Batam Island Vacation: Tourist Attractions and Travel Guide

Bali is not the only Indonesian island worth visiting. This country has many attractive islands, including Batam. This island offers various tourist attractions. Moreover, it is close to Singapore. Therefore, you can combine your Batam Island vacation with a Singapore holiday.

Batam is a small island near Sumatra Island and Singapore.  Moreover, it has a population of more than 1.26 million people. They are of different ethnicities, such as Malay, Chinese, Javanese, Batak, and Minang. This diverse population arises because Batam is an industrial and tourism region.

Recommended Tourist Attractions in Batam Island

Batam is a mix of industrial modernity and natural attractions. Therefore, holidaymakers can enjoy various activities on this island, from shopping to exploring nature. A holiday in Batam will not be perfect if you do not visit its iconic tourist attractions.

1. Barelang Bridges

One of the iconic landscapes in Batam is the Barelang Bridges. Barelang consists of six bridges connecting Batam to other Riau Islands. Driving across these bridges will allow you to admire the spectacular views of the coastline and the sea around Batam Island.

Moreover, you can hang out at a café under one of these bridges and enjoy Batam’s beautiful scenery. The best time to visit Barelang Bridges is in the evening. At this time, Batam’s temperature is cooler and the sun is setting down on the horizon.

2. Princess Cove Beach Club

Your Batam Island vacation is not perfect if you do not explore the coastline and try some watersports. Holidaymakers can try these sports at several beaches on this island. Moreover, they can also go to Princess Cove Beach Club to experience various watersports.

At this beach club, you can go diving, fishing, and surfing. You can also play beach volleyball with your fellow travelers. Another attractive activity at Princess Cove Beach Club is riding an aerial bike.

3. White Sand Island

Holidaymakers can also experience watersports on White Sand Island or Baisha Island. This small island looks enchanting with its green tropical plants in the middle and a white sandy beach enclosing it.

You can go diving in the sea surrounding the island. After a few hours of diving, you can rest and relax on the coastline and admire its beauty.

4. Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple

You can find several temples in Batam Island. The biggest one is Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple. This temple is only 9 km from the city center.

Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple has several huge statues, including a vast statue of Buddha Maitreya. Moreover, this temple is full of sculptures and art.

5. Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall

After exploring the beauty of Batam, you can go shopping at the largest shopping mall in town. The name of this mall is Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall.

You can find almost anything in this mall. Moreover, the prices of goods sold in Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall are relatively low.

Batam Island Vacation Guide

Those who haven’t visited Batam before can check the brief guide below. Therefore, they can explore the island more comfortably.

1. How to Get to Batam

Batam is easily accessible from Singapore, Malaysia, and many towns in Indonesia. Those visiting Batam by plane can book a flight from their nearest airport to Hang Nadim Airport Batam.

In addition, holidaymakers can go to Batam via waterway from neighboring regions. This island has four ferry terminals. They are Sekupang, Harbor Bay, Nongsapura, and Batam Center.

Those who depart from Singapore World Trade Terminal can book a ferry to Sekupang Terminal Batam. After arriving at the Sekupang Terminal, you must resume your trip by public transport.

2. Recommended Activities in Batam

Holidaymakers can do many activities while having a Batam Island vacation. Several recommended activities aside from visiting the attractions above are as follows.

• Enjoy a spa: Getting a relaxing massage or spa can help you enjoy the vacation to the fullest. You can get a spa session from the hotel where you stay or from one of Batam’s spa services.
• Eat Local Foods: As a region with a diverse population, Batam offers arrays of local cuisines. Chinese-style seafood menus are available in many restaurants. Moreover, you can also try various Indonesian foods on this island.
• Ride a Go-Kart: Batam has two go-kart circuits. You must try riding this vehicle and have fun at one of these circuits.

3. Getting Around Batam

While you are having a holiday in Batam, you can get around the island in several ways.

• By Taxi: Getting taxis in Batam is easy. However, holidaymakers must be aware of ‘black taxis.’ They typically allow passengers to negotiate tariffs, but they may cause you to spend more money if you don’t know the ideal cost.
• By Public Transports: Holidaymakers can get around Batam via TransBatam, a public bus owned by the government. This transportation is affordable but does not cover all areas in Batam.
• By Rideshares: Rideshares is also available. Holidaymakers can book them via Gojek or Grab app.
• By Car: Getting around in Batam by car is highly convenient. You can rent it from one of the car rentals on this island.

Batam is a great holiday destination. This island offers diverse attractions, from shopping to trying watersports. Moreover, Batam is easily accessible from Singapore, Malaysia, and various cities in Indonesia. Therefore, you must at least have a Batam Island vacationonce.