"Dendang Melayu is currently the most popular tourist destination. A vacation to Batam is incomplete if one does not visit there," Ardiwinata, head of Batam's Culture and Tourism Office, remarked here on Saturday.
The city government is building a viewing tower, estimated to be ready this year, and will be the idyllic location to take pictures, with scenic backdrops, he noted.
"Tourists can enjoy and take photographs of the Barelang Bridge and the scenery of the sea from the closest distance," he remarked.
In addition to the viewing tower, Dendang Melayu is equipped with various facilities and infrastructure to facilitate tourists, including a show stage, souvenir shops, food stalls, as well as prayer rooms.
"The atmosphere is very lively, with an entertainment stage and culinary specialties on offer. It means the economy in Barelang Bridge has grown and improved," he stated.
In the meantime, coordinator of the management of Dendang Melayu cultural attractions, Azir noted that tourists always thronged the place every day. On weekends, some 2,500 domestic and foreign tourists spent time in the plain.
"From Monday to Friday, 300 to 500 tourists visit per day, and they comprise both domestic and foreign travelers. Tourists come mostly from China, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines," he noted in a press release.
Every weekend, the manager organizes entertainment shows featuring Malay Band and Jogi Dance typical of Batam.
Related news: Riau Islands optimistic to have 3 million foreign visitors in 2020
Related news: Riau Islands received 2.5 million foreign tourists in Jan-Nov 2019
Related news: Indonesia to make Labuan Bajo super premium tourist destination
Translator: Yuniati J Naim, Fardah
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2020
