Indonesia and Singapore
Cradle of Malay Civilisation
300 years ago, Riau was the heart of Malay civilization, the islands’ illustrious history derived both from the Malay Peninsula and mainland Sumatra. It is an area rich in crumbling historical sites, a pilgrimage destination for its old mosques, reconstructed palaces and tombs of venerated saints. 12 generations of sultans, said to be descended from Bugis seafarers, have ruled in the area. The Sultans of Tanjung Pinang once held power over Johore state on the Malay Peninsula, the Lingga islands, and even as far as Tembilahan on Sumatra.