety Cruises, Ponant, and smaller expedition operators under the Lindblad or Aqua Expeditions umbrellas — are most likely to include Terempa as a port of call. These operators specifically target travellers seeking off-the-beaten-path Southeast Asian destinations.

Sailings that include Terempa most commonly depart from Singapore, which serves as the primary regional hub, with some itineraries originating from Batam or Tanjung Pinang. Voyage lengths typically range from seven to fourteen nights, threading together multiple Indonesian island groups including the Riau and Anambas archipelagos.

The best time to sail is generally between March and September, when the South China Sea is calmer and visibility for snorkelling and diving is at its finest. The November to February northeast monsoon season can bring rough seas and disrupted itineraries in this region.

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🚢 Cruises That Stop at Terempa Indonesia

Terempa rewards the curious traveller who arrives without a checklist and simply lets the island unfold — a plate of mie tarempa in hand, reef water still drying on sun-warm skin, watching fishing boats drift across an impossibly blue sea.

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📍 Getting to Terempa Indonesia

Use the interactive map below to explore the port area and plan your route from the terminal.