15 Best Things to Do in Batam in 2025 (Destination Guide)

Batam is an easy 45–70 minute ferry from Singapore and is perfect for a day trip or 2D1N weekend — top highlights include Barelang Bridge, Montigo Resort’s private infinity pools, Nongsa beaches, Nagoya Hill shopping and seafood dining. 15 Best Things to Do in Batam in 2025 (Destination Guide) gives you the must-do list, ferry basics, visa info and sample itineraries so you can book and go.

Below are the 15 best experiences ranked for first-time and repeat visitors. Each entry includes what to expect, time needed and a quick cost estimate for a Singapore traveller in 2025.

1. Barelang Bridge (photo stop & island drive)

   Why go: Batam’s iconic chain of bridges connecting several islands — a great photo stop and short island-drive circuit.

   • Time: Half-day (3–4 hours) if you include nearby viewpoints and lunch.
   • Cost: Local taxi or private driver ~IDR 300k–600k for a half-day (split between group).
   • Tip: Combine Barelang with a local seafood lunch on Rempang or Galang.
2. Montigo Resorts (Nongsa) — villas with private infinity pools

   Why go: Luxury villas, private infinity pools and sunset views — ideal for couples and families.

   • Time: Overnight stay recommended.
   • Cost: Villa rates vary — check package deals for ferry + resort to save. Example package: Batam | Montigo Resort + Ferry! Asia's Top 5-Star Resort with Private Infinity Pool.
   • Tip: Book ferry + resort packages to include land transfers and avoid arranging taxis on arrival.
3. Nongsa beaches & Nongsa Point Marina

   Why go: Calm water, resorts, watersports and a marina with waterfront dining.

   • Time: Half-day to full day.
   • Cost: Watersports from ~IDR 150k per activity; resort entry often free for guests.
   • Tip: Combine with a spa or sunset dinner at the marina. See packages: Batam | Nongsa Point Marina & Resort + 2-way ferry & land transport + Ferry tax.
4. Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall (shopping & massage)

   Why go: Biggest shopping area in Batam — clothes, electronics, local snacks and the famous massage parlours.

   • Time: 2–4 hours.
   • Cost: Meals S$3–S$10; massages S$10–S$30 depending on place and duration.
   • Tip: Bring cash for small stalls; check local prices before bargaining.
5. One-day city tour (market, temples, seafood + massage)

   Why go: Best for first-timers — a guided 1-day tour covers key temples, Batam Centre, shopping and lunch.

   • Time: Full day.
   • Cost: Example packaged option: Batam | 1 Day City Tour + Ferry at Only S$99!.
   • Tip: Tours usually include ferry transfers; double-check if tips or entrance fees are extra.
6. Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya (Vihara) — peaceful temple visit

   Why go: One of the largest Buddhist temples in the region with a calm garden and large statues.

   • Time: 1–2 hours.
   • Cost: Free or donation-based.
   • Tip: Dress modestly and arrive in the morning to avoid crowds and heat.
7. Seafood by the waterfront (Harbour Bay & Batam Centre)

   Why go: Fresh, affordable seafood dinners right by the water — local favourites include grilled fish, crab and sambal dishes.

   • Time: Evening meal, 1.5–2 hours.
   • Cost: S$12–S$40 per person depending on selection.
   • Tip: Ask for live pricing and have the restaurant clean and grill your selection.
8. Ranoh Island day trip (beach + snorkeling)

   Why go: Quick island getaway for swimming, snorkeling and a quieter beach vibe.

   • Time: Full day.
   • Cost: Day-trip packages start from modest rates; check ferry and transfer inclusions.
   • Tip: Pack reef-safe sunscreen and a towel; many packages include snorkel gear.
9. Water sports: jet-ski, banana boat, parasailing

   Why go: Thrill-seekers can find water-sport operators in resort areas and public beaches.

