What to Do in Batam? 7 Fun Experiences You Can't Miss

Planning a trip to Batam but not sure what to do in Batam? You're in for a treat! This bustling island city isn't just a quick stopover on your way to Singapore or Malaysia - it's actually packed with incredible attractions that'll make you want to extend your stay.

Reported from traveloka, Batam has grown into Indonesia's third most popular entry point for international tourists.  And honestly? It's about time more people discovered what this amazing island has to offer. The best part? You can easily explore most of these attractions in just two days, especially when you have your own wheels to get around.

 

1. Experience Local Culture at Traditional Coffee Shops

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Want to know what to do in Batam like a true local? Grab a seat at any traditional coffee shop around the city. These aren't your trendy Instagram cafes - they're the real deal where locals have been gathering for decades.

You'll find an amazing mix of people here, from young students to elderly folks, all enjoying affordable local favorites like kopi O, teh tarik, nasi lemak, and roti prata. It's the perfect place to soak up the authentic Batam atmosphere.

2. Feast on Fresh Seafood at Piayu Laut

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You can't leave Batam without trying the local seafood, and Piayu Laut is legendary among locals. This simple wooden restaurant sits on stilts over the water, giving you that authentic fishing village vibe.

Don't let the basic setup fool you - the seafood here is incredibly fresh and delicious. Make sure to try gonggong, a local sea snail that's a specialty of the Riau Islands. The prices are surprisingly reasonable for the quality you get.

3. Marvel at the Iconic Barelang Bridge

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When people ask "what to do in Batam," the first thing locals will tell you is to visit Barelang Bridge. And they're absolutely right - you haven't really been to Batam until you've seen this engineering marvel.

This isn't just one bridge, but actually six different bridges, each with its own unique design. The project was started by B.J. Habibie back in 1991 to connect the main islands of Batam, Rempang, and Galang (that's where the name "Barelang" comes from). Each bridge is named after historical Malay kings, making it not just a stunning sight but also a piece of living history.

The first bridge is about 30 minutes from Hang Nadim Airport, but if you want to see all six bridges, plan for a full day adventure. Trust me, having your own car makes this so much easier than trying to coordinate taxis all day.

4. Step Back in Time at Ex-Camp Vietnam

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While you're in the Barelang area, don't miss this fascinating historical site on Galang Island. The Ex-Camp Vietnam is a preserved refugee camp that once housed Vietnamese refugees during their civil war in 1979.

What makes this place special is how authentic everything still looks. You'll see the original barracks, hospital, school, church, temple, and even a replica of the boats that carried refugees across the South China Sea. It's a powerful reminder of history, and entry is just 10,000 rupiah per person.

5. Get That Perfect Instagram Shot at "Welcome to Batam"

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Every city needs its iconic photo spot, right? Batam's version is the huge "Welcome to Batam" sign on Bukit Clara. It's like Hollywood's sign, but way more accessible!

The sign faces the International Ferry Terminal, so it literally welcomes visitors arriving from Singapore and Malaysia. The best part? It's completely free, and you're just a short walk from the Grand Mosque and Dataran Engku Putri if you want to explore more of the city center.

6. Have Fun at Ocarina Park

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Looking for family-friendly fun? Ocarina Park is your answer. This 40-hectare waterfront theme park sits right by the coast, so you can enjoy beach activities while watching ferries heading to Singapore and Malaysia.

For just 10,000 rupiah entry (plus 5,000 for parking), you get access to the beach area. Want to see the city from above? The giant wheel costs an extra 15,000 rupiah and offers amazing panoramic views. They even have foam parties on weekends!

7. Relax at Beautiful Nongsa Beach

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About 30 minutes from Batam Center, Nongsa Beach is where you'll find some of the island's most beautiful coastline. The area is dotted with international hotels and resorts, but there are also traditional village sections maintained by local communities.

The real gem here is Putri Island, just across from the main beach. You can take a traditional wooden boat (pancung) over there for swimming, snorkeling, or even camping. It's become a favorite weekend getaway spot for young locals.

8. Explore Traditional Life on Belakang Padang Island

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This small island gives you a glimpse into traditional Malay island life. A 20-minute boat ride from Sekupang Port (15,000 rupiah each way) takes you to this charming community where colorful traditional houses line the waterfront.

The island is famous for its traditional Malay breakfast dishes, so definitely plan a morning visit. Plus, on clear days, you get incredible views of Singapore's skyline from here. The locals even call it "Pulau Penawar Rindu" (The Island That Heals Longing) - pretty poetic, right?

9. Climb the Thousand Steps at Habibie Tourism Park

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This park used to be B.J. Habibie's residence when he led Batam's development. Now it's a peaceful hillside park with amazing views of the sea, Singapore's skyline, and busy shipping lanes.

The "thousand steps" part comes from all the stairs you'll encounter if you want to reach the beach below. But even if you stay up top, there are plenty of gazebos for relaxing and a locally-built treehouse that's perfect for photos (just 2,000 rupiah for a photo session).

10. Watch Singapore from Tanjung Pinggir Beach

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Since Sekupang directly faces Singapore, Tanjung Pinggir Beach offers some of the best views of the city-state from Indonesian soil. It's right next to KTM Resort and costs just 10,000 rupiah to enter.

This is a popular picnic spot for locals, so bring your own food and drinks if you plan to spend the day. The water is great for swimming, so pack a change of clothes too.

10. Shop Till You Drop in Nagoya

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No, you don't need to fly to Japan - Batam has its own Nagoya! This area is basically Batam's Chinatown and shopping paradise. Thanks to Batam's free trade zone status, you'll find incredible deals on branded bags, gadgets, perfumes, and electronics.

For the best electronics deals, head to Lucky Plaza - it's famous throughout the region for cheap laptops, smartphones, and cameras. Just remember to check everything carefully before buying.

Info Source: traveloka

Ready to Explore? Here's Why You Need Your Own Wheels

After reading about all these amazing attractions, you're probably wondering about the best way to get around. While Batam isn't huge, these attractions are spread across different areas of the island, and some require trips to other small islands.

Here's the reality: Relying on taxis or ride-hailing apps for a full day of sightseeing gets expensive fast, plus you're always waiting around or rushing to stick to someone else's schedule. Tour groups? They're crowded and only give you a quick glimpse of each place.

The smart choice? Rent your own car and explore at your own pace. You can wake up early to catch that perfect sunrise shot at Barelang Bridge, spend as long as you want at each attraction, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Make It Happen with WAHDAH Car Rental

WAHDAH makes exploring Batam incredibly easy with their self-drive car rental service. Here's why they're your best bet for the ultimate Batam adventure:

• No mileage limits - Drive from Nagoya to Nongsa to Sekupang without worrying about extra charges
• Flexible pickup locations - Get your car right at Hang Nadim Airport or at your hotel
• Perfect vehicle selection - Whether you need a compact car for solo exploring or a spacious SUV for the family
• Simple booking process - Everything's handled online, so you can focus on planning your itinerary

Book your WAHDAH Car Rental Today

 

Checkout other interesting things on Batam

-WAHDAH Car Rental Batam Self Drive - Easy Process

-Explore Nirup Island in Batam for a Luxurious and Eco-Friendly Getaway

-10 Delicious Foods You Should Eat in Batam