A Handy Guide for Your First Visit to Batam – Experience a Fun Holiday Adventure

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Cabajar, Barelang Bridge in Indonesia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo of A Handy Guide for Your First Visit to Batam – Experience a Fun Holiday Adventure by william barry

Part of the Riau Islands in Indonesia, Batam offers the ideal getaway where you can enjoy relaxation and outdoor activities in equal measure. If you are planning a trip to this destination for the first time, these insights will help.

Getting to Batam

Herusutimbul, Kapal Cepat Tanjung Pinang, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo of A Handy Guide for Your First Visit to Batam – Experience a Fun Holiday Adventure by william barry

Due to its proximity to Singapore, Batam is a popular destination to visit from the Lion City. An ideal way to get there is to take a ferry from Singapore which is around a 45-to-60-minute journey to access points such as the Batam Centre Point International Ferry Terminal. Alternatively, you can also reach Batam by catching a flight to the Hang Nadim International Airport.

Finding Accommodation

Image via HARRIS Resort Barelang Batam

Photo of A Handy Guide for Your First Visit to Batam – Experience a Fun Holiday Adventure by william barry

When it comes to selecting an ideal Barelang hotel, choose one that not only offers a comfort-filled stay but also a chance to enjoy the best of this destination. An ideal option would be a property near the iconic Barelang Bridge, which offers sea-view rooms as well as larger suites and villas. Stay at a hotel that also features swimming pools, a water playground area and kids’ club for little explorers and a gym. Access to fun land activities and water sports as well as a spa will add to the convenience.

Things To Do

Candra Aditya Wiguna, Banana Boat Beras Basah 2, CC BY-SA 3.0

Photo of A Handy Guide for Your First Visit to Batam – Experience a Fun Holiday Adventure by william barry

You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do in Batam. You can soak up the sun on one of the local beaches, engage in water sports like banana boat rides and jet skiing and go diving at places such as Abang Island. Do not miss catching a sunset at the famed Barelang Bridge, which happens to offer great cycling adventures as well. 

Families will have a blast at Waterpark Top 100 Batu Aji, while foodies can savour delectable and fresh seafood delights at various local restaurants. Other highlights include go-karting at Golden City Go-Kart, embarking on thrilling ATV rides, shopping at modern malls, and visiting religious sites like the Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple.

Getting Around Batam

Abelard Fuah, Blue Bird BD, CC BY-SA 3.0

Photo of A Handy Guide for Your First Visit to Batam – Experience a Fun Holiday Adventure by william barry

The public bus system known as Trans Batam offers an affordable way to get around this destination, but it does not cover all districts. You can look to rent a car on an extended trip here, though you can also easily make use of the taxis that are on offer; official taxis will have meters and a taxi license. Alternatively, you can use ride-hailing apps such as Grab and Gojek for your transport in Batam.