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Batam, Indonesia is one of our favourite destinations for a quick getaway. From beach resorts in Batam to affordable shopping at Grand Batam Mall, here are our top recommendations for where to stay and things to do in Batam with kids!
Did you know that Batam, Indonesia is the closest (and most affordable) getaway from Singapore? Only a 45-minute boat ride away, Batam is a popular destination for families who need a break from the hustle and bustle of life in Singapore. Whether you’re in need of a budget-friendly shopping spree or a relaxing beach vacation, Batam has everything you need. Plus, we love the plethora of activities for kids of all ages!
Beat the heat at fabulous Waterpark Top 100 Batu Aji or get a tan at a beach club offering delicious Indonesian food and fun pool floats for kids. Apart from popular tourist attractions at Batam, we also spill the deets on some hidden gems in Batam that you won’t want to miss. From how to get to Batam to where to stay, where to eat and things to do in Batam, here’s all you need to know to plan your next getaway to Batam!
Read more:Guide to Bintan Island For Families
Jump to:
– How to get to Batam from Singapore
– Where to stay in Batam
– Things to do in Batam
– Where to eat in Batam
– How to get around Batam
How to get to Batam from Singapore: Batam ferry services & fares
Taking the ferry is the quickest way to get to Batam from Singapore. It is only a 30 to 45-minute ferry ride before your holiday begins!
Do note that there are five international ferry ports in Batam: Harbour Bay (northern coast of Batam near city centre), Batam Centre (closest to Batam’s city centre), Sekupang (north-western coast of Batam), Marina Waterfront City (western coast of Batam) and Nongsapura (north-eastern coast of Batam).
Travel tip: Citizens from nine ASEAN countries (including Singapore) can travel to Batam visa-free. Citizens of other countries will have to purchase a visa on arrival for $42.
Batam ferry options:
Majestic Fast Ferry: Premium ferry service
Majestic Fast Ferry is a premium ferry service that takes you from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal or HarbourFront Centre to Batam Centre or Sekupang. Enjoy the super speedy ride as you sink into comfy leather seats.
Majestic Fast Ferry ticket price: $76/person for a round-trip
Majestic Fast Ferry, www.majesticfastferry.com.sg
Batam Fast: Reliable ferry to Batam
Batam Fast is a reliable, fuss-free ferry service to Batam. They offer ferry services from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal or HarbourFront Centre to three ports in Batam: Batam Centre, Sekupang and Nongsapura.
Batam Fast ticket price: $76/person for a round-trip
Batam Fast, www.batamfast.com
Horizon Fast Ferry: Ferry from Batam to Singapore
Horizon Fast Ferry is a popular choice for those who plan to go to Harbour Bay Ferry Terminal at Batam City Centre. Take the ferry from HarbourFront Centre in Singapore and arrive in Batam in just 45 minutes!
Horizon Fast Ferry ticket price: $76/person for a round-trip
Horizon Fast Ferry, www.horizonfastferry.com.sg
Where to stay in Batam: Best hotels & resorts in Batam
Choosing your accommodation in Batam depends on what type of holiday you’re looking for. If you plan to fill your suitcases with lots of goodies from shopping in Batam, then a hotel near the Batam City Centre would be ideal. Need a break from city life? Book a stay at a resort in Batam, where you can unwind with the sound of waves while the kids build sandcastles on the beach.
Best beach resorts in Batam:
Montigo Resort: Luxury beachfront resort
Planning an escape with your bae? Montigo Resorts is a luxury beach resort in Batam that sits on a hill in Nongsa. Each villa comes with its very own pool, so you can enjoy a peaceful dip in the pool in total privacy. They even have a five-bedroom residence if you want to make it a family affair!
Montigo Resorts room price: from $557 for a deluxe two-bedroom spa villa for a family of four
Montigo Resorts, Jalan Hang Lekiu, Sambau, Kecamatan Nongsa, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29465, Indonesia, www.nongsa.montigoresorts.com
HARRIS Resort Barelang Batam: Family resort with water playground
Looking for a kid-friendly resort? HARRIS Resort Barelang Batam is a family resort with a gorgeous pool and water playground where the kids can beat the heat! They even have a kids’ club, so you can drop the kids off and enjoy your much-needed massage or workout at the gym. Plus, older kiddos can enjoy plenty of land activities and water sports too!
