Very popular for its beaches and exclusive resorts, visitors keep returning to this paradise for its fantastic duty-free shopping options. Batam is an island city and is very close to Jakarta and Singapore. If you are in any of the two cities, ensure that you plan a getaway to Batam for a relaxing weekend, rejuvenating massages and delectable local dishes. There are cheap stay options here, such as homestays. Keeping in mind our budget travelers, and also those who are keen to find a more pocket-friendly getaway from their lavish vacation at the Indonesian and Malaysian capitals, we have listed fantastic activities at this island city in Indonesia. Here are the top things to do in Batam with your family, friends, and even on a solo trip.
Good to know:
Batam is one of the most important islands in Indonesia according to Britannica.
According to the official tourism website of Indonesia, the government of Indonesia has offered Visa Exemption and Visa On Arrival (VOA) for leisure purpose for several countries, including Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Myanmar. You can check out the specific immigration checkpoints where you can receive your Visa on the official website.
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1. Pray at Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple
Are you religious or do you like to explore the architecture of the destination you visit? If you are, then I suggest witnessing the serene side of Batam at Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple. The temple is arguably the largest in Indonesia. You will love the striking gold-plated statue, called Maitreya Buddha. It is 5 meters (16.4 feet) high and is located on the second floor. If that is not enough, there is another Maitreya Buddha statue with a similar height, placed on the third floor of the monastery. If you are looking forward to learning more about the culture, traditions and religion of the locals, then Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple is where you have to be.
Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya
Address: 42HM+QVG, Komplek Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Bukit Beruntung, Sungai Panas, Kec. Batam Kota, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29432, Indonesia
2. Enjoy a beautiful sunset from Barelang Bridge
Sit down and take in the breeze as you enjoy the sunset. Barelang Bridge, located 35 kilometres (21.7 miles) from the town centre of Batam city, is an architectural wonder that connects Batam with Rempang, Galang, Galang Baru, Tonton, Nipah, and Sekotok. Barelang Bridge being among of the iconic sights in Batam. People flock here in the late afternoon for the romantic scene and photo opportunities. Try to go around sunset for the best views across the water.
Barelang Bridge
Address: Jl. Trans Barelang, Riau Islands Province 29472, Indonesia
3. Treat your taste buds at Rezeki Seafood Restaurant
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Batam is also famous for its seafood which is considerably inexpensive in comparison with Singapore or any other part of Southeast Asia. If you feel peckish or simply want to experience delish seafood, you can stop by Rezeki Seafood Restaurant and try out some of their masterpieces including snacks like crunchy calamari which is a local’s favourite, as well as black pepper crab. I’m sure you will love the interiors and the panoramic views of the sea. While you are here, you have to try out the prawn or green chilli chicken.
Rezeki Seafood Restaurant
Address: Pantai, Jl. H. Moh. Saleh, RT.002/RW.001, Batu Besar, Nongsa, Batam City, Riau Islands 29465, Indonesia
Opening hours: 10am - 9pm (daily)
4. Go canoeing at Batam View Beach Resort
Looking for a fun activity to indulge in with your friends while you are in Batam? Why don’t you get your adrenalin pumped as you test your paddling skills as you canoe around the lagoon area? This spot is not only interesting but also helps in building or restoring your relationships. Those who are aiming to strengthen your relationship or even bring it to the next level, try it out and you will be surprised by its magical power! If you are travelling solo, a single-seater option is available too. Please note that the availability of all such water activities depends on the weather condition.
Book Your Stay: Batam View Beach Resort
5. Chill out at Nongsa Beach
Conveniently located in the northeast of Batam, Nongsa Beach is one of the most visited beaches. The beach is known for its white sandy texture and blue clear sea water, which I think makes it perfect for swimming or just enjoying the sun. This is the right place to chill out because the beach also features hotels, resorts, street food, and bars. In case the beach gets crowded and noisy, as it is most of the time, you can also take a seven-minute boat ride to a more beautiful and peaceful island called Pulau Putri. Here you can enjoy romantic picnics or just glaze peacefully at the sky.
Nongsa Beach
Address: Sambau, Nongsa, Batam City, Riau Islands, Indonesia
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
6. Spend quality time at Mega Wisata Coastarina Batam
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Ever since it was opened in 2008, Ocarina Park or Mega Wisata Coastarina Batam has maintained its fame as the place to be with your family whenever you visit Batam. This is because, at his entertainment zone, you will find everything including a swimming pool, a giant wheel, flying fox, Shio statues, 3D movie theatre and trampoline. It also features important facilities such as souvenir shops, food courts, and ample parking space and clean toilets. For those who would want the beach experience but do not want to travel all the way to Nongsa or Sekupang beaches, then Mega Wisata Coastarina Batam is the only option you have got.
