One day Batam trip
One day Batam trip to eat and shop. A group of us decided to go Batam (free and easy) on a weekend. Batam is an Indonesia island very close to Singapore.
How to go Batam
There are many providers to bring you to Batam from Singapore. Some of them are located in Harbourfront center. They are the Penguin, Wave master and BatamFast. They operate ferry serice to and from Batam Center and Singapore at regular intervals.
Things to note when going to Batam
1. Batam is 1 hour behind SG time.
2. Beside the ferry ticket, there is a fuel surcharge of S$6 (both ways) and port fee of S$7 on return.
Batam, here we go
We met at 830 at Habourfront mrt in the morning and booked the tickets for the 0930 ferry with BatamFast. Their price was cheaper.
Our ferry to Batam
Inside the ferry to Batam
The ferry was pretty crowded today. The journey took us around an hour to reach the Batam Center.
Welcome to Batam center
While walking over to the Hyper Mart/Mega Mall, we saw a nostalgia bear, the A&W Bear we used to see in many locations in Singapore. They can be found in many places in Batam.
A&W Bear at Batam
The main travel medium in Batam is by taxi and they are not running on meters. There are licensed taxis as well as unlicensed ones (or private cars). I recommend you to take those licensed taxis if your safety is more important. The licensed taxis charge a higher price. If you are on budget, then you may want to consider those private cars, the locals are friendly people. Our first stop is to Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall. It is one of the latest shopping mall and offers many food and clothing shops.
Nagoya Hill Shopping Center, Batam
It has a huge floor area devoted to Food Street.
Food street in Nagoya Hill Batam
Here is the other side of the food street.
Another side of the food street
After shopping for a while, we went to the top floor’s Bistro Godiva for lunch.
Nagoya Hill Bistro Godiva
I ordered the steak.
Steak at Batam
and the Avocado milkshake. This is a very popular drink in Batam.
Batam Avocado milkshake
Another interesting observation is many restaurants are offering free wifi service. You can bring your netbook along too.
After more shopping,we had some A&W root beer floats.
A&W root beer floats
Here is a closer view of the root beer.
My A&W root beer
We continue to the next stop, Lucky Plaza, and then move on quickly to DC Mall. It has changed a lot since our last visit. Next we returned to the Hyper Mart/ Mega Mall for light meal at their KFC. We tried one of their local drinks, the fruit tea.
Fruit tea at KFC Batam
After a short rest, we returned to the Port and board our ferry to return to Singapore.
Ferry back to Singapore
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hi there!
Im planning to go to batam next week…. how much did the the taxi cost for the trip in batam? was the rate you paid for the whole day trip in batam? is it from the port then going back to the port? what would you suggest the best time for going back to singapore from batam?
thanks,
Yog
Manila, Philippines
Hi Yog,
The licensed taxis have a pre-fixed rate for going to most popular destinations. Maybe you use this as a guide. The trip from Batam Center to Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall cost around 40,000 to 45,000 rupees (or $7-8 SGD) for one way and that is for around 15-20 mins driving. This is considered pretty far to me. You can book a taxi for a whole day as well but try to negotiate with the driver. The ferry should be around SGD$40 for both ways (depending on the ferry provider), the Batam port charge SGD$7 for tax on departure (total is $47SGD). I used BatamFast more often as they are cheaper. The best time will be to keep away from peak hours (5-7pm) so that you do not have to spend too much time to clear the Customs. Let me know if you have any more question.
Have a present trip.
going to batam on deepavali.
i heard about handbag factory outlets in batam.
any suggestions?
Thanks
Hi Betty,
I have not heard of any popular handbag factory outlets in Batam. There are many handbag retailers in Nagoya Hill and DC Malls though. Make sure you book your return ticket in advance. It is going to be crowded.
Thanks for your reply.
It was in those batam packages that I read about polo shirt
factory outlet and handbag factory outlets in batam.
Thanks for your advice but can only book return ticket
on the day itself – no advance booking.
Hi Betty,
The polo shirt factory outlet is very popular. It is one of the main tourist attraction. The price is not exactly cheap but there are usually some good bargain.
polo shirt factory outlets are in Nagoya Shopping Mall? or in DC?
Hi Betty,
They have their own building as the outlet. They are also available at some major shopping malls.
When I arrive in Batam customs at Harbor Bay, do I have to give my passport to the Batam customs employee? Someone told me that the Batam customs employee will keep my passport and then return it to me when I return to the ferry terrminal to go back to Singapore. I don’t like the idea of some stranger holding my passport for 3 days.
