Top things to do in Batam in 2023 – Discover MUST-SEE attractions, adventures & more!

TOP THINGS TO DO IN BATAM IN 2022 - Discover MUST-SEE attractions, adventures & more!

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 June vacation by heading to Batam Indonesia, which is only a ferry’s ride away from Singapore.

Now that travel restrictions have been significantly relaxed, Singaporeans can visit Batam Indonesia whenever they want. There is no need for a VISA, travel insurance, or a pre-departure ART or PCR test. Click here for the latest travel requirements.

Here are the BEST things to do in Batam, ranging from iconic attractions to must-see shopping malls and newly opened theme parks.
(Published: 16 June 2022)

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. Click here 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)

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.

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.

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 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.

Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple

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.

SHOPPING

Batam is undoubtedly a shopper’s paradise. Their large retail malls and shopping complexes offer a wide variety of goods at affordable prices. Furthermore, the shopping experience in Batam becomes more thrilling when it is duty-free.

Mega Mall

This mall is strategically located beside one of the ferry terminals, Batam Ferry Terminal. 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. It is also home to a sizable population of eateries and stylish retailers.

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 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

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.

Grand Batam Mall

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.

EAT LOCAL STREET FOOD

Indonesian street food is the perfect place to explore the bustling food scene of Batam!

Ayam Bakar Chaniago

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.

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.

Martabak 818

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 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.

ADVENTURE, WATER SPORTS & THEME PARKS

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.

Did you know that getting to Ranoh Island requires a bus ride, a 15 minute speed boat journey and tickets? We will save you time and money by arranging these for you. With just a simple click, you can enjoy a peaceful beach getaway for as little as $69 per person!

Mega Wisata Ocarina Batam

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.

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 2022.

DON’T KNOW HOW TO PLAN?

Don’t fret! We help you arrange the following: ferry tickets, transportation for 8 hours and lunch. Your driver will take you to popular tourist destinations, or wherever you want to go in Batam.