Tarempa Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Tarempa is primarily accessible by sea, with regular ferry services connecting it to larger Indonesian ports like Batam, Bintan, and Tanjung Pinang, with journeys typically taking between 8-12 hours depending on weather conditions. Travelers from Singapore can first reach Batam by ferry (approximately 1 hour) before connecting to Tarempa. For those coming from mainland Malaysia, ferries operate from Johor Bahru to Batam where you can make your connection. The ferry terminal in Tarempa is centrally located, with local transportation options including motorcycle taxis (ojek) and small vans available for hire. If arriving with a vehicle, limited parking is available near the port area, though most visitors explore the compact town on foot.

Nestled within Indonesia's remote Anambas Islands, Tarempa serves as the main port and administrative center of this tropical paradise. With its crystalline waters, pristine beaches, and laid-back atmosphere, this charming harbor town offers visitors an authentic glimpse into traditional Indonesian island life. As your ferry glides into Tarempa's welcoming harbor, you'll be greeted by colorful fishing boats, friendly locals, and the promise of untouched natural wonders waiting to be explored.

Tarempa enjoys a tropical climate year-round, with temperatures consistently ranging between 25-32°C (77-90°F). The ideal window for visiting falls between March and October during the dry season when seas are calmer, visibility for snorkeling is exceptional, and ferry services operate with greater reliability. April through June offers particularly pleasant conditions with gentle sea breezes tempering the tropical heat. The annual Anambas Festival in July brings vibrant cultural performances and local celebrations to Tarempa's streets. November through February marks the monsoon season, when heavy rainfall and rougher seas can occasionally disrupt ferry schedules, though prices for accommodation drop significantly during this period.

Tarempa serves as the perfect jumping-off point for exploring the stunning Anambas archipelago's 255 islands. Nearby Penjalin Island, just a 30-minute ferry ride away, boasts some of the region's most pristine beaches and exceptional snorkeling opportunities. The breathtaking Bawah Reserve, accessible via a 2-hour boat journey, offers luxury eco-tourism amid turquoise lagoons and verdant forests. Adventurous travelers shouldn't miss Jemaja Island (1.5 hours by ferry), home to Air Sena waterfall and traditional villages where time seems to stand still. The journey between islands offers spectacular views of limestone formations rising dramatically from azure waters, making island-hopping from Tarempa a feast for the eyes.

While compact, Tarempa offers several engaging experiences worth exploring during your stay. The vibrant local market near the harbor buzzes with activity in the mornings, where you can sample exotic fruits and watch fishermen bring in their daily catch. History enthusiasts will appreciate the colonial-era buildings scattered throughout town, remnants of the region's Dutch trading past. For culinary adventures, seek out local seafood specialties like ikan bakar (grilled fish with sambal) and udang galah (freshwater prawns) at the simple waterfront eateries. Nature lovers can arrange boat trips to nearby coral reefs for world-class snorkeling, where giant clams and kaleidoscopic fish abound just minutes from shore. Don't miss exploring the picturesque fishing villages that dot the coastline, where locals continue centuries-old maritime traditions.

Few visitors realize that Tarempa's waters shelter some of the most biodiverse coral reefs in Asia, with marine scientists documenting over 600 species of fish and 280 types of coral in the surrounding seas. The town's name allegedly derives from an ancient Malay word meaning 'meeting place of waters,' aptly describing its position at the convergence of several maritime currents. During World War II, Tarempa served as a secret Allied monitoring station, with local fishermen smuggling intelligence about Japanese naval movements. The waters surrounding Tarempa conceal numerous shipwrecks dating back to the 17th century, when Dutch and Portuguese trading vessels navigated these challenging but rewarding sea routes.