Bring out your inner kid by engaging in a game of balap karung or sack race with the children of Panglong village, who are only too happy to take you on. Be warned - it’s not as easy as it looks! These old bones had nothing on the youthful vigour of these kids and it was a miracle I even made it to the finish line.
The Sea Gypsies, or Orang Laut (people of the sea) as they are also known, have traditionally lived nomadic lives in simple boats off the coasts of Indonesia. In efforts to introduce better education and accountability for its people, the Indonesian government constructed this village to introduce land ownership exclusively for the sea gypsies to entice them to return to land.
Even though they no longer live in their boats, the Orang Laut still adopt old ways of life including hand-making their own boats and fishing nets, and having fishing as their main source of income.
Bintan is a popular docking spot for the Orang Laut with its protected bays and calm waters, so it’s only natural that they would choose to settle down here. Lodging is extremely organized, with the name of the homeowner displayed above the door of each house.
The people here live simple lives but they are filled with joy. The presence of both a cathedral and a mosque within close proximity to each other is a testament to the fact that the Orang Laut live together in harmony despite their differences.
For a different side of Bintan and chicken soup for the soul, I highly recommend having this as an item on your itinerary. It’s a nice gesture to bring some sweets and snacks for the children of the village when you visit and helps them to warm up to you too!
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