Batam Island: Top 10 Things to Do and Must-See Attractions

Are you looking for a quick weekend getaway from Singapore? Batam Island is the answer to many travelers and locals from Singapore. There are many things to do in Batam and a few exciting tourist attractions to visit.

Batam offers a natural beach, sun, and sea for a few days. Maybe it is not the best island vacation, but it is so near it is worth coming over just over the weekend, with only 45 minutes of the ferry from Singapore to Batam Center *. It is a decent getaway for family and friends looking to have fun with water sports, eat fresh seafood, shop, and have affordable spas and massages.

If you are here for a weekend getaway, you should not miss out on these top things to do in Batam Island!

Things to Do in Batam – Activities

Shopping in Nagoya Hill Mall

Nagoya Hill Mall is one of the best places to shop on Batam Island. Local food products like the famous kueh lapis (Indonesian layer cake), Indomie (instant noodles), and tidbits are here. You can also find sports equipment here though they are predominantly golf equipment, as this place is a destination for it too. Some shops accept Singapore dollars here, being nearby, else there are also money changers in the mall. The things here are well known for being bargain buys. The things here are certainly a bang for the buck.

Eat affordable fresh seafood

Here in Batam, you can find fresh seafood at affordable prices. Many seafood restaurants dotted the island, but a few famous ones are the Golden Prawn Seafood Restaurant and Harbour Bay Seafood Restaurant by the waterfront promenade. You can find a selection of seafood such as prawns, crabs, mussels, and more; you’ll be spoilt by the end of a meal.

Drink cheap beer and alcohol

If you come from neighboring Singapore, you will find that the beer and alcohol here are cheap. If drinking is your thing, then this is the place to fill your quota before returning. You can find drinking places anywhere around here.

Pamper yourself with affordable spa and massage

There are vast selections of spas and massages in Batam Center as they cater mainly to the hordes of tourists. But this would also mean plenty of choices for a good and affordable one. The traditional Balinese massage is one of the things to do, and the costs start from 260,000 Rp / 25 SGD (as of 2017).

Just walk around and look for one that suits you! One of the recommended massages in Batam that are affordable is Go! Massage. If you want to stay nearby and pamper yourselves daily, Allium Batam Hotel * would be your best choice, only 2 minutes walk away.

Take up adventurous activities and water sports

At the waterfront city, you find all the happenings for adventure sports from land to water. Choices of water sports include banana boating, parasailing, windsurfing, kayaking, and jet skiing (all around 55 SGD), while on land, you can try go-kart at about 18 SGD.

You can also find these activities on the Nongsa coast, or the less crowded option is Melur Beach on Galang Island. You may even try diving or snorkeling here at Batam Island.

Alternatively, enjoy the beautiful beach, indulge in water sports, or take in the breathtaking sunset views at Batam View Beach Resort. *

Play golf on internationally acclaimed golf courses

Batam is well known for having some of the world’s standard golf courses; thus, it is one of the most popular activities here. Find a luscious greenway flanked by a beautiful coastal backdrop, such as the gold course Tering Bay International, designed by the legendary Greg Norman, an international golf course designer.

Also, not to forget Radisson Golf and Convention Center * that includes top-class accommodation.

Cycle or motorbike through the scenic northern coast

Although unknown to many, Batam’s scenic northern coastlines are one of the best mountain biking, where you will cycle through a dense green jungle and sweeping seafront. You may take this trail on your own around Duriankang Reservoir and the Nongsa Coast. It will be about a 30km bike ride from Turi Beach/Nongsa Village, through Teluk Mata Ikan, then down the coast to Batu Besar, and finally through Citra Mas Housing estate to Tering Bay Golf.

Explore Batam’s past at the backwaters

Get off the beaten path and wander into the coastal backwaters of Batam to get a glimpse of the past. This place is just around the corner from Pacific Palace Hotel. You will find it littered at the shore with jetsams while rancid smells surround you. Do not let it deter you; this is reality, and you will see poverty alongside modernization and commercialization. You will also see the fishermen’s village of stilt houses that stood as a testament to Batam’s past of simplicity.

Must See Batam Attractions (Places to Visit in Batam)

Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Buddhist Temple

This temple is famous for its many laughing Buddha statues in various sizes and costumes that line around it. The temple complex is big and spacious, with an orphanage, food stalls, and a vegetarian restaurant. It is an example of the modern-day monument, which was opened in 1999 after being built by the Chinese community of Batam. It is regarded as one of South Asia’s most prominent temples ever built.

Barelang bridge

Many tourists come here for a different cultural view of Batam’s local life. This attraction takes about 45 minutes to drive from the city, but the journey is well worth it. The bridge is a spectacular architecture with seven bridges; though incomplete, they hold a certain local charm. Local street hawkers on the bridge would still be surprised to see foreigners hanging around. After crossing the bridge, you may find local seafood restaurants that can be even cheaper than their counterparts in the city.

Cheng Ho Cruise Replica

The Cheng Ho Cruise Replica in Batam, Indonesia, is a detailed replica of the ship Chinese admiral Zheng He sailed during the 15th century. Measuring approximately 65 meters in length, it offers visitors a cultural experience, showcasing traditional Chinese architecture and decorations. Onboard, you can explore the ship’s decks and cabins, participate in guided tours, enjoy cultural performances, and learn about Zheng He’s historical voyages. The replica also features a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs related to the ship and Chinese culture.

How to get to Batam from Singapore

There is a Batam Fast Round Trip Ferry Tickets from Tanah Merah Terminal in Singapore. There are multiple times to choose from and the ferry is comfortable. It includes departure and terminal fees, so there is nothing else to worry about!

Click here to book the Batam Fast Round Trip Ferry Tickets in advance!

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Best Accommodations on Batam Island

Summary

You can see many things to do in Batam and some tourist attractions worth visiting. From shopping at Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall to exploring the iconic Barelang Bridge, there are plenty of things to do. Enjoy the beautiful beaches in the north, dive into history at the Cheng-Ho cruise replica, and find tranquility at the Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple. End the day with a relaxing spa treatment and experience the vibrant nightlife scene in Batam.

So if you are wondering where to go next for a weekend getaway or if you just happened to be in Singapore, don’t forget to swing by Batam Island for a trip!

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Travel Tips:

1. Book the best accommodations – Booking.com* or Agoda.com *

2. Find the cheapest flight options that suit you – Skyscanner * or 12Go.asia *

3. Rent a car in advance and make your trip more convenient – Rentalcars *

4. Make the most of the time that you have! Exciting excursions, professional guides, and more – Klook *

5. Book your train tickets online easily – Tiket.com * or bus tickets at Easybook.com *

6. Oder ahead Indonesian Rupiah with the best exchange rate – Wise Travel Card *