Batam: Day Trips and Tours from Singapore

Just a short ferry ride from the high rises and modernity of Singapore lies the Indonesian island of Batam — a destination filled with significant religious monuments and marine wonderlands. The island is one of the best places to experience traditional Indonesian customs, from soothing massages to indulgent cakes and everything in between.

Batam day trips from Singapore are easily arranged and a must for anyone with time to spare in Southeast Asia.

Here's all you need to know about Batam, one of the most relaxing day trips from Singapore.

How to get to Batam from Singapore?

Batam is located in the Riau Island archipelago between Singapore and Sumatra. It is just a stone’s throw south of Singapore and is easily reached by ferry.

From Singapore to Batam by public transport

The most popular way to make the jaunt to Batam is by taking a public ferry. There are four companies offering this service, which means that boats run regularly throughout the day. The crossing tends to take around an hour and ferries leave from Harbourfront Center and Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal.

Guided tour to Batam from Singapore

Alternatively, many visitors choose to embark on a guided excursion to Batam. These pre-arranged day trips organize all transportation for you and begin at various times throughout the day. You can expect your tour to last all day and you’ll usually meet at either Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal or Maritime Square where you’ll collect your boat ticket.

What should you expect to do on a day trip to Batam?

While each Batam day trip is unique, they all begin with a ferry ride from Singapore’s harbor. You’ll typically travel independently to the island. However, you can normally upgrade your excursion to include a hotel pickup service. Once you arrive in Batam, you’ll meet your guide and begin your experience. The majority of these trips take you on a sightseeing adventure past the island’s most iconic landmarks.

You’ll stop at several of these locations and gain admission into intriguing temples, becoming educated on Indonesian customs. However, other tours leave the land behind to explore the underwater paradise that exists just off the coast. In many cases, you’ll be taken to a traditional massage parlor where you’ll relax for 2 hours and you may have the opportunity to try regional snacks.

Some Batam day tours also include a five or seven-course meal, which features local dishes that have helped to shape the Indonesian island’s culinary scene over the centuries. Once you’ve finished discovering this enchanting destination, you’ll be transported back to the ferry port where you’ll board a boat bound for Singapore.

Which Batam day trip should you choose?

Guided tours to Batam from Singapore

You’ll begin this whirlwind day trip to Batam from Singapore by hopping on a ferry and crossing the turquoise stretch of water that separates the two destinations.

Upon arrival, you’ll meet your driver who will escort you to a massage parlor, passing by several celebrated landmarks, including the Masjid Raya Batam — otherwise known as Batam Grand Mosque — where you’ll be able to unwind fully while enjoying a traditional treatment.

Before journeying back to the buzzing metropolis of Singapore, you’ll feast on a mouthwatering five-course meal of Indonesian specialties and finish your trip off by heading to an esteemed bakery to try a local delicacy, kue lapis — a layered dessert made from sweet colorful rice.

Private tour to Batam from Singapore

Those who are looking for a more personal experience than a group tour can provide may instead opt for a private day trip to Batam. After a speedy ferry ride, you’ll be transported around the island by a friendly private guide, dedicated to your enjoyment.

Along the way, you’ll see Pura Agung Amerta Buana temple, as well as the Barelang Bridge and the largest Buddhist temple in Indonesia — Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya.

Take a break from discovering Batam to try kue lapis, as well as local coffee, before continuing on exploring the island’s fascinating monuments, including the Batam Monument and Grand Mosque. Indulge in seven courses of Southeast Asian cuisine after your bout of sightseeing, as well as an Indonesian massage before returning to Singapore.

Snorkeling and kayaking tour to Batam from Singapore

Outdoor enthusiasts may prefer keeping active by participating in a combination snorkeling and kayaking tour in Batam. After arriving on the island, you’ll head to its preserved marine park where you’ll slip into the azure waters, and discover the array of exotic lifeforms that call this corner of the ocean home. These include pufferfish, red snappers and tuna, as well as turtles and sting rays.

Return to the surface for a breather and admire the verdant greenery, and lofty peaks that surround you before dining on a local meal. After eating, you can let out your inner child by participating in a variety of beach games. Ending your tour, you’ll have the opportunity to kayak gently through a mesmerizing web of mangroves with your loved ones.

How much should you expect to pay for a day trip to Batam from Singapore?

Batam day trips vary in price depending on their inclusions. In all cases, you’ll be required to pay the Indonesian visa-on-arrival fee, which costs between US$30 and US$40 per person for most nationalities.

A basic Batam day trip costs approximately US$290 per person if you choose to travel solo on the morning tour, while the afternoon excursion costs just under US$350 each. You can save money by booking as a group of two or more individuals, reducing the price to US$200 for a morning tour and US$250 for an afternoon trip. These operate in small groups limited to 15 travelers, which creates an intimate experience. You can expect all transportation, food and a massage to be included in the price.

Private Batam day tours cost around US$370 for solo adults and you’ll save money per person with each member added to your group. Children under 12 cost US$290 and you can pay an additional charge for a hotel pickup service.

Kayaking and snorkeling day trips in Batam are also private, and have a minimum booking requirement of two people. The cost per person is US$470 if you book as a couple but reduces with each member added to your party. You can select to have a hotel pickup included for an additional fee.

What does Batam have to see and do?

Batam Grand Mosque

Batam Grand Mosque is so named as it is the largest place of worship on the island. It was constructed in 2007 and the build was aided by donations from several neighboring nations, including Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. The mosque has a capacity of 3,000 and towers over the landscape from a height of more than 100 meters.

Alongside being a place of prayer and worship, Batam Grand Mosque also features function halls, classrooms and a library. However, it is the mosque’s observation deck that draws tourists in, offering views across the island’s natural landscape and out to sea.

Batam Grand Mosque’s architecture makes it a unique monument, with a pair of gold-detailed towers and a trapezoid prayer room. Internally, the Middle-Eastern-style temple features intricate ceramic tiles and more than 300 lamps illuminate the prayer room.

Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya

Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya is the largest Buddhist temple, not only in Indonesia but in the whole of Southeast Asia, covering a land mass of 4.5 hectares. The site is dedicated to Buddha Maitreya — the fifth and final Buddha who is believed to represent the future of the world. The message of this Buddha is universal love and his name translates to “friendship” from ancient Sanskrit.

The site was built in the 1990s and is now one of the most visited spots in Batam. Inside the building, you’ll find prayer rooms littered with gilded statues of the Buddha, as well as religious artworks and sculptures. One of the most significant art displays features the twelve Chinese zodiac signs, which correspond with the lunar calendar and are thought to depict each personality type.

Those who journey to Batam to see this religious attraction can step out onto the upper balcony for an outstanding view across the city.

When should you visit Batam?

If you want to avoid rain as much as possible, the best time to visit Batam is during the dry season from May to September. During these months, you're likely to experience less rainfall and more sunny days, which are ideal for exploring the island's attractions and engaging in outdoor activities.

Are there any tours from Singapore to other nearby cities?

Yes, there are tours departing to other cities near Singapore:

• Day Trips to Southern Islands from Singapore
• Day Trips to Kuala Lumpur from Singapore
• Day Trips to Malacca from Singapore
• Day Trips to Johor Bahru from Singapore

Travel tips

• Exchange Currency. Although some places may accept Singapore dollars, it's better to have some Indonesian Rupiah on hand for smaller vendors.
• Haggle for the Best Price. Bargaining is common in local markets, so don't be shy to haggle.
• Prevent Sea-Sickness. If you're prone to sea-sickness, bring along some sea-sickness pills for the ferry ride.