Christine LiuBatam, an idyllic and sleepy island in Indonesia, is a 45 minutes ferry ride from Singapore. The proximity to Singapore, sumptuous food and the favourable exchange rate (SGD 1 to IDR 9100), makes Batam a popular weekend getaway destination for many Singaporeans.
Here is a quick 1 minute photo guide on what to do in Batam!
Kids can take a ride on the mini trains available in the shopping malls. There was one at the Batam Centre Mega Mall.
Kids can also enjoy themselves on the merry-go-round in the arcades. Most of the arcades are located at the top floor of the shopping centre.
Retire early for a good night rest. I stayed at the Harmoni Hotel which was comfortable and affordable.
If you are Hungry, try out Es Teler, a well-known Indonesian fast-food chain that sells really good food at cheap prices. A set of noodles and drink cost only SGD 2! You should also try their signature dessert which the fast-food chain is named after. Es Teler is a heavenly concoction of jackfruit, avocado, coconut milk and brown sugar.
If you miss your childhood comfort food like A&W’s curly fires and their root beer float, you can still find the fast food chain on Batam. In addition, the prices are also a lot cheaper! How awesome is that?
The Baba Street Foot Court which is near Nagoya Hill Shopping Centre, put a spin on the traditional food carts that used to ply along the night markets. It features good Indonesian food in a clean and spacious food court premises.
Don’t leave Batam without doing some shopping at Matahari, a popular departmental store in Indonesia. There’s perpetually a sale there every day!
If you are in Indonesia, you have to try their Ayam Penyet! Try the Ayam Penyet at the popular stall on the first floor of Nagoya shopping centre, which also have a branch in Singapore’s Lucky Plaza. Of course the stall here serves up the same dish at a cheaper price. It is only SGD 3 for a set!
Also try the popular Indonesian drink, Teh Botol which is sweeten Jasmine tea and usually served cold.
Lastly, remember to set your alarm so that you can wake up in time to take the ferry home and wrap up the perfect weekend getaway in Batam!
Contributed by Travel.Happy.
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