Singaporean, Malaysian tourists flock to Karimun for year-end holiday
The Jakarta Post
Pelawan Beach on Karimun Island, Tanjung Balai, Riau Islands, attracts an increasing number of visitors. (Shutterstock/File)
Singaporean and Malaysian tourists have flocked to Karimun regency in Riau Islands for Christmas and New Year's.
"The number of foreign tourists in Karimun is high in December and is estimated to increase," said Karimun Tourism and Culture Agency tourism promotion head Benny Yudishtira in Tanjung Balai Karimun on Tuesday as quoted by Antara news agency.
The two-week festive season and strategic location for Singaporeans and Malaysians are said to be the reason for the high number of foreign tourists in Karimun.
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"Half of the people of Karimun have extended families in Singapore or Malaysia. No wonder most local residents have a passport to enable them to visit relatives," he added.
The number of foreigners visiting Karimun in December last year reportedly reached 9,765.
"Hopefully the number will increase this year," said Benny. (kes)
