Batam blog: The fullest Batam travel guide, a resort paradise near Singapore

Batam Island, Indonesia – a perfect resort destination near Singapore, with breathtaking sea views, luxury resorts, and delicious cuisine… Are you ready to explore? So, is Batam island worth visiting, what to do in Batam Indonesia? Let’s check out our Batam blog (Batam travel blog) with the fullest Batam travel guide (Batam guide) with best things to do in Batam island for first-timers below!

Less than an hour from Singapore by ferry, Batam Island, Indonesia appears as a peaceful stopover, separate from the bustling city. What attracts tourists here is the pristine coastline, high-class resorts, and rich culinary culture. In addition to the natural scenery, Batam attracts attention with bustling shopping centers and countless entertainment activities.

Do you want to know how to get to Batam, what experiences you should not miss, and how to fully enjoy this trip? All this information will be revealed in this article.

Introduction to Batam Island – A Beautiful Resort Island in Indonesia

Batam Island is a beautiful island located in the Riau province of Indonesia. The area of ​​Batam Island is about 715 km2 with a population of more than 1 million people. Batam Island is located right next to the Straits of Malacca and Singapore and is considered the gateway to more than 3000 islands in the Riau archipelago.

Batam is an island in the Riau Islands of Indonesia, located just 30 minutes by ferry from Singapore. Strategically located between Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia, Batam is not only a bustling economic hub but also an attractive tourist destination. Previously known as a fast-growing industrial and commercial area, Batam is now gradually becoming a paradise of luxury resorts and diverse entertainment activities.

Coming to Batam, visitors can enjoy a peaceful vacation at the coastal resorts in Nongsa and Waterfront City, explore the bustling life in Nagoya commercial district, or visit the Barelang Bridge – an architectural icon connecting neighboring islands. The island is also famous for its classy golf courses, traditional spa services and fresh seafood. If you are looking for a destination that is both relaxing and full of interesting experiences, Batam is definitely the ideal choice!

Batam is not only beautiful in the golden sunlight of the morning, but when the dawn has just disappeared into the ocean, Batam begins to change its new look. The atmosphere will be extremely bustling with the colorful, sparkling lights of bars, discos and night entertainment centers. Coming to Batam, visitors will feel a magical, shimmering beauty, both real and unreal, wild but not deserted. There, this beautiful island seems to be opening its green door to welcome visitors, to share joy and interesting things that have not been told yet.

How to Get From Singapore to Batam​?

Batam – Indonesia’s beautiful resort island – is only about 32 km from Singapore, making it a suitable destination for a short trip. The most popular and convenient way to get to Batam is by ferry, with two main terminals: HarbourFront Centre and Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal.

From HarbourFront – The Fastest Option (#Batam blog)

HarbourFront is the main ferry terminal, convenient for visitors to travel from the center of Singapore by MRT (North East Line – NE1, HarbourFront Station). From here, you can choose your destination in Batam such as Batam Centre, Harbour Bay or Sekupang, with a travel time of 50 – 70 minutes.

Batam Fast Ferry for Singapore to Desaru and Tanjung Pengelih

• Ticket price: About 30 – 50 SGD (about 574,000 – 957,000 VND depending on the type of ticket).
• Ferry companies: Majestic Fast Ferry, Batam Fast Ferry, Horizon Fast Ferry.
• Frequency: Average 1 trip every hour.

Note: It is recommended to book tickets online in advance to ensure a seat, especially on weekends and holidays.

From Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal – A Quieter Option

Batam – Singapore Ferry by Majestic Fast

If you’re staying near the eastern part of Singapore or want to avoid the crowds, choose Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal. This route takes you to Nongsapura, home to many luxury resorts.

• Ticket price: From SGD 28 – 45 (approximately VND 536,000 – 861,000).
• Travel time: About 50 minutes.
• Ferry companies: Batam Fast, Majestic Fast Ferry.

With Majestic Fast Ferry, your journey to Batam becomes more comfortable and convenient than ever! Book your Batam – Singapore Ferry Ticket from Majestic Fast on Klook now to experience a wonderful vacation on this beautiful island.

