evidence: The Natuna islands together with the Anambas archipelago are Indonesia’s outermost northern border islands in the Riau Archipelago, on the west side of the South Chinan Sea. Strategically located between Singapore, the Malaysian Peninsula on one side and East Malaysia on Borneo on the other, the two island-clusters are now fast growing into a favorite playground for yachters, more so ever since Indonesia eased entry regulations for yachts to sail into Indonesian seas. [...] The archipelago consists of some 270 islands that are divided into three groups, namely the North Natuna, which includes Laut Island (Pulau Laut); Middle Natuna, which includes Bunguran (or Natuna Besar); and South Natuna, which include the Subi Islands and Serasan. The Administrative centre of the Natuna Archipelago is called Ranai, and is found on Natuna Besar (often referred to simply as Natuna). The town of Ranai is the transport hub for arrivals and leaving the Natuna Islands and offers accommodation, restaurants, and a few other facilities. So when you plan to explore the other islands, be sure to get all your necessities first in Ranai. The island itself is virtually surrounded by sandy beaches and beautiful clear seas, a fringe of swaying palm trees that line the coast, often obscuring a band of sandy shores.