When the going gets tough, and your planned EOY trips seem far away, a quick trip to a beachy island may spring to mind – here’s a gentle reminder that Batam is easily accessible by plane or ferry.
From local delights to quality spas, here are 8 things to do in Batam for those who need a change from the city crowds.
Image credit: @thonyjourney
Xoleil Spa Village is a haven that features rustic spa villas, a cooking school, a cafe, a glass sanctuary and even a saltwater dipping pool all in one place. And if that doesn’t sound dreamy enough, the place is only a stone’s trip from the ferry terminal, naturally making it a definite pit stop when you set foot in Batam.
Guests will be led to a villa where they’ll be given a complimentary Xoleil foot ritual before the massage starts
Image credit: @octaviantoenfo
A popular massage to check out is the Bedda Lotong Bugis massage at Rp. 1,200,000 (~USD85.07) which lasts for 120 minutes. It features a full body massage and scrub, which uses a concoction of black sticky rice and a blend of traditional herbs to exfoliate your skin and leave you refreshed.
Relieve your bodily aches and pains and let the stresses of everyday life melt away in their gorgeous salt water pool
Image credit: @xoleilspavillage
Expect to walk out of there with your skin significantly softer to the touch and your muscle tensions eased. Their spa and massage menu isn’t available online but you can easily ask for a quote over FB message here and get a response within 24 hours.
Image credit: @xoleilspavillage
Recharge after your massage by having a meal at their Urban Farm Kitchen where all-day brunch is served. Alternatively, you can sign yourself up for cooking classes at their school which hosts a variety of culinary and etiquette classes such as wine tasting and cheesemaking.
Address: Jl. Raja H. Fisabilillah, Tlk. Tering, Kec. Batam Kota, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29444
Opening hours: 10AM-7PM, Daily
Telephone: 811-7780-877
Website
No trip to Batam is complete without checking out the local dishes. Places like Baso Priangan and Eatern Food Court are popularly known among locals and tourists to provide a large variety of Asian dishes.
Regardless of whether you’re on the way to check out a sunny private paradise such as Kepri Coral or on the way back, drop by these food places to refuel for the journey ahead.
Indomie fans can check out Bakso Priangan, a roadside eatery that serves up over 10 Indomie variations and even has a duo playing live music daily from 5PM.
The chicken meatballs here are at least twice the size of Singapore’s and you can taste the juiciness of the meat oozing with every bite. The soup tasted peppery but the chicken feet added a tinge of sweetness to the savoury dish.
For even more variety, check out Eatern Foodcourt. You’ll find numerous stalls selling local dishes such as bakso and hey mee. Portions here are generous and a bowl of noodles costs less than Rp. 42,000 (~USD3).
We tried Laksa and Hey Mee from the Ania Sate Mie stall, which cost about Rp. 20,000 (~USD1.50) per bowl. Portions are enough for one person, but their peeled prawns tasted even more succulent.
There’s also sambal chilli sprinkled on top of the dish, which, when mixed with the soup, gives a satisfying numbing taste.
The laksa dish was piping hot but it wasn’t spicy. Tao pok, prawns, and cockles were thrown in generously, which all added a crunch to every bite.
Read our full review here.
Baso Priangan
Address: Jl. Imam Bonjol No.21, Sungai Jodoh, Batu Ampar, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29444
Opening hours: 5PM-10PM, Daily
Eatern Food Court
Address: Eatern Food Court, Komp. Penuin Centre Blok X No. 1 – 4, 29441
Opening hours: 7AM-5M, Daily
Website
It doesn’t matter where in the world we travel – a visit to an aesthetic cafe is a mandatory millennial activity. And Sense Coffee & Pool in Batam will check all the boxes.
Not only is it aesthetic, but it also houses 2 large alfresco dining spaces and a massive lap pool for those who want a little fun in the sun.
Head to the back of the cafe and you’ll see a pool that has a shallower section cordoned off for little ones so families can get some fun in the sun together.
Power plugs are also aplenty and you can find them against the walls and on the ground below the long wooden tables.
WiFi is free and fast so you can stream movies to your heart’s satisfaction without lag.
You’ll find the typical Western fare here at pocket-friendly prices. Order the “Dragon Bowl“, a Rp. 35,000 (~USD2.48) acai bowl topped with copious amounts of banana slices, raisins, oats and almonds.
Read our full review here.
Address: Jalan Centre Park No.3, Taman Baloi, Kec. Batam Kota, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29432
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 11AM-10PM | Closed on Mon
Telephone: +62 811-7023-777
Website
Image credit: @gingiemay
If you’ve ever been curious about water skiing, you’ll know that an hour on the weekends will easily set you back a good $50 in Singapore. If the price point alone has been holding you back all this time, you can double your fun at the Batam Cableski Park for the same price.