Once you arrive in Batam, check out Batam Private Car Charter service from Batam Private Tours to explore the island comfortably and flexibly.

Must-See Attractions in Batam Island, Indonesia (#Batam blog)

Batam attracts tourists with its natural beauty and harmonious combination of culture, cuisine and entertainment. If you have the opportunity to visit here, do not forget to explore the following places for a memorable journey.

Barelang Bridge

Barelang Bridge is an important traffic construction and a symbol of development and modernization in Batam. This bridge connects small islands, offering countless beautiful views, especially at sunset. Standing on the bridge, visitors can admire the majestic natural picture with the immense blue sea and each ship quietly drifting. This is also a favorite check-in point for many tourists when visiting Batam.

Batam Mega Mall Shopping Center

If you are a shopping enthusiast, Batam Mega Mall is the ideal destination. With a series of fashion stores, cosmetics, electronics and local specialty stalls, visitors are free to choose. In addition to the shopping area, Mega Mall also owns a rich culinary area with dishes rich in Indonesian flavors, making anyone linger.

Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple

As one of the largest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia, Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya is a sacred place for spiritual tourists. The temple has a majestic architecture, spacious grounds with many Buddha statues with gentle, peaceful faces. Coming here, visitors can worship, pray for peace or simply enjoy the tranquility in the heart of bustling Batam.

Tua Pek Kong Temple

With hundreds of years of history, Tua Pek Kong Temple has become the most ancient temple in Batam. The temple has a strong Chinese architectural style with majestic dragon statues, curved tiled roofs and a sacred space. On some major holidays, this place attracts a large number of visitors to offer incense and explore the traditional cultural beauty of the Chinese community in Indonesia.

Nongsa Beach

Come to Nongsa Beach to enjoy the blue sea, white sand and coconut trees rustling in the wind. This place is famous for its clear water, suitable for activities such as diving, kayaking or simply lying on the sand to relax. In particular, from Nongsa you have the opportunity to look out to Singapore Island on a clear day, which is extremely interesting.

Ocarina Theme Park

Ocarina Park is an extremely suitable address for families and groups of friends when coming to Batam. With a large area, this place has many attractive games such as giant Ferris wheel, water play area, inflatable house and art performance area. In addition, the fresh air and coastal space of Ocarina make this place the perfect place for tourists to relax.

Batam Hills Golf Resort

For sports enthusiasts, Batam Hills Golf Resort is where you can experience international standard golf amidst beautiful natural scenery. The golf course is delicately designed, harmoniously combining hilly terrain and green grass, bringing a feeling of relaxation and excitement. In addition, the resort also provides many high-class services, helping you fully enjoy your vacation in Batam.

Tanjung Uma Fishing Village

If you want to learn about local life, Tanjung Uma village is the place for you. This is a traditional fishing village with simple stilt houses, nestled by the peaceful water. Coming here, visitors have the opportunity to explore the life of fishermen, enjoy fresh seafood and immerse themselves in the rustic, simple culture of Batam.

Nagoya Entertainment District

Nagoya is the most bustling entertainment district in Batam, home to many restaurants, bars, shopping malls and high-end spas. This is the top destination for those who want to explore Batam’s nightlife, enjoy a variety of delicious dishes and experience high-quality relaxation services. Whether you love the excitement or simply want to find a relaxing space, Nagoya can meet all your needs.

To fully explore the highlights of Batam, the 1-Day Batam City Private Tour is the perfect choice, helping you enjoy the journey to the fullest with a flexible schedule and professional guide!

Seaforest Adventure in BaTam Island

One of the famous tourist destinations on Batam Island that you should not miss is Seaforest Adventure. This is a large amusement park with an area of ​​about 10 hectares located in Nongsa district. Coming to Seaforest Adventure, you will experience countless interesting and exciting games such as: banana boat, kayaking, off-road vehicle riding, archery. In particular, do not miss the extremely famous Aqua Track playground here.

Golden City Batam

Golden City Batam is also considered an attractive entertainment paradise on Bataam Island that tourists traveling to Indonesia should not miss. Here you will experience sports games such as: handball, archery and attractive and exciting water sports. In addition, do not forget to enjoy live seafood at Golden Prawn restaurant at Golden City.