Hi Luther,
I have never come across any country where they will retain your passport. I have traveled to Batam many times via The Batam Center and Sekupang, they do not retain your passport. I do not think the Harbour Bay will practice differently. Just make sure the Custom officer stamps on your passport and return the departure slip to you on your arrival.
hi
my mum is interested to buy some dry food stuff like Ikan Bilis from batam, there is a place called BengKong dry food centre, can get there from the Mega Mall by taxi? it is very far? are the stuff readly cheap?
Thanks
BH
Hi BH,
I have went to that place 4-5 times but was usually via those 1 day Batam tour package. The place actual name is “Bengkong Dry Market Food Stuff Market” and it is a very popular tourist attraction (Ahem). Those taxi by the Mega Mall should have a fixed price to go there. Yes, they have a list of prices to the various popular places. As for the food price, some are on the higher side, some are competitive. You should consider it more of a one stop shop for tourists to pick up a comprehensive range of dry goods. I have not seen another place that keeps such a wide range of dry foods. Dry food like Ikan Bilis are sold in some shopping malls but the quality and packing can defer. If you have spare time, try to walk inside one of the mall’s supermarket to get a rough feel of the prices.
Hi Jeffrey,
Do you know where are these no. 3, 5, 7 & etc on these Polo t come from? As in why is it 3 and not 1?
thanks.
choy
Hi Choy,
You have an interesting question. I suppose we can ask this question at their factory outlet on our next visit.
Hi Jeffrey!
U mentioned that those taxi by the Mega Mall should have a fixed price goin to those tourist attractions. Does that mean Nagoya Shopping Mall has a taxi counter with licensed taxis and they should offer reasonable pricing to go those tourist attractions ?
I am also concerned about being a carrot head there… =)
ZZ
Hi ZZ,
Nagoya Shopping Mall is rather complicated because it has many entrances/exits. If you go to the main one (like in my picture), there will be someone at a small counter asking you whether you need a taxi. Ask for the price before making the deal. You are the carrot head at those tourist attractions, not the transport
Hi
How can we differentiate a licensed taxi from an unlicensed one? Where can we get the taxi upon reaching batam ferry terminal?
Hi yan,
The licensed taxi is very obvious. There will be “taxi” wording on it or on the car’s top. Those unlicensed one are just like any private car on the road.
Here are some example of the licensed taxi:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2623/4220859231_097c5668ec.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4221622416_ace68ace79.jpg
Let me know if you still have doubt.
Hi There, I intend to go for 1day trip to Batam. Please advice if I want to go Golden Prawn Seafood for dinner will it be good if I book ferry tickets @ 0930 then go to Hypermart then Matahari then massage then go to Golden Prawn Seafood for dinner…take the last ferry at about 2100hrs…please advice
Hi Edora,
You schedule looks like a typical 1 day batam tour package offered by many agencies except many of them offered Golden Prawn as lunch instead of dinner. If u intend to go free & easy and want to do those activities u mentioned, u should be ok with 0930 and return on 2100. Batam is not a very big place. However, i would recommend that u book your return ticket on 2100 beforehand and have an early dinner. Try to take your dinner and leave the restaurant before 1900. This is in case of traffic jam. Try to ask the cabbie on the travel time needed to get back to the ferry point. Enjoy your trip.
Hi
Is it safe at night around the shopping centre. especially we are taking the last ferry.
Hi Jess,
I would recommend to stay close in group. It helps to deter people with bad intention.
Hi, we are planning for 2D1N Batam trip in Dec 2010. Our group consists of 7 ladies and 2 children.
I’ve never been to Batam. Can you recommend us a nice and safe hotel which is a walking distance to (which) ferry terminal and (which) shopping centre?
Is there any hotel near to Harbour Bay Ferry Terminal (Batam)?
Thank you!
Hi Koh,
In my memory, there is no such nice hotel walking distance to the ferry and shopping center ;p
No, i am not aware of any hotel near Harbour Bay Ferry Terminal. I know one hotel near a big shopping center. It is called Nagoya Plaza Hotel. I have not tried it but have plan to do so soon. I know another hotel near ferry terminal but that is very far from the shopping places. I do mostly 1D trip. I stayed at Planet Holiday Hotel before, the experience is good. They have indoor massage service as well. Try to check out on agency promotion package.
Regards.
Hi Chua,
I was loioking around for A&W ha … … saw other then JB .,. there aome in Batam…
Can I go to the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal and purchase ticket (two wyas) there on the exact dates that I going?