HARRIS Resort Barelang Batam room price: from $84.26 per night for a family of four
HARRIS Resort Barelang Batam, Trans Barelang Street,Tembesi, Batam Island, 29439, Indonesia, www.discoverasr.com
Turi Beach Resort: Peaceful resort by the beach
Overlooking the South China Sea, Turi Beach Resort offers a relaxing getaway for the whole family. We love the Cabana Club, where you’ll find a host of water sport activities to satisfy every thrill-seeker. Daily breakfast buffet is included in your room price, so you can start the day with the fuel you need.
Turi Beach Resort room price: from $117 per night for a room for two (a family of four would have to book two rooms)
Turi Beach Resort, Jl. Hang Lekiu, Sambau, Kecamatan Nongsa, Kota Batam Kepulauan Riau 29465, Indonesia, www.turibeach.com
Best hotels in Batam city:
ARTOTEL Batam: Classy hotel in Batam city centre
ARTOTEL Batam is just across the street from the Grand Batam Mall, so you won’t have to lug your shopping bags too far! Do note, however, that this hotel in Batam does not have a swimming pool. Breakfast is available at an additional charge. Each room only sleeps two people, so a family of four will need to book two rooms.
ARTOTEL Batam hotel room price: $146 per night for up to two pax in one room ($292 for two rooms)
ARTOTEL Batam, Jl Batu Selicin, Lubuk Baja Batam Riau Islands 29444 Indonesia, www.artotelwanderlust.com
Oakwood Hotel & Residences: Above Grand Batam Mall
Oakwood Hotel & Apartments is one of the newest hotels in Batam. Nestled in the heart of Batam, you’ll just be steps away from the Grand Batam Mall located just downstairs. This hotel in Batam features a swimming pool for little ones to beat the heat and a fitness centre for grown-ups to stay active. They also have two-bedroom apartments for a more spacious stay.
Oakwood Hotel & Apartments room price: from $236.37 per night for a two-bedroom executive room for two adults and two children
Oakwood Hotel & Apartments, Batu Selicin, Lubuk Baja, Batam City, Riau Islands, Indonesia, www.discoverasr.com
Harris Hotel Batam City Centre: Opposite Mega Mall Batam Centre
Want to wake up to the beautiful view of the sea while staying in the heart of the city? Book a hotel at HARRIS Hotel Batam City Centre that offers a buffet breakfast and a children’s play area to keep the little ones occupied. There’s also a swimming pool, fitness centre and even a triple room that sleeps up to three people.
HARRIS Hotel Batam Centre room price: from $55.83 per night for a room for two ($111.70 per night for two rooms).
HARRIS Hotel Batam Centre, Jl. Engku Putri, Batam Island, 29461, Indonesia, www.discoverasr.com
ASTON Batam Hotel & Residences: Between Batam Centre and city centre
Located in the heart of Batam city centre, ASTON Batam Hotel & Residences is an ideal choice for those who want to be close to all of the city action. This hotel in Batam is only a 15-minute drive from Mega Mall Batam Centre, where you can shop ’till you drop!
Take the older kiddos to Mega Wisata Ocarina Batam, a thrilling amusement park that is 10 minutes away by car. Plus, if you’re travelling with more family, this hotel in Batam also has two to three-bedroom serviced apartments.
ASTON Batam Hotel & Residences: from $94 per night for one room for two or $263 per night for a three-bedroom apartment
ASTON Batam Hotel & Residences, Jl. Sriwijaya No. 1, Kp. Pelita – 29444 Batam – Riau, Riau, Indonesia, www.astonhotelsinternational.com
Things to do in Batam: Kid-friendly activities for the family
Batam Zoo Paradise: Animal feeding and encounters
If your kiddos love animals, then they’ll love the Batam Zoo Paradise! From owls to parrots, ostriches, iguanas, ponies and llamas, there’s so much to see here. Batam Zoo Paradise even has animal encounters the kiddos are sure to love. Plus, there’s a water playground here, so be sure to pack swimsuits!
