Indera Sakti, Gift of A Royal Wedding (Part I)

Indera Sakti, or better known as Pulau Penyengat is an island located in Riau Archipelago. It is an island of history, and once nominated as UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island houses 2500 inhabitants, and most of them are the Sultanate of Riau descendants.   

According to Tuhfat Al Nafis (I believe you have heard this during secondary school), the island is actually a wedding gift from Sultan Mahmud Shah III to his wife, Raja Hamidah Raja Haji, or Engku Puteri. 

The island is also home for Gurindam Dua Belas, an ancient Malay poetry, written by Raja Ali Haji, a 19th century scholar. Once administered by the Johor-Riau Malay Empire, the island now belongs to Indonesia, immediately after the Anglo Dutch Treaty of 1824. 

I had the opportunity to visit the island last week, during my visit to Johor Bahru. It was an unplanned trip, ticket was purchased 2 days before.

Ferry departs from Stulang Laut in Johor Bahru. The terminal caters departure to Batam as well, without having to go through Singapore. However, the frequency is not as frequent as Singapore Ferry Terminal. With only 3 departures to Tanjong Pinang daily, I must plan my journey accordingly, first departure out of Stulang, and return on the last ferry from Tanjong Pinang. 

On time boarding and I step into the ferry for the 2-hour journey. 

The cabin, quite an empty one! It reflects the 3-daily departure from Stulang. On certain days, they even cancel the third departure. 

We sail through Strait of Tebrau....

And Singapore Military is actively monitoring their territory. 

Weather is not good. Pray for a safe ride, instead of a choppy one! 

Without realizing, I fall asleep shortly after. 

And....welcome to Tanjong Pinang. 2 hours ride has come to the end. Time flies really fast, or is it me sleeping soundly? 

I think, there lies Pulau Penyengat, my actual destination. But I have to stamp my passport first, before embarking to another journey on pongpong boat to Pulau Penyengat. 

Tanjong Pinang harbour, main entrance to Bintan Island. 

to be continued....