Harris Waterfront Batam: Affordable Family Resort (Hotel Review)

Harris Waterfront Batam: Affordable Family Resort (Hotel Review)
Harris Waterfront Batam is an affordable, family-friendly resort with large pools, a kids club, watersports and shuttle access to the ferry terminal. It’s a good value pick for Singapore families looking for an easy weekend escape (ferry + stay) without breaking the bank.
Harris Waterfront Batam: Affordable Family Resort (Hotel Review) — Quick summary
- Who it’s for: Families with young children, budget-conscious travellers and groups who want resort facilities next to the marina.
- Location: Waterfront City / Sekupang area of Batam (close to the Batam Waterfront City ferry terminal).
- Main draws: Kids’ club, children’s pool, 2 large pools, family rooms and on-site activities (kayaks, mini golf, watersports).
- Estimated cost (guide): Ferry S$28–S$60 one-way (operator & season vary), rooms often start from roughly S$60–S$150/night depending on room type, dates and promos.
Location & getting there
From Singapore you can take a direct ferry to Batam Waterfront (Sekupang/Waterfront City) or Batam Centre. Ferry duration depends on the route and operator but typically ranges from about 45–70 minutes. If you use the Batam Waterfront terminal the hotel is a short drive or shuttle ride away.
Practical notes:
- Typical ferry price (example range): around S$28 one-way (standard ticket) though prices vary by operator, time and season.
- Terminal fees and departure taxes may apply on top of ticket price — budget a small extra (approx S$10 each way in some cases).
- Many hotels (including Harris) offer a free or paid ferry-terminal shuttle — check your booking.
Want to book a combined ferry + hotel package? Consider these ready-made deals:
- Batam | Harris Resort Waterfront + Ferry
- Batam | Swiss-Belhotel Harbour Bay + Ferry - Excellent Location & Value For Money
- Batam | 1 Day City Tour + Ferry at Only S$99!
- Batam | Harris Hotel Batam Center + Ferry
First impressions — who will like Harris Waterfront Batam
- Families who want resort pools and on-site kids’ activities.
- Groups looking for a mid-range resort with marina views and basic watersports on offer.
- Travellers who prioritise value and activities over boutique luxury.
Rooms — family-friendly options
- Family rooms and connecting rooms available (good for parents + 1–2 kids).
- Most rooms include a balcony, AC, TV, mini-fridge and kettle.
- Pool-access / sea-view rooms are practical when travelling with children.
Facilities & activities that matter to families
- Multiple outdoor pools and a separate children’s pool.
- Kids’ club and playground — supervised activities are often available (some at extra cost).
- Watersports options such as kayaking, banana boat rides and other marina activities.
- Spa, gym and a few dining outlets on-site (breakfast buffet is usually available for a fee).
- Free local shuttle and free/paid ferry terminal shuttle in many booking options.
Food & dining
- On-site buffet restaurant and a poolside bar. Family-friendly choices and simple local/Western dishes.
- For more variety you can visit nearby eateries or seafood restaurants — ask reception for local recommendations.
Sample 2-day family itinerary (Singapore departure)
Day 1 (Fri or Sat)
- Morning: Take a morning ferry from HarbourFront to Batam Waterfront (arrive mid-morning).
- Midday: Hotel check-in (leave luggage if early). Lunch at hotel café/poolside.
- Afternoon: Pool time and kids’ club; try a short kayak or mini-golf on site.
- Evening: Dinner at the hotel or nearby seafood restaurant. Early night for kids.
Day 2
- Morning: Breakfast, then optional short half-day tour (shopping, local market or city tour).
- Afternoon: Check out and head to the ferry terminal for return to Singapore (or extend with a 1-day tour).
If you want a guided half-day or full-day tour, check the 1 Day City Tour + Ferry (S$99) option — it’s handy for first-time visitors.
Estimated cost breakdown (per family of 3–4 from Singapore) — ballpark
- Return ferry (per adult): ~S$28–S$60 one-way (operators & promos vary) — budget S$60–S$120 per person round-trip including terminal fees.
