Batam

Batam is an island city in the Riau Islands province, located just 20 km south of Singapore and 25 km east of Johor, Malaysia. It is a major industrial and自由贸易 zone, one of Indonesia's fastest-growing cities, and a popular short-break destination for Singaporeans and Malaysians due to its proximity, duty-free shopping, cheap golf, spas, and nightlife. The island's economy is driven by manufacturing, shipping, and tourism.

By ferry

Ferries from Singapore's HarbourFront and Tanah Merah terminals run every 30-60 minutes to Batam's Sekupang, Batam Centre, Nongsapura, and Waterfront City terminals (30-60 minutes). Ferries also connect Batam to Johor, Malaysia, and other Riau Islands.

By plane

Hang Nadim Airport (BTH) serves flights from Jakarta, Medan, Padang, Pekanbaru, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore (direct flights from Seletar Airport).

Taxis are the main form of transport — negotiate the fare before starting. Ride-hailing apps (Gojek, Grab) are available in some areas. Rental cars with drivers can be arranged.

The Barelang Bridge — a famous chain of six bridges connecting Batam to neighboring islands of Rempang and Galang. The Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Chinese Buddhist temple (one of the largest in Southeast Asia). The Mega Mall Batam Centre. The Batam Cable Ski for watersports.

Golf — Batam has several 18-hole golf courses (considered among the best in Indonesia). Spa treatments and massages. Duty-free shopping at Nagoya Hill and Batam City Square. Watersports at Nongsa Beach and Waterfront City. Day trips to the nearby islands of Rempang and Galang (visit the Vietnamese refugee camp museum on Pulau Galang).

Seafood is the highlight — the harborfront restaurants in Nongsa and Waterfront City serve excellent grilled fish, crab, prawns, and squid. Kuotie (Chinese-style fried dumplings) and other Chinese-Indonesian dishes are popular. Many restaurants accept Singapore dollars.

Alcoholic drinks are cheap compared to Singapore due to duty-free status. Fresh fruit juices, young coconut water, and Indonesian coffee are widely available.

Batam has many hotels. Budget (Rp 200,000–400,000). Mid-range (Ibis, Aston, Harris) cost Rp 400,000–800,000. Luxury beach resorts in Nongsa and Waterfront City (Holiday Inn, Turi Beach, Montigo Resorts) cost USD 80–250.

Batam is a duty-free zone. Electronics, cosmetics, chocolates, alcohol, and brand-name goods are cheaper than in Singapore and mainland Indonesia. Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall, Batam City Square, and Batam Centre are the main shopping areas. Batam is not a significant source of traditional Indonesian handicrafts.

Singapore is 30-60 minutes by ferry. Bintan Island (1-2 hours by ferry). Johor, Malaysia (30 minutes by ferry). Continue to Tanjung Pinang (Bintan) or other Riau Islands. Fly to Jakarta, Medan, or other Indonesian cities.