Overview
Selat Panjang is the capital of Kepulauan Meranti Regency on Tebing Tinggi Island, a fast-growing city of roughly 100,000 people that serves as the region's trading, shipping, shopping, and seafood center. For backpackers crossing between Sumatra and Malaysia or Singapore by sea, this small island city offers a genuine slice of Indonesian island life with Chinese temples, bustling markets, and local food specialties like sago noodles and miso soup at a fraction of coastal tourism prices.
Budget Travel · Transit Hub
Before you go
Accommodation
Hotels range from Rp 45,000 guesthouses to Rp 550,000 full-service hotels. Most include breakfast.
Culture
Mixed Chinese and Indonesian culture with Buddhist temples and grand mosques coexisting. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
Food
Street food including miso soup and sago noodles are cheap and widely available. Chinese restaurants near temples offer quality seafood.
Money
Indonesia Rupiah (IDR) is the local currency. ATMs may be limited, so bring sufficient cash. Prices quoted in Singapore dollars (S$) in some hotel listings are for reference only.
Transport
No airport or road connection to Sumatra - all access is by boat. Becak is the main local transport at Rp 10,000-20,000 per ride.