Having trouble with planning where to go and what to do in Batam? Read our 3-minute article to find out! From Tua Pek Kong temple to Mega Wisata Ocarina Batam!
Batam is just one of many great escapes within easy reach of Singapore. If you’re still deciding where to go, explore our full list of nearby holiday destinations from Singapore for more inspiration.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN BATAM IN 2026
Have you run out of activities to do in Singapore? Are you craving a short getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city? Batam Island is only an hour away from Singapore by ferry, with fresh activities and new places to visit.
From iconic attractions to must-visit shopping malls and theme parks, here are some of the best things to do in Batam!
If you want to save the hassle, check out our Batam 2D1N & 3D2N All-inclusive Packages inclusive of:
- 2-Way Ferry Tickets
- 2-Way Ferry to Hotel Transfer
- Daily breakfast
- 1 or 2 Night Stay at Hotel
For more information, feel free to contact us!
How to go to Batam
Batam Island is only a ferry’s ride away from Singapore. With multiple departure times and locations, you can choose what best suits your needs and preferences.
You can either depart from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal or Harbourfront Ferry Terminal. Batam Ferry terminals include Batam Center Ferry Terminal, Harbour Bay Ferry Terminal and Nongsapura Ferry Terminal. Click here for more information on Batam Ferry Schedule and to purchase return trip ferry tickets.
Travelling around Batam
Car rental is the most convenient way to get around Batam Island, especially if you are travelling in a large group. The bigger your group, the cheaper the cost. Your driver will know all the shortcuts that you don’t, and you save all the worry and hassle – in aircon-style. By taxi and public transportation are two alternative methods of travel.
Why visit Batam
Batam is one of the top cities that Singaporeans love to travel to. Here are the top 5 reasons to travel to Batam!
- Exciting nightlifeBatam Island has a thriving nightlife filled with pubs, night clubs, cafés, spas, and massage parlors. These are popular not only among tourists, but the locals frequent them as well.
- Affordable shoppingIn Batam, you have to shop. Visit one of the many shopping malls, such as Nagoya Hill Mall or Mega Mall. A stay in the city center grants easy and convenient access to these malls. Time to shop till you drop.
- Wide variety of recreational activitiesThe diverse range of indoor and outdoor activities will leave you spoilt for choice. Away from the sun, you can go on a shopping spree, a relaxing massage or stay in the luxurious resorts. Thrill seekers could visit the local attractions or participate in exciting activities such as mangrove kayaking and ATV rides.
- Barelang’s beautiful beaches Barelang is an island just south of Batam, with hundreds of beaches and kilometers of bike lanes. If you’re looking for a private place with tropical views, this is the place to go.
- Water activitiesBatam has an abundance of water sports. Prepare your sunscreen and swimsuit for thrilling water sports in Batam! Pick from snorkelling, jet skiing, diving, sailing, banana boat, parasailing and more. Perfect for big groups of friends!
Best Things to Do in Batam
1. Tua Pek Kong Temple (Vihara Budhi Bhakti)
Image credit: trip advisor
If you enjoy religious attractions or viewing architectural wonders, visit Vihara Budhi Bhakti, one of Batam’s oldest Buddhist temples. Locals visit to pray for the blessing of the deity it’s named after, Tua Pek Kong.
Ornamented with traditional Chinese architectural styles and decorations, the temple was built in the 20th century. It is painted a vivid red, with a boat-shaped roof and gold rims that are difficult to miss even from afar. Two mythological dragon sculptures grace the temple’s roof.
When you visit this temple, you can witness different religious rituals and practices for a truly immersive experience.
- 42Q6+X8R, Jl. Pembangunan, Lubuk Baja Kota, Kec. Lubuk Baja, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29432, Indonesia
- 11am – 10pm daily
2. Barelang Bridge
This bridge is one of the most prominent icons of Batam. The Barelang Bridge is actually a system of 6 bridges – Tengku Fisabilillah Bridge, Nara Singa Bridge, Ali Haji Bridge, Sultan Zainal Abidin Bridge, Rempang-Galang Bridge, and Galang Bridge – and connecting roads. The distance spanned across from the first bridge to the last is about 50 km! When you’re traveling around Batam, see if you can spot the other bridges.
Soak in the scenic views of the surrounding islands and the sea and enjoy the beauty of nature in Batam!
3. Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple
Maha Vihara is the oldest Buddhist temple in Batam, with a vast statue collection of Buddha Maitreya.
Visit this heritage site to learn more about Buddhism and witness the incredible architecture, particularly the monastery which contains many Buddha statues. Experience tranquility and relief from the hustle and bustle of the city. The temple will welcome you with a peaceful and religious atmosphere.
You can meditate in different facilities such as prayer rooms, meditation halls, and gardens. A vegetarian restaurant is also available within the temple.
4. Mega Mall Batam
Strategically located right beside Batam Centre Ferry Terminal, Mega Mall is directly connected to the ferry terminal by bridge. Head over to grab some goodies before you head home. But be warned, it’s so huge you can spend your entire day here. Shopping is duty free and goods are available at affordable prices.
Mega Mall has Hypermart and Matahari Deparment store, which sells local foods and products. It is also home to a sizeable population of eateries and stylish retailers.
