Written by Junanto Xu
Co-written and edited by Beverley Lennon
Need real BFF vacation ideas? Are you one of those who constantly tags their bestfriends on travel pictures on social media? Well, if you’re thinking of escaping on a bestiemoon but don’t quite have the means to reach Vegas or Greece (yet), why not explore the hidden gems of Batam?
Whether you aggressively tan by the beach or end up lounging at a hipster cafe for hours, there’s something awesome waiting in Batam for every possible personality type. So grab your partners in crime and hop on a short 1-hour ferry ride from Singapore. Seriously, what else do you need besides a drink in hand and your bestie by your side? We’ve also included the best locals’ secret spots to eat at for A+ quality time with your BFFs!
💡Too lax to plan? Enjoy a hassle-free trip with Klook as you can book your ferry tickets, private car charter and tours with just a few clicks!
Read more:
Best of 3D2N Bintan family itinerary for a short fun island getaway with the kids
9 Batam family resorts where you can stay in all weekend with family and friends
9 Affordable Batam family beach resorts with family rooms/ interconnecting rooms that can fit up to 4 adults!
18 Unconventional things to do in Batam that will surprise you
12 Exotic hidden island getaway in Riau Archipelago less than 2 hours from Bintan and Batam
Sponsored by Klook
Want your bestie trip to be hassle-free? Check out Klook!
There’s so much to see in Batam (or rather the world) with your bestie by your side but what if the both of you have no time to plan? You bury the dream bestie getaway? We were nearly making the same mistake too until we personally tried out Klook and saved our BBF dreams!
As a world-leading travel platform, Klook is where you get to book value-for-money travel deals such as car rental services, 4G Wifi services, tours, activities and many more!
Photo Via TripCanvas
After all, a bestie getaway shouldn’t be anything stressful so why not rely on a few clicks to make all bookings and arrangements? We’ve personally used it multiple times and thoroughly enjoyed its convenience. Plus, you get to save some bucks too!
Head over to their website to book your ferry tickets, private car charter and city tour for Batam. It’s stress-free and saves you plenty of time. Who knows, you just might end up being the ultimate #bestiegoal who saves the trip for everyone (and with only a few clicks online)!
Overview
When was the last time you had a fun pyjamas party or yet had a long gossip phone call with your bestie without stressing over work and deadlines? If the answer to these questions is a long time back, you need a break my friend! And not alone – go find your best friends to tag along on a memorable 2D1N weekend getaway to Batam where you get to enjoy an affordable beachfront resort, pool club, spa village, affordable seafood and so much more! We promise you’ll have fun!
Here’s a quick overview of this itinerary
Tap sections below to scroll to the relevant section
Getting to Batam
Day 1: Find a slice of Bali in Batam and explore the island’s latest hidden gems!
Day 2: Bask in Batam’s hidden pristine beach and feast on affordable seafood!
Best time to travel
Getting around
Cost Breakdown
Getting to Batam
From Singapore:
Batam has 4 international harbours (Harbour Bay Batam, Batam centre, Sekupang Ferry Terminal, and Waterfront City Ferry Terminal) that you can reach from either Harbourfront or Tanah Merah ferry terminals via a 1-hour ferry ride. Four ferry companies operate on this route, and you can check their official websites for the schedule and fare:
Batamfast (operates at every harbour in Batam and Singapore)
Horizon Fast Ferry (operates at Harbour Bay Batam and Harbourfront Singapore)
Sindo Ferry (operates at Harbourfront Singapore, Batam centre and Sekupang in Batam)
Majestic Fast Ferry (operates at Harbourfront and Tanah Merah in Singapore and Batam centre and Sekupang in Batam)
Return tickets from Rp. 340,000 (approximately SGD 32.50). Duration of ferry ride: 1 hour.
Looking for great deals and reliable services? With Klook, you can pre-book tickets online and you can also choose to depart from Harbourfront or Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal.
Itinerary
Day 1
Find a slice of Bali in Batam and explore the island’s latest hidden gems!
Ready for your epic BFF getaway? We have tons of surprises for your and your partner in crime; on your first day, we’ll explore some of the latest hidden gems around Batam. You get to lounge at a hipster pool cafe first and head to a serene spa village next! End the day with a feast of local food and some super affordable multicoloured beer!
📍In Singapore!
Get ready for your trip! If you want to share your adventures with the world, get a local 4G Portable WiFi from Klook and pick it up in Singapore itself!
📍In Batam!
With Klook’s Private Car Charter Service, you simply have to meet your driver at the ferry terminal! Sit back, relax and enjoy the convenience of being driven around!
