Batam

Travel Guide

Batam
Batam
Batam
Photo by Botak Jon
Photo by Botak Jon

One of the largest parts of Indonesia’s Riau Islands, this scenic gem features an extraordinary bridge, a gigantic monastery and a picturesque waterfront.

Batam Island, one of the largest fragments in the Riau Islands chain, is home to a picturesque waterfront resort, a renowned Buddhist temple and an iconic bridge. It is among the fastest growing parts of the Indonesia islands. It is also home to many golf courses and an amusement park.

The island’s highlight is the Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Buddhist Temple, which is believed to be the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia. Explore 4.5 hectares (11 acres) of grounds, which contain five buildings. The main hall, the Graha Maitreya, has a capacity of 2,000 people. Take a guided tour of the complex and learn about its message of universal love.

The Barelang Bridge is a symbol of the emerging prosperity of the island. Visit the chain of six bridges of varied designs, which stretch across 2 kilometres (1.2 miles) of water. Capture photos of the majestic structure from the shops and restaurants on the waterfront.

Take the kids on the giant Ferris wheel by the ocean at Ocarina Park. Swim in the water park. Practise your swing at one of the six golf courses on the island.

Stay at one of the hotels in the Waterfront City complex. Enjoy the view of the ocean from your room. Sample the bars and restaurants of the hotels. Send your taste buds wild with some of the local dishes, such as ayam bawang, a blend of fried chicken, garlic, chilli and rice. Try the bak kut teh soup, made from pork ribs, herbs and soya sauce.

To get to the island, take a domestic flight to Batam’s Hang Nadim International Airport from nearby cities, such as Jakarta. You could also travel by boat to one of the island’s ports. Once on the island, get around by car, bus and taxi. The region remains hot and humid year-round, though it is far drier from May to October.

The enormous temple, fascinating bridge and scenic waterfront reveal Batam Island has much to offer on top of its emerging prosperity.

Ibis Styles Batam Nagoya
Ibis Styles Batam Nagoya
4 out of 5
Jalan Yos Sudarso Bengkong Laut, Batam Kepulauan Riau, Batu Ampar, Batam, Riau Islands
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM107 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
RM107
RM130 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Batam. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Nagoya Hill Mall and Harbour Bay ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (170 reviews)
"good"

Reviewed on 21 Jun 2025

Ibis Styles Batam Nagoya
Oakwood Hotel & Apartments Grand Batam
Oakwood Hotel & Apartments Grand Batam
4.5 out of 5
Jl. Pembangunan, Batu Selicin, Kec. Lubuk Baja, Batam, Kepulauan Riau
The price is RM280 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
RM280
RM339 total
7 Jul - 8 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Batam. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Nagoya Hill Mall and Harbour ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (49 reviews)
"On the whole, the hotel looks very posh and cosy. Toilet is of a good size and clean. But the room was rather small for 3 person(2D1C). There was this drilling going on through the night. I could hear/feel it even from the 19th floor."

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Oakwood Hotel & Apartments Grand Batam
Batam Marriott Hotel Harbour Bay
Batam Marriott Hotel Harbour Bay
5 out of 5
Harbour Bay Downtown, Jalan Duyung, Kel Sungai Jodoh, Kec Batu Ampar, Batam, Batam Island
The price is RM741 per night from 9 Jul to 10 Jul
RM741
RM897 total
9 Jul - 10 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Batam. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (97 reviews)
Awesome
"Super"

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Batam Marriott Hotel Harbour Bay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Oakwood Hotel & Apartments Grand Batam
Oakwood Hotel & Apartments Grand Batam
4.5 out of 5
Jl. Pembangunan, Batu Selicin, Kec. Lubuk Baja, Batam, Kepulauan Riau
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Batam. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Nagoya Hill Mall and Harbour ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (49 reviews)
"On the whole, the hotel looks very posh and cosy. Toilet is of a good size and clean. But the room was rather small for 3 person(2D1C). There was this drilling going on through the night. I could hear/feel it even from the 19th floor."

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Oakwood Hotel & Apartments Grand Batam
Meisterstadt Pollux Habibie
Meisterstadt Pollux Habibie
3.5 out of 5
Pollux Habibie Apartment, Tower A1, Batam
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Batam. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Batam Centre Ferry Terminal and Nagoya ...
7.2/10 Good! (9 reviews)
"We arrive early from the ferry and no one was speaking English in our tower. Rafa was receptionist in tower 1 and was Amazing helping us move in. She explain the deposit issue and the wait for our move in. She found us a guide Lonbam and made our trip excellent. Later on akbar in tower 2 was also ..."

Reviewed on 10 Nov 2024

Meisterstadt Pollux Habibie
Woda Villa & Spa
Woda Villa & Spa
3 out of 5
Jl. Bengkong Laut, Tj. Buntung, Kec. Bengkong, Batam, Batam Island
Stay at this 3-star spa villa in Batam. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Nagoya Hill Mall and Batam Centre Ferry Terminal ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (32 reviews)
"Clean property and friendly staff!"

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2025

Woda Villa & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Batam

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
1
5 - Excellent 17%
4 - Good
4
4 - Good 67%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 17%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Friendly staff. Blitz cinema was awesome.. Good leg room... Went to watch spiderman movie.. Great stuff....