Batam is one of the prime tourist destinations in Indonesia. Here are some of the Batam attractions and activities that continually appeal to its loyal and first-time visitors:
1. Sightseeing
While quite popular for its splendid beaches, scrumptious seafood, and relaxing spa treatments, Batam presents sightseeing as another great option. Among the places to be visited and seen is the Mesjid Raya or Grand Mosque that accommodates pilgrims before they depart for Mecca. Another destination is Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya, one of the biggest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia. There is also the Balerang Bridge, a chain of 6 various types of bridges which hangs 40 meters above the water and provides a spectacular view of the islands.
2. Shopping at Nagoya
Formally known as Lubuk Baja, Nagoya is the main town of Batam, Indonesia. The island's largest mall, Nagoya Hill, is also located here. It's a good place to hone your bargaining powers as imported goods, specially fashion items, can be bought here at a remarkably low price. Right outside the shopping center are eateries offering spicy barbecued seafood, spicy satay (meat on a stick), spicy otak-otak (fish cake), and other mostly spicy local food. The place also has plenty of bars and discos.
3. Going for a Cheap massage
There are plenty of spas to choose from when in Batam. There are spas offering stone massage, antioxidant hotbed spa, and those that offer foot bath, body scrub, body mask, hydrotherapy bath, and body massage rooms as a single, affordable package. Most hotels and resorts in Batam also have their own in-house spas for guests who wish to relax and rejuvenate without having to leave the beachfront or venture outdoors.
4. Eating seafood
One of Batam's most popular attractions is its scrumptious seafood offering. Here, diners can choose their dishes from the crabs or fish still swimming in aquariums. Some restaurants even take ambience to the next level with 'kelongs' or restaurants over the sea. These kelongs can be found in popular tourist places, such as the Barelang 4 Bridge.
5. Beaches and water sports
With over 2,400 islands in the province, visitors can take part in a variety of water sports like jet skiing, water skiing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, parasailing, and snorkeling. It also has fantastic diving spots for those interested in underwater life. Shipwrecks, tragic as they may seem, add to the allure and attractions of Batam since the island is said to have more than 500 wrecks, very few of which have been discovered.
1. Sightseeing
While quite popular for its splendid beaches, scrumptious seafood, and relaxing spa treatments, Batam presents sightseeing as another great option. Among the places to be visited and seen is the Mesjid Raya or Grand Mosque that accommodates pilgrims before they depart for Mecca. Another destination is Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya, one of the biggest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia. There is also the Balerang Bridge, a chain of 6 various types of bridges which hangs 40 meters above the water and provides a spectacular view of the islands.
2. Shopping at Nagoya
Formally known as Lubuk Baja, Nagoya is the main town of Batam, Indonesia. The island's largest mall, Nagoya Hill, is also located here. It's a good place to hone your bargaining powers as imported goods, specially fashion items, can be bought here at a remarkably low price. Right outside the shopping center are eateries offering spicy barbecued seafood, spicy satay (meat on a stick), spicy otak-otak (fish cake), and other mostly spicy local food. The place also has plenty of bars and discos.
3. Going for a Cheap massage
There are plenty of spas to choose from when in Batam. There are spas offering stone massage, antioxidant hotbed spa, and those that offer foot bath, body scrub, body mask, hydrotherapy bath, and body massage rooms as a single, affordable package. Most hotels and resorts in Batam also have their own in-house spas for guests who wish to relax and rejuvenate without having to leave the beachfront or venture outdoors.
4. Eating seafood
One of Batam's most popular attractions is its scrumptious seafood offering. Here, diners can choose their dishes from the crabs or fish still swimming in aquariums. Some restaurants even take ambience to the next level with 'kelongs' or restaurants over the sea. These kelongs can be found in popular tourist places, such as the Barelang 4 Bridge.
5. Beaches and water sports
With over 2,400 islands in the province, visitors can take part in a variety of water sports like jet skiing, water skiing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, parasailing, and snorkeling. It also has fantastic diving spots for those interested in underwater life. Shipwrecks, tragic as they may seem, add to the allure and attractions of Batam since the island is said to have more than 500 wrecks, very few of which have been discovered.