Batam Zoo Paradise, Sadai, Bengkong, Batam City, Riau Islands 29461, Indonesia, www.facebook.com/batamzoo.paradise
Waterpark Top 100 Batu Aji: Water park in Batam city
Get tickets to Batam’s largest waterpark to beat the heat! There are plenty of slides for the young and old, so it makes for a splash-tastic family day out in the sun. Float down the lazy river to relax then take the little ones to the shallow water play area for kids.
Waterpark Top 100 Batu Aji, Kawasan Mall Top 100, Tembesi, Batam, Riau, Indonesia 29439, www.facebook.com/waterparktop100
Shopping At Grand Batam Mall: Kids’ clothes & good food
Affordable shopping is one of the many reasons that Singaporeans love visiting Batam. When it gets too hot for outdoor activities, head to Grand Batam Mall for shopping fun. From kids’ clothes to shoes, delicious food and an indoor playground, there’s plenty to do for the whole family.
Grand Batam Mall, Jl. Pembangunan, Batu Selicin, Kec. Lubuk Baja, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29444, Indonesia, www.grandbatam.com
Next Level Batam: Beach club with pony rides
If you’ve ever dreamed of booking a cabana at a beach club without breaking the bank, now’s your chance! Next Level Batam is a beach club with alfresco dining, stunning sea views and pony rides. Refuel with delicious Indonesian fusion fare then climb onto a pony and ride off into the sunset for an evening to remember!
Next Level Batam, Gold Coast Area, Bengkong Laut, Golden City – Batam, Batam, Indonesia, Riau Islands Province, www.facebook.com/next-level-batam
Kidzlandia At Batam Grand Mall: Indoor playground with a ball pit & slides
On days that are too hot to be outside, take the kids to an indoor playground at Grand Batam Mall! From a ball pit to sensory sand play, slides and even a carousel, there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained. If your kiddos are old enough to be left alone to play, just drop them off so you can shop in peace!
Though Grand Batam Mall is a popular destination for many, there are also plenty of other fun and affordable indoor playgrounds in malls. Tickets cost less than $15 per child, and the kids can stay there the whole day while you shop! Check out other indoor playgrounds at Mega Mall Batam Centre and One Batam Mall (Batam Centre).
Kidzlandia Batam, Grand Batam Mall, #L3, Batu Selicin, Lubuk Baja, Batam City, Riau Islands 29444, Indonesia, www.instagram.com/kidzlandia
Barelang Bridge: Boat ride around Batam’s iconic bridge
For a unique experience, head to Kelong Jembatan Satu for delicious seafood with a gorgeous view of Batam’s beautiful Barelang Bridge. After your meal, hop into a boat for a tour around the Barelang Bridge. Enjoy the fresh ocean air and get a decent dose of vitamin D! Do note that they do not provide life vests (so proceed with caution), but the boat ride is generally safe for kids who know how to sit still.
Kelong Jembatan Satu, Jalan MKS Trans Barelang Jembatan 1 RT03 RW01, Tembesi, Kec. Sagulung, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29439, Indonesia, www.instagram.com/kelongjembatansatu
Panbil Nature Reserve: Hiking trails & deer spotting
Want your kids to grow an appreciation for nature? Get outdoors! Panbil Nature Reserve is one of the hidden gems in Batam, where you can embark on a hiking trip and get up close with animals like rabbits, deer and more. When the kids get hungry, head to Atrium, a nature-themed food court with plenty of food options to satisfy everyone in the family. Just be sure to bring sunscreen, hats, water and umbrellas!