What currency are they using???
Thanks
Yes you can do that but i would not recommend it. The reason is the ferry service from Tanah Merah brings you to Batam’s Nongsapura Ferry Terminal. This terminal is near a beach resort but very VERY far from the city area.
If A&W and shopping are your objectives, then you should travel to Batam Centre instead. Many ferry operators in Harbourfront Center will bring you there.
The ferry frequency is high (like one ferry every hour), unless it is super peak season, you should be able to get the same day tickets. They use the Indonesia rupiah. The rate is better over there ;p
Thank You
…. ….
hi,
wld lyk to check if I were to go on a free and easy one day batam trip that goes to nagoya supermarket, 933 golden prawn, Bengkong Dry Market Food Stuff Market, poly factory ..
how much wld the taxi cost? approx price ..
n the 933 golden prawn .. wil they chop us if nt gg on a tour basis? n approx how much for 3 pax to eat normal seafood?
Hi Isabella,
I think you are better of by joining a tour package since you are going to most tourist places. You get to travel to additional places and not to worry about transportation. But… if you go free and easy, you should be able to get the place’s owners to call you a taxi easily. There will be some time loss waiting for the taxi to arrive. For the taxi cost, you can use S$8 (or 50,000 rupiah) per taxi fare (worst case) from one point to another point.
For the 933 golden prawn, the prices are stated on their menu, so it should be quite safe. Double confirm before you order. Even if you go on tour, you can still order ala carte extra and pay the extra dish. For the price, it depends on what you order. S$12 – $15 per pax (or 250,000 to 300,000 rupiah for 3 pax) should be able to get you a good meal.
Enjoy your trip.
hi there,
- does th hotel there require booking ?
Hi Fres,
You should be able to walk-in but it will be risky if you are traveling there during their peak period. Beside the “cleanliness” and condition of the room, you may need to worry on the mode of payment as well. It is not recommended.
If you insist:
Do your homework – Search and shortlist a number of the hotels before your trip. Clarify on the payment mode. Take down their contact detail. When you are there, use a local pre-paid card to save on your phone bill.
Regards.
Hi there, I chanced upon your blog while researching for my upcoming trip to Batam. Really useful information you have here. Thank you so much! (:
Planning a 2D1N holiday in Batam. Two questions to ask.
1) What are the places for tourists to visit(apart from shopping malls)
2) Are there any tour agencies in Batam that conduct tours around Batam?
Hi Zhu Er,
1. Beside shopping malls, other tourists places are the Fisabililah Bridge, Batam Miniature Park, Thoa Pek Kong Chinese Temple, Kueh Lapis Factory, Kwan Im Statue, Ocarina Theme Park, Local Dry Market, Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple, Pujabahari Fruits Market, Polo Outlets etc. I do not think you can cover them all with 1 day, do your planning carefully.
2. Yes but it is better to pre-book before you go. You do not want to be disappointed if there is no tour for the day. Also the tour starts rather early in the morning. More reason to do your booking in advance.
One of the more trustworthy agents is Desindo (http://www.desindotours.com/). I have used their service a few times.
Regards.
My comment is updated as at 29 March 2011
Hi, have read the information, Taxi from Batam Centre to Nagoya Hill is SGD $7-8 about 45,000 – 50,000 rph.This is almost the same as From Sekupang to Nagoya Hill. which takes about 20 mins taxi ride.
From Habour Bay to Nagoya Hill, the price for taxi fare is about SGD $4. which is about 15,000 – 20,000 rph. and takes about 5-8 mins ride to reach nagoya hills. if you are paying 40,000 rph means it is too expensive. You have to nego wif the taxi driver.
The Polo Tee, I would suggest not to buy, because as compare wif thailand, it would be much expensivier and also IMOV I dun think it is worth the dollar and sense.
The food at Batam is good. You can try. Also you can visit Sports Massage Centre for good massage service. I went there and find that their foot massage is excellent! and the price is worth and not expensive.
Cu again !
Thanks ML.
Hello Jeffrey,
I would like to go for a massage session in Batam and heard that the sports massage centre is not a bad place and have quite a few compliments. Have you heard or tried that and any comments or any better place for massage?
And is the shopping mall you mentioned, Nagoya Hill is the same as sports massage centre? And which is the nearest ferry terminal you would suggest if we depart from SG to batam and hop to Nagoya Hill?
Thank you and regards
Hi Jeffrey,
thanks for the blog.. very detail and it really helps alot..
