The Culture of Batam

Indonesia being a predominantly Javanese and Sudanese nation, it's interesting to note that a sizable portion of Batam's 988,555 population is Chinese. As such, Buddhism and Taosim are broadly practiced on this 715-km² island (not that Pastor Rony Tan would care).

5The largest Kwan Im statue in these parts (overlooking the ocean at Tanjung Pinggir) - reportedly shipped over from Singapore by an opulent donor/patron. At 23 meters, it's more impressive when you're really there.

5Another Goddess of Mercy statue - this time with a 'thousand' arms. (Cut the sculptor some slack, will ya?)

5Giant joss sticks greeting devotees and visitors alike at the Tua Pek Kong temple. Love the design and colors!

5Characters from Journey to the West: Monkey (Sun Wukong), Tripitaka (Xuanzang), Sandy (Sha Wujing)and Pig (Zhu Bajie). Which is your favorite? :-)