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Batam is just across the water from Singapore, so if you are looking for a weekend break to Indonesia then this is a great place to come. From Singapore it is a 40 minute ride to Batam on a speed boat and once you are there you can enjoy a huge range of activities far more cheaply than in many other parts of Southeast Asia.

The island is famous as a place where people come to relax and get away from it all and as such it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Indonesia. You won’t find a huge array of ‘attractions’ like historical sites as such, but you will find a number of resorts, spas, restaurants and cafes, and the nightlife here is lively with a good range of choices if you are looking for some entertainment in the evenings.

Another reason why people flock to Batam is for the diving or snorkeling opportunities as the waters here are incredibly clear and visibility is excellent if you want to explore the underwater kingdoms in this part of Indonesia.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Batam:

The Best Time to Visit Batam

It is important for the tourists to pick the right time to travel to Batam. Here’s the best time:

Avoid the rainy season on November – March. During those months, the rain can last for long periods of time.
From May to September are the best time to enjoy many beaches and islands in Batam. The skies are clear and the weather is warm at that time.
Generally, shopping malls in Batam are very crowded during the weekend. Many foreign tourists from Singapore and Malaysia, as well as local tourists from Tanjung Pinang and Bintan usually went shopping or spa with their family.
To avoid exorbitant prices of the hotel, steer clear of a long weekend, especially national holiday.
Batam’s climate is generally sweltering. So, the tourists are suggested to avoid going between March, May, and June as the heat is at its peak. If tourists are planning to visit Batam, be prepared for average temperatures in the upper 30 degrees Celsius.

Traveling Tips By Car in Batam

Want to rent a car on your next trip in Batam? Read the tips first:

Choose the type of car as needed. If you come with family, choose a large car like MPV to ensure convenience and safety during the trip.
Be sure to compare the car rental fees between the differences providers before deciding on rental. Tourists can use Traveloka’s latest service to find the best-verified provider and compare the prices in one place.
Booking your car in advance is the best way to find what you need and avoid last-minute stress.
Try to find a provider where you can cancel or modify the booking for free charge up to 24 – 48 hours before the scheduled arrival.
No matter how tired you are, make sure recheck the car condition and the details of selected package carefully before you drive it away.
For the first-time tourists to Batam, choose a car rental service with an experienced driver. The driver knows more about Batam area very well, and he can give some good recommendations as tourists need.
Save the contact of your car rental provider and driver to expect the unexpected things.

Traveling Around Batam by Car

Batam has become the destination for tourists. This city is indeed known as visitor-friendly and has an affordable price for massages, food and shopping. Unfortunately, many places in Batam has not been supported by proper public transportation. So, renting a car can be the best way that suits tourists mobility when having a family vacation or weekend getaway in Batam. This way makes the trip more comfortable and more efficient. Today’s, there are many car rental providers in Batam, and there is an easy way to hiring a car. Go online via Traveloka to get a rental car that you want. The latest Traveloka’s service is the most effective and efficient way, especially in a modern era like now. The users can choose all type of car from verified providers. The process is easy, responsive, flexible, secure and provides the affordable price.

Popular Destination in Batam

Batam City is the largest city as well as the most populous city in Riau Islands. This city area, which has an estimated population of over 1,2 million people in 2017, consists of Batam Island, Rempang Island and Galang Island which are connected by Barelang Bridge. Batam City also includes other small islands around Batam Island, such as Belakang Padang Island which was formerly the center of government and Sambu Island which is used as the base of Pertamina (Indonesia’s state-owned oil and gas company). Geographically, Batam is strategically located near international shipping. Directly bordering with Singapore, Batam develops fast on the economy as the industrial area. In this city, there are many industrial estates which are dominated by electronics manufacturing industries and shipyard industries. The complete infrastructure and officially declared as a Free Trade Zone (FTZ) area makes this city perfect for business and leisure.

1. Enjoy the water sports

Batam Cable Ski Park

One of the signature attractions in Batam is the water sports as it is located right next to the water.

In other places like Singapore the coast of water skiing or wakeboarding can really add up but in Batam you can enjoy these for a fraction of the price and one of the best places to do this is at the Batam Cable Ski Park.