Step into Batam’s very own Canggu-like pool cafe! – Sense Coffee & Pool (1 -2 hours)
We all love a good hipster spot with unique Instagram-worthy spots and amazing dishes, don’t we?
This whimsical cafe in Batam brings you a slice of what is typical in Bali. Come in here and enjoy an envy-inducing pool, rustic interiors and trendy dishes (yes, smoothie bowls are part of the menu too!).
And if you’re in for something a little less healthy (it’s alright, you’re on your holiday after all!), pick their salted-egg chicken served with rice. As for dessert, do not miss their waffle bites topped with melting strawberry ice-cream! We bet you’ll stay for coffee too!
Photo Via Adityajacs
Website
Get pampered from head to toe at this secret spa village – Xoleil Spa Village (2 – 3 hours)
Xoleil Spa Village is not your traditional spa. The venue blossoms as a hang-out spot to cater to your every need! It is a place to get pampered from head to toe and to rejuvenate your whole body, mind and soul.
Besides their 12 spa rooms (which they refer to as ‘villas’), this destination spa and wellness retreat promises you with a full day of activities as you get to try out their cooking school, eat at their farm-to-table café, chill at their wine bar and lounge, stuff yourself at their pizza courtyard, before taking a dip in their expansive swimming pool or salt-dipping pool or relax at their stone onsen.
We bet you’ll love the Bali vibes here as it is almost as though you checked-into a resort in the jungles of Ubud.
Photo Via Elysschacha, Netty_lee, Octaviantoenfo
Enter an all pink bakery house with cute desserts! – MYL Bakery (1 – 2 hours)
If it’s a pink selfie you’re looking after, head over to MYL Bakery – the cafe is beyond Instagram-friendly! And we are not only talking about the seductive all pink interiors but also their unique and adorable desserts that look too cute to be eaten!
There are real talents behind these cakes as they come in all shapes and colours – they have an amazing collection of mini-tower cakes and you can even order unique creations (prior to your trip to Batam)!
Photo Via Indrinovina, Hazel_pan
Experience the Batam’s version of Newton foodcourt – A2 Foodcourt (1 – 1.5 hours)
With over 30 different food stalls, you’re sure to find some delicious local dishes at A2 Foodcourt. Locals’ favourites include their chilli crab, salted egg crayfish and a special chicken wing slathered in a secret honey recipe!
But A2 Foocourt isn’t only about the food, it’s the lively atmosphere and ambience, the experience of sitting and bonding with locals as colourful dishes are brought to your table. It is unique on its own, and who knows, you might make new friends in Batam!
TripCanvas Tip: If you want to experience the foodcourt fully, drop by around 6pm – this is when the place comes to life!
Photo Via Swandee_id
Chug down multi-coloured beers (made in Batam!) – Freshbeer Batam (2 – 3 hours)
With Rp.15,000 (approximately SGD $1.50) for a pint of homemade beer, every day is party day at Freshbeer Batam!
You’ll be surprised by the coloured beer served at Freshbeer Batam; the island’s first microbrewery. Here, beer comes in a variety of beautiful earth tone colours, from a pale golden hue to green, red and pitch black too!
In fact, the concoctions served at Freshbeer Batam come in different tropical flavours like passion fruit or even seaweed-flavoured beer. But wait, what goes best with beer? Munchies, of course! You’ll have a wide variety to choose from as Freshbeer Batam also serves food, but items tend to be quite exotic, ranging from reptiles like crocodiles to flying creatures like bats!
Photo Via Chendingyuan, Cheok_hou
Website
Stay in a tropical paradise with private beach access – Harris Resort Balerang Batam
Located in the peaceful Balerang area, this is where you can truly escape from the bustling city life and seek refuge in a tropical paradise.
With a private beach only a stone’s throw away from your room, you get to bask in white powdery sand dotted with colourful bean bags to chill on. They also have a bunch of thrilling water activities; if that’s what you’re after when traveling with friends!
And what better way than to start your day with a view of the vast ocean and the sound of calming waves. You can even request for connecting sea view rooms for a fun pyjamas party at night!
Photo Via Sherlynshuxian
Check Rate on Agoda
📍Looking for an organised day trip to Batam? Klook has got you covered! Opt for the one-day Batam premium tour to enjoy a relaxing trip with zero planning required!
Day 2
Bask in Batam’s hidden pristine beach and feast on affordable seafood!
Let’s explore a more hidden side Batam today! To kick off the day, we will drive through Batam’s iconic Barelang bridge to reach a stunning hidden beach in the south of the island before feasting on scrumptious seafood at a floating restaurant!
And before you head back to the harbour, why not make a quick stop at Golden City as you get to enjoy some last minute shopping and immerse in a unique mosque that’s shaped as a temple?!
