Batam : The Scenic Tourism Hub Port City

As the largest city in the Province of Riau, Batam is an industrial boomtown, an emerging transport hub, and part of a free trade zone in the Indonesia–Malaysia–Singapore Growth Triangle.

Why Batam?

In recent years, Batam has emerged as a popular destination for visitors not only from Singapore and Malaysia but also in other countries in Asia and Europe. Their goals? Experiencing

the first-class golf courses, water adventures, duty-free shopping, rejuvenating spas and relaxing beach resorts, to the mouthwatering fresh seafood and delicacies.

How to Get to Batam?

By Ferries

Those traveling by sea, then ferries are the best way to go. There are frequent daily fast and convenient ferries connecting Singapore's Tanah Merah port with Batam as well as between Johor Bahru, Malaysia, and Batam. The journey from Singapore takes about 40 minutes, while from Johor Bahru it is around 90 minutes. The island of Batam has six ferry terminals; they are at Sekupang, Waterfront City, Batam Center, Harbour Bay, Nongsapura, and Telaga Punggur.

By Air

For those traveling by air from major cities across the country, there are domestic flights direct from Jakarta, Surabaya, Medan, Pekanbaru, Jambi, Palembang, and Pekanbaru to Batam's Hang Nadim's International Airport.

Among the Airlines that serve flights, to-and-from Batam is Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Sriwijaya Air, Citilink, and Wings Air. In addition to the domestic flights, Malindo Air operates international flights from Subang Airport near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to Batam.

How To Get Around Batam?

To enjoy the many tourist destinations in Batam, there are several optional types of transport to choose from. Taxi is a common mode of transportation in Batam to go around and explore your destination. You can find them in strategic public spots, such as ferry terminals, airports, malls, etc. Be very selective though, registered taxis is highly recommended.

If you are the type that welcomes adventure and exploration by your own self, then car rental would be the best choice to go around Batam. For that first-timer traveling to Batam, it would probably be a more convenient choice to get around the island by Tours and Travel Service.

What To Do in Batam?

Outdoor Activities

Apart from the fine golf courses that attract golf enthusiasts, Batam also attracts water sports enthusiasts with the many sports club and resorts along the Nongsa Coast and Waterfront City. Fun outdoor activities the whole family could enjoy.

Iconic Landmarks

Batam is also famous for its Barelang Bridge, six sophisticated full swing bridges that connects three islands is an abbreviation of those three islands: Batam, Rempang and Galang.  The total stretch of all six bridges is around two kilometers, and traveling from the first bridge to the last one should take around 20 minutes.

Religious Tourism

Those who seek some historical experience would probably enjoy a visit to some historical religious sites in the city center, Nagoya. Visit one of the largest Buddhist Temple in South East Asia popularly known as The Laughing Buddha Temple, Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya. The temple was built by the Chinese community in Batam and attracts thousands of Buddhist followers daily.

Then head on to another Buddhist Temple near the Nagoya City Centre, Vihara Buddhi Bakti Temple. The temple features astonishing modern Chinese architecture with its most attractive spot known as the sacred garden, located behind the temple. Stone sculptures, scriptures, Buddha statues are amongst artworks that enriched the alluring sacred garden.