Are you looking for a quick weekend getaway in Singapore? Batam Island is your answer to many tourists and travelers from Singapore as there are many things to do and places to see here. Batam is your response to the actual beach, sunsea for a few days. It might not be the ideal island getaway, but it’s so close that it’s worth a visit only for the weekend, even with this only 45 minutes from Singapore to Batam Center ferry. If you’re looking for a weekend escape, then don’t miss these eight things:
- Shopping at Nagoya Hill Mall
One of the top places to shop on the island of Batam is at Nagoya Hill Mall. It is possible to find local food such as kueh lapis favorite (kue lapis black), Indomie (instant noodles) along with tidbits here. You can even find sports equipment here, although mostly golf equipment, as this location is also an ideal destination for the sport. Some shops consider the Singapore dollar the local currency, but you will also find a money changer at the mall. Things here are known as deal buys. The items here must be very profitable for you.
- Seafood Culinary
In Batam, you can be sure to find fresh seafood at very reasonable prices. Many fish restaurants are dotted around the island, but some of the most famous are the Golden Prawn Seafood Restaurant and the Harbor Bay Seafood Restaurant of the beachfront promenade. It is possible to find seafood options such as prawns, crabs, scallops, and more; You will be blown away at the end of your meal.
- Enjoy Alcohol and Beer at Its Best Price
If you come from neighboring Singapore, then you will find that alcohol and beer here are cheaper. If drinking is the problem, then it’s the place to fill your quota before returning. It’s possible to find a drinking area anywhere around here.
- Treat Yourself with Relaxing Spa and Massage
You will find a large collection of massages and spas at Batam Center as most of them appeal to hordes of tourists. But this also means a lot of options to choose from, which are exceptional and economical. Classic Balinese massage is one thing to do, and also the price starts from IDR 260,000 / / 25 SGD (as of 2017). Just walk around and find the one that suits you! Among the cheap Batam, the recommendation is Go! Massage. If you want to stay close and pamper yourself every day, Allium Batam Hotel is your best choice, just a two minute walk away.
- Doing Adventuresome Activities and Water Sports
By the sea is where you’ll find most of the land-to-water adventure sports phenomena. Alternative water sports such as banana boating, parasailing, windsurfing, cycling and jet skiing (around 55 SGD) while at the property, you can try go-karts for around 18 SGD. You can also find this attraction on Nongsa beach or, for a more lively option is Melur Beach on Galang Island. You can even try snorkeling or diving on Batam Island.
- Taking Golf Courses
Batam is well known for having some world criteria golf classes and is one of the most popular acts here. Discover beautiful green trails flanked by a beautiful beach backdrop. It is possible to find the Tering Bay International gold grade created by the legendary Greg Norman, a global golf course designer. Also, don’t miss the Radisson Golf and Convention Center* which also includes high-end accommodation.
- Riding Motorbike Through the Picturesque Northern Shore
Unknown to much of Batam’s beautiful north coast, this is one of the greatest mountain biking rounds where you will run through dense green forests along with the expansive seafront. You will take this course alone through the Duriangkang Reservoir along Nongsa Beach. It will be about a 30km bike ride from Turi Beach/Nongsa Village and across Mata Ikan Bay then down the coast to Batu Besar and finally via Citra Mas Housing to Tering Bay Golf.
- Visiting Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Buddhist Temple
This temple is famous for the most Buddha statues available in various sizes and costumes online throughout the temples. The entire temple complex is large and spacious, with an orphanage, food stalls and restaurants. This is an excellent example of a modern monument, even started in 1999 after being built by a Chinese neighborhood in Batam. It is considered to be one of the largest temples built in South Asia.
Before you plan a trip to Batam, be sure to read more about Batam and Indonesia by visiting Wonderful Indonesia.