Image credit: @clotwork
1-hour ski passes go for Rp. 250,000/pax (~USD17.73/pax) and those who want a full day out in the sun can opt for the Day Ski Package, which throws in a 2-way ferry ride, land transfers, lunch, and full-day ski pass for only Rp. 1,042,683.28 (~USD73.93). You can view their walk-in rates and range of packages here.
And more than just water sports, they’ve also got an entertainment section complete with a pool table, trampoline and mini basketball court. Shower facilities and lockers are also provided free of charge for guests.
Address: Waterfront City Resort, Tj. Riau, Sekupang, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29425
Opening hours: 10.30AM-6.30PM, Daily
Telephone: 852 72239707
Website
Image credit: @svc20
If the word “go-kart” is enough to set your pulse racing, you know you need to strike this next activity off your Batam list. Don’t worry, no prior driving experience is required, so even the young ones amongst us can live out our Tokyo Drift dreams.
Image credit: @nqabsssss
Lone riders will need to pay Rp. 140,000 (~USD9.93) for 10 minutes. Double seater options are available at Rp. 235,000 (~USD16.66) for the same duration but these are meant for parents with children under 130cm.
Address: Jalan Bengkong Laut, Tj. Buntung, Bengkong, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29444
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM | Sat-Sun 8AM-9PM
Image adapted from: MoonBay Kelong
Sitting in front of computer screens day in and day out can result in some serious brain drain. Those in need of a little tech detox can book themselves a stay at Batam’s MoonBay Kelong. Accommodating groups from 6-14 people, the kelong offers ultimate privacy for travellers looking to kick back and unwind and focus on life’s simple joys.
Each room is decked out with double-decker bunk beds and a 32” flat screen TV that broadcasts local channels for those who cannot live without entertainment.
Image credit: MoonBay Kelong
To lull away the time, check out their on-site fishing dock where you can fish for stingrays, dory and grouper. Pass your catch of the day to the staff on-site and they’ll whip up a delicious seafood feast for your next meal.
Telephone: +65 9666 8662
Website
Image credit: @turibeach
Lovers of the sand and sea can look forward to a string of exciting activities at Turi Beach. They range from laid-back attractions such as going on a River Cruise to thrilling ones such as riding on a Banana Boat and Flyboarding.
Image credit: @turibeach
Thrill-seekers can opt for flyboarding – 15 minutes of this activity will cost Rp. 630,000 (~USD44.67) per unit and 30 minutes – Rp. 1,030,000 (~USD73.03) per unit. This is the most exhilarating but pricey activity on our list, but it’s still worth the experience nonetheless as it’s not everyday that we can turbo jet above and across the water.
For something more mild, the river cruise is an hour long ride down Nongsa River for Rp. 240,000 (~USD17.02) per guest.
Turi Beach Resort
Address: Jalan Hang Lekiu, Nongsa, Sambau, Nongsa, Sambau, Kecamatan Nongsa, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29465
Telephone: 778 761080
Website
Image credit: noviaawwww
Those of you who’re looking for a whimsical getaway can check out the glamping options at Ranoh Island Batam. Glamping is one of their premier facilities but it’s a good experience to be had especially since you won’t have to jostle with the crowd as you’re surrounded by pristine white beaches and clear blue waters.
Image credit: Ranoh Island
The island is a 75-minute coach and ferry ride away from Batam Center ferry terminal and offers up numerous packages for you and your loved ones starting from SGD75 for a one day tour. There are a variety of tents offered including a small tent, which fits up to 2 people and a family tent, which fits a family of 4. The tents aren’t air-conditioned but have fans to keep you cool.
Image credit: Ranoh Island
Parents with children can check out the island’s Water Park, which is a massive floating playground in the middle of the ocean where guests can navigate their way through several obstacle courses. Free activities include Archery, Mahjong, Canoeing and Snorkeling. Find out more about free and premiere activities here.
Address: Abang Islands, Riau Islands Province
Website
Whether you’re looking to take a break from office life, or for an opportunity to bond with your loved ones, you won’t have to look far to have a good time. Batam’s just an hour’s ferry ride away and with these 8 activities, you can rejuvenate in peace without worrying about human traffic.
This post was brought to you by Wonderful Indonesia.
For more Batam itinerary ideas, read our other articles here:
Cover image adapted from (clockwise from left to right): Ranoh Island, @svc20, @thonyjourney
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