Yes, to the Melayus out there, i know i know. Pulau Sarang literally means Nest Island. I dont even know why its called that, but i am willing not to know. it has a nice ring to the name so who cares.
anyways, I am about to show you another yet, “show and tell with a gazillion photos” entry about my recent escapade, ok, no, holiday trip i had over some weekends ago… ok, make it a few months, maybe years ago… If you like my Pulau Sibu review (https://musxzart.wordpress.com/2009/05/23/pulau-sibu-shiokness), then you will also kinda like this..
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Pulau Sarang is actually sitauted off Batam Island, in the Riau province. its one of the smaller island that has about 200 villagers staying in the island. And i bet not many tourist know of this island. its like the untouched gems in the Riau island. and its perfect. I had kinda a relative who stays there and we were invited over to stay at their house for a short holiday. and i have been there once, and i always wated to go there again!
If you want to know why, read further and see the pictures.. Yes, all 230 pictures all in all!
So, technically, we are in the Indonesian region, despite it being only 35 mins ferry ride away! and the need for passport… a little drama, i almost did not made it to the ferry cause they printed my name and my passport number wrongly on my boarding pass… but then, god created mouth for you to argue, so lets say, i did managed to get into the ferry, escorted from Habour Front all the way to my seat. my parents, inthe other hand, did not managed to get the same fate as me.
a little cam whoring with the sister..
and my broher. and my BFF, Michael, whom i tempted enough for him to beg me to let him follow me!
so, upon, reaching Batam, we were greeted by my cousin, whom is our designated captain for our little ship that will bring us about 30 mins thru the seas to bring us to Pulau Sarang. Yes, its a very small boat, and i am scared of deep water. later got shark how?
the view froim the taxi boat jetty. its amazing how blue the waters are, despite …..
Michael, with his shades that he bought in US.
but before we really reached the island, we made a little detoour to Pulau Belakang Padang. Its technically the market place for the nearby Riau islands. Its amazing how they can delivery eggs on biat, and carry it up by the shabby jetty ladders and did not managed to get any eggs broken or lost….. its an acquired skills really. i was so scared that my feet will get stucked in between the planks. its not funnny!
wheezing through the market place…
they even have a Jalan hang Tuah. man, he is FAMOUS!
more cam whoring.
and the only big mosque in the island, and among the other smaller islands. they just renovated this mosque, thats why its a little bling bling!
yes yes, i know i am a bad muslim…. get over it already!
the shophouses. it does look like Katong area isnt it?
yes, my client!!!!! these choclates are surprisingly good !!!
and a little Batam cat. a little underweight but still cute nonetheless.
yes, the banner that promotes free schooling for children. cause many kids there have not uch aspiration and motivation to go to school, cause not that they are lazy, cause mostly, they cannot afford it. one day, if i am rich, i will surely build a school there!
hahaha. this is cute. its a sugar package, with the brand “laku”. laku in malay means to do something, or it can also mean “sellable”. so i guess this the more preferred brand?
and more can whore! see how shabby the planks are…
and yes, its a long way to the main island, cause the ferry needs deep water.
and yes, its only 35 mins away! i can see my office building from there! how utterly depressing. on holiday and you are still reminded of work!
the poles that makes the jetty! so thin, how can they ever support my weight???????
and its all pretty deep waters surrounding the islands. i cannot swim well! how?
oh oh, this is the “shuttleboat” that goes from island to island . its like our shuttlebus service in the neighbourhood. cool eh???
a very cute Batam girl… couture fashion eh???
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so, after much shopping for grocery, yes yes, we are shopping for food so we can cook at the island.
my hair my hair!!! URGH!!!!
the very wonderful boat ride! with all the sea water splashing onto my face! please ignore my ugly hair! its the wind! i blame the wind!!!!
after battling the waves, we finally made it home!!!!
I mean, their home! thats where we are bunking for the next night!!!!!.
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i was happy nothing major happened!!!
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and this is how a typical house in Pulau Sarang looks like!!! house on stilts ya’ll!
And apparently, they just built this new concrete jetty so that big ships can transport food and stuffs to this island!! I mean, this island has a population of less then 200 people!!
and soon after we reached, it began to rain! its such a wonderful experience!!! and you can literally feel the house move under your feet because of the currents and waves!!
and the minimarts in the island. actually, its the only shop in the island!!!
if you want to do more shopping, you just have to go to Batam or Pulau Belakang Padang!
and me order meself some “AIS GUNUNG” losely trandslate as our Ice Kacang! in a packet!
SHIOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
their rendition of “esplanade” apparently the drawing on the wall comes alive… thus they cordon off the area so as not to offend the spirits!
ownself made swing…..
We also traveled to the nearby island.. the beaches there are apparently, to die for.
Our captain for the day. he drives like a pro…
The beach is ok only lah.. not as what i have thought. but the water is kinda clear. and its soo cooling…
This island was initially being occupied by the Japanese during the war. but they left immediately after the war is over, and the locals took over and try to maintain it. but not anymore. Its such a waste.
Can never run away from camwhoring.
They have a lot of sturctues all around the island, but i could never imagine how the whole island looks like in it’s Heydays!
Funny rocks around me!
The rain was so beautiful..
And there were so many kids around us! i felt so popular cause all the kids will come and try to make friends with you. They are all so uber cute!
And they are obviously not camera shy!
cooking using natural fuel. i seriously thinks that the food taste better!
And the typical food eaten by the locals. Looks like a typical Melayu house dishes.
Isnt she adorable? she likes to sing apparently.
So the next day, its more beach beach beach. we went back to the same island again, just because its fun!.
Cause i can bend!
Ouh, he is feeding his fishes.
I have no idea what fish is that but thats for dinner!
And this is my sister.the local kids are teaching her a crash course on how to fish with just strings and worms.
Fishing in progress. I tried too. but its just too tough. I didnt caught anything while the local kids caught many. pfft..
The worms that they dig out from the soil…
See the fish in his hands? so cute!!!!!
After much “fishing”, this is what the kids caught for the day. totally not edible though.
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And soon, i need to leave… cause i need shopping centers. and fast food.
But before that, i manage to catch the sunset! Sibei magical!
And thats the whole adventure. Actually, i even went squid fishing at night but none of the photos turn out right.
Ok, i miss this place already.
M for Musxzart 