20 Things To Do In Batam, Indonesia - Updated 2024

Gertrude
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 8 min read

Very popular for its beaches and exclusive resorts, visitors keep returning to this paradise for its fantastic duty-free shopping options. Batam is an island city and is very close to Jakarta and Singapore. If you are in any of the two cities, ensure that you plan a getaway to Batam for a relaxing weekend, rejuvenating massages and delectable local dishes. Keeping in mind our budget travelers, and also those who are keen to find a more pocket-friendly getaway from their lavish vacation at the Indonesian and Malaysian capitals, we have listed fantastic activities at this island city in Indonesia. Here are the most engaging things to do in Batam with your family, friends, and even on a solo trip.

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1. Explore the underwater world as you snorkel in Batam

The rich underwater life triggers snorkelling opportunities in Batam. If you want to experience diving underwater while meeting the life underneath, check out the tours that offer you the opportunity to snorkel and also provides the necessary equipment. They offer a free ride to the site and also the necessary diving gear, accessories, and all other speciality services along with a highly skilled trainer for a smooth experience.

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2. Pray at Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya on Sunday, February 25, 2018

Are you religious or do you like to explore the architecture of the destination you visit? If you are, then you should consider witnessing the serene side of Batam at Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple. The temple is arguably the largest in Indonesia. You will love the striking gold-plated statue, called Maitreya Buddha. It is 5 meters (16.4 feet) high and is located on the second floor. If that is not enough, there is another Maitreya Buddha statue with a similar height, placed on the third floor of the monastery. If you are looking forward to learning more about the culture, traditions and religion of the locals, then Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple is where you have to be.

Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya

Address: The Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Bukit Beruntung Complex, Sungai Panas, Kec. Batam Kota, Batam City, Riau Islands 29432

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3. Enjoy a beautiful sunset from Barelang Bridge

Jembatan Barelang
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user toffeespin used under CC BY 2.0

Sit down and take in the breeze as you enjoy the sunset. Barelang Bridge, located 35 kilometres (21.7 miles) from the town centre of Batam city, is an architectural wonder that connects Batam with Rempang, Galang, Galang Baru, Tonton, Nipah, and Sekotok. Barelang Bridge being among of the iconic sights in Batam. People flock here in the late afternoon for the romantic scene and photo opportunities. Try to go around sunset for the best views across the water.

Barelang Bridge

Address: Jl. Trans Barelang, Galang, Riau Islands 29481, Indonesia

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4. Treat your taste buds at Rezeki Seafood Restaurant

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Batam is also famous for its seafood which is considerably inexpensive in comparison with Singapore or any other part of Southeast Asia. if you feel peckish, or simply want to experience delish seafood, you can stop by Rezeki Seafood Restaurant and try out some of their masterpieces including snacks like crunchy calamari which is a local’s favourite, as well as black pepper crab. You will love the interiors and the panoramic views of the sea. While you are here, you have to try out the prawn or green chilli chicken.

Rezeki Seafood Restaurant

Address: Beach, Jl. H. Moh. Saleh, RT.01 / RW.02, Batu Besar, Nongsa, Batam City, Riau Islands 29465, Indonesia

Website: Rezeki Seafood Restaurant

Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)

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5. Go canoeing at Batam View Beach Resort

Looking for a fun activity to indulge in with your friends while you are in Batam? Why don’t you get your adrenalin pumped as you test your paddling skills as you canoe around the lagoon area? This spot is not only interesting but also helps in building or restoring your relationships. Those who are aiming to strengthen your relationship or even bring it to the next level, try it out and you will be surprised by its magical power! If you are travelling solo, a single-seater option is available too. Please note that the availability of all such water activities depends on the weather condition.

Tip from Content Creator

Batam View Beach Resort Batam View Beach Resort Batam View Beach Resort
Photos of Batam View Beach Resort shared by content creator from Singapore, Kenna Duque.
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Book Your Stay: Batam View Beach Resort

6. Chill out at Nongsa Beach

Nongsa Beach
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Fredrik Moeladi used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Conveniently located in the northeast of Batam, Nongsa Beach is one of the most visited beaches. The beach is known for its white sandy texture and blue clear sea water making it perfect for swimming or just enjoying the sun. This is the right place to chill out because the beach also features hotels, resorts, street food and bars. In case the beach gets crowded and noisy, as it is most of the time, you can also take a seven-minute boat ride to a more beautiful and peaceful island called Pulau Putri. Here you can enjoy romantic picnics or just glaze peacefully at the sky.

