Destination Discovery
Ask any Singapore-based boater where they’ve taken their boats and answers will be limited to Singapore’s own Sister Islands, Malaysia’s Sebana Cove and Tioman, and Indonesia’s Nongsa Point Marina. For a weekend trip, power boaters can easily make it to and from any destination within a 200 nautical mile radius of Singapore. This makes Indonesian islands the prime candidate to host Singapo- rean boats. Within this area lies the Riau Island Province that encompasses four separate archipelagos and over 500 islands. Drop those barriers, be different, and explore. The Riau Islands are waiting.
The closest of the Riau Islands Province is the Riau Archipelago; which includes the better-known Bintan and Batam, just south of Singapore. But expand beyond these islands and Indonesia unleashes a realm of near limitless islands to explore, mountains to climb, and waters to sail on. Singkep and Lingga Islands define the most southern part of the province and they boast cliffs that have never been climbed, old war relics, and endless tropical jungles. Hit the high seas, and travel northeast of Singapore to find the other three archipelagos sitting in the middle of the South China Sea: Anambas, Natunas, Tambalans. These might as well be Indonesia’s best-kept secrets. These archipelagos cover 250 square miles of blue water, consist of hundreds of mostly uninhabited islands, and a high quality of marine life. Find your inner Jacques-Yves Cousteau or Jack Sparrow, and live the dream.
Just over a month ago (Oct 8-9, 2011), The Equator Club hosted a small rendezvous at their private Riau getaway, located on Numbing Island itself, 6 nm off Bintan’s southeast coast. The Equator Club, a Singapore-based yacht initiative, is dedicated to developing the yachting and boating industry in Southeast Asia; by way of find- ing idyllic destinations, providing quintessential amenities, and building a fleet of handmade classic wooden boats. Guests, on their personal boats, were led by Team Equator down to the island destination. Their weekend was personally planned for them to meet their desires.
Once the boats arrived and dropped anchor, guests were in the water soaking in the sun and zipping around on their tenders. The Riau Week- enders then enjoyed an afternoon of beach exploration. As the sun set, guests made their ways back to their boats. Guests were then wel- comed to The Equator Club Clubhouse for an Indonesian feast prepared by the local islanders. A quiet night in the middle of the jungle was passed delightfully. A strong morning sun greeted the guests; a start to a great day. Guests had a light breakfast at the clubhouse and headed out to a nearby island for some beach fun and then slowly made their way back to Singapore.
Guests experienced Indonesian island life and left with nothing but smiles, great memories, and compliments on a weekend well spent.
Click here for a complete story with photographs.
About the Club: The Equator Club is a member-based club owned by APTIC Pte Ltd. The Club focuses its efforts on the Riau Island Province and is carving the way for development of islands and bridging the gap between Singapore and Indonesia for boaters worldwide. To find out more about the Riau Archipelago and the Equator Club please visit www.theequatorclub.com or email
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or phone us at (65) 9457 5732. For photos and updates, please find ‘The Equator Club’ on Facebook and Flickr. About APTIC (Asia Pacific Tourism and Investment Corp.) Pte Ltd: For more information, please contact Olivier Benoist, Founding Director, at (65) 9017 9852 or
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
