Batam is a small yet charming Indonesian island, strategically located close to the Malacca Strait and Singapore. Only 45 mnutes by ferry from Singapore’s Harbor-front, Batam acts as a gateway to 3,000 islands in the Riau Archipelago of Sumatra. The island is one of the most frequented tourist destinations, welcoming over one million visitors each year and is second only to Bali in popularity.
Originally, Batam was a forgotten island with coastal villages and unspoiled nature. The recent declaration of a free-trade zone has transformed it into one of the liveliest places in the Riau Archipelago. Batam city was originally intended to become one of the largest ports in Southeast Asia. Today, it is a hub for several Singaporean companies who have established factories on the island specializing in electronics and ship repairs, as well as large oil service sectors.
With several luxurious hotel and resorts, fine golf courses, and places of interest, many Singaporeans wishing to get away from the hustle and bustle come and visit this small island on weekends. Being a special economic zone in Indonesia, many people come to Batam to shop for tax-free products such as cigarettes, alcoholic drinks, perfumes, chocolate, and handicrafts from all over the Indonesian archipelago.
Batam is an ideal leisure destination. This laid-back island offers urban tourists an opportunity to enjoy their holiday at a slower pace, though adventurous sports and fun activities are still available at arm’s length. For those who are more at home with nature and culture, the island has several trekking or biking trails.
With its close proximity to the ‘Lion-Land’, Singaporean golfers travel to Batam just for its professional courses and driving ranges.
Many five-star resorts in the northern coasts offer golf courses set amongst beautiful landscape offering impressive views of the mountains or the blue ocean. A definite paradise for all golf addicts!
Many resorts and sport clubs located at Waterfront City and Nongsa coast offer a variety of water sports and exciting outdoor activities ranges from cable skiing, go-carting, water skiing, Parasailing, ultra light air craft joy flights, wake boarding, canoeing and other beach related activities such as beach volleyball and horse riding.
Most activities can be rented or hired by hour and prices are fixed at a fair cost. Lessons for beginners are also wide available.
Originally, Batam was a forgotten island with coastal villages and unspoiled nature. The recent declaration of a free-trade zone has transformed it into one of the liveliest places in the Riau Archipelago. Batam city was originally intended to become one of the largest ports in Southeast Asia. Today, it is a hub for several Singaporean companies who have established factories on the island specializing in electronics and ship repairs, as well as large oil service sectors.
With several luxurious hotel and resorts, fine golf courses, and places of interest, many Singaporeans wishing to get away from the hustle and bustle come and visit this small island on weekends. Being a special economic zone in Indonesia, many people come to Batam to shop for tax-free products such as cigarettes, alcoholic drinks, perfumes, chocolate, and handicrafts from all over the Indonesian archipelago.
Batam Island Attractions
Being one of the most popular travel destinations in Indonesia, Batam Island features several interesting tourist attractions and spectacular beaches. Many sports clubs and resorts lining the Nongsa coast and Waterfront City offer exciting sea sports and outdoor activities for everyone.
Not to be missed are the Barelang Bridges, six sophisticated full swing bridges that connect the three islands (Batam-Rempang-Galang) together. There are also several religious sites and small museums in the city centre. If you have some extra time, hop on a speedboat and visit Batam’s sibling islands for a change of pace and air.
The Barelang Islands are located south of Batam. They consist of 6 islands joined to Batam Island by 6 bridges. It is about a 1 hour journey by car or taxi down to the islands. From the bridges there are some great opportunities for taking photos, as they make great vantage points for viewing the surrounding ocean and the numerous islands.
Not to be missed are the Barelang Bridges, six sophisticated full swing bridges that connect the three islands (Batam-Rempang-Galang) together. There are also several religious sites and small museums in the city centre. If you have some extra time, hop on a speedboat and visit Batam’s sibling islands for a change of pace and air.
