Joanna James
It doesn't matter if you're visiting Batam for the very first time or even if you're travelling there regularly, it is always best to be prepared. While it's easy to get confused or overwhelmed with the number of amazing experiences, here is a list of the best things to do in Batam so that you can plan ahead.
Being located right next to water means that Batam is often visited for its exciting array of water sports. While enjoying activities like skiing or wakeboarding almost anywhere else on the planet can easily rack up a big bill for you at the end of the day, here in Batam it is quite the opposite. An excellent place to check out is the Batam Cable Ski Park. You'll be able to take part in a host of activities that they offer like canoeing, snorkelling or even jet skiing.
This temple is the answer for anyone who craves a little escape, wanting to enjoy Batam by finding a little inner peace. Devotees that visit the Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple burn incense sticks as they are believed to bring good luck. You'll be delighted with the elegant and colourful Buddha statues along with the zodiac sign carvings that can be found opposite the temple. A highlight here is the café where you can treat yourself to some lovely vegetarian food, with their cute animal shaped buns and snacks being a popular choice. If you're on the lookout for a Nagoya hotel, Batam has many great options to pick from, like Travelodge Batam for instance.
Batam is heavily regarded for its seafood offering that comes much cheaper than most places in Southeast Asia. Interesting places to dine-in are the Sei Enam Seafood Restaurant, Harbour Bay Seafood and the Rezeki Seafood Restaurant. Signature dishes that are very popular amongst both locals and tourists are the chilli crab, black pepper crab and deliciously crunchy calamari. It is essential that you also try their juicy prawns as well as their freshly caught lobster.
Of all the places that are bound to pop up on any list of Batam must-sees, the Barelang Bridge is always guaranteed to be a favourite. This is one of the most iconic sights here and is often flocked with people during the late afternoon, who come for its excellent photo opportunities. The bridge is what actually links the main Batam Island to its neighbour Galang Island. The Barelang Bridge is an engineering marvel and a gorgeous sight to behold.
When you're in Batam and you happen to be craving for some sand, Nongsa Beach is the place to go to. Much less crowded than most other places on the island, the atmosphere here is very relaxed. With a row of excellent eateries along the beach, it's a great spot for either dinner or even a drink that's accompanied by a gorgeous view of the ocean.
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