The Natuna Islands are a 272-island archipelago of Indonesia, located
in the Natuna Sea between east and west Malaysia and Kalimantan. The
islands are officially part of the Riau Archipelago Province. Natuna is
one of the northernmost island groups of Indonesia. The main islands of
Natuna Archipelago are Natuna, South Natuna and Tambelan. The South
Natuna group comprises the islands of Serasan, Panjang and Subi. The
Anambas archipelago, located several hundred kilometers to the west and
comprising Terempa, Matak and Jemaja Andriabu Island, are also sometimes
included in the Natuna Islands.
Natuna can however offer unspoiled beaches and a landscape and a
culture that is absolutely worth a visit. The islands are known for
lovely woven textiles and their traditional dance. The Natuna islands
are spread over a wide area, located in the South China Sea between east
and west Malaysia, Kalimantan and Singapore. The main groups of islands
are Anambas to the west, Natuna, south Natuna and Tambelan. One of the
largest natural gas fields in the world has been found here, The Natuna
gas field in the North and South Natuna archipelago is believed to have
222 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in reserve, 46 trillion of this
can be recovered. In the future the Natuna Natural Gas Project will be
very important for Indonesia's economy.
Ecology
The Natuna Islands have a remarkable avifauna with 71 species
of bird registered, including the near-threatened Lesser Fish-eagle, the
Natuna Serpent-eagle or the rare endemic Silvery Wood-Pigeon. Among
other species endangered species, we find the Green Iora, the Brown
Fulvetta or the Green Broadbill.
Natuna Besar
Natuna Besar (or Ranai) is the largest and northernmost of the
islands and also one of the northernmost points in Indonesia. Here we
can find lovely corral reefs and a large variety of fish. The population
is relatively small, but some people have been moved here by the
government from other islands in Indonesia and grow products like
peanuts and peas. Mount Ranai, the highest mountain in Natuna
archipelago at 1.035 m, is located on this island. There are some great
areas for diving here, the waters of the South China Sea around the
island can offer an unique underwater world, the coral is normally found
within five to ten meters below sea level and 50 to 750 meters from the
shore. Smaller islands like Senoa to the northeast can also offer white
beaches and coral reefs, Panjang to the northwest is known for the
protected green turtle, and can be reached by boat from Natuna Besar in
30 minutes. Totally there are about 20 small islands surrounding Natuna
Besar.
South Natuna
South Natuna is located between Natuna Besar and the Kalimantan
mainland, the main islands here are Serasan, Panjang and Subi. The
islands have a strong surf and impressive scenery.
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