Batam Island

It is the busiest in the Indonesia Riau islands, Batam is about 45 minutes away from Singapore by ferry.

It is one of the favorite Singaporean destinations for a short getaway over the weekend or during festive seasons.

Many have made use of their International Airport and fly to other parts of Indonesia at cheaper domestic rates.

It was once notorious for its night spots but there have been tremendous changes over the past decade.

In addition to the booming manufacturing and logistics industries, the local government has also succeeded promoting the Riau island a tourism destination.

How to go

By Boat

- Take a ferry from Singapore HarbourFront Ferry Terminal or at Tanah Merah Terminal.

- Arrive at one of the Ferry Terminals: Water Front City, Sekupang, Telaga Punggur, Ba-tam Centre and Nongsapura.

- It is cheaper to purchase 2-way ticket rather than 1-way. Inclusive of fuel charges, 2-way ticket are at S$48 at the time of writing.

You can purchase ferry tickets at the ferry terminal or through travel agencies.

By plane

Hang Nadim International Airport (BTH), most flights are domestic flying to other Indonesia destinations. Many in Singapore make use of this route flying to Indonesia which is a cheaper option than flying from Singapore Changi Airport.


Getting Around

Taxi is the most common form of transport, however, bargaining is necessary as taxi drivers do not go by the meter.


Things to do

* Shopping

* Spa

* Water Sports

* Night life

* Seafood

* transit to other Indonesia destinations

One Day Batam Tour

My recent trip to with my relatives from Hong Kong. We went shopping at Nagoya Shopping Mall. It is a popular shopping mall with great facilities.

Nagoya Shopping Mall

Next, we went to Golden Prawn 555 for a seafood Lunch. Picture taken with my aunt at the entrance of the seafood restaurant.

It was followed by more shopping at Batam Centre Shopping Mall, we had some J.Co donuts for tea time. In the evening, we had more seafood. Check out the pictures here.

Deep fried Calamari

Shell Fish

Seafood Full Course costs less than US$20!!!

Cereal Prawn, you can't find this anywhere else!

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