GALANG ISLAND INDONESIA

GALANG ISLAND

INDONESIA

Galang Island belongs to the Riau Group of Islands of Indonesia and is connected by a bridge to Batam Island. Getting from Batam island to Galang requires crossing of six bridges, starting with Barelang Bridge. It is its history what makes Galang Island famous. 

For a number of years, from 1976 to late 1980s Galang Island was home to Vietnamese refuges. They arrived in boats, just like today refugees arrive in Australia or Europe.

Now Galang Island is full on memories and it has a Museum preserving the history of life in Galang while the refugees waited to be taken to a new country. Many migrated to the Philippines, Australia and other parts of Indonesia.

They tried to live a normal life during the years of waiting while Galang was their home. They built temples and churches that now still stand as monuments to humanity.

Although this is history for the refugees from Vietnam going back to 1970's, the refugee problem still exists. 

If anything, it is more pronounced now everywhere in the world and involves more countries which refugees come from and where they are heading. One can only hope that their lives in waiting are as memorable as Galang Island history.

PULAU BATAM INDONESIA

PULAU BATAM

INDONESIA

Pulau Batam is just one of many islands of Kepulauan Riau, Riau Archipelago of

Indonesia. Due to its proximity to Malaysia it can be reached by ferry from Stulang Laut Johor Bahru as well as from Singapore. 

Pulau Batam is proud of several Mosques, Buddhist Temples and Churches with Tua Pek Kong Temple, Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple Batam Grand Mosque being main attractions.

Yet another attraction are the six bridges connecting Pulau Batam with other nearby islands of Riau Archipelago.

Jembatan Barelang, Barelang Bridge, is two kilometers long and connects Batam with other islands, Rempang, Galang, Tonton, Nipah, Setotok. It is the prelude to six bridges crossing.

A nearby Bintan Island is larger than Batam and has rich trading history going back to the 3^rd century, being on route between China and India. Now it is a holiday destination and can be reached by ferry from Sekupang Terminal.

There are a number of ferry terminals in Batam, the island is big, just over 700 square kilometers, almost as big as Singapore. One can choose between Batam Centre and Harbour Bay terminals to limit traveling time to their destination.

Duty free shopping is available in both areas with Nagoya Hill great shopping area in between.

There is also a terminal at Nongsa Point with resorts and beaches, restaurants and cafes, away from traffic.  

Batam Island is only one of some 13 000 islands of Indonesia and is a good example of the beauty of Indonesian islands, its culture, history and taste.