Riau, Archipelago in Riau Islands, Indonesia.
Riau is an archipelago of more than 2,400 islands scattered between Sumatra, the Malay Peninsula, and Borneo. Most of these islands are uninhabited and sit along major shipping routes that cross the Malacca Strait.
The islands formed part of the Johor Sultanate until 1824, when a treaty between Britain and the Netherlands divided them. This division created the territorial boundaries that separate Indonesia from Malaysia today.
The islands are home to Malay, Javanese, and Chinese communities who speak their own languages and follow distinct customs. This mix shapes the way villages are organized and how people celebrate important occasions together.
Getting between the islands relies on ferries that depart from major ports in Batam and Tanjung Pinang and reach smaller terminals. Planning travel between islands requires checking ferry schedules and connections in advance.
The archipelago protects large coral reef areas that provide habitats for many fish species and marine plants. This underwater world draws snorkelers and divers interested in exploring the diversity of marine life.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
