Day 631 (21 months): June 23, 2026 – Tarempa, Siantan Island, Anambas Islands, Indonesia

Based on our port talk (where we get a preview of upcoming ports), my expectation of Tarempa was low. Unlike its more famous Indonesian cousin Bali, most of us had never heard of it, or the island it’s part of, Siantan. It appeared to consist of a small town, a nice waterfall, surrounded by dozens of other small islands. Their small pier was built for fishing boats and private yachts, not for cruise ships, so we had to anchor at sea and take a tender boat to shore.

So we were blown away by the welcome we received in this port. At least a hundred people gathered under a tent on shore, with welcome signs, food, dancers, and speakers, and warmth. Everywhere, there were shy smiles; as soon as I smiled back, they turned into wide grins. We were the first cruise ship to stop here in years, and the excitement showed.

I hired a tour guide to take me around the island, hoping to spot a bird or two. What I didn’t realize was the tour would be on a scooter! There are very few private cars anywhere on the island, scooters/motorcycles and boats are the primary mode of transport.

Yes, helmets would have been wise, but none were offered so I didn’t ask. When Dani told me his grandma was 68, I asked him to drive like his grandma was sitting behind him. (And he did!)

There are no gas stations on the island; fuel for scooters is sold in plastic water bottles.

Found everywhere around the island were these Giant Golden Orb Weavers, busy weaving their giant webs. Females can be up to 6 inches in diameter; they exhibit female gigantism and male dwarfism, which sounds appealing to me 😂. Fortunately, they are not considered dangerous to humans, though they do contain venom intended for their insect prey.

I had trouble bonding with Indonesia’s Bali, but no trouble bonding with this place. Sometimes it’s the off-the-beaten-path places that leave the most lasting memories.