Batam

A major island city in the Riau Islands archipelago, famous for its duty-free status, beaches, and as a regional trade hub. Visitors come for water sports, island hopping, seafood dining, and easy access to Malaysia and Singapore.

Things to do

• Barelang Bridge Island Hopping — Explore the iconic six-lane bridge connecting three islands with scenic viewpoints, cafes, and photo opportunities across the straits.
• Nongsa Point Marina Water Sports — Try jet skiing, wakeboarding, parasailing, or banana boat rides at this popular coastal resort area on the northern tip of the island.
• Muka Kuning Lighthouse Visit — Climb the historic yellow lighthouse on the eastern coast for panoramic views of the Malacca Strait and surrounding islands.
• Waterfront City Shopping & Dining — Browse duty-free goods, electronics, and fashion at this modern mall while enjoying waterfront restaurants and harbor views.
• Island Hopping to Rempang Island — Take a boat tour to nearby Rempang Island for quieter beaches, snorkeling, and seafood lunch at local warung establishments.
• Segenting Beach Relaxation — Enjoy a quieter, less-crowded white sand beach with calm waters, ideal for swimming and sunset viewing.

Food to try

• Mie Gomak — A spicy noodle dish cooked in a wok with shrimp, squid, and vegetables, reflecting Batam's proximity to Malaysian and Singaporean influences.
• Seafood Grilled Fish (Ikan Bakar) — Freshly caught fish grilled over charcoal and served with sambal and lime, best enjoyed at waterfront seafood restaurants along the harbor.
• Kepiting Saus Padang (Padang-style Crab) — Blue crabs cooked in a rich, spiced gravy from West Sumatra, widely served at local seafood establishments throughout the city.
• Perkedel Goreng — Fried potato fritters seasoned with spices and often served as a snack or side dish at casual warungs and food stalls.
• Batam Fresh Seafood Buffet — All-you-can-eat seafood experiences where diners select from displays of shrimp, fish, squid, and clams cooked to order by the restaurant.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Prayer Times and Closures — Many businesses close or have limited hours during the five daily Islamic prayer times, and Friday afternoons may see reduced activity as it's the holy day.
• Bargain at Local Markets — Haggling is expected and appreciated at pasar (markets) and street stalls; polite negotiation can result in better prices, especially for souvenirs and goods.
• Dress Modestly at Religious Sites — Cover shoulders and knees when visiting mosques or temples, and remove shoes before entering; women should carry a headscarf if planning mosque visits.
• Cash Remains Common Despite Modern Retail — While credit cards work at malls and major establishments, smaller warungs, markets, and island tour operators prefer Indonesian rupiah cash payments.