Showing posts with label day tour. Show all posts
Showing posts with label day tour. Show all posts

October 16, 2026

2 Days in Batam, Indonesia: Our Itinerary, Food, Hotel & Things to Do

After sharing our experiences in Batam, Indonesia, through several blog posts, I wanted to put everything together in one travel guide.

Batam was a quick getaway during our 9-day trip to Singapore, Indonesia, and the Disney Adventure Cruise. We traveled from Singapore to Batam on the second day of our overall trip and returned to Singapore the following day.

Although our stay was short, we managed to enjoy a hotel stay, try delicious food, explore some of Batam's popular attractions, and shop for pasalubong to bring home.

In this post, I'll share our 2-day Batam itinerary, including how we traveled from Singapore, where we stayed, what we ate, and the places we visited.


How to Get to Batam, Indonesia, from Singapore and Vice Versa

One thing that made our Batam getaway convenient was taking the ferry. Since Batam is accessible from Singapore by ferry, it's a practical option for travelers planning a short trip.

We booked our ferry tickets through Klook and used two different operators for our journey:

· Singapore to Batam: Majestic Fast Ferry
· Batam to Singapore: Sindo Ferry

Here's how our ferry experience went.

Singapore to Batam: Majestic Fast Ferry



For our journey to Batam, we took Majestic Fast Ferry. Since we planned to stay overnight, I booked a one-way ticket instead of a round-trip ticket.

Under the booking option I selected on Klook, I could book either a one-way ticket or a same-day round-trip ticket. Since we weren't returning to Singapore that day, booking a one-way ticket was the more practical choice.

Upon arrival at the ferry terminal, we claimed our tickets at the counter and paid the additional fuel surcharge.

Batam to Singapore: Sindo Ferry



For our return journey, we took Sindo Ferry from Batam to Singapore. We also booked this ticket through Klook, but the process was different.

Our booking voucher had already been confirmed by the operator, and we were informed that we only needed to present our passports for the trip. It was a pleasant surprise to find that our booking had been processed ahead of our travel date!

Using two different ferry operators worked well for our itinerary because we could arrange our departure and return trips separately.

Ferry Travel Tips: Allow Enough Time at the Terminal

Whether you're traveling from Singapore to Batam or returning to Singapore, make sure to allow enough time at the ferry terminal before departure.

You'll need to complete the required check-in procedures, clear immigration, and go through security checks before boarding. Depending on your ferry operator and booking arrangement, you may also need to claim a physical ticket.

I recommend arriving well ahead of your scheduled departure, especially during weekends, holidays, and peak travel periods. Always check your operator's instructions for the required check-in time and boarding procedures to avoid rushing or missing your ferry.

Where to Book Ferry Tickets to Batam

We booked both ferry trips through Klook, which made it convenient to arrange our transportation ahead of time.

You can also check the ferry operators' official websites or inquire at the ferry terminal about purchasing tickets, subject to availability. Compare the available schedules, fares, and booking requirements before deciding which option works best for your trip.

I recommend booking in advance if you have a preferred departure time, particularly during busy travel periods.

Our Ferry Expenses from Singapore to Batam and Back

Here's a breakdown of our ferry expenses for three people, including fuel surcharges and the additional fee we paid to transfer to an earlier ferry schedule.

Singapore to Batam via Majestic Fast Ferry

· Ferry tickets for 3 people: PHP 5,921
· Fuel surcharge: SGD 18 (SGD 6 per person), approximately PHP 864.38

Batam to Singapore via Sindo Ferry

· Ferry tickets for 3 people: PHP 5,454
· Fuel surcharge: IDR 195,000 (IDR 65,000 per person), approximately PHP 698.55
· Fee to transfer to an earlier ferry schedule: IDR 90,000 (IDR 30,000 per person), approximately PHP 322.41

Total Ferry Expenses for 3 People: PHP 13,260.34

These are the amounts we paid during our trip. The PHP equivalents of the surcharges and transfer fee are approximate conversions, so the actual amounts may vary depending on exchange rates. Ferry fares, surcharges, and schedule-change fees may also change, so check the latest rates and policies before your trip.
 
Day 1: Traveling from Singapore to Batam, Indonesia


It was our second day in Singapore, but we said goodbye to the city for now as we headed to Batam for a quick getaway!