Beaches
Each beach on Batam Island has it own characteristics, though the northeast peninsula of Nongsa coast and the Waterfront city are the best known to Batam visitors. Only one hour's drive from the Sekupang you will find a perfect spot to bake in the sun on the beach or to splash in the crystal-clear sea water.
Many resorts and clubs provide water sport activities such as jet skiing, parasailing, speed boating, windsurfing, snorkeling, canoeing, and much more. The Waterfront City is also a perfect spot for you to enjoy a seafood lunch or dinner. There are some nice Batam beaches around Batam, where you can swim or enjoy water sports activities.
Location: Nongsa Coast and the Waterfront City area
Batam Beaches – Nongsa Area
Nongsa is located on the north eastern side of Batam, and boasts Batam’s best beaches. There are good swimming beaches at Nongsa Point Marina and Resort and at Turi Beach Resort. These are close to the Nongsapura Ferry Terminal. You can refer to this Batam Island map for location details.
At Nongsa there is a hotel, so if you are staying there they have some good beaches to enjoy. Water sports activities include parasailing, banana boat rides, snorkeling around the reefs. You can also take a walk along the walking trail that runs along the beach line around the bay to Turi beach.
At Nongsa there is a hotel, so if you are staying there they have some good beaches to enjoy. Water sports activities include parasailing, banana boat rides, snorkeling around the reefs. You can also take a walk along the walking trail that runs along the beach line around the bay to Turi beach.
Turi Beach Resort is located just next to Nongsa Marina, and it also has very good beaches for swimming, as well as various water sports activities. Fishing trips can also be booked from the resort.
Batam View Beach Resort is located on the beach and has a good sheltered swimming beach, that is ideal for children. The resort has accommodation and offers plenty of water sports for those that like a bit of adventure!
The Waterfront City area of Batam is located on the western side of the island. There are several attractions & activities available in this area, (some of which are listed below) ranging from water & sea sports activities, a fishing pond, kart racing track, a football field, as well as a beach for swimming or playing with the kid's There are also several restaurants & bars in the area, so you can enjoy some fine dinning or a drink with friends while you are out & about!
Batam Beaches – Waterfront City Area
Around the Waterfront City area of Batam, located on the western side of Batam Island, there is one beach that offers several water sports activities, such as parasailing, banana boat rides and paddle boats. The beach is ok for swimming, and as it is in a very sheltered bay, it is safe for children. The beach is within a few hundred meters walking distance from the Harris hotel and about a 15 minute walk (or 5 minutes by taxi) from the Holiday Inn hotel.
Batam Beaches – Barelang Islands Area
The Barelang Islands are located south of Batam. They consist of 6 islands joined to Batam Island by 6 bridges. It is about a 1 hour journey by car or taxi down to the islands. From the bridges there are some great opportunities for taking photos, as they make great vantage points for viewing the surrounding ocean and the numerous islands.
There are lots of beaches along the shore lines around the 6 islands, some have facilities at the beach, such as change rooms / toilets and restaurants, and some are just secluded beaches off the beaten track, offering the visitor the chance to be away from the weekend crowds. Some of the beaches are Pantai Pasir Putih (White Sands Beach), Pantai Melayu (Melayu Beach) and Memory Hill Beach.
In the past, many visitors were interested in the illegal casinos nearby Batam Island, which were closed down by the government several years ago. In any case, we recommend a visit to some of the other islands such as Bintan and the lovely capital city of the province Tanjung Pinang. 20 minutes by ferry from Batam, Bintan Island is natural paradise surrounded by lush beautiful beaches, and home to more resorts and places of interest.
If you seek something less crowded and more tranquil, head to Melur Beach on Galang Island; or Sembulang Beach on Rempang Island. Both secluded beaches have been developed for tourism since 2000, though they still retain a calm and warm atmosphere due to the small number of visitors.
