Part of the picturesque Riau Islands to the east of Sumatra, Pulau Batam is the main access point to this part of the world and there is plenty to see and do here.
Destinations: Nongsa • Waterfront City
Pulau Batam, often referred to simply as Batam, is part of Indonesia’s Riau Islands province. Strategically located just 20 kilometers south of Singapore, Batam has rapidly transformed into a bustling hub for commerce, industry, and tourism. Known for its nightlife, shopping opportunities, and beautiful beaches, Batam is a popular destination for both business travelers and tourists seeking a quick getaway from neighboring countries.
Many visitors to this region of the world like to use Palau Batam as a base to explore as there are plenty of attractions, accommodation and entertainment options to choose from. With regular ferries connecting Palau Batam to surrounding areas, it is also easy to explore from here.
Although small, nearly a million people live on Palau Batam, and the community is active, meaning that there are plenty of attractions such as golf, water parks, restaurants and shopping malls. Those who prefer to spend their time surrounded by natural beauty can soak up the sun on one of the picturesque stretches of sand and swim in the aquamarine water.
The island’s terrain is a mix of coastal plains, rolling hills, and forested areas. The climate is tropical, characterized by high humidity and temperatures ranging between 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F) year-round.
Getting around Palau Batam is simple as most of the major towns are connected by bus. It is also possible to hire a bicycle to explore at your own pace, while there are taxis available for hire.
- Batam’s close proximity to Singapore makes it a popular destination for day trips and weekend getaways.
- The island is part of the Indonesia-Malaysia-Singapore Growth Triangle, an initiative aimed at boosting economic cooperation and development in the region.
- Batam has a diverse cultural heritage, with influences from Malay, Chinese, and Javanese communities, reflected in its festivals, cuisine, and traditions.
Where to Go
- Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall: One of the largest shopping centers in Batam, offering a wide range of international and local brands, dining options, and entertainment facilities.
- Barelang Bridge: A series of six bridges connecting Batam with several nearby islands, offering scenic views and a popular spot for photography.
- Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple: One of Southeast Asia’s largest Buddhist temples, known for its peaceful ambiance and impressive architecture.
- Batam Cable Water Ski Park: A popular destination for water sports enthusiasts, offering wakeboarding, waterskiing, and other activities.
- Ocarina Park: A family-friendly amusement park with various rides, attractions, and a beautiful waterfront setting.
- Nongsa Beach: A beach area ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the scenic coastline.
- Batam Miniature Park: A cultural attraction showcasing miniature versions of famous Indonesian landmarks, providing insights into the country’s diverse heritage.
When to Go
The best time to visit Pulau Batam is during the dry season, which runs from May to September.
Dry Season: (May to September) Warm and relatively dry, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F). This period experiences less rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and beach outings. Perfect for water sports, sightseeing, golfing, and exploring the island’s natural beauty. The clear skies and calm seas provide excellent conditions for snorkeling, diving, and other water-based activities.
Wet Season: (October to April) Higher humidity and frequent rainfall, with occasional thunderstorms. Temperatures remain warm, typically between 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). While outdoor activities may be limited due to rain, this season is suitable for indoor attractions, spa treatments, shopping, and dining. The island is less crowded during this time, which can be an advantage if you prefer a quieter experience.
Things to Do
- Shopping: Batam is a duty-free shopping haven, with numerous malls and markets offering electronics, fashion, and local handicrafts at competitive prices.
- Golfing: The island boasts several world-class golf courses, such as Tering Bay Golf & Country Club and SouthLinks Country Club, attracting golf enthusiasts from around the region.
- Spa and Wellness: Batam is known for its affordable and high-quality spa services, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and rejuvenation.
- Water Sports: From jet skiing and banana boating to snorkeling and diving, Batam offers a variety of water activities for adventure seekers.
- Dining: The island’s culinary scene is diverse, featuring a mix of Indonesian, Chinese, Indian, and international cuisines. Seafood is particularly popular, with numerous restaurants offering fresh catches from the surrounding waters.
Getting There
Getting to Batam is easy as the island has an international airport, Hnag Nadim Airport. There are regular connecting flights from cities such as Singapore (40 minutes) and Johor Bahru (1 hour). There are also ferries to Batam’s port from Singapore, Malaysia and many surrounding islands.
By Air
- From Jakarta: (Soekarno-Hatta International Airport) There are multiple daily flights from Jakarta to Hang Nadim International Airport (BTH) in Batam. Airlines such as Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and Citilink operate these flights, which take about 1.5 to 2 hours.
- From Kuala Lumpur: (Kuala Lumpur International Airport) Batik Air operates direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Batam, with a flight time of approximately 1.5 hours.
- From Other Indonesian Cities: There are direct flights from other major Indonesian cities such as Surabaya, Medan, and Pekanbaru to Batam, operated by various domestic airlines.
By Sea
- From Singapore: Several ferry operators, such as Batam Fast, Sindo Ferry, and Majestic Fast Ferry, provide frequent services from various terminals in Singapore (HarbourFront Centre and Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal) to Batam’s ferry terminals (Batam Centre, Sekupang, and Harbour Bay). The ferry ride takes approximately 45 to 70 minutes, depending on the route and ferry terminal.
- From Johor Bahru, Malaysia: Ferries operate from Johor Bahru’s Stulang Laut Ferry Terminal to Batam’s Batam Centre Ferry Terminal. The ferry journey takes around 90 minutes.
- From Other Riau Islands: There are ferry services connecting Batam to other islands in the Riau Archipelago, such as Bintan and Tanjung Pinang.
Getting Around
- Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services: Taxis are widely available, and ride-hailing services like Grab are popular and convenient.
- Car Rentals: Car rentals are available for those who prefer to drive themselves.
- Public Transport: Public buses and minivans (known as “angkot”) are available, though they might be less convenient for tourists.