Day trip to Batam: the ultimate 24-hour guide

Looking for a short break close to Singapore? A day trip to Batam could be just what you need. Located in Indonesia’s Riau Islands province just off the coast of Singapore, Batam is only a short ferry ride away and is home to a thriving food scene, picturesque beaches, and many other attractions.

You can fit enough sights and activities into one day in Batam to make it feel like a mini-adventure. Read on to find out how to get there by ferry, what to see and plenty of tips to get the most out of your day trip to the Indonesian island.

• How to get to Batam
• Your Batam one-day trip itinerary
• Things to do in Batam
• Getting around in Batam

Tip: On Ferryhopper you can find up-to-date routes, prices, and timetables for ferries to Batam. Book your tickets online in just a few clicks!

 Traditional boats anchored by the shores of Batam 

How to get to Batam

The easiest way to reach Batam is by ferry from Singapore. The crossing takes less than 1 hour, so you'll find yourself across the Singapore Strait in no time! Ferries depart daily from various terminals in Singapore, including Tanah Merah and Harbourfront, so you can choose the most convenient one for you. Harbourfront is ideal if you’re traveling from the city center, while Tanah Merah is closer to the airport and eastern Singapore.

There are a few options on the Batam side, too. Taking the ferry to Batam Centre will leave you right in the heart of the city, close to malls and restaurants. Harbour Bay is conveniently located near Nagoya Mall, which offers a wide range of retail, entertainment and dining options. Nongsapura and Sekupang are ideal for those heading to Batam’s coastal beach resorts.

Ferry operators like Sindo Ferry, Batam Fast, Majestic Fast Ferry, and Horizon Fast Ferry offer multiple daily departures between Singapore and Batam, especially on weekends. The crossing takes between 45 and 70 minutes and one-way ferry tickets usually cost around 25€.

Take a look at the most popular ferry routes from Singapore to Batam to find out more:

• Harbourfront to Batam Centre
• Harbourfront to Sekupang
• Tanah Merah to Nongsapura

For a full list of routes, check out our dedicated page with up-to-date ferry schedules to Batam, where you can also find departure times, prices and ongoing offers!

Tip: Remember that you'll be traveling between two countries, so make sure to bring your passport and meet any visa requirements you may have.

Ferry making its way across the Strait of Singapore

Your Batam one-day trip itinerary

A 1-day trip to Batam is perfectly reasonable, given how easy it is to get there from Singapore. In a single day, you’ll be able to enjoy the island's food and sights, and still have time to relax without feeling rushed.

Our advice? Start early! If you catch one of the first ferries out of Singapore, usually between 7:00 and 8:00 a.m., you can arrive in Batam by mid-morning, just as shops and businesses are opening.

Morning: Ferry, breakfast & shopping

Taking an early ferry from Singapore gives you a head start with the whole day ahead of you. Once you arrive, grab a delicious local breakfast near the ferry terminal. Dishes like mi goreng, nasi kuning or kopi will keep you fueled all day long!

Next, head to one of Batam’s shopping districts, such as Nagoya Hill Mall or Grand Batam Mall. Here you can pick up some souvenirs, try a bubble tea or just enjoy some window shopping as the city wakes.

Midday: Temples & seafood lunch

Add a late morning cultural stop to your Batam itinerary. Consider visiting the Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple, one of the largest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia. Alternatively, you could visit the Galang Refugee Camp Museum for a moving insight into Batam’s history.

When you’re ready for lunch, stroll towards the waterfront near Nagoya or Harbour Bay. This is the place to feast on Batam’s famous seafood. Chili crab, butter prawns or grilled fish are all excellent choices.

Nasi kuning, one of Indonesia's fragrant rice dishes

Afternoon: Barelang Bridge & beaches

After lunch, make your way to Bareland Bridge, the most famous landmark on the island. Spend some time taking photos and enjoying the sea breeze. If you have extra time, you can cross over to the smaller surrounding islands.

You can then slow things down with a couple of relaxing hours at Nongsa Beach or at a resort pool in Sekupang. If you prefer something more adventurous, many beach resorts offer watersport activities like jet skiing and kayaking.

Evening: Dinner & Ferry back to Singapore

Wrap up your day in Batam with a sunset dinner by the sea. Harbour Bay is a popular spot, offering famous waterfront restaurants and smaller, more casual eateries.

After dinner, head back to the ferry terminal, ideally 1 hour before your scheduled departure time. Ferries from Batam to Singapore usually run until 8:00-9:00 p.m., so you'll arrive home in time to scroll through your photos and perhaps start planning your next day trip from Singapore!

Panoramic view of a harbor in Nongsa, Batam 

Things to do in Batam

Here’s a selection of must-see attractions in Batam. Keep in mind that you won't be able to do everything in one day, but be sure to pick your 3-4 favorite activities!

• Barelang Bridge: The best photo spot in Batam, overlooking the sea and connecting islands.
• Nagoya Hill Mall and Grand Batam Mall: Great for shopping and hanging out at their cafes, especially if the weather is hot or rainy and you want to be indoors.
• Beaches and water sports: Nongsa, Pantai and Melayu beaches are great options. Many resorts offer activities such as jet skiing, parasailing, snorkeling, and kayaking.
• Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple & Vietnamese Camp: These sites offer a simple yet evocative glimpse into Batam's history.
• Spa & massage: After a day of exploring, there's nothing better than an Indonesian massage. Many resorts offer their own spas or you can find standalone services.
• Local food: Seafood is the highlight here. Try Batam’s signature dishes, such as golden prawns, or street food options.

Barelang Bridge, one of Batam's famous landmarks

How to get around in Batam

Getting around Batam is part of the adventure, with its lively streets and laid-back atmosphere. And with a little planning, it's easy to get around!

Taxis and app-based services are popular and convenient for short trips. They offer reliable transportation at an affordable price. If you have a full day of activities planned that take you farther afield, such as to the Barelang Bridge, hiring a private car with a driver might be the most convenient option.

Scooter rentals are available in Batam, but we only recommend this option if you’re experienced with and comfortable riding in local traffic. Walking is the best option to explore more compact areas, such as Nagoya or the waterfront. Just make sure to check the distances on a map before you set out.

 Enjoy the sunset on your return journey

Book your ferry ticket to Batam online

On Ferryhopper, you can book your ferry tickets to Batam with no hidden fees. Find all available connections from Singapore to Indonesia, compare routes and prices on our Map of ferries and get ready for your day trip to Batam!