From ferries to temples, beach thrills to seafood feasts, this Batam itinerary shows how to turn a single day off into a full-blown island adventure.
Batam, Indonesia is only a 45-minute ferry ride from Singapore — but feels like a world away.
Looking to escape Singapore for the day? Just hop a ferry, and in under an hour, you’ll find yourself in Batam, Indonesia — a land of temples, bargain shopping, watersports and seafood so good it should probably be illegal.
Whether you’re craving a low-key weekend or a one-day recharge, this itinerary has you covered — start to finish.
“Batam offers a rare combo: It’s affordable and exciting. Rest, relaxation and thrill-seeking all show up to play.
Think of it as Bali’s scrappy little sibling.”
Escape the hustle and bustle of Singapore with a day trip to Batam Island in Indonesia.
Why visit Batam?
Batam is the largest island in Indonesia’s Riau Archipelago, tucked between the Strait of Singapore and the South China Sea. It’s close enough for a day trip, but far enough to feel like you’ve actually gone somewhere else entirely.
Fast ferries from Singapore’s HarbourFront Terminal make the crossing in about 45 minutes — though if you’re not sea-savvy, pack some ginger candy (or, let’s be honest, Dramamine).
So why go? Because Batam offers a rare combo: It’s affordable and exciting. Rest, relaxation and thrill-seeking all show up to play. Think of it as Bali’s scrappy little sibling.
Morning: Temple visits and tax-free shopping
Ferry to Batam
Hop aboard a Majestic Ferry from Singapore’s HarbourFront Centre. You’ll land at either Batam Center or Sekupang Ferry Terminal — both good jumping-off points for a full day of fun.
Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple
Start your day with some peace and perspective. This Buddhist temple is one of Southeast Asia’s largest and most serene. Even if you’re spiritually agnostic, it’s hard not to be charmed by the rows of laughing Buddhas and you can fuel up at the in-house vegetarian café.
Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall
Next, dive into Batam’s consumer paradise. Nagoya Hill is a magnet for duty-free deals: Think cosmetics, electronics, local snacks and souvenirs. It’s also a prime spot to sample regional bites before the beach calls.
Afternoon: Beaches, boats and a feast of seafood
Nongsa Beach
Clear water. White sand. The occasional person flying overhead on a parasail. Nongsa is your go-to for jetskiing, banana boating or simply lazing like a lizard on a lounger.
Golden Prawn 933
It’s practically a crime to visit Batam and skip the seafood. Golden Prawn 933 is a local legend — slamming fresh prawns, sweet crabs and gong-gong (that’s sea snail, if you’re curious). Come hungry and mildly prepared to regret how much you order.
Evening: Sunset strolls and seaside dining
When the sun starts to dip, so should you — into a massage chair or maybe just a beachside lounge. Hit a spa, sip something fruity, or just breathe in that salty air with a grin.
Dinner tip: Plenty of restaurants near the coast serve up fusion cuisine — Indonesian flavors with a splash of Continental flair. Add a glass of wine or a cocktail, and you’ve officially turned a day trip into a vacation.
Plan Your Batam Escape
Whether it’s a quick escape or a full weekend reset, Batam delivers. Ferries run frequently, the itinerary writes itself, and the seafood is to die for. –Vivek Singh