Visit Batam

Batam is one of the largest islands in the Riau archipelago, and not long ago was only a poor island with coastal villages and unspoiled nature. The declaration of the Batam free trade zone in 1989 has turned the island upside down, after just a few years of rapid construction now has a modern airport, tourism and business centers and an infrastructure that has the island continues to grow changed completely.

It is no secret that Singapore is close to the model, and the goal is the time to become one of the largest ports in Southeast Asia and an important center of international trade, industry and trade. The strategic location near the Strait of Malacca and Singapore, will undoubtedly help reach that goal, but like the rest of Indonesia, the economy and development here will be dealt a heavy blow during and after the economic crisis in Asia late 1990s.

Batam is actually one of the fastest growing tourism in Indonesia in terms of visitor arrivals. There are several tourist resorts here with luxury hotels and golf courses. However, many visitors opt to use Batam as only one entry point, which is only 40 minutes from Singapore with the boat, and then leave with the first transport to other destinations in Indonesia.

History

Nagoya Hill's history is closely intertwined with Batam near Bintan island and the rest of the Riau archipelago. According to Chinese chronicles Batam was already inhabited in 231 AD when Singapore island was still called Pulau Ujung (Ujung Island). Came under the control of the Malacca kingdom from the 13th century, and later taken over by the Sultan of Johor who ruled until the 18th century. The coastal villages that face Singapore is said to have been a hiding place for pirates who hijacked ships in the strait.

In 1824 the name of the island again in the Treaty of London which led to the division of the region between the Dutch and the British. Batam and the surrounding islands later became part of the Riau Lingg Kingdom, which lasted until 1911, when the Dutch East Indies took over the colonial administration.
People

Near Sekupang, much of the population still living on fishing and the sea transport.The native of Batam are of Malay, but with rapid growth and development in the area of the various ethnic groups throughout Indonesia has came in search of jobs and a better life. Traditionally, most people living in coastal villages, while the "orang laut (Seafarers) still live on boathouses and fishing boats, and generally for life. Some of their catch is sold to Singapore. Bahasa Indonesia is the language used to communicate between the multi-ethnic population, while many now also understand English, which is commonly used in business communication.

Culture

Batam, even if it is multi-ethnic Malay culture remains and Islam, which is the root of the local culture. Both daily life and religious ceremonies and mythical elements, expressed in dance, music and other art forms. Some of the most popular traditional dances are Jogi Dance, one of Batam, Zapin dance, reflecting a strong Arab influence, Persembahan Dance, to welcome honored guests Ronggeng and Dance, where guests can be invited to come and join to dance and singing.


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