After arriving at the Batam Ferry Terminal, we took a taxi to our hotel for IDR 70,000. (cash only) Our accommodation, Radisson Golf & Convention Center Batam, also offers a shuttle service from Mega Mall, Lobby C. However, the shuttle schedule didn't match our arrival time, so taking a taxi was more convenient for us.

The hotel also offers a private car transfer for IDR 130,000 if you prefer to arrange transportation in advance. If you're planning to stay at the same hotel, I recommend checking its transportation options and schedules before your arrival.

Where We Stayed: Radisson Golf & Convention Center Batam


We stayed at Radisson Golf & Convention Center Batam during our short visit. It gave us a comfortable place to relax between our travel activities.

For more photos and details about our accommodation, read my full review of Radisson Golf & Convention Center Batam.

Our Food Trip at Radisson Golf & Convention Center Batam


Of course, no trip is complete without good food! We also enjoyed a food trip at the hotel, which was another highlight of our stay.

Day 2: Exploring Batam with a Private Tour
To explore Batam, we booked a private Batam tour through Klook, which included a car and driver. This was a convenient way to explore the city and visit several attractions during our short stay.

With our own transportation, we could travel between the different stops on our itinerary, including Barelang Bridge, the Welcome to Batam sign, Rumah Kue Wiweka Shop, Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya, and Nagoya Mall.

Since we only had a limited amount of time in Batam, booking a private tour helped us arrange our sightseeing around the places we wanted to visit.

For more photos and details about each destination, read my complete guide to the places we visited in Batam.


Pasalubong from Indonesia

Before leaving Batam, we also made time to shop for pasalubong to bring home. Shopping for souvenirs and local treats is always one of my favorite parts of traveling. It's a nice way to bring home a little piece of the destination and share something from the trip with family and friends. If you'd like to see what we bought, check out my Batam pasalubong shopping guide.

After our short getaway, it was time to return to Singapore. We took the Sindo Ferry, which we had booked through Klook.

Our two-day trip was brief, but we managed to enjoy our hotel stay, try different food, visit several attractions, and shop for souvenirs before heading back.

Traveling by ferry made it possible to add another destination to our Singapore trip without spending too much time getting there.


Final Thoughts: Is 2 Days in Batam Enough?

For us, two days in Batam were enough for a quick getaway from Singapore. Although our first day was mostly dedicated to traveling and enjoying our hotel stay, we still managed to visit several attractions and shop for pasalubong on the second day.

If you're looking for a short trip with opportunities to explore local landmarks, enjoy good food, and shop for souvenirs, Batam is worth considering. Planning your transportation and activities ahead of time can help you make the most of your stay.

Batam was a lovely addition to our Singapore trip, and I'm glad we had the chance to explore another destination just a ferry ride away.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your own 2-day Batam adventure. Don't forget to check out the individual posts linked throughout this guide for more details about our hotel, food, attractions, and shopping experiences.
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October 14, 2026

Day 3: Batam to Singapore – City Tour, Shopping & Ferry Ride

Our third day was all about making the most of our remaining time in Batam before heading back to Singapore. After spending a night in Indonesia, we had one more day to explore a few local attractions, do some shopping, and enjoy our last moments in Batam.


We started our day with a buffet breakfast at Radisson Golf & Convention Center Batam, where we stayed overnight. It was a nice way to fuel up before our private Batam city tour. After breakfast, we prepared for a day of sightseeing and shopping around the city.

We arranged a private tour to visit some of Batam's popular attractions and shopping spots. Our itinerary included the following places:

1. Barelang Bridge
2. Welcome to Batam Sign
3. Rumah Kue Wiweka Shop
4. Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya
5. Nagoya Mall


We spent most of our time at Nagoya Mall. Since we had extra time before our ferry departure, we made the most of our visit without rushing too much.

Back to the Hotel Before Our Ferry to Singapore

After our city tour and shopping at Nagoya Mall, we headed back to Radisson Golf & Convention Center Batam to collect our luggage.

Since our original ferry schedule was later in the day, we ended up spending some time at the hotel, basically just waiting for our departure time. We rested for a bit while killing time before heading to Batam Ferry Terminal.

Little did we know that we could actually request to transfer to an earlier ferry schedule!

Our Ferry Experience: Batam to Singapore

I booked our ferry tickets through Klook, and this time, we claimed our tickets at the Sindo Ferry counter at Batam Ferry Terminal.