Nongsa Beach

Address: Sambau, Nongsa, Batam City, Riau Islands, Indonesia

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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7. Spend quality time at Mega Wisata Coastarina Batam

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Ever since it was opened in 2008, Ocarina Park or Mega Wisata Coastarina Batam has maintained its fame as the place to be with your family whenever you visit Batam. This is because, at his entertainment zone, you will find everything including a swimming pool, a giant wheel, flying fox, Shio statues, 3D movie theatre and trampoline. It also features important facilities such as souvenir shops, food courts, and ample parking space and clean toilets. For those who would want the beach experience but do not want to travel all the way to Nongsa or Sekupang beaches, then Mega Wisata Coastarina Batam is the only option you have got.

Mega Wisata coastarina Batam

Address: Sadai, Bengkong, Batam City, Riau Islands 29444, Indonesia

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 10pm; Sat: 8am - 11pm; Sun: 6am - 10pm

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8. Go golfing at Batam Hills Golf Resort

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Batam Hills Golf Resort on Thursday, March 4, 2021

Are you more of a sports person? You can head to Batam Hills Golf Resort and try out your golfing skills. It is a very unique destination for both beginners and professional golfers. It boasts firm fast-releasing fairways, a variety of hole designs, ample run-off areas and massive boulders, some forming a striking backdrop. The resort also features several elegant meeting rooms perfect for private meetings and gatherings. Whenever you are here you should always experience their unique dining which is complemented with the panoramic view of the golf course.

Batam Hills Golf Resort

Address: Jl. Diponegoro No.24, Tj. Riau, Kec. Sekupang, Batam City, Riau Islands 29425, Indonesia

Website: Batam Hills Golf Resort

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9. Rejuvenate your soul by exotic treatments at Spa Central

Relax and rejuvenate at Spa Central. It is one of the first spas in Batam and it is famous for its cosy interiors and well-curated packages. If you are looking for a simple yet relaxing session, you can try out the Central Favorite package which includes lovely foot and body scrub plus an aromatherapy massage. If you have more time on your hands, you should always go for the full-day spa package which will no doubt relax every part of your body.

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10. Satisfy your shopaholic soul at Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Nagoya Hill Superblock on Friday, August 21, 2020

If you are looking forward to solving all your shopping, dining and entertainment in just one touch, then Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall is where you should be. It is the largest departmental store selling everything from clothes, bags, accessories, shoes and household appliances. As for dining, you can head to the food court which features a wide selection of local cuisine at an affordable price. After a day of satisfying shopping experience, head to the mall’s Cinema XXI and watch classic box office films. With tickets being so cheap, you can have a movie marathon guilt-free.

Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall

Address: Jl. Imam Bonjol, Lubuk Baja Kota Batam, Riau Islands Province, Indonesia 29444

Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)

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11. Try water-skiing at Batam Cable Water Ski Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Batam Cable-Ski Park on Tuesday, January 29, 2019

An obvious option for a kick of adrenaline is Batam Cable Water Ski Park. It is located just an hour ride by ferry from Singapore’s Harbourfront Centre. The park is built on reclaimed land featuring countless activities luxurious accommodation, but it is the man-made lake with an 800-meter (2624.7 feet) cable circuit that brings the attraction here. Unlike in Singapore where you will be offered cable-skiing at a steep hourly rate, Batam Cable Water Ski Park provides value for money ‘day packages’ that include equipment, lunch and transfers to suit your schedule and skill, making the trip much more hassle-free.

Batam Cable Water Ski Park

Address: Waterfront City Resort, Tj. Riau, Kec. Sekupang, Batam City, Riau Islands 29425, Indonesia

Website: Batam Cable Water Ski Park

Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)

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12. Go biking along Duriankang Reservoir

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Check out the northern coastline. Hire a motorbike or a bicycle and ride along the gorgeous greenery and serene water view. The biking trail will take you to Dam Duriankang Reservoir. This forested area is fenced and is Batam’s main water catchment area. A dam has also been built and now the 23.4 square kilometres (9.03 square miles) reservoir consists of freshwater, approximately 50 per cent of Batam’s freshwater supply.

Duriankang Reservoir

Address: Batam Kota, Batam City, Riau Islands 29433, Indonesia

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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13. Find Indonesia's architecture in display at Batam Miniature House

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This lovely little architectural marvel is located in Batam. It is a must-visit attraction when you are in Batam. This cute attraction is situated right across from Golden View Hotel. The houses here are basically miniature replicas of the different kinds of Indonesian houses you might see across the country. Entry is free here and you can easily check this space out in about 30 minutes’ time. These are impressive structures that showcase the genius of Indonesian architects and also says quite a bit about the Indonesian culture.

