17 Unconventional things to do in Batam that will surprise you

Written by Candice Neo
Co-written by Yan Lam Liang and Cisca Lim

Yes we hear you – chilling at your beach resort, shopping at Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall, indulging in a seafood lunch, going for massages and having a go at those fun water activities by the beach such as kayaking and riding on the banana boat.

But if you think that’s all to Batam, you can’t be more wrong.

Have you heard of a lotus lake, a monastery nestled on a hilltop, a cultural carnival or a hidden waterfall?

If you haven’t, we’re going to bring you around to all these hidden places in Batam you never knew existed!

Also read: 

9 Affordable Batam family beach resorts with family rooms/ interconnecting rooms that can fit up to 4 adults!

9 Batam family resorts where you can stay in all weekend with family and friends

Batam itinerary: 2D1N BFF getaway with your squad under S$200 (inclusive of new pool club, spa village, hidden beach and hipster cafes!)

1. Go glamping on the sea: Kiki Beach Resort

Many of us might have experienced glamping before, but what about glamping on water – right on the ocean?

Kiki beach resort boasts spacious luxurious tented villas on stilts with unparalleled views of the sea, right from your room.

And if you are one who loves Bintan’s Treasure Bay Crystal Lagoon, you’ll be able to find Batam’s own version here right at Kiki Beach Resort!

Situated on 96 hectares of private tropical coastal forest on Galang Island in Batam, Kiki Beach Resort might be a bit of a distance from the touristy Batam island areas you are used to (around 45 minutes’ drive from Batam Centre International Ferry Terminal plus a ferry transfer to the resort), but it brings you a quiet, hidden affordable luxury that is difficult to find on the main island of Batam.

Here, you can go island hopping, kayaking, fishing, do stand-up paddling, have fun on ATVs or even simply just chill with a sunset cocktail right on your private deck as you enjoy the sea breeze.

At mealtimes, you can choose to dine at their restaurant for the freshest seafood caught right off the sea or opt to dine privately with your loved ones at your own glamping deck.

Tents are also fully air-conditioned so you don’t have to worry about the tropical heat or mosquitoes.

Perfect place for a quiet getaway with your partner or bestie!

2. Lounge on beanbags right on the seaside boardwalk: Cheryl Signature Cafe

A couple of new IG-worthy cafes have been going viral among the local community, and Cheryl Signature Cafe is one of them.

Located right along the seaside boardwalk at Bengkong Laut, around 15 minutes’ drive from Batam International Ferry Terminal, this glasshouse cafe is littered with colourful beanbags on the boardwalk where you can chill with your besties as you wait for the sun to go down.

Grab a coffee or mocktail with some light bites. On some months, they even have special weekday promotions, such as selected mains (such as one of their delicious rice bowls) and mocktail set for Rp. 30,000 (approximately SGD $2.70) – what a steal, right?!

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3. Live music performances and alfresco dining by the sea: Nomad Bar and Bistro

Party it up with the sea breeze on the harbourfront at Nomad Bar and Bistro – here’s where you can enjoy casual alfresco dining at sunset and live music performances after sundown.

Located right next to popular local club Holywings, here’s the perfect place to come and chill during sunset, stay for dinner and drinks before heading over to Holywings for the next round of partying.

Or you can head over for Chinese hotpot at Shu Guo Yin Xiang Batam (just two minutes’ walk away) before coming to Nomad for drinks and light bites with the gang – you choose! (In case you are wondering, Nomad closes at 3am on weekends!)

Snacks generally cost around Rp. 40,000 to Rp. 65,000 while most pizzas for sharing are less than Rp. 100,000. Their classic cocktails are less than Rp.100,000 while their signatures range from Rp. 110,000 to 130,000. They also offer a variety of wine, whisky, champagne, beer, vodka, soju, etc.

In short, you will bask in nothing short of good vibes here – and still keep to a good budget!

4. Nongsa’s sunset mocktails and coffee: Sunmofee Tropical

If you are staying in or around Nongsa, this is one of the IG-worthy spots you shouldn’t miss.

You can choose to seat yourself on the roof where you can get the best view overlooking the ocean (best for sunsets), or at the courtyard where you can chill on benches and beanbags.