The six spectacular bridges, all comprising various individual engineering styles are iconic to Batam. ‘Barelang’ is an abbreviation of the three islands names: Batam-Rempang-Galang. Barelang Bridges link the tiny island of Tonton Nipah to the larger Setoko, Rempang, Galang, and Galang Baru Island together. All bridges afford visitors convenient access as though they are travelling on a single big island.
The total stretch of all six bridges is about two kilometres, and travelling from the first bridge to the last one should take around 20 minutes. The Tengku Fisabilillah Bridge that connects Batam and Tonton Island is impressive and the most popular. The Ngha Trang Memorial Wall in tribute to the boat people of Vietnam on Galang Island is also worth visiting. Visitors wishing to commute from island to island can hire a taxi or take part in organized a tour.
Nearby Islands
If you seek something less crowded and more tranquil, head to Melur Beach on Galang Island; or Sembulang Beach on Rempang Island. Both secluded beaches have been developed for tourism since 2000, though they still retain a calm and warm atmosphere due to the small number of visitors.
How to get there: The main port for ferries between Batam and Bintan islands is Telaga Punggur at the southeastern end of Batam.
Barelang Bridges
Barelang Bridges
The six spectacular bridges, all comprising various individual engineering styles are iconic to Batam. ‘Barelang’ is an abbreviation of the three islands names: Batam-Rempang-Galang. Barelang Bridges link the tiny island of Tonton Nipah to the larger Setoko, Rempang, Galang, and Galang Baru Island together. All bridges afford visitors convenient access as though they are travelling on a single big island. The total stretch of all six bridges is about two kilometres, and travelling from the first bridge to the last one should take around 20 minutes. The Tengku Fisabilillah Bridge that connects Batam and Tonton Island is impressive and the most popular. The Ngha Trang Memorial Wall in tribute to the boat people of Vietnam on Galang Island is also worth visiting. Visitors wishing to commute from island to island can hire a taxi or take part in organized a tour.
Location: South of Batam Island
Vihara Budhi Bakti Temple
The Vihara Buddhi Bakti temple is also known as Tua Pek Kong Bio among locals and is a must-visit site for all visitors. Featuring impressive modern Chinese architecture, its most attractive spot is the sacred garden, located behind the temple. The picturesque garden houses stone sculptures, scriptures, Buddha statues, and tables where visitors can enjoy a cup of tea under the afternoon shade provided by the surrounding trees.
Location: City centre, Nagoya
Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Buddhist temple
One of the largest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia, Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya is also known as the Laughing Buddha Temple. This sacred space attracts thousands of Buddhist followers each day. The temple was built by the Chinese community in Batam and is a great example of a modern day monument on the island.
The main hall contains some fascinating statues of Buddha, while the side chambers feature Guan Yin (Goddess of Mercy) images. Furthermore, several restaurants nearby serve vegetarian food and warm tea.
The main hall contains some fascinating statues of Buddha, while the side chambers feature Guan Yin (Goddess of Mercy) images. Furthermore, several restaurants nearby serve vegetarian food and warm tea.
Location: Near the ferry terminal in the city centre, Nagoya
Batam Island Activities
Batam is an ideal leisure destination. This laid-back island offers urban tourists an opportunity to enjoy their holiday at a slower pace, though adventurous sports and fun activities are still available at arm’s length. For those who are more at home with nature and culture, the island has several trekking or biking trails.
With its close proximity to the ‘Lion-Land’, Singaporean golfers travel to Batam just for its professional courses and driving ranges.
Many five-star resorts in the northern coasts offer golf courses set amongst beautiful landscape offering impressive views of the mountains or the blue ocean. A definite paradise for all golf addicts!
Water Sport & Activities
Most activities can be rented or hired by hour and prices are fixed at a fair cost. Lessons for beginners are also wide available.
