Kundur is an island in the Riau Islands province of Indonesia, situated to the east of Sumatra island.
Kundur is part of the Karimun group of islands and is located south of Great Karimun Island.
Although larger than its northern neighbour, Kundur is much less developed and more laid back. Tanjung Batu, the main town, has a busy waterfront and a couple of streets lined with shops.
It used to be mostly a destination for cheap sex and gambling, but a crackdown has put an end to most of it.
Kundur is popular for cycling trips.
Kundur's port of Tanjung Batu is not designated as a visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry point. Those requiring visas should get one beforehand. For visa-free nationalities, there does not seem to be a problem entering or leaving Indonesia via Tanjung Batu.
As Kundur does not have an airport, all visitors arrive by ferry. Most connections are with neighbouring islands, e.g. Tanjung Balai on Karimun, and the Sumatra "mainland". Direct ferry services to Singapore have been terminated, so you'll need to detour via Batam or Bintan.
To/from Batam via Karimun Island: Several companies operate ferries between Tanjung Batu and Sekupang, the main domestic port on Batam, stopping at Tanjung Balai on Karimun on enroute.
To/from Karimun Island only:
To/from Tanjung Pinang, Bintan
Boats link Tanjung Batu with various Sumatra mailand ports, such as Tembilahan in Riau province, and Kuala Tungkal in Jambi.
Angkuts (minivans) link Tanjung Batu with various towns on Kundur Island such as Sawang, Selat Belia and Prayun. Most of these vans leave from the market in Tanjung Batu.
There are also many ojeks (motorcycle taxis) waiting at various intersections in Tanjung Batu.
Tanjung Batu itself is small enough to be covered on foot.
One would not describe Tanjung Batu, the main town on Kundur, as pretty or charming, unlike Tanjung Balai on Karimun which somehow has more atmosphere. Nevertheless, the town is very quiet and relaxed, except for the many ojek (motorcyle taxis) drivers who will constantly yell out to you and ask whether you want a ride (or, if you are a man, a woman!). The main commercial streets are Jalan Merdeka where the market is, and the shop-lined Jalan Jend Sudirman. The waterfront is also interesting with many boats loading and unloading goods. Just relax and enjoy the feeling of being in a timeless tropical port.
Most buildings here have an additional "bird house" on their roofs, housing thousands of swallows. The owners will harvest "birds nest" - a protein-rich gelatine-like substance formed from the saliva of the swallows - which is in high demand by the Chinese who consume them as a health supplement.
Hop over to Pulau Belat.
For bottled drinking water get the local produced AVIGA spring water from PT. Citra Alam Sumber Wita costs Rp 2,000 for a 1500 ml bottle.
The country code for Indonesia is 62. The area code for Tanjung Batu is 779.
Primary administrative division