Categories > Guides and Tips
A Guide for a Ferry Good Time on Your Day Trip from Singapore to Batam
- How long is the journey from Singapore to Batam?
- Ferry Options and Ticket Prices
- Do I need a visa to enter Batam from Singapore?
- What to Do on Your Day Trip to Batam
- Get a dose of thrill at Batam Adventure Park
- Relax and unwind at the picturesque Nongsa Beach
- Get all the Coney Island feels at Mega Wisata Ocarina Batam
- Get a traditional massage experience that Batam is known for at Spa Central
- Where to Eat and Drink in Batam
- Harbour Bay Seafood Restaurant
- Teras Cafe Steakhouse
- Piccola Stella
- De’Sands Cafe and Restaurant
- Restoran Sederhana
- Where to Shop in Batam
- Mega Mall Batam Centre
- Batam City Square Mall
- Diamond City Mall
When a friend casually asked if I wanted to join her on a day trip to Batam, I couldn’t help but think she was talking about the superhero. “Batman?” I asked.
But to my surprise (and slight embarrassment), she was actually referring to Batam, Indonesia—a vibrant island just a short ferry ride away from Singapore. Batam is known for its beautiful beaches, affordable shopping, and delicious seafood.
It’s the perfect getaway, offering much more than just a name that sounds like a certain caped crusader—and I have just the perfect day trip itinerary for it
How long is the journey from Singapore to Batam?
The ferry ride from Singapore to Batam can take between 45 minutes to an hour, depending on weather conditions and the type of ferry you ride on.
Ferry Options and Ticket Prices
| Ferry Operator | Terminal | Ticket Price |
| Batam Fast Ferry | Harbourfront Centre, Tanah Merah | One-Way: $43Round Trip: $76 |
| Majestic Fast Ferry | Harbourfront Centre, Tanah Merah | One-Way: $43Round Trip: $76 |
| Sindo Ferry | Harbourfront Centre | One-Way: $28Round Trip: $56 |
| Horizon Fast Ferry | Harbourfront Centre, Tanah Merah | One-Way: $43Round Trip: $81 |
Do I need a visa to enter Batam from Singapore?
It depends. If you’re a Singaporean citizen or if you’re a tourist from a neighbouring country in Southeast Asia, then you don’t need a visa to enter Batam, Indonesia.
However, if you’re not a citizen of a Southeast Asian country and are coming from Singapore, then you would be required to secure a short-term visa or tourist visa prior to entering the island.
What to Do on Your Day Trip to Batam
Get a dose of thrill at Batam Adventure Park
Media from batamadventurepark
Address: Jl. Sudirman, Taman Baloi, Kec. Batam Kota, Kepulauan Riau
Contact Details: +62 81177 78927
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:30 pm
Average Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Pricing:
Go Kart: IDR 250,000 (Adults), IDR 200,000 (Children)
ATV: IDR: 250,000 per person
Shooting Range: IDR 150,000 per person
Paintball: IDR 150,000 per person (up to 6 pax)
Batam Adventure Park is perfect for thrill-seekers looking for a challenging experience. It’s ideal for those who enjoy adrenaline-pumping rides through forest trails.
You can explore the park on an all-terrain vehicle, with options available for all skill levels. Beginners or those with no experience can rely on guides to accompany them, ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride.
Tips:
- If you’re coming with a group, I recommend booking the Corporate Package instead. The package includes lunch, free ice water, go-karting, Paintball, safety equipment, and photography for a minimum of 25 people.
- All tickets to the activities already come with safety equipment, but if you want to bring your own, you’re free to do so! I recommend wearing covered shoes for the ATV ride because it can get muddy!
Relax and unwind at the picturesque Nongsa Beach
Media from nongsapoint
Address: Sambau, Nongsa
Contact Details: +62 857 6766 8900
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
Average Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Pricing: IDR 10,000 per person
Nongsa Beach, with its stunning white sands and calm waves, is an ideal spot for couples and families seeking a peaceful afternoon. It’s also one of the top locations to watch the sunset!
The beach is lined with award-winning luxury hotels and resorts, making it perfect for a seaside getaway. Since this is only a day trip, I recommend bringing a beach towel and hosting a picnic for lunch by the sea (the resort experience is only optional!).
Tips:
- You can rent tyre buoys for only IDR 5,000 for a small one and IDR 10,000 for a big one. Lots of vendors along the beach offer this rental option, so don’t be afraid to ask them if you want to take a dip!
- There’s no public transport that can take you out of the beach and back to the city centre once 6:00 pm hits. I recommend booking a ride from a ride-hailing app if you want to stay for the sunset.