Mega Wisata coastarina Batam
Address: Sadai, Bengkong, Batam City, Riau Islands 29444, Indonesia
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 10pm; Sat: 8am - 11pm; Sun: 6am - 10pm
7. Go golfing at Batam Hills Golf Resort
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Are you into sports? Then I think you should head to Batam Hills Golf Resort and try out your golfing skills. It is a very unique destination for both beginners and professional golfers. It boasts firm fast-releasing fairways, a variety of hole designs, ample run-off areas and massive boulders, some forming a striking backdrop. The resort also features several elegant meeting rooms perfect for private meetings and gatherings. Whenever you are here you should always experience their unique dining which is complemented with the panoramic view of the golf course.
Batam Hills Golf Resort
Address: Jl. Diponegoro No.24, Tj. Riau, Kec. Sekupang, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29425, Indonesia
Website: Batam Hills Golf Resort
8. Rejuvenate your soul by exotic treatments at Spa Central
Relax and rejuvenate at Spa Central. It is one of the first spas in Batam and it is famous for its cosy interiors and well-curated packages. If you are looking for a simple yet relaxing session, you can try out the Central Favorite package which includes lovely foot and body scrub plus an aromatherapy massage. If you have more time on your hands, you should always go for the full-day spa package which will no doubt relax every part of your body.
Book Tours : Spa Central Package in Batam, Indonesia Singapore
9. Satisfy your shopaholic soul at Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall on Tuesday, September 6, 2022
If you are looking forward to solving all your shopping, dining and entertainment in just one touch, then I’d suggest stopping by Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall. It is the largest departmental store selling everything from clothes, bags, accessories, shoes and household appliances. As for dining, you can head to the food court which features a wide selection of local cuisine at an affordable price. After a day of satisfying shopping experience, head to the mall’s Cinema XXI and watch classic box office films. With tickets being so cheap, you can have a movie marathon guilt-free.
Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall
Address: 42W6+GWX, Jl. Nagoya Hill, Lubuk Baja Kota, Kec. Lubuk Baja, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29444, Indonesia
Website: Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)
10. Try water-skiing at Batam Wakepark
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
An obvious option for a kick of adrenaline is Batam Wakepark. It is located just an hour ride by ferry from Singapore’s Harbourfront Centre. The park is built on reclaimed land featuring countless activities luxurious accommodation, but it is the man-made lake with an 800-meter (2624.7 feet) cable circuit that brings the attraction here. Unlike in Singapore where you will be offered cable-skiing at a steep hourly rate, Batam Wakepark provides value for money ‘day packages’ that include equipment, lunch and transfers to suit your schedule and skill, making the trip much more hassle-free.
Batam Wakepark
Address: 526V+M8M, Jl. Tj. Buntung, Tj. Buntung, Kec. Bengkong, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29444, Indonesia
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
11. Go biking along Duriankang Reservoir
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Check out the northern coastline. Hire a motorbike or a bicycle and ride along the gorgeous greenery and serene water view. I’m sure nature lovers will enjoy this ride. The biking trail will take you to Dam Duriankang Reservoir. This forested area is fenced and is Batam’s main water catchment area. A dam has also been built and now the 23.4 square kilometres (9.03 square miles) reservoir consists of freshwater, approximately 50 per cent of Batam’s freshwater supply.
Duriankang Reservoir
Address: Batam Kota, Batam City, Riau Islands 29433, Indonesia
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
12. Find Indonesia's architecture in display at Batam Miniature House
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
This lovely little architectural marvel is located in Batam. It is a must-visit attraction when you are in Batam. This cute attraction is situated right across from Golden View Hotel. The houses here are basically miniature replicas of the different kinds of Indonesian houses you might see across the country. Entry is free here and you can easily check this space out in about 30 minutes’ time. These are impressive structures that showcase the genius of Indonesian architects and also says quite a bit about the Indonesian culture.
Batam Miniature House
Address: 526R+RCG, Tanjung Buntung, Bengkong, Batam City, Riau Islands 29444, Indonesia
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
13. Discover the stilt houses in Tanjung Uma
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
While still getting a hang of the architecture in Indonesia, one can also delve a little deeper. Tanjung Uma showcases stilt houses that portray the traditional architecture of Batam. Enjoy how these houses have been built. Stilt houses were originally built by the rivers. Today, the architecture of the country has changed, it is modern and more globally recognised, but the traditions are still worth exploring. When in Batam, I think this attraction is a must-visit.