- Hotel night: S$60–S$150 per night for a family room (varies by season & promos).
- Meals & activities: S$20–S$60 per person per day depending on dining choices and paid activities.
- Transfers & extras: Allow S$10–S$30 for local taxi/shuttle or small purchases.
Example 2D1N family weekend estimate: S$300–S$650 total (ferry + 1 night + meals + minor activities) — use package deals to save.
Packages & booking tips
- Book a ferry+hotel package to lock in rates and simplify transfers — example: Batam | Harris Resort Waterfront + Ferry.
- Compare booking sites and check inclusion: breakfast, shuttle, terminal transfer and taxes.
- Look for weekday or off-peak dates for better prices, and check school holiday surcharges if you plan to travel during Singapore school holidays.
Quick comparison: Harris Waterfront vs nearby family options
- Harris Waterfront — value family resort with big pools, kids’ club and watersports. Good value for families wanting resort facilities.
- Swiss-Belhotel Harbour Bay — closer to city/ferry hubs and dining; better if you want to be near Harbour Bay nightlife and shopping. See package: Swiss-Belhotel Harbour Bay + Ferry.
- Montigo / Montigo Resorts — more upscale, private-pool villas (higher price) for larger budgets and privacy.
Essential travel tips for Singapore travellers
- Passport: Make sure your passport has at least 6 months’ validity from date of entry into Indonesia.
- Visa: Many nationalities including Singaporeans have visa-free entry to Indonesia for short stays (usually up to 30 days). Confirm current rules before travel.
- Terminal fees: Allow for small terminal/immigration fees at departure/arrival (these are sometimes paid in local currency).
- Money: Bring some Indonesian Rupiah for small purchases; many places accept cards but cash is handy for local stalls and tips.
- Transport: Confirm the hotel’s ferry-terminal shuttle schedule and whether it’s free — this saves taxi costs.
- Health & safety: Pack sunscreen, mosquito repellent and a small first-aid kit for kids.
FAQs — quick answers
Q: How long is the ferry from Singapore to Batam Waterfront?
A: It depends on the route and operator but expect roughly 45–70 minutes. Check the operator’s schedule for exact sail times.
Q: Are there packages that include ferry and Harris Waterfront hotel?
A: Yes — you can book combined ferry + hotel deals such as Batam | Harris Resort Waterfront + Ferry or other nearby hotel+ferry packages to simplify planning.
Q: Do Singapore citizens need a visa for Batam?
A: Most ASEAN nationals (including Singapore passport holders) can enter Indonesia visa-free for short stays (typically up to 30 days). Rules change, so confirm the latest entry and passport-validity requirements before travel.
Q: Is Harris Waterfront good for toddlers?
A: Yes — the resort has a children’s pool, kids’ club and playground. For toddlers check safety (pool depths, lifeguard availability) and request a family room or connecting rooms for easier supervision.
Insider tips — get the best value
- Book early for long weekends — ferry and hotel spaces fill up fast during school holidays.
- Choose a package that includes ferry and transfers to avoid last-minute taxi fares.
- Ask for a pool-view or pool-access room if your kids will spend most of the time at the pool.
- Bring simple kid favourites (snacks, small toys) — it can make downtime at the hotel easier and cheaper than buying imported items on the island.
Related guides & further reading
- How to Travel from Singapore to Batam (FAQ)
- Batam Tour Packages 2025: Ferry + Hotel Deals
- 15 Best Things to Do in Batam in 2025
Bottom line — is Harris Waterfront Batam worth it for families?
Yes — if you want a fuss-free, affordable resort stay with pools, a kids’ club and watersport options, Harris Waterfront Batam is worth considering. For families on a tighter budget it offers great value; for those seeking luxury private pools or a boutique experience, you may prefer resorts like Montigo.
Ready to book or want to compare deals? Check these options and choose what fits your family’s needs: Batam | Harris Resort Waterfront + Ferry, Swiss-Belhotel Harbour Bay + Ferry, 1 Day City Tour + Ferry (S$99) and Harris Hotel Batam Center + Ferry.
👉 Check our latest Batam packages and WhatsApp us to book now.