Get all the Coney Island feels at Mega Wisata Ocarina Batam
Media from palugadabatam2023
Address: Jalan Bunga Raya, Sadai, Bangkong
Contact Details: +62 81177 78927
Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 10:00 pm
Saturday, 8:00 am to 11:00 pm
Sunday, 6:00 am to 10:00 pm
Average Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Pricing: IDR 15,000 to IDR 25,000 per person
Mega Wisata Ocarina Batam is a beachfront theme park that I highly recommend visiting, whether you’re with kids or not.
The main highlight? The colourful Ferris wheel that gives you breathtaking ocean views and lots of refreshing sea breeze.
Beyond the Ferris wheel, I loved trying out the flying fox, splashing around in the water park and swimming pool, and bouncing on the trampoline. You can also help yourself with great views from the shores since the theme park sits on the beach.
Tips:
- I recommend riding the Ferris wheel close to sunset to get majestic views of the sun going down on the beach. This time is usually when the queues are long, so time your visit accordingly (I recommend lining up by 5:30 pm!).
- It’s good to carry a bit of cash with you because some rides inside charge a small extra fee. Admission to any attraction without a ticket booth is included in your entry fee.
Get a traditional massage experience that Batam is known for at Spa Central
Media from spa.central.batam
Address: Ruko Nagoya Hill Blok R4 No. D6-7, Lubuk Baja Kota, Kec. Lubuk Baja
Contact Details: +62 81177 78927
Operating Hours:
Monday to Thursday, 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Friday to Sunday 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Average Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Pricing: Starting from IDR 270,000 to IDR 480,000 per person
If you came all the way to Batam for a relaxing massage, I wouldn’t blame you or even judge you. The island is known for its plethora of spas and getting a massage here is a known must-do among tourists.
One of the most popular spas on the island is Spa Central. You can get great deals on packages that include aromatherapy, reflexology, scrubs, and hot stone massages here!
They also offer affordable skin treatments like lasers and facials in case you want to leave the trip looking plump and youthful!
Tips:
- I recommend booking your appointment ahead of time because the spa often gets fully booked, especially on weekends. In case your chosen branch is fully booked, you can search for open slots across the spa’s numerous branches on the island. Book your appointment here.
- For the complete spa experience, you can also book the VIP local transfer service wherein the spa staff picks you up from your chosen pick-up point. You can also request to be picked up from the ferry port. Learn more about it here.
Where to Eat and Drink in Batam
Harbour Bay Seafood Restaurant
Media from harbourbayseafoodrestaurant
Address: The Promenade, Downtown Jl. Duyung Sei Jodoh, Jl. Harbour Bay Blok 8E, Sungai Jodoh, Kec. Batu Ampar
Contact Details: +62 81170 35188
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
Pricing: $$
If you’re looking to indulge in the best seafood that the island has to offer, then Harbour Bay Seafood Restaurant is the place to go. With its seaside views and live music in the evenings, it’s an ideal spot for friends and family to savour delicious dishes.
Seafood prices can fluctuate with the seasons, but you shouldn’t miss out on specialities like salted egg crab and black pepper crayfish. My personal favourite is the lobster with mixed fruit salad (a little pricey but worth every penny!).
Tips:
- Don’t forget to leave tips if you have extra cash with you. Your overall bill doesn’t come with a service charge, so it might make your server happy if you leave a small tip for them.
- It’s best to reserve a table in advance if you plan to dine here for dinner. Tables get booked quickly, and if you want to get one inside the air-conditioned part of the restaurant, I recommend calling them ahead of your visit.
Teras Cafe Steakhouse
Media from terascafesteakshousebatam
Address: Jalan Baloi Kusuma Indah No.23, Batu Selicin, Kec. Lubuk Baja
Contact Details: +62 77845 9552
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 3:30 pm to 11:30 pm
Pricing: $$
Teras Cafe Steakhouse is a sophisticated and exclusive venue on the island that’s ideal for anyone who wants to splurge a little more for comfort and luxurious vibes.
While it exudes a luxurious atmosphere, the menu is surprisingly affordable, offering a range of Western dishes and drinks. You can enjoy hearty portions of steak and other Western favourites like soups, stews, and pasta while live singers serenade you.
Tips:
- The cafe is only open in the afternoons, and reservations are highly recommended if you plan on eating dinner here. If you want to avoid the crowds, grab an early dinner instead!
- Stay tuned to their Instagram page for promotions. The cafe usually offers discounts for couples or groups coming to have dinner, so reserve a table as soon as you find a promotion announcement.
Piccola Stella
Media from piccola_stella_batam
Address: Ruko Dermaga Sukajadi, Jl. Sudirman Blok RH no. 01, Sukajadi, Batam Kota
Contact Details: +62 822 8321 0009
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:30 am to 10:00 pm
Pricing: $$
Piccolo Stella used to be a small food stall back in 2014 and it only served Tuscan-style pizzas and a few pasta offerings. Today, the stall has grown into a quaint restaurant and serves a plethora of authentic Italian dishes.
Crowd-favourite menu items include the Margherita pizza, calzone, carbonara, and shrimp alfredo. I personally love the calzone and pair it with a serving of their choco lava cake.