Some recommended clubs or resorts are:
Harris Resort
Location: Waterfront City
Holiday Inn Hotel
Location: Waterfront City
Cable Ski Park
Location: Waterfront City
Batam View Beach Resort
Location: Hong Lekir, Nongsa
Harris Resort
Location: Waterfront City
Holiday Inn Hotel
Location: Waterfront City
Cable Ski Park
Location: Waterfront City
Batam View Beach Resort
Location: Hong Lekir, Nongsa
Nongsa Point Marina Hotel
Location: Hong Lekui. Nongsa
Location: Hong Lekui. Nongsa
Turi Beach Resort
Location: Hong Lekui, Nongsa
Location: Hong Lekui, Nongsa
Pura Jaya Beach Resort
Location: Hong Lekui, Nongsa
Location: Hong Lekui, Nongsa
Golf
Batam is home to more than half of a dozen golf courses. One of the most popular with avid golfers is the Palm Springs Golf Course in Nongsa.
It provides three, nine-hole courses, those being: the Resort Course, the Palm Course, and the Island Course. Players can choose a combination of the three to make one round of 18-holes, or those who are more ambitious can even opt for a 27-hole course.
Below is the list of the famous golf courses in Batam:
Palm Springs Golf Course
Location: Hang Leiku, Nongsa
Tering Bay Golf Course
Location: Hang Lekiu, Nongsa
South Links Golf Course
Location: Gajah Mada, Sekupang
Indah Puri Golf Course
Location: Sutami, Sekupang
Palm Springs Golf Course
Location: Hang Leiku, Nongsa
Tering Bay Golf Course
Location: Hang Lekiu, Nongsa
South Links Golf Course
Location: Gajah Mada, Sekupang
Indah Puri Golf Course
Location: Sutami, Sekupang
Go-Karting
Nothing beats ten minutes racing around a go-kart track. Go Kart Racing has always been one of the favorite sports for competitive types.
The popular Go-Kart track in Batam is located next to Harris Resort on the Waterfront City and the prices are reasonable. A guaranteed adrenaline rush!
Location: Near Harris Resort, Waterfront City Area
Biking and Cycling
Cycling on Batam offers an alternative and healthy way to enjoy the natural beauty, lush jungle, and seafront vistas along the trail on the northern coast of the island at your own pace. Several travel agencies provide a mountain biking tour with a local guide.
Location: Waterfront City
Trekking
Trekking in Batam is a delight and a real adventure for all nature lovers. Several trails around the island feature a walk through the lush jungle area, popular for spotting diverse wildlife. To get the best out of your trekking, it is best to go during low tide.
Location: Nongsa and Waterfront City
Batam Cable Water Ski Park
The Batam Cable Water Ski Park is located in the Waterfront City area. The park has a lake & uses an overhead cable to tow skiers around the lake on skis, kneeboards or wakeboards. There are several jumps & slides set up in the lake, for you to test your skills on, and it is a great way to spend the day if you like skiing!
Batam Island Information
Travellers will find getting around Batam Island simple and inexpensive due to its relatively small size. However, choices of public transportation are quite limited compared to Jakarta and Bali. The recently established public bus system has become a major commuting choice for many people.
There is a free-shuttle bus from Mega Mall to most major hotels and resorts in the same area, as well as in Jodoh.
Taxis here are more convenient and offer a quicker access to the Nongsa and Waterfront City, though none of them are metered so you will have to arrange a price before getting in one.
The Batam local authorities recently started a bus service called the 'Bus Pilot Project'. The blue buses run between Batam Centre in Nagoya and Batu Aji. Travellers purchase tickets before boarding.
Air-conditioned minibuses (the locals call them 'metro trans') run fixed routes between Jodoh and Telaga Punggur. Below are some destinations:
- Jodoh to Sembulang via Sukajadai
- Jodoh to Galang Baru via Sukajadi
- Dapur to Mukakuning
- Dapur to Jodoh via Sukajadi
Batam has plenty of taxis though none of them are equipped with a meter, nor do they have a standard price. Taking a taxi in Batam might require a little bargaining with the driver. Once the taxi drivers quote a price, simply cut it in half or even less and go from there. Taxi conditions are not great although they are the most convenient and fastest way to get around.
