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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Batam Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
Indonesia – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F
Type C:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) £1 ≈ IDR 24,141.20 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 4/5
Cashless payments are becoming more common in urban areas of Indonesia, particularly in larger cities. Credit cards and mobile payment apps like GoPay and OVO are widely accepted in many establishments.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in Indonesia. A 5-10% tip is common in restaurants, and taxi drivers may expect small tips for good service. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is not commonly seen in Indonesia. Alcohol is consumed mainly in licensed establishments such as bars, restaurants, and hotels. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in many indoor public spaces, including restaurants, shopping centres, and public transport. |
| Independence Day (17 August) |
A national holiday with celebrations and ceremonies |
|---|---|
| Nyepi (March/April) |
The Balinese Day of Silence, celebrated with unique rituals and festivities |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 112 |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | GoJek, Grab |
| Other: | Indonesia is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including beaches, volcanoes, and jungles. It is a great destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Batam, Indonesia
Ferries to Singapore run daily, but are often cancelled in rough seas December to February
Transboundary haze possible August to October, depending on fires in Sumatra
Ramadan: daytime food options limited, many restaurants closed until sunset
Don't miss
- 🛕 Visit the majestic Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Buddhist temple
- 🌉 Walk across the iconic Barelang Bridge connecting islands
- 🏖️ Relax on the white sands of Nongsa and Melur beaches
- 🛍️ Explore vibrant Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall for souvenirs
- 🌊 Try thrilling water sports at Batam Wakepark
- 🏚️ Discover history at the Kampung Vietnam refugee village
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Batam?
Batam's proximity to Singapore makes it a convenient destination for a quick getaway. Visitors can indulge in various activities, from lounging on serene beaches to enjoying water sports. The island is also renowned for its affordable shopping and spa services, providing a luxurious experience without breaking the bank. However, it's essential to be cautious of the rapid development, which has led to environmental concerns and uneven infrastructure in some areas.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
-
1
Palm Springs Golf & Beach Resort
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
🎈Events
-
Batam International Culture Carnival
-
Batam Jazz Festival
-
Imlek Celebration (Chinese New Year)
-
Vesak Day Celebrations
-
Ramadan Bazaar
-
Batam Barelang Bridge Marathon
-
Batam International Fashion Week
-
Batam Food Festival
-
Batam Kite Festival
-
Batam Anniversary Celebration
Knowledge before you go
- Book ferries early; weekend queues and schedules change.
- Base yourself near Nagoya for malls, food and easy transport around.
- Carry cash for local seafood spots, markets and quick massage deals.
- Go beyond town: sunrise at Barelang Bridge, then a Nongsa beach afternoon away from crowds.
How to travel to Batam
Batam is easily accessible by ferry from Singapore, with multiple daily departures from terminals like HarbourFront Centre to Batam's various ports, including Batam Centre and Sekupang. The journey typically takes about 45 to 70 minutes, depending on the route and sea conditions. Additionally, Hang Nadim International Airport serves domestic flights and limited international routes, connecting Batam to other Indonesian cities.
Access summary
- From Hang Nadim Airport (BTH): taxi or shuttle to resorts, about 20–40 minutes.
- From Singapore: ferries from HarbourFront or Tanah Merah terminals, typically 45–70 minutes.
- From Johor Bahru: buses or car to Singapore, then ferry across to Batam.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Batam
Accommodation in Batam ranges from budget-friendly hotels to luxurious resorts. The island is particularly known for its beachfront resorts offering spa packages and golf courses. For a more local experience, guesthouses and boutique hotels are available in areas like Nagoya and Batam Centre.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around Batam
Getting around Batam is relatively straightforward. Taxis are widely available, but it's advisable to negotiate fares beforehand or ensure the meter is used. For a more local experience, 'angkot' (shared minibuses) operate on set routes and are an affordable option. Car rentals are also available for those who prefer to explore at their own pace.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in Batam are around 74% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to IDR) is 20% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is considerably cheaper compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Batam is generally safe for tourists, with petty crimes like pickpocketing being the most common concern. Staying vigilant in crowded areas and avoiding poorly lit places at night is advisable.
Health & Medical
Medical facilities in Batam are adequate for general treatments, with several clinics and hospitals available. For serious medical emergencies, evacuation to Singapore or Jakarta might be necessary.
Accessibility
Major tourist spots are accessible, but infrastructure can vary. Sidewalks may be uneven and public transportation is limited. Renting a car or using taxis can provide more convenience.
Tap water
Tap water in Batam is not safe for drinking. It's recommended to consume bottled water, which is readily available. Ensure to stay hydrated, especially in the humid climate.
Packing recommendations for Batam
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
🚰
Reusable water bottle
👕
Light, breathable clothing
🧥
Waterproof jacket
umbrella or raincoat
☂️
Folding umbrella
umbrella or raincoat
🎒
Small rucksack
🪰
Insect repellent
🩱
Swimwear
📕
Guidebook with offline map
🔋
Power bank
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
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