After recovering from the Halloween party on Benan Island, we set off early for a day motor sail of 34 miles to Tanjung Pinang so we could get some fresh veggies and BEER! We had squalls and 15-20 knots on the nose….but we had caught the current and arrived mid afternoon. We hopped off the boat to check out the town and see about getting re-supplied.
The only tricky part was getting through this channel…the depths were shallow and lots of ferry traffic from Singapore and other islands. 
Well….we felt protected that’s for sure… this guys was just behind us all day and night!
We also needed to decide where to check out of Indonesia….We could either give our check out paperwork to Raymond here at Tanjung Pinang and pick up/check out at the last scheduled rally stop where we could enjoy the farewell dinner, about 15 miles further from Malaysia…OR….check out ourselves at Nognsa Point Marina which was closer to Malaysia but would miss the festivities and pay for moorage (no anchoring outside the marina). Frankly, I was ready for a change in scenery and we made the decision to head to Nognsa Point marina and check out ourselves. Part of this plan was to visit Singapore from Nognsa Point as there is a ferry terminal nearby. We thought we would visit Singapore from the Malaysia side but after much discussion and research, the ferry from Nognsa Point was faster and less hassle and would enable us to enjoy an already short trip to adventure in Singapore. It was decided and we left the next morning….literally a night night stand : )
A busy and industrial town. Lots of workers…no real tourists here. We were told that these islands have an agreement with Singapore regarding trade so people from Singapore come here to shop .We saw for the first time in months storefronts with large and expensive brand names everywhere. In addition to shopping, we heard said agreement also influences the sex industry in these parts of Indonesia as it is supposedly cheaper and less regulated here than in Singapore…..we didn’t see any obvious signs but were promised if we were looking…we would find it here! 
Industrial yes….but less garbage in the streets. It surprised me as the anchorage we were in was filled with rubbish…maybe it’s just all going into the ocean?! 
So I think this is funny….10,000 rupiah is equivalent to $1 usd….this is the Indonesian dollar store….had to check it out 
Rally meet up at a hotel near the anchorage….everyone is talking about what their exit strategy was and why. That is why we love this community…everyone is willing to share information and ideas! 
A few of us went out for dinner….Beef randang, fish in curry sauce, boiled eggs, and lots more I had no idea what I was eating…but it was good….and I was hungry…. 
A quick stop but time to move on…
Next up…Nognsa Point marina, Singapore, checking out of Indonesia…..