Batam’s weather and climate is relatively similar to its neighbouring countries such as Singapore and Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The island has a tropical climate with no distinctive seasons. The average humidity is 80% with its minimum of 60% and reaches a maximum of around 100%.
The temperature ranges from 22 ?C (72?) between November and December to 34 ?C (93 ?F) in June to July. The average temperature is around 28?C (83?F) during May to July and 30 ?C (87 ?F) between March to October.
The best time to visit Batam is during the dry season between May and September. Between October and April tropical rainfalls alternate with sunny days.
Batam does not observe daylight saving time or a summer time zone change. The length of the day is nearly consistent year round due to the country's location near the equator.
Although Batam is only half an hour from Singapore, there is a time zone difference. The time zone in Batam is GMT + 7 while Singapore is one hour ahead (GMT + 8). So, don’t forget to set your watch while on the ferry.
The city is generally safe during the daytime, however it is best to avoid walking alone at night even in the entertainment area of Nagoya. Visitors should also beware of pickpockets at the market. Busses are not as crowded as those in big cities like Jakarta or Yogkarata.
Here in Batam, many stores in shopping malls and fresh markets also accept Singapore dollars (SGD). Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues. Several banks and currency exchange counters are located in Nagoya, as well as some small branches operating in Nongsa and Waterfront City.
Below is a list of Batam’s fast facts, useful information, telephone numbers, and the Indonesian national holiday calendar.
There is a free-shuttle bus from Mega Mall to most major hotels and resorts in the same area, as well as in Jodoh.
Taxis here are more convenient and offer a quicker access to the Nongsa and Waterfront City, though none of them are metered so you will have to arrange a price before getting in one.
Bus and Metro Trans (Minibus)
The Batam local authorities recently started a bus service called the 'Bus Pilot Project'. The blue buses run between Batam Centre in Nagoya and Batu Aji. Travellers purchase tickets before boarding.
Air-conditioned minibuses (the locals call them 'metro trans') run fixed routes between Jodoh and Telaga Punggur. Below are some destinations:
- Jodoh to Sembulang via Sukajadai
- Jodoh to Galang Baru via Sukajadi
- Dapur to Mukakuning
- Dapur to Jodoh via Sukajadi
Taxi
Batam has plenty of taxis though none of them are equipped with a meter, nor do they have a standard price. Taking a taxi in Batam might require a little bargaining with the driver. Once the taxi drivers quote a price, simply cut it in half or even less and go from there. Taxi conditions are not great although they are the most convenient and fastest way to get around.
Weather
The temperature ranges from 22 ?C (72?) between November and December to 34 ?C (93 ?F) in June to July. The average temperature is around 28?C (83?F) during May to July and 30 ?C (87 ?F) between March to October.
The best time to visit Batam is during the dry season between May and September. Between October and April tropical rainfalls alternate with sunny days.
Batam does not observe daylight saving time or a summer time zone change. The length of the day is nearly consistent year round due to the country's location near the equator.
Good to Know
Although Batam is only half an hour from Singapore, there is a time zone difference. The time zone in Batam is GMT + 7 while Singapore is one hour ahead (GMT + 8). So, don’t forget to set your watch while on the ferry.
The city is generally safe during the daytime, however it is best to avoid walking alone at night even in the entertainment area of Nagoya. Visitors should also beware of pickpockets at the market. Busses are not as crowded as those in big cities like Jakarta or Yogkarata.
Here in Batam, many stores in shopping malls and fresh markets also accept Singapore dollars (SGD). Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues. Several banks and currency exchange counters are located in Nagoya, as well as some small branches operating in Nongsa and Waterfront City.
Below is a list of Batam’s fast facts, useful information, telephone numbers, and the Indonesian national holiday calendar.
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