Batam Miniature House

Address: Tanjung Buntung, Bengkong, Batam City, Riau Islands 29444, Indonesia

Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)

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14. Discover the stilt houses in Tanjung Uma

Stilt Houses
Source: Photo by Flickr user Megan Coughlin used under CC BY-ND 2.0

While still getting a hang of the architecture in Indonesia, one can also delve a little deeper. Tanjung Uma showcases stilt houses that portray the traditional architecture of Batam. Enjoy how these houses have been built. Stilt houses were originally built by the rivers. Today, the architecture of the country has changed, it is modern and more globally recognised, but the traditions are still worth exploring. When in Batam, do not forget to pay this attraction a visit.

Stilt houses in Tanjung Uma

Address: Lubuk Baja, Batam City, Riau Islands, Indonesia

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15. Experience sheer fun at Nagoya Entertainment District

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Located in the northern part of Batam, there are plenty of hotels, mall and restaurants to keep you well rested, full, and entertained. This district comes alive at night. So why is ti so popular? There are more than 35 pubs and the number keeps jumping up. A number of pubs among these do not have their own kitchen but your orders are brought in from other pubs, so you need not worry which pub you are entering, you will get your fill. You will find live bands, techno music, hard house, and ample choice of cocktail.

Nagoya Entertainment District

Address: North of Batam

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16. Go glamping on Ranoh Island

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Ranoh Island on Friday, December 22, 2017

This is a premier tropical getaway, only about an hours’ journey from the din and dust of Batam city centre. You get to cross the lovely six bridges that connect Batam to the southern islands. catching a glimpse of tropical agriculture and rural island life along the way. you can go glamping here and find your way to the perfect snorkelling spot. The pristine sand beaches complement the turquoise of the ocean. Spend a day at this island and experience the bliss it offers.

Ranoh Island

Address: Pulau Ranoh Batam, Riau, Indonesia 29487

Website: Ranoh Island

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17. Try the multi-coloured beers at Freshbeer Batam Centre

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Batam Fresh Beer on Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Want to taste the best beer here in Batam? Head over to Feshbeer Batam Centre. You will find a number of choices for craft beer, regular beer, awesome ambience and much more. You can strike up a conversation with the bartenders to find out the best that you can have here. The decor is chic, you might catch a live band too, and all this for a considerably cheap price.

Freshbeer Batam Centre

Address: Komp. Hup Seng Blok D No. 8 Batam, Riau Islands Province, Indonesia 29411

Website: Freshbeer Batam Centre

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18. Discover an abandoned shipwreck at Pulau Tunjuk

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If you are an adventurer and you have your little pirates yearning for something exciting, visit Pulau Tunjuk. An abandoned shipwreck awaits your visit. Explore the wreck, let the children play pirate, or simply camp near and get an experience of a lifetime. The sandy beach and clear water make it all the more intriguing for visitors.

Pulau Tunjuk

Address: Pulau Tunjuk, Subangmas, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau, Indonesia

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19. Get adventurous with Cabana Club

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If you are into water sports and would like to try some here in Batam, head to Sambau. Cabana Club brings to you all kinds of water activities. Be it parasailing, jet skiing, kneeboarding or kayaking, you have it all here. The guides and trainers are excellent and all your frights are taken care of. Enjoy the relaxing ambience, bond with fellow tourists if you want to, to simply enjoy the experience.

Cabana Club

Address: Jl. Hang Lekiu, Sambau, Batam, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29465, Indonesia

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

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20. Go trinket shopping at Batam Souvenir Shop

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Batam Souvenir Shop on Sunday, March 22, 2020

If you are looking for trinkets that remind you of Batam, you can surely visit this lovely little shop in Batam Center. You can find lovely little earrings, hairpins, magnets, keyrings and more. You might also find some kitchen essentials to gift your friend and family back home.

Batam Souvenir Shop

Address: Perum Kapital Raya Blok G No. 4 Batam Center, Belian, Kec. Batam Kota, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29464, Indonesia

Website: Batam Souvenir Shop

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 9pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

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Explore the nook and crannies of Batam

Batam has a lot to offer, be it attractions, shopping, nightlife, food, kids’ activities, etc. Find out more as you book a ticket to visit this lovely city in Indonesia.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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