Located on the North-Eastern tip of Bintan Island north of Trikora Beach, Panglong Village, Berakit is home to the largest community of sea gypsies in Bintan. Also commonly referred to as Orang Laut, the sea gypsies are sea nomads who dedicate their lives at sea. At this rustic village, discover the unique way of life of the sea gypsies carried down for generations over hundreds of years. Travel back in time as the labyrinth of stilt houses throw up an interesting peek into the lifestyle of the inhabitants.
Situated right at the entrance of Panglong Village are a few preserved charcoal kilns. On top of being a fishing village, Panglong Village was also a producer of mangrove charcoal in the past, about 20 years ago before using mangrove trees to produce charcoal was banned. The charcoal kilns are preserved as part of the government’s initiative to conserve the village’s history and culture.
Currently, even though most sea gypsies have now moved to live on land, most of the them still heavily depend on the sea to make a livelihood – fishing and selling their catch of the day along with other homemade produce such as dried seafood and deep fried seafood crackers (keropok).
Spend an afternoon in Panglong Village and revel in the simplicity of life. Spot fishermen returning from the sea with their catch, fixing their nets in the comforts of their front yards or drying seafood in the open.
The sea gypsies communities today mostly work as traditional fishermen, with a skill that catches fish from generation to generation is very good, sometimes also they are invited to become a "guide" of hobby fishing activities fishing to hunt fish, then pack boncet told to We how to detect the area that there are many fish only by listening to the reflection of sound from the clash of sea water with rocks in the sea from the floor of the boat. They are reliable Dugong hunters and sophisticated detecting devices in finding Dugong (mermaids), using the instincts and signs they learn from nature.
The Sea Gypsies 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 their as main source of income. 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 island 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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