BEST THINGS TO DO IN BATAM IN 2023
Batam island is a place full of various activities to do and places to visit!
Have you run out of activities to do on our Sunny Island? Have you gone cafe hopping to your heart’s content and seen every single art exhibition in Singapore? Spice up your holiday by heading to Batam Indonesia, which is only a 1 hour ferry’s ride away from Singapore.
Here are the BEST things to do in Batam, ranging from iconic attractions to must-see shopping malls and newly opened theme park!
But first, 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!
WHY visit Batam?
Batam and Bintan are few of the top cities that Singapore love to travel to. Here are the top 5 reasons to travel to Batam!
Exciting nightlife
Despite being a small island, Batam Island has a thriving nightlife that attracts a high volume of tourists and businessmen daily. Pubs, night club, cafés, spas, and massage parlors are just a few of the nightlife hotspots and locations that are popular among locals and expats.
Affordable shopping
You can’t say you’ve been to Batam Island until you’ve visited at least one of the shopping malls, such as Nagoya Hill Mall or Mega Mall. These shopping malls are situated near the City Center, so you could consider booking your hotel accommodation nearby! These shopping malls are the perfect place to shop till you drop.
Wide variety of recreational activities
The range of indoor and outdoor activities would leave you spoilt for choice. Indoor lovers could go on a shopping spree, massage or relax in their Batam resort. Thrill seekers could visit the local attractions or participate in exciting activities such as mangrove kayaking and ATV.
Beautiful beaches of Barelang
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 activities
Batam is one of the cities with an abundance of water sports. Prepare your sunscreen and swimsuit for thrilling water sports in Batam! Pick form any of these activities: snorkeling, jet skiing, diving, sailing, banana boat, parasailing. Perfect for big groups of friends!
HOW to get to Batam?
First and foremost, how does one get to Batam? Batam Island is only a ferry’s ride away from Singapore. Rest assured that you will enjoy your ferry journey with air conditioning and comfortable cushioned seats.
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.
HOW to travel around Batam island?
There is public transportation and taxi service available. However, car rental is the most convenient way to get around Batam island. This is particularly good value for large groups. Click here to book full-day transportation. Large groups can enjoy a coach with air conditioning for only $30 per person!
MUST-VISIT ATTRACTIONS
You can’t claim to have visited Batam unless you’ve seen these iconic landmarks. We’re here to dispel the myth that temples are only for the elderly. Visit these places in person to appreciate their beauty!
Tua Pek Kong (Vihara Budhi Bhakti)
image credit: Entree Kibbles
If you enjoy religious attractions or are an architecture lover, visit Vihara Budhi Bhakti, which is said to be one of Batam’s oldest Buddhist temples. Locals visit Tua Pek Kong Temple to pray for the blessing of deity Tua Pek Kong.
This temple is ornamented with traditional Chinese architectural styles and decorations. The temple was built in the 20th century and is painted vivid red, with a boat-shaped roof and gold rims that are difficult to miss even from afar. The roof is graced with two mythological dragon sculptures that contribute to the structure’s magnificence.
When you visit this temple, you can experience various religious rituals and practices. Don’t miss out the chance to witness all the different events, ceremonies, and performances and enjoy the festive atmosphere!
Barelang Bridge
Locals would know that this bridge is one of the most prominent icons of Batam. In fact, the usual pictures seen of the barelang bridge is actually only of the first and main Bridge ‘Tengku Fisabilillah Bridge’.
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.
Take a chance to look at the scenic views of the surrounding islands and the sea and enjoy the beauty of nature in Batam!
Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple
image credit: Entree Kibbles
After visiting the oldest Buddhist temple in Batam, why not see the LARGEST one? Every corner of Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple has a statue of Buddha Maitreya.
Visit this heritage site to learn more about Buddhism and witness the incredible architecture, particularly the monastery which contains many other Buddha statues. This is a place where you will experience tranquility and it’s a nice relief from the hustle and bustle of the commercial district. The temple will welcome you with peaceful and religious atmosphere.
You can also spend your time by meditation or any other spiritual practices in different facilities such as prayer rooms, meditation halls, gardens, and even a vegetarian restaurant.
SHOPPING
Batam is undoubtedly a shopper’s paradise! The large retail malls and shopping complexes offer a wide variety of goods at affordable prices. You can enjoy most activities – eating, buying, and more – at cheap prices.
Furthermore, the shopping experience in Batam becomes more thrilling when it is duty-free.
Mega Mall
This mall is strategically located right beside one of the ferry terminals, Batam Centre Ferry Terminal. Mega Mall is also directly connected to the ferry terminal by bridge, so head down for a last minute shopping trip before you head home, or you can spend your entire day in this gigantic mall.
In this mall, there are Hypermarts and a Matahari Department Store. You can visit these marts to buy many local foods and products. Also, Mega Mall is also home to a sizable population of eateries and stylish retailers.
Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall
image credit: Holidify
Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall is the place to go if you want to satisfy all of your food, shopping, and entertainment interests in one location. The mall is the city’s largest and most popular department store, selling everything from clothing, sports equipment, home products, gadgets to luggage.
Prepare to burn a hole in your pocket; the Hypermarket in the basement sells everything you need. Enjoy your dinner in the food court, which offers a broad variety of local cuisine at a reasonable price. After a day of shopping, unwind by watching box office movies at the mall’s Studio 21 Cineplex at a fraction of our usual price.
Batam City Square Mall
image credit: WeekendGoWhere
Another well-known shopping mall, Batam City Square Mall, is located next to Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall. This mall, too, sells a wide variety of goods. It doesn’t matter what you’re looking for, they’ve got it.
Nagoya Mall and City Square Mall are both conveniently located near a number of affordable hotels and massage parlors. Feel free to take breaks between shopping marathons to deposit your purchases at your lodging or to get a quick 90-minute relaxation massage.
- Jl. Bunga Raya, Batu Selicin, Kec. Lubuk Baja, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29442, Indonesia
- 11am - 10pm daily
- +627787435500
Grand Batam Mall
image credit: Batam Excursion & Tripcetera
In our lives, there is never 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
EAT LOCAL STREET FOOD
Indonesian street food is the perfect place to explore the bustling food scene of Batam!
Ayam Bakar Chaniago
image credit: TheSmartLocal
This is one of the hidden Jems that locals don’t want tourists to discover.
Ayam Bakar Chaniago is well-known for its BBQ chicken, which is juicy and tender and even more delicious when paired with their fragrant sambal. The menu does not include any prices, which is unique. Only after you have finished your meal will you be able to see the bill.
This dish is widely available in many Indonesian restaurants and food courts, especially those that serve Padang or Minangkabu cuisine. You will be enticed with the flavourful taste!
Aside from the lack of a price list, there is no central kitchen. Several roadside vendors prepare the food on the side of the road. Nonetheless, you can satisfy your craving for BBQ chicken at this hidden gem while experiencing it as a true local.
After trying Ayam Bakar Chaniago will offer you delightful culinary experience, exposing you to the Indonesian culture and cuisine as well.
Check @Batamliciouz Instagram video to find out more!
Martabak 818
image credit: Google Review
In different countries, Martabak can refer to different food. In Indonesia, Martabak is a well-known street snack that is available in two varieties: Martabak Manis and Martabak Telur. The original Martabak Manis, also known as Terang Bulan, is a thick, sweet pancake that is typically covered with a variety of ingredients, including 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. What stands out is the amazing Pandan batter which forms the base for the Martabak.
When Martabak is filled with the food of your preference, it will be fried until it becomes a crispy and savoury pancake. You can also try Martabak with tangy dipping sauce or condiment such as chili sauce or pickes to enhance the taste.
ADVENTURE, WATER SPORTS & THEME PARKS
Ranoh Island
image credit: ranohisland.com
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.
Fully enjoy your getaway in Batam, feeling the wind breeze through the coconut trees and the sound of waves of sea.
This place would be perfect if you are an adventure seeker or if you got bored with the city life of Batam and would like to enjoy the nature and peaceful atmosphere where you can try out different activities in one place!
- Pulau Ranoh Batam, Riau, Indonesia 29487
- +62 852 7176 5102
- +62 852 7176 5102
- info@ranohisland.com
- https://www.ranohisland.com
Mega Wisata Ocarina Batam
image credit: Shutterstock & TribunnewsWiki.com
This theme park is perfect for thrill seekers! Mega Wisata Ocarina Batam is a waterfront amusement center that offers various rides, a water park and even games for children. The most iconic ride would be the Ferris wheel, which is perfect for the gram.
Mega Wisata Ocarina also features a man-made lake, landscaped gardens, and other different attractions. At the Ocarina Musical Fountain, you can enjoy the music show, with water, light, and music synchronised all together. Not only that, but you can also try out various recreations such as paddleboat and canoe to try at the lake.
Mega Wisata Ocarina also has a cultural village where you can experience traditional Indonesian arts and crafts.
This place is definitely the best place for visitors and families who would like to build unforgettable memories during the Batam getaway!
- Sadai, Bengkong, Batam City, Riau Islands 29444, Indonesia
- 8am - 10pm daily
RESORTS
If you just want to chill & huddle 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!
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.
MASSAGE PLACES
Your body must be tired after expending all of your energy on those activities. If you want to relieve all the tension and sore feet, getting a massage in Batam is a MUST! Some of our recommendations are near ferry terminals, which is extremely convenient. Grab a quick massage before heading back to Singapore!
Click here for our recommendations for the top 10 massage parlors in Batam in 2023.
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