Indonesia, especially Batam, is a go-to destination for many Singaporeans looking for a quick getaway. The island is famous for its pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and cultural sights. Notable attractions include Barelang Bridge, Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall, KTM Resort Beach, Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya, Stopover Women & Reptile House, and Sekupang International Ferry Terminal. While the shopping malls and centers on Batam Island are not as modern as some of those found on its neighboring islands, there are still plenty of opportunities for shopping sprees. The major shopping buildings to visit on Batam Island include Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall, BCS Mall, and Mega Mall Batam Centre. The island is home to scores of street markets too. Batam Island’s nightlife is something that cannot be missed! The destination is home to plenty of restaurants, food joints, food courts, and street-side vendors selling local and international delicacies. While in Batam, don’t forget to savor a mix of Western, Chinese, Indian, Malay, and Thai flavors. Besides its vibrant nightlife and cultural excursions, Batam Island is a haven for water sports and spiritual tourism. The KTM Resort Beach, Golden City Go-Kart, Waterpark, Paintball, and Pantai Golden Prawn 2 are perfect for families and groups of friends looking to engage in fun-packed activities, picnics, or photo sessions. Tourists keen on temples, wellness, or religious retreats can explore the Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya, Budhi Bhakti Temple, Tua Pek Kong Temple, Ling Xin Tian, and many of the other temples on the island. In terms of reaching the island, Batam Island enjoys excellent high-speed connectivity with neighboring Singapore. Visitors can take a seven-minute ferry from HarbourFront Passenger Terminal at the southern part of Singapore to reach Batam Centre or a 45-minute ferry direct to Nongsapura International Ferry Terminal from the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in the eastern part of Singapore. Alternatively, visitors can travel to Batam from Tanjung Pinang in Bintan Island. Have a good stay on Batam Island!
Travel Requirements and Documentation for Singaporean Visitors
Before any travel to Batam is planned, be sure to prepare an original passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the intended length of your stay in order to enter Indonesia. Singaporeans can typically enjoy a visit to another country for up to 30 days without a visa. Visitors should be apprised of entry regulations such as visa policy, period of stay, entry through international entry points, promotion policy requirements, and e-Visa on Arrival, in addition to general information on customs regulations, currency restrictions, and sanitary requirements. Although disembarkation/embarkation is allowed for Singaporean passport holders, it would be helpful to have details of your return tickets or onward journey and accommodation at the time of your entry to Indonesia. This includes all medical insurance that is already in place to ensure that there are no surprises in the event of an emergency. Other relevant tips for overseas travel include the following: Ensure that the address and contact information for Batam accommodations have been added to the immigration card or embarkation/disembarkation card. A Singaporean passport that is about to expire soon may be accepted for entry into Indonesia. However, there might be obstacles when leaving Indonesia. In this case, Singaporeans who have lost their passport in Batam can request a Visit Pass on Arrival and return to Singapore earlier. Foreign-issued passports are valid with a current travel visa from the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Singapore.
Transportation Options from Singapore to Batam
The distance between Batam and Singapore is not great, so the two cities are well connected by an assortment of transportation options. Getting to Batam from Singapore by ferry is by and large the most popular choice for travelers, as more and more service providers are starting to offer trips across the Singapore Strait. The regularly departing ferries will usually take off from ferry terminals like the HarbourFront Centre, Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, Changi Point Ferry Terminal, or the Marina Bay Cruise Centre. Especially for locals in Singapore, one can conveniently take the Mass Rapid Transit to reach the ferry terminals. The journey takes a concise 45 minutes; it is indeed a hassle-free and time-efficient way to start your engagement with Batam. An alternative for those travelers who are not fans of water crossings is to take a direct flight from Singapore Changi Airport to Hang Nadim International Airport located at Batam Centre. Frequencies of trips vary day to day, and they typically are every hour of the day.
The cost of a ferry across the Singapore Strait can vary significantly for the cheapest fare. Travelers can sign up for promotional fares if they are quick enough to make a booking. Airline promotions are also on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to the limited-time validity of these special rates, travelers are encouraged to book their tickets early. Considering Batam is so accessible, the island becomes an even more enticing place for a mere getaway. In summary, about this first chapter, the negation of all that is seemingly complicated in getting to Batam, it is a relatively pleasant and categorical choice.
Accommodation and Dining Options in Batam
In Batam, visitors can find a wide range of accommodation options. The choices start from international five-star hotel chains and upmarket resorts to budget guesthouses. Whether it is a luxurious setup or a modest setting, your stay in Batam is sure to be a comfortable, relaxing, and pleasant one. Many hotels and resorts provide a setting that is not only upscale but also modern while still incorporating the natural beauty of the surroundings. Your choice of accommodation can either be a beachfront honeymoon retreat or a location inland providing easy access and convenience to local attractions and places of interest. The dining scene in Batam is about choices and variety. Offerings include local Indonesian fare, street food, and restaurants serving an extensive array of Malaysian, Indian, Korean, Vietnamese, Japanese, and other international cuisines. Seafood is prominent on the menus in Batam, and there are a number of beachfront seafood restaurants. Generally, the cost of a meal in Batam can vary depending on your taste and budget. Many restaurants in the area provide meals under $3 per person, but for a delicious and enjoyable meal, plan on spending anywhere from $6 to $20. A good number of bars, cafes, and eateries can be found on Nagoya’s Main Streets, namely Jalan Piayu and Jalan Duyung, plus many more in the shopping centers. Claremont provides an extensive culinary and wine experience, friendly service, and a relaxing atmosphere, making it a welcoming meeting place. Try a traditional Indonesian Rijsttafel or a sumptuous seafood BBQ buffet. You can find traditional markets or food courts in the area with many food sellers. All of the food sellers will offer you really tasty beef, mutton, seafood, chicken, and even pork cuisine.
Activities and Excursions in Batam
Batam offers a wide variety of activities that suit adventurers, shopaholics, and those just looking to relax. For starters, popular trips include island hopping to nearby islands. These are typically popular activities for those in areas like Batam Center and Nongsa, as they are near the ferry terminals. If you fancy a bit of water sports, there are activities available from skydiving to banana boat rides, jet skiing, island cycling, and diving. Next, we also have some cultural activities such as visiting the local temple and traditional market. If you are based in the resorts, they offer a nice spa to unwind after diving and take a dip with a good body massage. For those of you looking to shop for souvenirs, there are about 4-5 shopping centers with famous local products: layer cake or durian cake, frozen foods, chili shrimp, asam paste, and fashion items such as clothes and handbags.
For night owls, nightlife choices include popular local pubs, bars, nightclubs, casinos, malls, and karaoke as part of the visit. Batam is a 2-hour ferry ride from Singapore, making it an easy option for a getaway. The culture and nature are also similar to other nearby destinations, although we must stress that Batam has a different set of rules and infrastructure. All resorts offer day trips to the other islands since dealing with the local ferry operators may seem daunting. Consider taking the day trips offered by the resorts. Turn the page to find out what other people seek while in Batam and gain more insights from both old and new Batam.