Most of the menu items are halal-friendly and vegetarian-friendly, too!
Tips:
- Is it your birthday? If you visit on your birthday week, you can get up to 15% off menu items. Just show the staff proof that it’s your birthday week and you can get a discount on your overall bill. Make sure to reach the IDR 150,000 minimum spend requirement, though!
- Happy Hour at the restaurant is from Monday to Thursday from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. You can get 15% off on both food and drinks!
De’Sands Cafe and Restaurant
Media from desandbatam
Address: Jl. Golden City Residence, Tj. Buntung, Kec. Bengkong
Contact Details: +62 81 1700 0880
Operating Hours:
Monday to Thursday, 11:00 am to 1:00 am
Friday to Sunday, 11:00 am to 2:00 am
Pricing: $$
De’Sands is, in my opinion, one of the best Mediterranean dining spots on the island. My favourite thing about this place is the ambience because everything, from the decor to the furniture, is inspired by the coastal town of Santorini.
While the ambience is incredibly eye-catching, the food is equally worthy of attention. A few must-tries include the mushroom pizza, Santorini fresh salad, and the Atlantic salmon steak.
Tips:
- If you brought a car rental with you, I recommend dropping by the restaurant for an early dinner. Parking is limited (usually along the street), and if you arrive around 6:00 pm, most slots will be full.
- Note that the ordering process is pretty unique here. You must order through the QR code, but your orders will only go through once you pay for them at the counter. Don’t be afraid to ask the servers for assistance. You don’t want to wait for a long time just to find out that none of your orders went through in the first place!
Restoran Sederhana
Media from restoransederhanaofficial
Address: Ruko Kepri Mall Lantai Dasar No. 14-17, Sukajadi, Kec
Contact Details: +62 77 8749 0081
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:00 am to 9:30 pm
Pricing: $
Have you ever tried eating at a traditional Indonesian padang? Padang is essentially a food stall known to display all their offerings of local fare in a tower, and one of the best places to try it on the island is at Restoran Sederhana.
You simply choose which of the dishes you want to eat out of the tower and the restaurant will only charge you for what you eat. You can eat as many as you want, so long as you have the appetite for it!
Popular padang fare includes beef rendang (curry), chicken rendang, seafood stir-fry, and other deep-fried meat and vegetables.
Tips:
- There are multiple branches of the restaurant across the island, but only a few offer unlimited rice. It only costs IDR 12,000 per person.
- I recommend dining here at lunch hours (11:00 am to noon) because most of the food items sell out in the afternoon. The restaurant will still cook new batches of the menu items, but it may take a while.
Where to Shop in Batam
Mega Mall Batam Centre
Media from megamall_batamcentre
Address: Jl. Engku Putri No.1, Belian, Kec. Batam Kota
Contact Details: +62 77 847 0100
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Mega Mall Batam Centre is one of the largest and most popular shopping malls on the island, and it’s my top recommendation for all your shopping needs during the trip.
The mall features dozens of dining options, a wide array of retail stores, a supermarket, and a cinema if you want to catch the latest blockbuster movies. You can basically find everything you may need for a sound trip here!
Tip:
- Need to do some last-minute souvenir shopping? The supermarket inside the mall has a wide array of local snacks and delicacies in an aisle. They’re all meant to be bought as souvenirs for tourists!
Batam City Square Mall
Media from summerjune_fn
Address: 42J6+R4W, Jl. Bunga Raya, Batu Selicin, Kec. Lubuk Baja
Contact Details: +62 77 8743 5500
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Craving some TLC but short on cash for a spa day? Batam City Square Mall has you covered. You can get a new hairstyle and a fresh set of gel manicures all in one place.
This expansive mall is also famous for its surplus and outlet stores, offering everything from budget brands to luxury labels. Just shop carefully to avoid counterfeit items.
Tip:
- This mall is also one of the best places to buy traditional Batik clothing. They make for great souvenirs back home (especially since Batik is from Indonesia).
Diamond City Mall
Media from summerjune_fn
Address: 42R3+F3W, Jalan Duyung, Tj. Uma, Kec. Lubuk Baja
Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Saturday, 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Sunday, 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Diamond City Mall is one of Batam’s older shopping destinations, known for its affordable yet good-quality products, including clothing, shoes, local snacks, electronics, and personal items.
The mall offers a wide variety of clothing for men, women, and children, with great deals on items like pyjamas and t-shirts for around $6 or $7 a pop. Don’t be afraid to haggle prices with vendors, too!
Tip:
- Be cautious of counterfeit items on the ground floor, where shoppers are sometimes tricked into buying fake luxury bags that look strikingly authentic.
- Most of the fashion items sold here are geared towards Muslim clothing. There is not much you can buy in terms of branded stuff, but if you’re looking for clothes you can buy for cheap, this is the place to go!