Jabal Arafah Mosque (Masjid Jabal Arafah)

Masjid Jabal Arafah Batam is a beautiful mosque in the heart of Batam Island, not only a place to pray but also a place with beautiful scenery. Clean, spacious and a peaceful atmosphere.

Where to Experience Batam’s Special Cuisine?

Batam – where the quintessence of local and international cuisine converges, promises to bring you many unforgettable taste experiences. So what are the places that tourists cannot miss?

Mie Terempa’k – Mixed Spicy Noodles

If you want to enjoy Batam’s rich noodles, don’t miss Mie Terempa’k. The flat, soft noodles, soaked in spicy sauce, make an impression right from the first bite. You can choose dry, moist or wet noodles, each type brings its own flavor. Mie Goreng Sapi with tender beef or stir-fried noodles filled with seafood are options that cannot be missed.

• Address: Ruko Royal Sincom, Blk. D No.15 – 16, Tlk. Tering, Kec. Batam Kota, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29431, Indonesia
• Opening hours: 7:00 – 21:00
• Reference price: 25,000–50,000/person (38,000 – 76,000 VND)

Martabak Bangka Ceria

Martabak Bangka Ceria is not only a bakery but also preserves the soul of Batam street food. The thick, soft cake layer, soaked in butter and condensed milk creates an irresistible sweet and fatty taste. The Martabak Manis Kacang version with rich peanut filling or Martabak Keju + Coklat blending the salty cheese flavor with chocolate will satisfy any picky diner.

• Address: Morning Kopitiam, Ruko Cahaya Garden, residence blok Ac no 3-5, Sadai, Kec. Bengkong, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29444, Indonesia
• Opening hours: 17:00 – 23:000
• Reference price: Rp50,000 – 70,000 (76,000 – 106,000 VND)

Love Seafood Batam Centre

Batam is famous for its seafood, and Love Seafood Batam Centre is a destination not to be missed. The attractive menu includes spicy chili crab, fatty salted egg shrimp, fragrant Thai-style fried fish. Spacious space, reasonable price, delicious taste and stable quality are the factors that make this shop always crowded. Although the crabs here are not too big, Love Seafood Batam Centre is still a great choice for a dinner by the beach.

• Address: Ruko Royal Sincom, Blk. D No.15 – 16, Tlk. Tering, Kec. Batam Kota, Kota
• Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29431, Indonesia
• Opening hours: 7:00 – 21:00

Nagoya Hill Food Street

If you want to explore many delicious dishes without having to go far, Nagoya Hill Food Street is the place for you! Located right in the largest shopping mall in Batam, this culinary street brings together flavors from Europe to Asia, from famous brands such as A&W, Wendy’s to Indonesian specialties such as Ayam Penyet Ria. The bustling atmosphere, the attractive aromas emanating from the stalls create a real culinary feast.

• Address: Jl. Imam Bonjol-Komplek Nagoya Newtown, Lubuk Baja Kota, Kec. Lubuk Baja, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29444, Indonesia Opening Hours: 6:30am – 1:30am the next day

Where to shop? Enjoy Deals at Shopping Malls in Batam Island​

If you are looking for the best shopping malls to experience shopping, dining and entertainment, don’t miss the list below!

BCS Mall – Affordable Shopping Paradise

• Address: 42J6+R4W, Jl. Bunga Raya, Batu Selicin, Kec. Lubuk Baja, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29442, Indonesia

For those who want to hunt for many quality items at reasonable prices, BCS Mall is the place not to be missed. This shopping mall brings together a series of international and domestic brands at good prices. In particular, the basement of BCS Mall is a paradise for technology lovers with countless electronics and accessories stores. After a shopping trip, don’t forget to stop by the spa to relax, or sip a cup of aromatic coffee at the cozy eateries in the area.

Mega Mall Batam Centre

• Address: Jl. Engku Putri No.1, Belian, Kec. Batam Kota, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29461, Indonesia

With a prime location right next to the Batam Centre ferry terminal, Mega Mall Batam Centre is an ideal destination for shopaholics. It gathers many famous brands, from fashion, cosmetics to electronics, making it easy for you to find everything you need. In addition, the rich culinary area with a series of local and international restaurants will bring you a delicious meal after shopping.

Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall

• Address: 42W6+GWX, Jl. Nagoya Hill, Lubuk Baja Kota, Kec. Lubuk Baja, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29444, Indonesia

Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall offers a diverse shopping experience with a series of brand stores, especially famous electronics stores. A big plus of this center is the currency exchange area, making it easy for visitors to make transactions without leaving the shopping area. In addition to being a paradise for fashion and technology enthusiasts, there is also a children’s play area and a diverse system of restaurants and eateries, serving from local dishes to international cuisine.

Nagoya Citywalk

• Address: Kompleks Nagoya Citywalk, Lubuk Baja Kota, Kec. Lubuk Baja, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29444, Indonesia

Not too noisy but still bustling enough, Nagoya Citywalk is a place where you can shop leisurely while enjoying delicious food. If you are traveling with your family, there is a baby stroller rental service and a play area so your kids can be entertained while you browse the shops. From the famous roast duck at The Duck King, pastries at Mr Pancake to a cold beer at Brewsky, Nagoya Citywalk will definitely make your trip more complete.

Mall Botania 2 – Modern Shopping and Entertainment Center

• Address: Jl. Raja Alikelana, Belian, Kec. Batam Kota, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29433, Indonesia

As one of the largest shopping malls in Batam, Mall Botania 2 features a wide range of fashion stores, fully equipped with amenities such as a cinema, gym and children’s play area. In particular, this mall has a separate area for Muslim fashion, making it easy for visitors to choose the right outfit. If you are a technology enthusiast, the electronics area here will not disappoint you.

Where to stay? Experience of Staying and Relaxing in Batam Island, Indonesia

After a long day of exploring the beautiful places in Batam, the most important thing is to find a comfortable place to stay to fully enjoy the trip. Here are some suggestions for accommodations to help you have a perfect vacation on this beautiful island:

• Montigo Resorts Nongsa (agoda, booking)
• Turi Beach Resort (agoda, booking)
• Hotel Santika Batam (agoda, booking)
• Aston Batam Hotel & Residences (agoda, booking)
• HARRIS Hotel Batam Center (agoda, booking)
• I Hotel Baloi Batam (agoda, booking)
• Harmoni Suites Hotel (agoda, booking)
• Batam Marriott Hotel Harbour Bay (agoda, booking)
• Planet Holiday Hotel & Residence (agoda, booking)

Check out more top and best hotels in Batam on Agoda or Booking.

Frequently Asked Questions About Batam Island Indonesia

Where is Batam Island?

Batam is an Indonesian island, located near Singapore, just about 45 minutes by ferry.

Are there any family-friendly activities in Batam?

Yes! Families visiting Batam often visit Ocarina Park, Nongsa Beach, Batam Water Park, or participate in water sports activities.

Where to experience spas and massages in Batam?

Batam is famous for its quality spas such as Eska Wellness Spa, Tempat Senang Spa and The Spa Secret, providing high-class relaxation services.

When is the best time to travel to Batam?

From March to October, when the weather is dry and favorable for outdoor activities.

How much does it cost to travel to Batam?

The average cost is from 100 – 300 USD/person for a 2-3 day trip, depending on spending level and type of accommodation.

Batam is not only an ideal holiday destination near Singapore but also offers a rich experience with blue sea, luxury resorts, diverse entertainment activities and attractive cuisine. Whether you are looking for a relaxing trip or a cultural journey, Batam Island Indonesia will surely satisfy you.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Batam you can refer to

• Absolute Spa, Hair, And Nail in Batam
• 1 Day Batam Private City Tour (2-way Singapore Ferry Included)
• Batam – Singapore Ferry by Majestic Fast
• Grand Majesty Day Spa Packages in Batam
• Batam Private Car & Bus Charter by Batam Private Tours
• Spa Central Packages in Batam
• 1 Day Batam Premium Tour with Singapore Ferry Ticket & Lunch
• Batam Private Car Charter
• Ranoh Island Experience in Batam from Singapore
• 1 Day Batam City Private Tour

Read more Indonesia guide here.