Come here for their coffee and stay for the sunset!

They offer a variety of hipster coffee such as Kopsu Pandan, Kopsu Hazelnut, Caramel Macchiato, etc. If you prefer not to have caffeine, they serve milk drinks too such as Red Velvet Milk, Taro Milk, Caramel Milk or fresh mocktails and sodas.

Their drinks are mostly less than Rp. 30,000 (approximately S$2.70) so you can guess this is still pretty much a local hidden gem (for now!).

5. Floating cafe bar with live performances: Level Up Coffee and Floating Bar

This floating cafe bar brings cafe-hopping to the next level!

Level Up floats right on the sea, on a boardwalk off the shores of Batam’s Bengkong Laut Golden City.

Come here for your afternoon coffee and don’t miss the sunset view!

After sundown, the lazy vibes transform to bring you more excitement in the evening, as the fairy lights turn on, the crowd fills up the beanbag seats and and you are entertained with live performances.

They serve both Western and Indonesian cuisine, from steaks, pasta to ricebowls, as well as a variety of alcoholic beverages and mocktails (and of course, coffee options if you’re coming in the afternoon!).

6. Go on a day trip to Ranoh Island with exciting water activities away from technology

Located south of mainland Batam, Ranoh Island is where you can experience barefoot luxury away from technology, noise, stress, demands and obligations.

If you are tired of the regular weekend trip to mainland Batam, Ranoh Island can be a refreshing escape for families and groups of friends alike.

The island is also near Pulau Abang – a famed spot for snorkellers as it uncovers a magical underwater world. The entire journey from Singapore to Ranoh Island will take you approximately 4 hours (including all ferry and boat transfers as well as customs in Batam).

There are tons of activities at Ranoh Island, from snorkelling to other water-activities like kayaking and banana boat as well as their exciting giant waterpark that sits smack-bang in the ocean! So if one day isn’t enough, you can even opt to stay overnight!

TripCanvas Tip: If you really need to be connected to the outside world, it’s recommended to purchase a SIM card beforehand as there’s no Wi-fi available on the island!

7. Ever been to a pool club in Canggu, Bali? Here’s one in Batam: SENSE Coffee & Pool

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!

Seriously though, we’d book a ferry ticket to Batam right now!!

8. A full-day pampering hang-out spot: Xoleil Spa Village

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 aren’t quite sure if you’ll make use of their boutique gym, salon and co-working space, but don’t miss dropping by their hydroponic garden, organic farm and treehouse! You’ll find absolutely no reason to leave and might consider coming again the next day too!

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. What are you waiting for? This is the ideal venue to escape to on your next trip!

9. Enjoy a cuddly dining affair: Lee’s Cafe & Bar

Remember the time where you used to share tea time with your favourite stuffed animals? You can take a throwback and experience it all again at Lee’s Cafe & Bar as you share a seat with giant teddy bears!

You’re never alone at Lee’s Cafe & Bar as the gigantic stuffed animals are seated across the table and share a meal with you! Well, you’ll also find them on shelves and walls around you too!

Dishes here aren’t necessarily inspired by the teddy bears but the cafe sure showcases that size matters! They serve an enormous burger (that you won’t find on the menu) for real food-enthusiasts and a variety of Korean, Indonesian and Western dishes as well.

And besides its Instagram bragging rights, diners also come here for their delicious Cheese Lava dessert that oozes gooey cheese sauce (the cheese version of a molten chocolate lava cake).

P.S. Did you know? There’s an actual term for a person who loves cheese! If you happen to be one, then you are a “Turophile”!

10. Experience the Batam’s version of Newton foodcourt: A2 Foodcourt

A2 Foodcourt is your must-do one-stop food fix. This local food court features a wide range of hawker style food and is extremely popular among both locals and visitors – blame it on its location as it sits right below  BCC hotel, and next to the popular BCS (Batam City Square) mall. If you’ve been to Batam before, you sure know that this area is always bustling with several stores, cheap spas, hotels and other dining spots.

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!

11. Discover an isolated waterfall in the forest: Air Terjun Pancur Muka Kuning (Telaga Bidadari Waterfall)

Muka Kuning might be just an industrial park, but the forested areas, where the Pancur Waterfall is located, is a gem for nature lovers.

