Galang Island, A Vietnamese Refugee Camp

In the 1980, Galang Island suddenly became famous. This island was debated over by many people because it was a home for hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese who left their country following the Vietnam War. They came here by boat in alarming conditions. 40 to 100 refugees flocked into one boat. They floated in the South China Sea for months, without any clear destination. Some of them died in the middle of the ocean, but others managed to reach Indonesian territory including Galang Island, Tanjung Pinang, and other islands nearby. At present, this ex-refugee camp is a tourist site.
Getting There

To reach this island, you can take a flight to Hang Nadim airport in Batam city. It is the entry point to Kepulauan Riau province. The Vietnam refugee camp is located in Sijantung village on Galang Island some 50 kilometers from the City Center.


Getting Around

You will get a clear explanation about the daily life of the refugees by visiting a building previously used as a UNHCR office. In this building, you can see pictures of thousands of refugees who once lived on the island. You can also see pictures of incidences incured by the Vietnamese during their time here. This building is now used as a reception office and information center for visitors.


To Do

By visiting this camp, visitors are brought back to the past tragedy, when hundreds of thousands of people left their country for protection. Visitors can see worship places built during that era, which are still well-maintained and can be used by tourists.


To Stay

No hotel is available for tourists on Galang Island. You can stay in hotels available in Barelang, Nagoya, or Batam Center.


To Eat

No restaurant or food stall is available around this tourist site. Restaurants and food stalls are only available in Barelang, Batam Center and Nagoya.


To Buy

Visitors can buy various types of souvenirs such as t-shirts, stickers, pins, etc. From a shop near the complex.


Tips

If you still have time, you can continue your journey to Melur beach in Barelang, which is located not far from the refugee camp. On this beach, you can enjoy exotic and natural scenery.


Quoted from : http://www.indonesia.travel/en/destination/79/galang-island-a-vietnamese-refugee-camp

Supported by : JavaTourism, Lintang Buana Tours