Panbil Nature Reserve, Jalan Kantong semar, Panbil, Batam City, Batam, Riau, Indonesia 29433, www.instagram.com/panbilnaturereserve
Spa Central: Affordable massage & a kid’s club
Thanks to its affordability, getting a massage was one of our favourite things to do in Batam! A one-hour massage at Spa Central starts from just $22, and they have a fabulous kids’ club. Drop off the kiddos ($8 per child for two hours), so they can let loose at the playground, get creative with art & craft activities or watch a movie. Meanwhile, you can enjoy your much-needed massage, knowing your kids are well taken care of!
Spa Central, Ruko Nagoya Hill Blok R4 No. D6-7 Kepulauan Riau 29444 Batam Indonesia, www.spacentralbatam.com
Where to eat in Batam: Best restaurants & Indonesian food
Pempek Kolecta: Authentic Indonesian cuisine
Keen to try authentic Indonesian cuisine? At Pempek Kolecta, you’ll be spoiled for choice. From satay to Ayam Bakar, Kwetiau Goreng, Nasi Timbel Bakar Ayam and more, there’s plenty to fill hungry tummies. Plus, this restaurant in Batam is located in Mega Mall Batam Centre, which makes for a great spot to refuel during your shopping spree.
Pempek Kolecta, Mega Mall Batam Centre, Jl. Engku Putri No.1, Belian, Kec. Batam Kota, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29461, Indonesia, www.instagram.com/pempek.kolecta
Nasi Padang Sederhana: Indonesian nasi padang
Indulge in nasi padang, a unique Indonesian miniature banquet of vegetables, meat, fish, and spicy sambal accompanied by plain rice. Nasi Padang Sederhana is one of many nasi padang restaurants in Batam, where you can get a taste of Indonesia’s perfect blend of aromatic, sweet and savoury dishes.
Nasi Padang Sederhana, Windsor Central Blok B No1 Nagoya Batam Kepulauan Riau Indonesia, Batam, Riau, Indonesia, www.instagram.com/sederhanabatam
Toby’s Estate: Western fare with good coffee
Craving salads, steak and pasta? Toby’s Estate is a cute brunch spot in Grand Batam Mall that is sure to satisfy! They are known for their aromatic coffee but also offer a fusion of international flavours. Think Salmon Eggs Benedict, Char-grilled Angus Steak, Chicken Salad and more. Plus, don’t forget to try their Caramel Macchiato Boba for an indulgent treat.
Toby’s Estate, Grand Batam Mall, Jl. Pembangunan, Batu Selicin, Kec. Lubuk Baja, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29441, Indonesia, www.instagram.com/tobysestateid
Sei Enam Seafood Batam: Indonesian seafood restaurant with sea view
Fancy a meal with a stunning view of the sea? Check out Harbour Bay Downtown, where you feast on delicious Indonesian seafood at Restaurant Sei Enam Seafood Harbour Bay Batam. Their team selects the seafood carefully to ensure the highest quality for their customers. Apart from seafood, you can also enjoy Korean BBQ, Indonesian cuisine, Chinese food and more at Harbour Bay Downtown, all with a gorgeous sea view!
Sei Enam Seafood, The Promenade, Jl. Duyung Blok 8F, Harbour Bay Downtown, www.seienamseafood.com
How to get around Batam
The best way to get around Batam is to book a Grab or GoCar that will take you door to door. If you want to spend a day exploring Batam City, you can also hire a taxi guide, who can recommend top tourist attractions and restaurants for your family.
Sassy Mama travel tips for Batam:
- Since there isn’t convenient public transport in Batam, it’s best to book a Grab when travelling with kids.
- Always pack mosquito repellant and sunscreen for outdoor activities.
- Carry plenty of wet wipes and tissues, as you might not be able to find an accessible bathroom in certain places.
- Book a hotel that is near the attractions you plan to visit with the kids to reduce travel time.
- Be sure to bring cash along with you, as many places don’t accept a credit card.
- Grab and Gojek food delivery services are very popular in Batam. If the kids get hungry at any time of the day, you can easily order in from the comfort of your hotel room. It’s super convenient and very affordable!
Are you ready? Book your ferry tickets, and have a fabulous family adventure in Batam!
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