Just some of the activities on offer here include canoeing, jet skiing, or even snorkeling or you can check out other famous resorts like the Batam View Beach Resort.

2. Visit Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple

Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple

This temple is one of the more serene ways to enjoy Batam and is the place to come if you want to find some inner peace.

Devotees here usually burn incense for good luck and you can enjoy the colorful and elegant Buddha statues here as well as the carvings of twelve zodiac signs which lie opposite the temple.

One of the best things about the temple is that there is also a cafe here and you buy a range of delicious vegetarian food including buns and snacks in the shape of cute animals.

3. Take a trip to Penyengat Island

Penyengat Island

There are a number of islands around central Batam Island that are perfect for day trips and one of these is the stunning Penyengat Island.

It is not one of the largest islands in the area and you can walk around it in around two hours which means that if you get here early you can go for a walk before spending the afternoon sunbathing and then catch the spectacular sunset.

One point of interest on the island is the local mosque called Masjid Kuning (Yellow Mosque) and legend has it that eggshells were used in its construction to make the walls stronger.

The island is also a great place if you want to get a glimpse of how locals live in the less touristy parts of Batam.

4. Dine on seafood

Batam Seafood

Batam is also known for its seafood which again is far cheaper than Singapore or other parts of Southeast Asia.

Some of the top picks for seafood in the city include the Sei Enam Seafood Restaurant as well as the Rezeki Seafood Restaurant and Harbour Bay Seafood.

If you are looking for signature dishes then try the chili crab which is famous in the region as well as black pepper crab and snacks like crunchy calamari.

Other underwater delights about here such as juicy prawns and even dine on freshly caught lobster which is usually simply grilled and served with white rice.

5. Welcome to Batam

Welcome to Batam

Welcome to Batam merupakan salah satu monumen ikonik yang menjadi landmark populer di Kota Batam, Provinsi Kepulauan Riau (Kepri). Kayak di Hoollywood, landmark ikonik ini terpampang jelas di atas bukit. Lokasi Welcome to Batam berada di kawasan Bukit Clara, dekat dengan Masjid Raya dan Asrama Haji Batam Center, Kecamatan Batam Kota. Letaknya sangat strategis, menghadap ke Terminal Ferry Internasional Batam Center yang melayani rute ke Singapura dan Malaysia. Selain menjadi identitas, landmark Welcome to Batam ini juga menjadi salah satu destinasi yang banyak menarik kunjungan wisatawan lokal hingga mancanegara.

6. Turi Beach Resort

Turi Beach Resort

Nongsa Beach is one of the best places to come if you are in Batam and looking for some sand.

The beach has a relaxed atmosphere and is less crowded than some other places on the island.

It is also close to a range of amenities and you will find an array of eateries lining the beach that are a great spot if you fancy a spot of dinner or a drink while watching the sunset.

There are also some spas nearby and you can go for a paddle or a swim.

7. Watch the sunset at Barelang Bridge

Barelang Bridge

Barelang Bridge is one of the most iconic sights in Batam and people flock here in the late afternoon for the photo opportunities.

The bridge actually links main Batam Island with adjacent Galang Island and the bridge is a marvel of engineering as it majestically spans the water between these two islands.

If possible try to go around sunset for the best vistas across the water.

8. Have a massage

Massage

One of the reasons that people come to Batam is for rest and relaxation and as a result there are a wealth of spas here where you can soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a range of soothing treatments.

One of the most famous places to get a treatment is the Isabella Massage House although there are a huge range to choose from scattered across the city which will mean that wherever you go you will leave rejuvenated and relaxed.

9. Go scuba diving

Scuba Diving

If you are a diving newbie and want to get certified then Batam Island is the perfect spot to get your PADI certificate cheaply.

Some of the best places to dive here are located offshore from the main Batam Island and include Abang Island, Hantu Island, Labun Island, and Petong Island.

From Batam you can sign up for a course and will be taken out to the neighboring islands in a boat and the visibility here is amazingly clear so you will be able to take in a range of underwater creatures and this is a top spot if you like marine photography.

