Your ultimate Batam weekend getaway: Top things to eat, see, and do

When you think of a weekend getaway to Batam, massages, seafood and a quick shopping spree probably come to mind. But if that’s all you’re doing every time you hop on the ferry, you might be missing out.

Beyond the usual Singaporean weekend checklist, Batam has plenty to fill a two or three-day trip, whether that means hiking through a nature reserve, attempting cable skiing, escaping to a nearby island or simply settling in somewhere with a good meal and an even better view.

And with Batam just a short ferry ride from Singapore, you don’t need to wait for a long weekend to make a trip out of it. From where to eat and drink to the experiences worth leaving your resort for, here are some of the best things to do in Batam on your next weekend getaway.

Get back to nature at Panbil Nature Reserve

If your idea of Batam usually involves hopping between malls, spas and restaurants, Panbil Nature Reserve offers a completely different side of the island. The 260-hectare nature park is just around 15 minutes from Batam Centre Ferry Terminal and has several hiking trails of varying difficulty, including the 6km Pelawan Hike, which leads to a hidden river.

If hiking isn't quite adventurous enough, you can also hop on an ATV and ride through the forest or tackle the high-rope course 15 metres above the ground. There's also an EDU Park where visitors can get up close to animals including deer, goats and rabbits.

Address: Jl. Ahmad Yani, Sukajadi, Kec. Batam Kota, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29444, Indonesia

Get your adrenaline fix at Elite Seasport Batam

If lounging by the pool all weekend sounds a little too relaxing, add some action to your Batam itinerary at Elite Seasport Batam. The watersports centre offers a range of activities out at sea, making it a fun option if you’re travelling with friends and want to do something beyond eating, shopping and spa-hopping.

Depending on how adventurous you’re feeling, you can take to the water on a jet ski, hop aboard a banana boat or try your hand at other watersports. Even if you’re not exactly a natural, half the fun is watching everyone in the group attempt to hang on once things pick up speed.

Address: Pintu masuk infinity beach club, entrance at infinity beach club, Bengkong Laut, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29444, Indonesia

Escape to Ranoh Island for the day

Why settle for one island when you can squeeze another into your weekend? Ranoh Island makes for a tropical escape away from Batam’s busier areas, with its white-sand beachfront and plenty of space to spend a few hours doing very little.

If lying around isn’t your thing, there’s a lengthy list of water activities to choose from, including snorkelling, canoeing, jet skiing and banana boat rides. Back on land, you can also try ATV riding or beach volleyball before grabbing a drink at the island bar.

Address: H64J+QP4 Near Abang-besar Island, Pulau Abang, Galang, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau, Indonesia

Slow down with coffee at Anchor Cafe & Roastery

Batam’s café scene deserves some time on your itinerary too. Anchor Cafe & Roastery specialises in freshly roasted coffee, with its beans roasted on-site, alongside a menu of American Southern comfort food. Everything from the food to its baked goods is also made in-house. Try their carrot cake made from a recipe passed down from the owner’s grandmother!

Head down for breakfast or make it your afternoon pit stop between activities. Beyond coffee, the café serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, so it’s an easy option if your travelling companions need something a little more substantial while you get your caffeine fix.

Address: Dermaga Culinary Paradise RF No. 11, Sukajadi, Kec. Batam Kota, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29444, Indonesia

Feast on fresh seafood at a kelong

It wouldn’t really be a Batam getaway without at least one seafood feast. But rather than simply heading to another restaurant in town, make a meal out of the experience by dining at a kelong, where you can tuck into seafood while sitting right by the water.

Gather a group and order a spread for the table, from crabs and prawns to fish, shellfish and vegetables. Try to time your visit for the late afternoon or evening so you can enjoy the sea views as the sun starts to go down.

Address: Jl. Kp. Tua Tiangwangkang, Tembesi, Kec. Sagulung, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29472, Indonesia

Try Balinese-style roast pork at Warung Guling Pak Made

You could happily spend an entire Batam trip eating seafood, but save some stomach space for Warung Guling Pak Made. As its name suggests, the restaurant specialises in babi guling, or Balinese-style roast pork, making it a good addition if you’re looking to venture beyond Batam’s usual seafood recommendations.

One of the dishes to look out for is the nasi samcan guling komplit, alongside other pork dishes including satay and crispy pork belly. The restaurant is located in the Nagoya area, making it a convenient food stop to work into a day of exploring or shopping.

Address: Blk. B, Jl. Imam Bonjol-Komplek Nagoya Newtown No.6-7, Lubuk Baja Kota, Kec. Lubuk Baja, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29444, Indonesia

Catch the sunset at Altitude Rooftop Bar & Lounge

If you’re after somewhere a little fancier for sunset drinks, make your way up to Altitude Rooftop Bar & Lounge at Batam Marriott Hotel Harbour Bay. The open-air rooftop overlooks the ocean and surrounding Malay settlements, and on a clear evening, you may even catch the lights of Singapore’s skyline in the distance.

Settle in with one of its signature cocktails while watching the sun go down, then stay on for dinner if you’re not ready to leave. The menu features international dishes and sharing plates, while DJ sets and live music keep things going later into the evening.

Address: Batam Marriott Hotel Harbour Bay (Level R, Jl. Duyung, Jodoh River, Batu Ampar, Batam City, Riau Islands 29453, Indonesia

Dine surrounded by water at W Kitchen & Bar

For dinner with a view, W Kitchen & Bar at Woda Villa & Spa offers a setting that feels a little removed from the bustle of Batam. The restaurant sits surrounded by water, with its open-air setting making it an especially picturesque spot once evening rolls around.

Come before sunset to make the most of the surroundings, then stay on for dinner and drinks as the atmosphere gets livelier at night. With the water, lights and music setting the scene, it’s an easy spot to settle into for a relaxed evening before calling it a day.

Address: Jl. Bengkong Laut, Tj. Buntung, Kec. Bengkong, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29433, Indonesia

Whether you’re heading over for the food, outdoor adventures or simply an excuse to escape Singapore for a couple of days, there’s plenty to pack into a Batam weekend. Just remember to leave a little room in your itinerary, and your luggage, for the most important stop before the ferry home: stocking up on kueh lapis. Priorities, after all.