Get lost at this pristine stretch of fine white sand – Setokok Beach
Setokok Beach isn’t just any other beach! This pristine stretch of fine white sand expands into a curved shoreline forming what looks like a sandbank – giving you the impression of being stranded on a beautiful uninhabited island!
Here, you get to laze on an unspoilt stretch of beach and enjoy clear waters, as well as Instagrammable swings!
Photo Via Dinatatat
Shhh! Step into locals’ best-kept seafood spot! – Love Seafood Restaurant, Piayu
If locals are willing to drive for over an hour from the city to this hidden seafood restaurants, then you know you’re in for an ultimate feast! As of now, this spot is a hidden gem and best known among locals only. The restaurant is known for its affordable, yet delectable seafood platter that comes with reasonable portions of crabs, squids, prawns and more!
You also enjoy a nice scenery as you’re beautifully set above water to indulge in the fresh sea-to-table feast!
Photo Via Dicky_germantara, Loveseafoodtjpiayulaut
Go Mario Karting, pack last-minute souvenirs, discover a unique mosque and more! – Golden City Bekong
Before heading back to the ferry terminal, make a quick stop at this all-in-one entertainment spot where you can have endless exciting experiences with your friends.
You may want to catch up with the shopping first as you might need some souvenirs for your relatives. At Golden Bekong, you can find affordable factory outlets to shop at.
And though it’s your last day in Batam, don’t let the fun end – go on a karting adventure with your friends before exploring the unique Cheng Hoo mosque that’s shaped as a temple!
Photo Via Batamtourdriverservices, Goldencitybatam
Extending your trip? Why not visit Batam’s newest private island – Kepri Coral! This hidden gem features a floating restaurant in the middle of the sea, an underwater viewing deck, unique dorm houses and so much more!
Best time to travel
You can visit Bintan and Batam anytime as the local weather is generally hot and sunny (always summer!) with a chance of rain throughout the year.
But if you wish to enjoy the tropical sun at its best, March to October would be great as the region enters the dry season. We don’t recommend visiting on Singapore’s public holidays or school holidays (June and December), as the islands are generally crowded with many travellers during those periods.
Getting around
1. Rent a car with driver
For a hassle-free getaway around Batam, we highly recommend you to hire a private car charter online with Klook so you can enjoy a worry-free friends’ trip in the hands of an experienced local driver!
If you’re looking for more freedom and flexibility throughout your trip, opting for a private car without a driver is not a bad idea at all! We recommend Tanlindo Prakasa in Batam for its competitive price and great reviews!
WebsiteTravel Budget- Estimated Cost Breakdown
Do note that the breakdown below is based on estimated costs. Actual costs may vary slightly.
Ferry cost:
Travelling from Singapore: SGD $36 / USD $26 per pax (SGD $144 for 4 pax)
Activities (4 pax): Approximately SGD $214 (calculated based on activities listed, not inclusive of shopping)
Car rental (4 pax): Approximately SGD $176 (for private car with driver for 2 days)
Total costs for food (4 pax): Approximately SGD $97
Total costs for hotel (4 pax): Approximately SGD $128
Estimated Total for 4 pax from Singapore (Ferry+Activities+Transport+Food+Hotel): ~ SGD $759 (~SGD $190/ USD $140 per pax)
Ready to grab your besties and embark on this exciting getaway? Tag your friends now and start planning!
Loving the great deals on Klook?
You’ll love these benefits too! From skipping the usual queues to convenient e-tickets (no printing required!), Klook knows exactly what travellers need.
1) Instant Confirmation
Most activities have instant confirmation where e-tickets will be sent straight to your mobile phone once the booking has been made. This means you can make a booking outside the attraction and receive your tickets on the spot!
2) Skip-the-queues
Some Klook activities have special line entry that lets you join a separate and often much shorter queue compared to the long lines at some attractions.
3) Mobile e-tickets
Almost all Klook activities accept mobile vouchers, which means users do not have to print out a physical ticket. Apart from being super convenient, it’s also environmentally-friendly!
4) Klook APP
Check out the dedicated mobile app on iOS, and Google Play that allows you to book activities and attractions on-the-go.
PS: They have more than 100,000 activities & experiences across 270 destinations in Asia and over 5 million verified user reviews of Klook activities with 99% positive ratings!
Brought to you by Klook
PLEASE NOTE: All the above information is correct at the date of publication. If you come across any changes or updates, please let us know and we will update the information accordingly. Thank you!
Tell us
| PLEASE NOTE: All the above information is correct at the date of publication. If you come across any changes or updates, please let us know and we will update the information accordingly. Thank you! Tell us |
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