If you are already an experienced diver then you will also find a lot to enjoy here thanks to the huge selection of aquatic life in these waters such as sharks, rays, and turtles.

10. Play a round of golf

Batam Hills Golf Resort

Batam is a golfer’s paradise and you can enjoy not one but seven different ranges in and around the area.

These include the Batam Hills Golf Resort and the Palm Springs Golf and Beach Resort or you can go to the Padang Golf Sukajadi which is the most famous of all the courses here.

As well as enjoying a game of golf all the courses have bars and eateries attached so you can also get a bite to eat or enjoy a sundowner as you look over the idyllic rambling dunes.

11. Take a trip to Bintan Island

Bintan Island

Bintan Island lies close to Batam and is known for being a luxury retreat with a wealth of delightful high end resorts to choose from.

If you are not on a budget then you can think about staying overnight or you can just take a day trip to Bintan and enjoy the pristine white sands and the azure waters.

Bintan is slightly less busy than Batam and most people come here to chill out at one of the resident resorts on the island, so if you are looking to get away from the crowds then this is a good choice.

12. Sea Forest Adventure

Permainan air seru di Sea Forest Adventure

Berlokasi di Nuvasa Bay, Nongsa, Sea Forest Adventure seluas 10 hektar ini jadi primadona tempat wisata baru bagi warga Batam maupun turis lokal dan mancanegara. Tempat ini cocok banget, deh, untuk menghabiskan waktu bersama keluarga. Fasilitas di dalamnya pun sangat lengkap.

Sea Forest Adventure memiliki Aqua Adventure Track, yaitu fasilitas berupa floating waterpark yang seru abis! Kamu pun dapat mencoba berbagai watersport di tempat ini, seperti kayaking, jet ski, parasailing, dan lainnya.

Beberapa aktivitas, seperti paintball, panahan, tracking, dan mangrove tour juga disediakan untuk kamu yang ingin menikmatinya. Cukup lengkap, kan!

13. Have fun at Ocarina Park

Ocarina Park Batam

Ocarina Park is a great place to come with all the family and is a large entertainment complex which also includes the Ocarina Waterpark.

The park ahs a range of signature features including a large Ferris wheel and you will find a range of rides for children of all ages as well as adults.

There is also a 3D movie theater inside the park and you will also find a number of food courts where you can get a bite to eat.

Certainly if you are looking for a place with a range of attractions all in one place then this is a great choice.

14. Enjoy the nightlife

Batam Nightlife

Batam is well known for having cheap alcohol particularly compared to neighboring Singapore.

It is also one of the liveliest parts of Indonesia if you are looking for an exciting nightlife scene.

The main area for bars and clubs is known as the Nagoya Entertainment District or just ‘NED’ and you can easily spend a night on the town here enjoying the local Indonesian beer Bintang or having a cocktail.

Venues range from low-key lounges where you can get a drink before dinner to larger nightclubs where you can dance the night away into the wee small hours.

15. Go shopping at Grand Batam Mall

Grand Batam Mall

Batam is an island but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have a wealth of shopping malls to visit and actually shopping is the number one pastime for many visitors here.

The Grand Batam Mall has the claim to fame of being the biggest mall in the city and you will find a full range of items here such as branded clothes and accessories.

Other malls include Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall, Mega Mall Batam Center and BCS Mall.

Lots of malls also sell a wealth of typical handicrafts such as wood carvings and textiles so if you are looking to pick up some gifts or souvenirs then you can do all your shopping under one roof.

16. Pulau Ranoh

Pulau Ranoh

Batam memiliki puluhan pulau yang tersebar di wilayahnya. Salah satu pulau yang populer dikunjungi sebagai destinasi wisata di Batam adalah Pulau Ranoh. Keindahan alam ala negara tropis bisa kamu nikmati di sini. Pantai dengan pasir yang bersih, air laut yang jernih, pohon-pohon kelapa yang rindah, sampai pesona terumbu karang di dasar laut menjadi pemandangan menarik yang bisa dilihat di sini.

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cahayarentcarbatam@gmail.com

+62 822-8666-4025