- Jl. Engku Putri No.1, Belian, Kec. Batam Kota, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29461, Indonesia
- 10am – 10pm daily
5. Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall
Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall is the place to go if you want to satisfy all of your food, shopping, and entertainment interests in one place. The mall is the city’s largest department store, selling everything from clothing to home products to luggage.
The Hypermarket in the basement sells everything you possibly need. The food court offers a broad variety of local Indonesian cuisines at reasonable prices. The mall also boasts a cineplex where you can watch box offies movies at the fraction of the prices in Singapore.
- Nagoya Hill Lower Ground level, Lubuk Baja Kota, Kec. Lubuk Baja, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29444, Indonesia
- 10am – 10pm daily
- http://www.hypermart.co.id/
6. Batam City Square Mall
Batam City Square Mall, is located right next to Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall. This mall also sells a wide variety of goods. No matter what you’re looking for, they’ve got it.
Conveniently located near a number of affordable hotels and massage parlours, you can easily deposit your purchases at your lodging or get a relaxing 90-minute massage.
- Jl. Bunga Raya, Batu Selicin, Kec. Lubuk Baja, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29442, Indonesia
- 11am – 10pm daily
- +627787435500
7. Grand Batam Mall
In our lives, there can never be enough shopping. Last but not least, head to Grand Batam Mall. It is directly across the street from I Hotel Baloi. Grand Batam Mall is a newer development, having opened in 2019. It also has a lot of food, restaurants, and a cinema.
- Jl. Pembangunan, Batu Selicin, Kec. Lubuk Baja, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29444, Indonesia
- 10am – 10pm daily
- +627784888800
Want to experience all of this in one go without planning everything yourself? Our Batam day tour from Singapore covers the highlights — massage, seafood lunch, and city sightseeing — all within a single day trip.
8. Ayam Bakar Chaniago
This is one of the hidden local gems that locals don’t want tourists to discover. Ayam Bakar Chaniago serves juicy and tender barbequed chicken, which pairs delightfully with their fragrant sambal. This dish is widely available in many Indonesian restaurants, especially in Padang or Minangkabu cuisine.
Roadside vendors freshly prepare the food on the side of the road. Satisfy cravings you never knew you had for BBQ chicken in the true local fashion. Ayam Bakar Chaniago promises a delightful culinary experience of Indonesian culture and cuisine.
Check out @Batamliciouz’s Instagram to find out more!
- Perum Bengkong Jaya A No.1, Bengkong Laut, Kec. Bengkong, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29444, Indonesia
- 4pm – 12am daily
- @Batamliciouz
9. Martabak 818
Martabak is a well-known street snack that is available two ways: Martabak Manis and Martabak Telur. The original Martabak Manis, also known as Terang Bulan, is a soft, fluffy pancake that is typically filled with a variety of ingredients, such as chocolate, cheese, peanuts, condensed milk, sesame seeds, and margarine.
Martabak 818 is a Martabak chain in Indonesia that sells Martabak with innovative fillings such as Nutella, Peanut Butter spread, Cadbury and even Matcha Kit Kat. But the star of the dish is truly the rich pandan batter which forms the Martabak’s base.
- Ruko Nagoya Paradise Centre Blok H No. 2, Batu Selicin, Kec. Lubuk Baja, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29432, Indonesia
- 3pm – 11.30pm daily
- Martabak 818
10. Ranoh Island
Ranoh Island is the perfect family-friendly beach getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The range of activities you can do here are endless; banana boat, disco boat, fishing, jet sky, ocean rafting, and even glamping.
Ranoh Island is perfect for adventure seekers or just anyone looking for an island getaway. Enjoy the nature and peaceful atmosphere with nothing but beaches and the waves.
- Pulau Ranoh Batam, Riau, Indonesia 29487
- +62 852 7176 5102
- +62 852 7176 5102
- info@ranohisland.com
- https://www.ranohisland.com
11. Mega Wisata Ocarina Batam
Thrill seekers assemble! Mega Wisata Ocarina Batam is a waterfront amusement center suitable for families with kids with various rides, a water park and games. Its most iconic ride is the Ferris wheel.
Mega Wisata Ocarina also features a man-made lake, landscaped gardens, and other attractions. At the Ocarina Musical Fountain, enjoy the music show, with synchronised water, light, and music performances. You can also try various recreational activities such as paddleboat and canoeing at the lake. Try out traditional Indonesian arts and crafts at Mega Wisata Ocarina’s cultural village.
- Sadai, Bengkong, Batam City, Riau Islands 29444, Indonesia
- 8am – 10pm daily
RESORTS
If you just want to chill in bed or sunbathe by the pool all day, resorts are perfect for you! Here are 2 of our recommendations that are popular among locals and frequent travelers.
Montigo Resort
Montigo Resort is one of the most popular resorts in Batam. It is known for its luxurious private villas and high-quality customer service and facilities. Each villa comes with its private swimming pool. Montigo Resort provides many villa types, depending on your group size. Click here to grab a villa before it’s fully booked!
- Jl. Hang Lekiu, Sambau, Kecamatan Nongsa, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29465, Indonesia
- https://holidaysfromsingapore.com/montigo-resort-nongsa-batam/
Turi Beach Resort
Turi Beach Resort offers spacious rooms with private balconies overlooking the sea or landscape garden. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the white sandy beaches while taking in the magnificent vista of the South China Sea. Or go for a dip in the swimming pool to escape from the heat! Immerse yourself in nature, and rest your mind and body.
Click here to book.
