An Indonesian city known for fresh seafood and sandy beaches. Home to the Barelang Bridge and Maha Vihara Dhamma Cetiya temple. Active nightlife with many clubs and bars.
Batam City, an industrial center and resort destination in Indonesia, sits just a 45-minute ferry ride from Singapore. This island city has duty-free shopping malls, fresh seafood restaurants, and beaches with water sports activities. Visit the massive Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Buddhist temple, take in views from the Barelang Bridge, or play a round of golf at one of the island's courses. As a special economic zone close to Singapore, Batam has experienced rapid economic growth in recent years.
Ferry and Air Connections to Batam
You can reach Batam by ferry from Singapore or Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Ferries from Singapore's HarbourFront and Tanah Merah terminals take about 45-60 minutes. Batam has several ferry terminals, including Batam Center, Sekupang, and Harbour Bay. Each terminal serves different routes, so check which one you need before booking. If you prefer air travel, Hang Nadim International Airport connects Batam to major Indonesian cities like Jakarta, Surabaya and Medan. The airport is about 30 minutes by taxi from central Batam.
Transportation Options on the Island
Taxis are a convenient way to get around Batam, but always agree on a price before starting your journey. A trip from Batam Center to Nagoya typically costs around 50,000 rupiah. For a more budget-friendly option, try the Trans Batam public bus system, which charges just 4,000 rupiah per trip. The buses connect major areas of the city, though they can be crowded during peak hours. If you want more flexibility, consider renting a car to explore the island at your own pace. Daily rates start around 70,000 rupiah, but make sure you're comfortable driving on Indonesian roads before choosing this option.
Large Shopping Malls in Batam
Batam has several large, modern shopping malls with duty-free goods. Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall in the Nagoya district is the largest, spanning several floors with hundreds of retail stores, a cinema, and a food court. You'll find a mix of international brands and local shops here. The Mega Mall Batam Centre, located near the ferry terminal, is another major shopping complex. Both malls stock electronics, clothing, and local products like Indonesian coffee and batik textiles. While Indonesian rupiah is the official currency, many shops also accept Singapore dollars. Remember to compare prices with Singapore, as not everything is necessarily cheaper in Batam.
Beaches and Water Sports Activities
Nongsa Beach on Batam's northeast coast has calm waters and white sand suitable for swimming and sunbathing. The beach is less crowded than some others on the island, making it a good spot for relaxation. At Waterfront City in western Batam, you can try various water sports. Activities include jet skiing, banana boat rides, and parasailing. The cable ski park allows you to wakeboard without a boat, which is an unusual experience for many visitors. If you prefer a more secluded beach experience, consider taking a day trip to nearby Galang Island. The beaches there are less developed and often nearly empty.
Buddhist Temples in Batam
The Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple is one of the largest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia. Its expansive grounds contain numerous laughing Buddha statues in various poses, which make for interesting photo opportunities. The main hall houses a large seated Buddha statue. Another significant religious site is the Vihara Buddhi Bakti temple, which showcases modern Chinese architecture. Behind the main building, you'll find a peaceful garden with stone sculptures and small ponds. Both temples welcome visitors of all faiths, but remember to dress respectfully and remove your shoes before entering the main halls.
Driving Across the Barelang Bridge
The Barelang Bridge is actually a series of six bridges connecting Batam, Rempang, and Galang islands. You can drive or cycle across for panoramic views of the sea and surrounding islands. Many visitors stop at the first bridge for photos, especially around sunset when the sky often turns vibrant colors. Food stalls near the bridge sell local snacks and fresh coconuts, making it a good spot for a quick break. The entire bridge system stretches for about 2 kilometers, and driving from one end to the other takes about 20 minutes without stops.
Fresh Seafood Restaurants
Fresh, affordable seafood is a major draw in Batam. Many restaurants allow you to select live seafood from tanks and have it cooked to your preferences. Popular dishes include chili crab, grilled fish, and butter prawns. Restaurants like Golden Prawn and Harbour Bay Seafood cater to tourists and offer menus in English. For a more local experience, visit the seafood centers in Bengkong or Jodoh. Here, you can select live seafood and have it cooked to order at small, family-run establishments. Prices are generally much lower than in Singapore, though exact costs depend on the type and weight of seafood you choose.
Evening Entertainment Options
The Nagoya district is the hub of Batam's nightlife, with numerous bars, clubs, and karaoke venues. Brewsky & Co offers craft beers and often hosts live music performances. For a view with your drinks, try Planet Holiday Hotel's rooftop bar, which serves cocktails overlooking the city. Many hotels also have on-site casinos, though these are only open to foreign visitors. Keep in mind that while alcohol is widely available in Batam, it's more expensive than in other parts of Indonesia due to taxes. Always drink responsibly and be aware of your surroundings, especially late at night.
Essential Information for Visitors
Batam uses Western Indonesia Time, which is one hour behind Singapore. The climate is warm and humid, with temperatures between 26-32°C year-round. Rain is possible at any time, but the dry season from May to October generally sees less rainfall. Most nationalities can enter Indonesia visa-free for up to 30 days, but check the current regulations before your trip. While Indonesian is the official language, English is widely spoken in tourist areas and major hotels. Tipping is not a common practice in Indonesia, but service staff appreciate it for exceptional service. Always carry some cash, as not all places accept credit cards.
