Boating, biking &
boarding.
Outpost
Barelang
The Barelang Outpost...
Barelang is the acronym for the region created when the islands of Batam, Rempang and Galang that were joined by a bridge and highway system. The region was the fastest growing economic zone in Indonesia, spurred on by a decree that assigns the coasts to tourism and then slowed down by the oil price crash as this was a former oil-rush town!
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The Barelang Outpost is the website to encompass all the interesting points, places and things to do in and around Batam, Indonesia.
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Dissecting the connected islands is the Trans Barelang Highway and its six bridges. Whilst more of a tourist attraction than major thoroughfare, the “Barelang 6 Bridges” has become a prominent road race for cycling enthusiasts in the region well-known for its sweeping views and sweltering heat. The 70 kilometre stretch takes one from the bustle of Batam to tropical farmlands where life has changed little despite the rapid urbanization that Batam has undergone in recent times.
Say ‘Batam’ and most people will think of industry, factories or shopping malls. Away from the malls… Indonesians from all the far flung corners descended upon this Riau gemstone in search of a better life. They bring with them cuisine all the ethnic groups and as such, Batam has great Indonesian fare.
There is another side of Batam that is altogether more interesting but often requires a little adventure to unearth it. So, we hope you’ll find our kind of “off the wall” information useful and entertaining.
Search the menu bar above for most information or scroll downwards for the more colourful tidbits about our interests.
Welcome to our neck of the woods.
We have a deep interest in boats, bikes and boards. A place for peddle, paddle and power enthusiasts.... Join us soon in Pulau Galang...
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GALANGGANG
Our environment - an old world
This part of the Riau Province is not densely populated and as such it has been protected from the ravages of rapid development that has hit other parts of Indonesia. Recently, we had a qualified English tree surgeon stay with us in one of the seaside cottages. In full view from the kitchen window stands a great 'bonzai' tree that catches the eye of everyone staying over. During the lowest of tides 'Doc' Pottsy clambered all over the tree and ratified the age as "at least six hundred years old"... That ties in nicely with the fossils that were found during the excavation of a marina nearby..
Barelang Bridges... And this is Bridge Five
The Barelang Bridges was a project by former Indonesian President Dr. Habibe who had the vision to bring development to the islands surrounding Batam. Six bridges in the series link the major islands of Batam, Rempang and Galang to coin the phrase Barelang, as the region has become known. In all, six bridges connect six islands in the municipality.The Barealng Highway covers some 70km from Batam centre to the most southern tip of Galang Baru. Under Dr. Habibe's vision, the bridges were to spur development and assist in developing local engineering skills. As such each of the bridges employs a different construction technique and they have become the No. 3 item on Batam's 'to see' list... The drive down is a refreshing break into the greenery and with only 4 sets of traffic lights in 70km's, it's a good drive...
Bridge two, Nipah Island & Resort
This is Bridge One as viewed from Nipah Island Resort. The Resort can be found on the left hand side just after Bridge Two. This is as plush a resort as you can find along the Barelang Highway after this, things get more rustic. The Resort has hotel and cottage style rooms, f&b with really good seafood and has become a staging point for many of the cycling groups...
Adventure Around...
Every year during Chinese New Year the Neptune Regatta takes place and is an example of the great cruising that can take place in this neck of the woods! The Regatta kicks of from Nongsa Point Marina, Nongsa, Batam then heads down to a little private island on the southern tip of Bintan for an overnight stay. The next morning the fleet head off to 'Neptune Island' before crossing "The Line" - the Equator. This is every sailors dream and makes an important nautical milestone as the The Line is a tradition point of great trepidation. A picture is worth a thousand words so here's a photo gallery to whet your apetite for adventure...
Wet your sense of adventure...
Being virtually on the Equator, this section of the Indonesian Archipelago suffers some weird extremes of tide! We've experienced some of the 'weirdness' during the Neptune Regatta when the Java and South China Sea's collide. But this 'monster' takes the cake. This is known as 'The Seven Ghosts' and it occurs monthly on a river just 40 miles from the Galang Anchorage. It's an epic tidal bore that bowls a wave up the Kampar River in Sumatra. The wave is as predictable as clockwork and peaks at 2-4 metres as it winds its way upstream. We are looking for like minded individuals that would like to take an overnight passage from Galang Anchorage Club and do some chocolate surfing for a few days..
In the tradition of boat building...
Unceremoniously dragged up onto a beach, a twenty year-old fishing boat was re-planked in a time honoured way. If you don't see it for yourself it's hard to imagine what it's really like. But chance upon it just once and you'll change your thinking about composite boats - these things are TOUGH! Planks are cut one at a time and manipulated into shape by any means of torture including - twisting, pounding, strapping and steaming. Tools of the trade... Saw, hammer, chiesel, chainsaw, electric plainer, circular saw and that's it!
Near Bridge Six...A seaside cottage...
With a breakfast view like this, most things can be overlooked! During the renovation the little cottage was a dusty mess but one thing never changes - the VIEW! Imagine a breakfast room by the sea and that's exactly it! For the local sailing fans, that is Neptune's Knuckles you can see in the distance and just beyond that - the LINE! The cottages were built in Manado and then shipped reassembled onsite. They are traditional Indonesian homes but the glass house was introduced to give an uninterrupted view. The cottages are available for rent to the right person who wants to do a whole lot of nothing but - relax!
Bridge Five...And a Kelong...
At bridge Five the scene changes more dramatically and we think this is the nicest of all the settings. Bridge Five is a high arched bridge and from the lofty height you have a great view east and west towards Sumatra some 40nm in the distance. You can also see how turbulent the waters are here as the South China Sea and the Java Sea play tug of war. On the right side you can see a building squished between some earthworks and the mangrove, this is Kelong Almira. Traditionally, a Kelong is a fish trap where the fishermen built their homes above the stilted fish traps. Kelong Almira combines a longhouse with the traditional Kelong. A stay here is really getting away from it. The 'longhouse' verandah is a common room with the 12 rooms adjoining.
Heading east, way east...
This is actually out of the Barelang Region but it's different enough to warrant some attention here. Fishhead Island is a private island. After purchase it was discovered that it is actually now located in marine park - but that works in it's favour! You see, many of th eislands around Riau are very rich in bauxite (from which aluminium is obtained). But this is no secret, the Dutch knew it and then the Brit's wanted it! Today that legacy still remains around the old Royal Capital of Lingga Island. Since many islands suffered from strip mining, the Riau Government subsequently banned all such activities. Fishhead Island is owned by a group of boating enthusiasts and the only way to the island is by boat... It's very private, you can be Robinson Crusoe...
Bridge five... Find a beach
Batam is most often thought of as an industrial park well, it does have a lot of factories! But thankfully these are contained to Batam Island itself and has not spilled over to the Barelang Region. With Batam being connected to the five large islands south by the Barelang Highway you can drive for an hour and find a secluded beach. This one is Mirota Beach and can be found on the right hand side just after Bridge Five. It gets throngs of people on the weekend as Batam residents escape the "city". Visit this on a week day and you'll have it for yourself. Mirota Beach has some nice cottages that are clean and comfortable enough...