Tan Li AnnLet’s be real, almost every Singaporean has made a trip or two (or ten) to Johor Bahru (JB). It’s our go-to for a quick, affordable fix of food, shopping, and… well, just a break from home. But what if you’re looking for a change of scenery? A place that’s familiar but still feels like a mini adventure? Enter Batam. While it’s no secret to us, it definitely doesn’t get the same star treatment as JB.
Here’s my take on a chill Singaporean-style day in Batam — feel free to pick up a little inspiration for your own getaway!
Also read: Batam Food Guide: Must Try Local Delights, Budget Bites and Cafes
Ferry to Batam
First things first, let’s talk ferry tickets. We booked our return tickets online for S$76 and collected our boarding passes at Harbourfront about an hour before departure. As you’re waiting to board the ferry, you’ll see a QR code for the “immigration lanes autogate.” Do yourself a favour and scan it; this will help you save some precious time waiting to pass immigration when you reach Batam.
The ride itself is a breeze, but a pro-tip for you: snag a corner seat. It’s less cold, and you get a pretty sweet view of the open sea.
Once you’ve landed, your first mission is to find your ferry operator’s counter and get your return boarding pass printed. Trust me, it’s a small step that makes the journey home a whole lot smoother. And with that, you’re officially ready to hit the streets of Batam!
10:00 AM – Shopping at Nagoya Hill Mall
My first stop was Nagoya Hill Mall; while it’s admittedly not the most glitzy, it’s got all the essentials. We’re talking familiar brands like Miniso, Watsons, and Guardian (which, by the way, felt even cheaper than their JB counterparts), plus a hypermart that’s perfect for stocking up.
After a bit of retail therapy, I decided to pop into Konad Nail & Beauty Salon for a manicure. I’d seen a ton of rave reviews on Lemon8, and I’m happy to announce that I was not disappointed. Two blissful hours and a cool 250,000 IDR (~S$20) later, I emerged with a new set of gel nails. If that’s not an absolute steal, I don’t know what is.
1:00 PM – Lunch at RM Sederhana
My next stop was RM Sederhana at Windsor Central. It’s a Padang restaurant where the food is laid out for you to pick what pleases your eye. Cling-wrapped dishes, from fried eggs to jackfruit curry, fill the table, and you just unwrap and pay for what you eat. It’s a genius way to try a little bit of everything without the stress of ordering an unknown dish from a menu.
TripZilla Tip: Don’t miss the fried egg, you’ll definitely regret it!
2:30 PM – Dessert at Joyi Cafe
After that glorious feast, it was only right to head for dessert. I found my way to Joyi Cafe, a charming spot bustling with locals. Their blueberrymisu was 55,500 IDR (~S$4.40), and it was the perfect end to the meal. The cafe had a relaxed yet lively atmosphere, and if I’d had more room, I’d have gladly stayed for their bingsu and cheesecake too.
3:30 PM – More shopping at Batam City Square Mall
Since Joyi Cafe is just a stone’s throw from Batam City Square Mall (BCS), I headed to my second mall of the day. BCS is a nail salon lover’s paradise, seriously, there were so many options I was glad my nails were already done. While many of the stalls had a Bugis Street vibe, you can probably find some decent clothing deals if you look around. It’s also worth checking out Gramedia; most of the books are Bahasa Indonesia translations, but there’s still a small selection of English books for those keen to browse.
Also read: JB vs Batam: Which Weekend Getaway Should You Choose?
5:00 PM – Massage at Pure Massage & Spa
Next up was Pure Massage & Spa, where I went for their 4-in-1 mix massage covering the feet, neck, shoulders, and back. A full 60 minutes of bliss came in at just 190,000 IDR (~S$15.05), an incredible deal for the reset it gave me.
6:00 PM – Dinner at Gazoz
For dinner, I headed to Gazoz Cafe & Restaurant. We shared the truffle arancini, potato gnocchi with pulled beef, and a mango passionfruit mocktail. The portions weren’t huge, but they were just right — any more and the richness would’ve been too much.
Of course, small portions meant there was still room for dessert. We popped over to itsumō TART, which was conveniently located across the road. My brother got the chocolate tart, which was absolutely delicious. Just a heads-up, the cafe is pretty dimly lit in the evening, so maybe save your book for another time.
And there you have it: a chill, very Singaporean day trip to Batam. As you make your way back to the ferry terminal, just don’t forget to submit your SG Arrival Card before you reach home!