Hi Addelyn,
Sorry for the late reply. There are a few such massage centres that are very popular with tourists. However i have not try them. You could check with the cabbie, just ask them for the popular ones. Also i suggest not to commit to the massage before you check out the rooms. I have a few friends who did not proceed because they were not uncomfortable with the hygiene level.
The nearest ferry terminal should be Batam Center. Enjoy your holiday
Yes, I tried the sports massage centre – opposite the Harmoni Hotel. The foot massage is great with comfortable seats and individualized TV. Nice ambience and reasonable rates. I will recommend the place to anyone looking for a good massage. My dad enjoys the massage too – relaxing
Hii Jeffrey
How about Mega Mall at Batam Centre? Is it a better mall to shop compare to Nagoya Hill?
Thanks!
Hi Snowyee,
Both have their uniqueness. I would say that Nagoya Hill offers more food choices. I usually eat there.
Regards.
Hi Jeffrey,I plan to bring my family to Batam on 9 Aug (National Day). Is it safe for me to bring my 2 child, age 5 years and 3 years to Batam. This is our first time overseas to Batam, therefore will be u able to advise us on the 1 day trip to Batam, it will be good if you can plan a day itinerary…..thank you in advance. (pls provide costing too)
Hi Daphne,
The place is safe but it will not be easy to travel with 2 small kids. I would suggest you to sign up a 1 day tour package. The trip will be more enjoyable with transport provided.
The itinerary and price are very competitive, you can check out some agencies at the People’s Park Center basement 1.
Regards.
Hellos JC,
just read your blog and get the needed information…
am heading to Batam in the following week and need some of your pointers.
> have you heard of Turi Beach Resort? is it good? (every aspects, accomodation, food, amenities, location)
> where is the best place to have lunch that you would recommend? (if not at the resort)
> is travelling really far to Nagoya Hills? how long is the ride?
> do you have lobang of a mini van arrangements as we are in a group of 15 people. (heee~ very budget & DIY 2D1N trip) :p
please let me know any ideas or suggestions that you may have….
what is great to buy from Batam…
JFYI, expected arrival at Batam is around 12pm (local time) and departure is next day at 2pm (local time)
targets are: good and worthy buys, great massage, lunch for both days.
thanks loads guru…
cheers!
LC
Hi LC,
Yes, i have heard of Turi Beach Resort and i am considering it as well. I will say it is above average in my assessment. Location is subjective. It is located on the other side of the town area because it is a beach resort. This means the place is good for relaxation but you need significant travel time to get to the city for shopping.
Major shopping malls offer a wide range of good food. Travel to Nagoya Hill can be significant from the the resort, i estimated to be slightly more than an hour if the traffic is good.
If you have 15 people, you should be able to negotiate with any tour agency for a customized trip including the mini van. You can also specify the places of interest as well. For 2D1N, you should not be too aggressive in your planning.
Great to buy will depend on yourself, it is mostly food for me. For clothing, you can try the Polo and also local brands. Some of the local brands offer very creative t-shirts and the t-shirts do last for many washes.
Regards.
hi Jeffrey,i plan to go batam soon and already buy the 2d1n free & easy ticket for 4 person. but i wana go to some atrractive place..is there can book a taxi that can travel whole day?how much does the cost? thks
)
Hi Kristy,
I have not try booking the cab but i am certain they do offer such service. Either you can check with the cabbies or arrange for it through the hotel etc. It may be more expensive via the hotel but it should be more reliable and safer.
Regards.
Hi there;
I just want to know,, is it best to exchange the currency in Singapore or in Batam itself?
And do they have a Money Changer at the Mega Mall??
Thank you
Hi Nunu,
The rate is better over there. There are also many money changer after you cleared the Custom. Do some comparison to get the best deal.
Regards.
What is the best Seafood restaurand in Batam?
Hi Jeffery,
Craig here.
Wanna check with u about shopping malls and hotels.
Is there any hotels around any shopping mall with cheap rate and save?
I have a plan to go there on next month and just want to spend one night there.
Main interest is just to go for shopping.
Any suggestion can you give me for this trip?
Will be apprecite if you can give me some advice.
I am looking forward to your reply.
Regards,
Craig
Hi Sing Boy,
For fresh seafood, you can try the Golden Prawn Seafood restaurant. This is very famous over there. I would expect the cabbies to know the place well.
You can also ask the cabbie for recommendation as well. There should be a few other good ones around.
Regards.
Hi Craig,
You can try the I Hotel or Nagoya Plaza Hotel. They are near the Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall. The I Hotel is the better one and slightly more expensive.
Regards.
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