To our surprise, the staff offered us the option to transfer to an earlier ferry schedule for an additional IDR 30,000 per person. We agreed to the change and also paid IDR 195,000 for the fuel surcharge.

Looking back, if we had known earlier that changing to an earlier schedule was possible, we would have simply collected our luggage from the hotel and gone straight to the ferry terminal instead of spending time waiting at the hotel!

Nevertheless, we were happy that we could take an earlier ferry. After completing the necessary arrangements, we rushed to the boarding gate. Thankfully, there were no long queues, and we made it in time.


Travel tip: If you're booking your ferry tickets through Klook, you can ask the ferry counter staff whether an earlier departure is available, especially if you arrive at the terminal ahead of your scheduled trip. Availability and additional charges may vary, so it's best to confirm with the staff before making any changes.

Back in Singapore: Dinner at HarbourFront Ferry Terminal

By the time we arrived in Singapore, it was already evening. After getting off the ferry, we had dinner at EAT Restaurant inside HarbourFront Ferry Terminal. We ordered Pork Belly Rice for SGD 6, Chicken Chop Rice for SGD 5.50, and Fishball Noodle for SGD 4.30. The total for our three dishes was SGD 15.80, making it a convenient meal before heading back to our hotel.




We also bought some drinking water before leaving the terminal. One thing we appreciated was the convenient location of the taxi stand, which was just outside the restaurant. We didn't have to walk far with our luggage, which was a relief after a long day of sightseeing and traveling. We took a taxi to Robertson Quay Hotel, and our taxi fare was SGD 13.80.


After a full day exploring Batam, shopping at Nagoya Mall, and traveling back to Singapore, we finally returned to our hotel, ready to rest after our little Indonesian getaway.
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September 30, 2026

Exploring Batam Indonesia Our Own Way — Our Private Batam Tour

Since we’ve been to Singapore a few times already, I wanted to add a short side trip to another country. I was torn between Malaysia and Indonesia, but in the end, I chose Batam, Indonesia.

One of the biggest reasons was convenience. Batam is just one ferry ride away from Singapore, which meant fewer transfers and less hassle. It seemed like the perfect destination for a quick taste of Indonesia.

But planning our Batam itinerary turned out to be a little challenging.

I knew that Batam would be a little different from our usual sightseeing destinations, so I had a hard time deciding what kind of tour to book. While browsing Klook, I found several day-trip options, including Explore Barelang View, High Tea at Forest View, High Tea at Mangrove/Pulau Putri, and Eat & Shop tours.


After going back and forth between the options, I eventually decided to book a Batam Private Car Charter instead.

Since it was a private tour, I could customize the itinerary based on the places we actually wanted to see instead of simply following a fixed tour package. It also gave us the flexibility to change our plans during the day, which, as it turned out, was exactly what we ended up doing.

What the Batam Private Car Charter Includes

English-speaking driver
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
10-hour private charter service

The day before our scheduled tour, my husband received a message with the details of our driver and car. We were also asked to send our itinerary.

Our original plan was:

Barelang Bridge
Vihara Duta Maitreya
Mini Heritage Visit or Local Cultural Stop
Nagoya Hill for lunch
Batam Waterfront
Bukit Senyum Viewpoint
Welcome to Batam Sign
Back to the hotel

But the following day, I changed our itinerary. Instead of squeezing in as many tourist spots as possible, I decided that I would rather spend more time at the mall. I’m not sure if it was because of the hot weather or simply a sign of aging, but apparently, shopping and a relaxed lunch sounded more appealing than rushing from one attraction to another.

There was nothing particularly extraordinary about our day trip, but we still enjoyed getting a little glimpse of Batam, Indonesia, and having the freedom to explore it our own way.

Our final itinerary included:

Barelang Bridge
Welcome to Batam Sign
A local temple
A souvenir shop
Nagoya Mall

Starting Our Batam Tour

Our pick-up time at the hotel was 9:00 AM, so we checked out as early as 8:30 AM and left our luggage at the hotel.

Our driver arrived around the same time, so we were able to start the tour earlier than planned. By around 9:10 AM, we had already arrived at our first stop, Barelang Bridge.

Barelang Bridge

Our first stop was Barelang Bridge, one of Batam’s most recognizable landmarks.