As you hike through the trails of the forests on your way to the waterfall, you will get the chance to wade in shallow streams of the river, cross bridges formed via fallen tree trunks and admire the large swamp areas within the forest.

For the best experience, visit during the rainy season, when there’s more water flowing through the river.

12. Watch the beach come alive at Viovio Beach

Ever dreamt of a magical beach where you could see starfish lying on the rocks, spot tiny crabs crawling on the sand, and peer at corals reefs through the crystal clear waters?

You can actually do so in Viovio Beach.

If you are up for the challenge, try to climb the wooden structure in the sea up to the top platform, and jump directly into the sea.

That’s not all – relive your days as a kid by swinging away by the sea.

Looking for more fun than that? Hop on a banana boat or a kayak.

Or if you’re feeling lazy, why not pick up a book and listen to the song of the waves crashing against the shore, or just chill in a gazebo with your loved ones?

Most importantly, stay until dusk. The image of the orange sun descending into the horizon beneath the sea is simply mesmerising!

13. Whiz through the air at Turi Beach

What would you say to being tossed by water into mid-air and hanging precariously above the sea?

Or being dragged across the water in full speed creating huge splashes of waves?

You can enjoy a host of adventurous water sports at Turi Beach Resort, including flyboard and hoverboard, jet-skiing and wakeboarding.

Want something higher up in the air to pump up your adrenaline? Glide through the skies like you’re on a parachute driven by a machine on water.

You’ll have so much fun, you’ll forget to breathe!

14. Picnic by the sunset at Barelang Bridge

Barelang Bridge in Batam is like the Statue of Liberty in New York.

The symmetrical architectural design of the bridge makes it a perfect spot for some creative photos or selfies!

Overlooking a vast stretch of sea and greenery on the nearby islands, the spectacular scenery with the sea breeze on your face creates the perfect spot to have a romantic picnic with your other half.

Hungry? Get some grilled corn and coconut water from the snack stores around the area.

And when the sun sets, the lights on the bridge light up, transforming the bridge into another kind of beauty.

The Barelang Bridge consists of 6 different bridges connecting Batam, Rempang and Galang, with a total length of 2 kilometres!

15. Discover an underwater world in Pulau Abang

Abang Island is one of the islands off the main island of Batam which are uninhabited and untouched.

Here, you’ll find a rare species of coral known as the Blue Coral, which only lives in clear waters with excellent water quality.

From harmless clownfish to fierce sea urchins, and a diverse range of species including red snapper, red sand fish, blow fish and pinang, discover their unique colour, shape and size and observe their interactions in their natural habitats.

After your dive at Pulau Abang, head down to Pulau Rano, where there is no lack of underwater life, including salmon and yellowtail fish.

If you have yet to try snorkeling or diving, don’t worry, our experienced instructors will guide you along the way.

16. Witness the mysteries of the sand at Setokok Beach

Setokok Beach is a beach like no other. Look carefully and you will notice a natural wavy pattern on the sand. The beach curls into an elevated elongated pattern, forming a tombolo.

This gives rise to the illusion of you being on a tiny island surrounded by water – a rare photo opportunity!

If you want to have a romantic shot with your beloved, you could pose on a swing on the beach, where both of you could sit side by side, arms around each other and feet dipped in the water.

You can always walk down the long boardwalk if you feel like venturing deeper into the sea. And for family gatherings, there are wooden shelters available for you to lay out your afternoon picnic!

17. Escape to a quiet sanctuary at Pa Auk Tawya Vipassana Dhura Hermitage

Are you into cultural architecture? Or just looking to find a peaceful sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the city?

As you head up the Pa Auk Tawya Vipassana Dhura Hermitage, a monastery in Batam, you will first ascend 208 stairs, where each step has an intricately carved flower design.

As you head further up, the bell-shaped stupas provide a wonderful backdrop for photos, and you will see a Buddha statue.

When you finally reach the top, you will be awed by a breathtaking view of lush greenery and mountains from afar. And of course, you can also observe traditions of the Buddhist temple, or even join in their meditation.

Psst! Are there any more lesser-known attractions we missed? Please share with 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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