Stilt houses in Tanjung Uma
Address: Lubuk Baja, Batam City, Riau Islands, Indonesia
14. Experience sheer fun at Nagoya Entertainment District
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Located in the northern part of Batam, there are plenty of hotels, mall and restaurants to keep you well rested, full, and entertained. This district comes alive at night. So why is ti so popular? There are more than 35 pubs and the number keeps jumping up. A number of pubs among these do not have their own kitchen but your orders are brought in from other pubs, so you need not worry which pub you are entering, you will get your fill. You will find live bands, techno music, hard house, and ample choice of cocktail.
Nagoya Entertainment District
Address: North of Batam
15. Go glamping on Ranoh Island
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Ranoh Island on Friday, December 22, 2017
This is a premier tropical getaway, only about an hours’ journey from the din and dust of Batam city center. You get to cross the lovely six bridges that connect Batam to the southern islands. catching a glimpse of tropical agriculture and rural island life along the way. You can go glamping here and find your way to the perfect snorkelling spot. The pristine sand beaches complement the turquoise of the ocean. Spend a day at this island and I’m sure you’ll appreciate the bliss it offers.
Ranoh Island
Address: H64J+QP4 Near Abang-besar Island, Pulau Abang, Galang, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau, Indonesia
Website: Ranoh Island
16. Try the multi-coloured beers at Freshbeer Batam Centre
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Batam Fresh Beer on Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Want to taste the best beer here in Batam? Head over to Feshbeer Batam Centre. You will find a number of choices for craft beer, regular beer, awesome ambience and much more. You can strike up a conversation with the bartenders to find out the best that you can have here. The decor is chic, you might catch a live band too, and all this for a considerably cheap price.
Freshbeer Batam Centre
Address: Komplek hup seng blok D no 8, Jl. Engku Putri No.kel, Teluk Tering, Batam Kota, Batam City, Riau Islands 29444, Indonesia
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 12pm - 1am; Sun: 12 pm - 12 am
17. Discover an abandoned shipwreck at Pulau Tunjuk
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you are an adventurer and you have your little pirates yearning for something exciting, I recommend visiting Pulau Tunjuk. An abandoned shipwreck awaits your visit. Explore the wreck, let the children play pirate, or simply camp near and get an experience of a lifetime. The sandy beach and clear water make it all the more intriguing for visitors.
Pulau Tunjuk
Address: W6R2+FMP, Pulau Tunjuk, Subang Mas, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau, Indonesia
18. Get adventurous with Cabana Club
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you are into water sports and would like to try some here in Batam, head to Sambau. Cabana Club brings to you all kinds of water activities. Be it parasailing, jet skiing, kneeboarding or kayaking, you have it all here. The guides and trainers are excellent and all your frights are taken care of. Enjoy the relaxing ambience, bond with fellow tourists if you want to, to simply enjoy the experience.
Cabana Club
Address: Jl. Hang Lekiu, Sambau, Kecamatan Nongsa, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29465, Indonesia
Website: Cabana Club
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
19. Go trinket shopping at Batam Souvenir Shop
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Batam Souvenir Shop on Sunday, March 22, 2020
If you are looking for trinkets that remind you of Batam, you can surely visit this lovely little shop in Batam Center. You can find lovely little earrings, hairpins, magnets, keyrings and more. You might also find some kitchen essentials to gift your friend and family back home.
Batam Souvenir Shop
Address: Perum Kapital Raya Blok G No. 4 Batam Center, Belian, Kec. Batam Kota, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29464, Indonesia
Website: Batam Souvenir Shop
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 9pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
20. Explore the underwater world as you snorkel in Batam
The rich underwater life triggers snorkelling opportunities in Batam. If you want to experience diving underwater while meeting the life underneath, check out the tours that offer you the opportunity to snorkel and also provides the necessary equipment. They offer a free ride to the site and also the necessary diving gear, accessories, and all other speciality services along with a highly skilled trainer. So, I’m sure you’ll have a smooth experience.
Explore the nook and crannies of Batam
Batam has a lot to offer, be it attractions, shopping, nightlife, food, kids’ activities, or lovely Airbnbs. Find out more as you book a ticket to visit this lovely city in Indonesia.
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