Sembulang village, a traditional fishing village on Rempang Island
Sembulang Village is a traditional fishing village on Rempang Island, where generations of Malay fishermen have lived for more than six generations, preserving their rich cultural heritage and maritime traditions.
Life Between the Tides
For centuries, the Malay fishing communities of the Riau Islands have lived side by side with the Orang Laut (Sea People), one of the oldest maritime communities in Southeast Asia. Known as skilled navigators and guardians of the sea, the Orang Laut possessed an intimate knowledge of tides, currents, fishing grounds, and weather patterns. Their maritime wisdom has influenced many coastal Malay communities, including those in Batam, creating a unique culture shaped by the ocean.
Discover the Living Heritage of Batam Malay Fishing Village
Batam Malay Fishing Village is a historic coastal settlement that has been home to Malay fishing families for more than six generations. For decades, the community has preserved its maritime traditions, with fishing remaining the primary source of livelihood for many local residents.
What to do in the fishing village?
Traditional Fishing Experience
Join local fishermen as they demonstrate traditional
fishing techniques passed down through generations.
Learn how nets and traps are prepared, hear stories of
life at sea, and gain insight into the knowledge
required to fish sustainably in local waters.
Village Walking Tour
Explore the village on foot and observe everyday life.
Visit family homes, traditional wooden houses, boat
building areas, and community gathering spaces while
learning about local customs, values, and traditions.
Cultural Exchange with the Community
Meet village elders and residents to hear stories about
their heritage, livelihoods, and relationship with the
marine environment. This is an opportunity to ask
questions and engage in meaningful conversations
that foster cultural understanding.
Handicraft and Local Product Showcase
Discover handmade crafts created by village artisans,
including traditional souvenirs and locally produced
goods. Purchasing these products directly supports
household incomes and helps preserve local
craftsmanship and cultural heritage.
RT Camping
A place, reflecting the authentic architectural heritage of the Malay coastal community
The Unique Heritage of the Malay Fishing Village
Unlike modern fishing communities that rely heavily on technology, many fishermen in the village still maintain traditional knowledge passed down from their ancestors. They can read the movement of clouds, understand seasonal winds, predict changing tides, and identify productive fishing areas through observation and experience. This knowledge is not learned in schools but inherited through stories, practice, and daily life at sea.
The village is also rich in cultural traditions. Sembulang Village proudly preserves its rich Malay traditions and local wisdom, which have been passed down through generations. Visitors can experience unique customs such as Tepuk Tepung Tawar, traditional Malay wedding ceremonies, Balimau Kasai, and the timeless art of pantun and syair, which continue to celebrate the village’s cultural identity.
