A Travel Guide To Batam, Indonesia

A Travel Guide To Batam, Indonesia

Making your travel plans for this 2017? Why not consider the beautiful Batam, Indonesia. Located across the Strait of Singapore, the island of Batam in Indonesia is the third largest city in the Sumatra region. Apart from the region falling into the free trade zone with Singapore, what makes it significant to the latter is the fact that it’s one of the closest retreat to Singapore. 

A Travel Guide To Batam, Indonesia

Why Batam?

If you’re looking for a quick holiday without much sightseeing to do and you wish unwind and relax, keep mundane city life at bay then Batam seems to be a good pick if you happen to live in Singapore. The picturesque islands have amazing cafes, good seafood and also recommendable spas, which makes it ideal for even a weekday tour. The region also sees active tourism, so it is a well-travelled and connected place. 

What we all choose from a short holiday will obviously differ and so it’s always better to read up a little before you reach Batam and choose your place of stay accordingly.

Watch the beautiful sunset at Batam

How to get to Batam?

Although Batam does have a very efficient airport, ferry ride is the next best option and perhaps the easiest way to get to Batam from Singapore. You can get your hands on a ferry ticket to Batam easily by booking through online portal. 

How to get to Batam?

Also, just a heads up, the immigration officers happen to be quite strict about following the rules at the counters, even while in queue. If you fail to cede to such placed rules, you could likely be sent back. There are about five ferry terminals but the ferry to Batam from Singapore would land you at the local terminal. 

Batam is quite an active tourist spot and consequently is bustling with many touristy activities and places. If you’re not fond of doing touristy things then do your part of research and homework before you reach Batam. Try and avoid the local tour as it isn’t worth your money and chalk a tour yourself. 

How to be prepared to have an easy going trip?

For a short trip like a weekend getaway, try staying somewhere within the city as this would not only save you some pennies but also keep you within the bustle so that you have multiple options open as to what you’d like to do for that day.

Also, as you reach Batam, it’s better to buy a local sim so that your connectivity is better than using an international number, not to mention the whooping charges that would come with using an international number. Add, internet package of course. Everything will get easier with that, from booking hotels to cabs and payments too. 

What to do in Batam?

There is nothing like an island getaway with seafood as your cuisine, to pamper yourself with. Batam has brilliant cafes and restaurants to binge at. The best part is it range of availability. If you’re a street food junkie, Batam is calling you with amazing street seafood. But if you’re a little skeptical when it comes to hygiene then the place has better to offer too.

Lots to do in Batam

Bella Italia Pizzeria Ristorante

The café has the best Italian food in town and a remarkable menu to choose from. It doesn’t disappoint for its range and promise at all. What can be better than a place serving Italian favorites with sea delicacies? Things to try from their menu include, Shucked oysters, Wild mushroom soup, Linguine Marinara pasta and Flaming chocolate cake with liqueur. 

Rezeki Seafood restaurant

It’s easily the best seafood restaurant for those who love seafood. Although it’s located a bit farther from the city, the food here is worth the ride. The place is a local friendly one, for those who dislike touristy places, this restaurant is a cozy pick. The best meal is a lunch here. Dishes to try out of their menu include Grilled scallops, Crab and Prawn dishes, Sambal Kang Kong and fried rice with seafood. 

Caffein Café

If you’re someone very fond of warm drinks, this café is a relatively nice place for quick snacks and beverages. Pick a plate of light snacks or slice of cake along with coffee, if you don’t want a heavy meal or want to snack in between. It’s affordable and neat. 

What to do in Batam?

Hit the spas

You can easily find yourself flooded with spas that offer traditional Balinese massage but these two spas stand out. The Spa Secret and Spa Central will offer you extremely comforting appointment with services nothing below what they promise. You will not be disappointed with the services nor the entire experience. The prices are reasonable too. 

Water sports

If you wish to satiate the adrenaline junkie in you, you should definitely visit Turi beach resort where you will be able to enjoy thrilling activities such as jet skiing, banana boat and even parasailing. Besides that, the beach is also a scenic place to spend an evening in, away from the city’s bustle.

Overall, Batam is a decent getaway at any point during the week. You do not have to carefully plan as long as you’re quick and resourceful. Just remember to make your booking of ferry ticket to Batam early to avoid disappointment.