An offshore island from the main capital of Tanjung Pinang, Pulau Penyengat is known as the abode of the kings as it was the central seat of power during the final phase of the Malay kingdom. Home to palace ruins, royal mausoleums and other sites from a bygone Riau-Lingga sultanate era, the island possesses major Malay cultural and historical significance. Due to the inviolable sanctity of Pulau Penyengat, visitors are advised to dress conservatively.

Legend has it that sailors who stopped by looking for fresh water on the island in the past was stung by stinging insects. Thus, it was given the name of Penyengat which means ‘stinger’ in Bahasa Indonesia.

Your journey back to the past begins as you board a pompong (water taxi) at the pier from Tanjung Pinang to Penyengat Island. As you get closer to shore, it will be easy to spot the jewel of the island—Masjid Raya Sultan Riau (Sultan of Riau’s Grand Mosque) in striking royal yellow.

Upon arrival, you can hire a becak (motorised trishaw) to visit the various historical sites or simply take a breezy walk around the island mostly sheltered with greenery. Pulau Penyengat came into historical spotlight when Sultan Mahmud III (1761-1812) gifted the island to his new wife, Engku Puteri Raja Hamidah in a political move to strengthen ties between Malays and the Bugis.

With such fascinating memorabilia left on Pulau Penyengat, there is little wonder that the island has been awarded the ‘Certificate of Excellence’ by TripAdvisor and along with all its attractions, pending listing as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.