   • Time: 1–3 hours.
   • Cost: IDR 150k–400k per activity (varies by operator and season).
   • Tip: Confirm safety gear and instructor experience; negotiate a package for multiple activities.
10. Golfing — Palm Springs & Golf courses near Batam

    Why go: Several resorts offer golf facilities; popular with groups and corporate trips.

    • Time: Half to full day.
    • Cost: Green fees vary widely — book in advance through your hotel or tour operator.
    • Tip: Combine golf with a resort stay for transfer convenience.
11. Visit Galang & the Vietnamese refugee camp memorial (history tour)

    Why go: Learn a different side of Batam’s history — the Galang refugee camp site with a small museum and memorials.

    • Time: Half-day to full day.
    • Cost: Transport and guide fees apply; consider a small-group tour.
    • Tip: Bring sunscreen and water; read up before you go for context.
12. Relax at a spa and traditional massage

    Why go: Batam is famous for affordable spa and reflexology — perfect after a day of exploring.

    • Time: 1–2 hours.
    • Cost: From S$10–S$35 depending on the spa and duration.
    • Tip: Choose reputable spas recommended by hotels or packages; check hygiene and reviews.
13. Explore local markets — Jodoh & Pasar Penuin

    Why go: Local snacks, batik, souvenirs and inexpensive clothing — great for budget shoppers.

    • Time: 1–2 hours.
    • Cost: Small purchases usually IDR 20k–200k.
    • Tip: Bargain politely and keep coins for small purchases.
14. Sunset cruise or private speedboat trip

    Why go: Short cruises and private boat hires deliver a scenic sunset view of Batam’s coastline.

    • Time: 1.5–2 hours.
    • Cost: Group cruises are budget-friendly; private charters cost more but split well between groups.
    • Tip: Book through your hotel or reputable operator and confirm safety equipment.
15. Food crawl: local Malay-Indonesian specialties and kopi

    Why go: Try local specialties like otak-otak, grilled fish, ikan bakar, sambal and local cakes. Don’t miss kopi tubruk and local fruit stalls.

    • Time: Flexible — 2–4 hours for a proper crawl.
    • Cost: S$2–S$15 per stop.
    • Tip: Go with a local guide or join a food tour to access the best stalls safely.

• Ferry terminals from Singapore: HarbourFront Centre (most common for Batam Centre and Sekupang). Some services also use Tanah Merah for Bintan/Nongsapura routes.
• Duration: Typical fast ferries take about 45–70 minutes depending on the route (HarbourFront → Batam Centre or Sekupang are the most common and quickest routes).
• Frequency: Multiple daily sailings — peak times are early morning and late afternoon. Book earlier for weekend trips.
• Typical one-way fare: Expect roughly S$25–S$55 per adult one-way (depends on operator, route and time). Ferry taxes and small terminal fees may apply on boarding or arrival.
• Operators: Several operators run the route; check schedules and book ahead on busy long weekends.

1. Arrive at HarbourFront Terminal 45–60 minutes before departure (longer on weekends or public holidays).
2. Check in at your ferry operator counter, present passport and return ticket (recommended) or onward travel proof.
3. Pay any boarding/terminal fees if required and get your boarding pass.
4. On arrival in Batam, go through Indonesian immigration — have your passport, All Indonesia digital declaration (see below) and arrival card ready.

Short answer for Singapore passport holders: Indonesia allows visa-free entry for tourism up to 30 days (non-extendable) for Singapore passport holders. Starting 1 October 2025 Indonesia also requires all incoming international passengers (air and sea) to complete the new "All Indonesia" digital arrival declaration up to three days before arrival via the official web/app. This applies at Batam seaports too, so fill it in before you travel to speed up clearance.

• Visa: Singapore passport holders — visa-free for tourism up to 30 days (non-extendable). If you are not a Singapore passport holder, check your national visa rules.
• All Indonesia declaration: Complete online or via the mobile app within 3 days before arrival to avoid delays at immigration.
• Passport validity: Carry a passport valid for at least 6 months recommended.
• Health checks: Routine health checks may occur, so carry basic meds and your travel insurance details.

• Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Cash is useful for small stalls, taxis and markets. ATMs are available in Batam Centre and Nagoya.
• Local transport: Taxis, ride-hail apps (where available), and private drivers. For convenience, prebook hotel transfers or tour packages that include land transfers.
• Connectivity: Buy a local SIM at the port or rely on hotel Wi-Fi. Some hotels provide free Wi-Fi, but signal strength varies.

• 06:30 — Ferry to Batam (early departure).
• 08:00 — Arrival, store luggage if needed.
• 09:00 — City tour: Maha Vihara, local markets, Nagoya Hill shopping.
• 12:30 — Seafood lunch at Harbour Bay.
• 14:00 — Quick massage (60–90 min).
• 16:30 — Return ferry to Singapore.
• Estimated cost per person: S$70–S$140 (ferry + lunch + massage + small shopping).

• Day 1: Morning ferry → check into resort (e.g. Montigo Resort) → pool & spa → sunset dinner.
• Day 2: Barelang Bridge drive or Ranoh Island snorkel → late afternoon ferry back.
• Estimated cost per person: S$180–S$450 (depends on hotel/resort and package inclusions).

• Day 1: Ferry → check in → resort activities.
• Day 2: Island hopping/snorkel or water park + beach.
• Day 3: Quick city visit (Nagoya Hill) then ferry back.
• Estimated cost for family of four: S$450–S$1250 (depending on accommodation level and activities).

Prepaid ferry + hotel packages save time and often include land transfers and taxes. A few recommended packages to check right now:

• Batam | Montigo Resort + Ferry! Asia's Top 5-Star Resort with Private Infinity Pool — great for couples and families who want private pools and resort facilities.
• Batam | Swiss-Belhotel Harbour Bay + Ferry - Excellent Location & Value For Money — convenient if you want to be close to Harbour Bay ferry terminal and restaurants.
• Batam | 1 Day City Tour + Ferry at Only S$99! — great budget option to see Batam’s highlights in a single day.
• Batam | Harris Hotel Batam Center + Ferry — central option for easy access to city sights.

• Book ferry and hotel packages that include land transfers to avoid paying extra for taxis on arrival.
• Travel in small groups to split driver or charter costs for Barelang or island trips.
• Avoid unlicensed taxis; use transfers from the ferry/hotel or reputable ride-hail services where available.
• Carry a photocopy/photo of your passport and store the original securely while exploring.
• Check the All Indonesia declaration before travelling (complete within 3 days of arrival).

A: Fast ferries are usually about 45–70 minutes depending on route (HarbourFront to Batam Centre or Sekupang are common and fastest).

A: Singapore passport holders generally enjoy visa-free entry to Indonesia for tourism up to 30 days (non-extendable). All travellers entering Indonesia by air or sea should complete the All Indonesia digital arrival declaration within three days before arrival (mandatory from 1 October 2025 at most entry points including Batam ports).

A: HarbourFront Centre is the primary terminal for Batam ferries. Check your ferry ticket or package for the exact boarding point and operator.

A: Yes — combining ferry, land transfer and hotel into one booking is common and often cheaper than booking separately. See package examples listed above.

A: Yes — Batam is a popular short-break destination for families and solo travellers. Use common-sense safety (secure valuables, use licensed transport, follow guide advice) and book transfers ahead when possible.

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• Passport valid (6+ months recommended) and return ticket or proof of onward travel.
• Complete the All Indonesia digital arrival declaration within 3 days before arrival.
• Book ferry & hotel or 1-day tour in advance for weekends and public holidays.
• Bring cash (IDR) for markets, small meals and tips; cards are accepted at many hotels and bigger restaurants.
• Pack sunscreen, light clothing, a light rain jacket (tropical showers), and a copy/photo of travel documents.

Ready to book? 👉 Check our latest Batam packages and WhatsApp us to book now.

Enjoy Batam — easy to reach from Singapore, packed with affordable food, beach resorts and short-adventure options. Travel safe and plan one or two experiences you’ll remember.