Batam

How to get from Singapore to Batam

There are two departure points for trips to Batam, increasing your travel options:

• Tanah Merah
• HarborFront

Arriving at Batam

Tanah Merah ferry terminal (TMFT) to Batam

Travelling from Tanah Merah, you have three route options:

• Tanah Merah ferry terminal to Batam Center
• Tanah Merah ferry terminal to Harbor Bay
• Tanah Merah ferry terminal to Nongsapura

(Getting to Tanah Merah: To get from the airport to the terminal is easy; either catch bus number 35, or it is only about 6 minutes by taxi. If you're coming from elsewhere in Singapore, take the subway to "Tanah Merah" and again take bus number 35.)

Sunset at Nongsa Marina and resort

HarbourFront Centre Terminal to Batam

The other option is to travel from HarbourFront, which gives you a great opportunity to see a little bit of the city before you get on board. 

You can choose from three fast ferry routes:

• HarbourFront Centre Terminal to Batam Center  
• HarbourFront Centre Terminal to Harbor Bay
• HarbourFront Centre Terminal to Sekupang

(Getting to HarbourFront Centre: It's easy to reach the terminal by subway. Coming from the airport, take the green East-West line into town, change onto the purple North-East line at Outram Park MRT Station, and then travel one stop south to HarbourFront.)

Recent developments reflect Batam's vision of becoming the Indonesian version of Singapore. The old heavy industry complex of Pertamina, the state-owned oil company, was enlarged by the shipping and electronic industry, and it earned the moniker "The Industrial City." 

However, don't be fooled by the industrial appearance, as more and more people are visiting the island for pleasure — with more than 1.5 million tourists visited Batam Island in 2015. The municipality of Batam has a fast-growing population that exemplifies the national motto of "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika" meaning "Unity in Diversity".

Why go to Batam Island?

It is not only the dynamic and modern centre of Batam that attracts visitors, it is also rural areas like Tanjung Uma and old villages with historical relics.

Take a trip to the countryside to the botanical garden on Rempang Island, or venture even further south to visit Melau Beach or Viovio Beach on Galang Island. These places maintain their rustic character and are connected to Batam Island by short bridges — together named 'the Barelang Bridge', these bridges are famous for their sunset views! Another beautiful beach called Nongsa is just about 20 munites from the airport, and is a great place to see the Singapore city lights by night.

Batam Ferry Terminal

However, if historical relics and peaceful sunsets aren't your thing you'll certainly find plenty to do on Batam! There are great opportunities for shopping, eating, or a pampering massage, but it's also the best place to try out wakeboarding or water skiing. Meanwhile, for speed demons, Drak Bike Park or the Go-Karts in The Golden City complex are the places to go!

Try out the big wheel in Ocarina Park, relax in the Mata Kucing Forest or catch some rays on the beach. Make time for the spa, or maybe even a round of golf! But remember to save some energy for the buzzing nightlife...