The name Barelang comes from the connected islands of Batam, Rempang, and Galang. The bridge complex connects several islands and is one of the iconic sights to see when exploring Batam.

The main bridge, also known as Jembatan Tengku Fisabilillah, is especially photogenic because of its large cable-stayed structure and the surrounding sea views. It’s a popular quick stop for visitors who want to take photos and enjoy the scenery.

We didn’t stay for very long, but it was a nice way to start our Batam tour.

Entrance fee: IDR 5,000 per person
Payment: Cash only

Welcome to Batam Sign


Next, we stopped by the Welcome to Batam sign. It’s basically Batam’s version of those giant destination signs that we had to stop for photos. It was a quick stop, but it gave us one of those simple travel moments that make for fun memories later.

Rumah Kue Wiweka

After that, we stopped at Rumah Kue Wiweka, a small local shop where you can buy Indonesian snacks, including lapis and other local specialties.




One thing we liked about the shop was that they offered free samples, so you could taste the lapis before deciding which one to buy. This was helpful since there were several flavors and varieties to choose from.

If you’re looking for something to bring home from Batam, this is the kind of place worth checking out. We also liked that it was a quick and convenient stop where we could browse local treats without spending too much time away from our itinerary.

Payment: Cash and debit card accepted.

Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya

We also made a quick stop at Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya, one of Batam’s well-known Buddhist temples.




The temple complex is spacious and peaceful, with large Buddha statues and details that make it an interesting place for photos. It was also a nice contrast to the busier commercial areas of Batam.

Since this was just a quick stop on our private tour, we mainly walked around, took a few photos, and enjoyed the surroundings before continuing to our next destination.

Nagoya Mall

By around 11:00 AM, we arrived at Nagoya Mall, where we decided to slow things down for the rest of the afternoon. This was also the point where I officially abandoned my original plan to visit as many attractions as possible. We told our driver that we would stay at the mall until around 2:00 PM.

Nagoya is one of Batam’s main commercial areas, so the mall was a convenient place for us to have lunch, shop, and pick up a few things from the grocery store.





Looking back, I think changing our itinerary was actually a good decision because it started to rain around lunchtime. Instead of rushing from one outdoor attraction to another, we were comfortably inside the mall, having lunch and taking our time shopping. Sometimes, a slower itinerary really does work out better!


Lunch at Renuin

We had lunch at Renuin. Unfortunately, I can’t remember the names of the dishes we ordered, so instead of pretending that I do, I’ll just let the photos do the talking!







The food was a nice break in the middle of our day, and we enjoyed taking our time before continuing with our shopping.

Sugarcane Juice at Sabu

After shopping, while waiting for our driver, we spotted Sabu, a juice kiosk inside the mall. They were selling sugarcane juice, and we immediately got curious. It had been such a long time since we last had sugarcane, so we decided to get one. It was a simple little treat, but it was also one of those unexpected finds that made our afternoon a little more enjoyable.


Back to the Hotel

After several minutes of waiting, our driver arrived, and we headed back to the hotel to pick up our luggage.


Our private tour is good for 10 hours, but we ended up finishing much earlier. We were back at the hotel after a little over 5 hours, which was much earlier than the original schedule.

By the way, our driver was already a senior citizen, but he was still doing private tours to earn some extra income. He was very friendly and accommodating throughout the day, and we appreciated how flexible he was when we changed our itinerary.

He even commented that our itinerary was one of the easiest he had ever handled!

When he found out that we would be heading to the Batam Ferry Terminal after picking up our luggage, he offered to wait for us and drop us off there instead. 

That was one of the things I appreciated most about having a private car charter. We didn’t have to worry about following a strict schedule, and we could adjust our plans depending on the weather and what we felt like doing.

Batam Ferry Terminal

After collecting our luggage from the hotel and resting a little, we got ready for the next part of our journey.

At around 3:00 PM, we were on our way to the Batam Ferry Terminal to catch our ferry back to Singapore.


And just like that, our little Batam adventure came to an end.

Our Batam day trip may not have gone exactly according to our original itinerary, but I think that was part of what made it enjoyable.

It wasn’t a packed sightseeing day, but we still enjoyed our little glimpse of Batam, Indonesia. This trip was less about checking every tourist attraction off a list and more about getting a taste of another country, enjoying a relaxed day, eating, shopping, exploring at our own pace, and staying dry when the rain came.

And for us, that was enough.
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