Batam is a hop, skip, and jump from Singapore, and most people take the ferry for a day out to play golf or enjoy hours of spa treatment, but this article dives deep into Batam. From accommodation recommendations to the must-do things, while you are spending an entire weekend away from the hustle and bustle of Singapore. [updated 2025]

You will find Batam Island (part of the Riau Islands province) in Indonesia. It is only a short ferry ride from Singapore, taking approximately 30 minutes, making it an ideal place for a weekend getaway. The ferries run regularly; you can download the app and book a ticket online in no time. The booking is simple, and the trip to and from takes no time at all, which is why many people in Singapore spend a weekend in Batam.

Accommodation for a weekend in Batam

Tempat Senang Spa Resort and Restaurant 

Tempat Senang Spa Resort and Restaurant is a beautiful resort tucked away on the quieter side of Batam. You can be mistaken in thinking you are on the island of Bali with its Balinese architecture and beautiful surroundings.

Most people come to this resort purely for its spa treatments; however, if you intend to make this a weekend getaway, the spa treatments are a bonus. Each room is themed, so you can stay repeatedly and have a different experience each time.

Things you Should Know about staying a Weekend in Batam 

Tempat Senang Spa is located on the other side of the island, so you will need to hire a taxi to get you downtown (on the other side of the island). You can hire a cab by the hour, which is affordable and makes the trip/s more convenient. 

Although everything is relatively cheap compared to its neighbour Singapore, alcohol, I am afraid, is almost on par. So ensure you check the prices before you indulge. You can easily be caught if you expect Indonesian prices at this resort.

Things To Do For a Weekend in Batam

3-hour Spa Treatment at Tempat Senang Spa

Let’s face it; most people come to Batam for its inexpensive, relaxing and (a little) indulgent spa treatments. You can choose from many therapies, such as massages, pedicures, facials and other body and hair treatments.

You can choose from 3 treatments and mix them up a little every time you visit. Whether you want to experience three different massages or three different beauty treatments during this time, the choice is yours.

6-hour spa treatment at Tempat Senang Spa

Yes, it is truly an entire day dedicated to you! Pure heaven —choose from 6 treatments! You can incorporate breakfast and lunch or lunch and dinner if you like.

There is no luxury spared from the time you are picked up from the ferry with the resort’s complimentary transport service to the time you leave the premises. The staff are friendly and are willing to cater to your needs.

Indulge in a six-course meal. 

Although the food at this restaurant is more expensive than in Singapore, it is worth every cent. We decided on a six-course meal for dinner! Each course came from a different country, and each course just improved.

I highly recommend it, but do not overindulge initially because you will pay for it when the dessert comes around (and that is definitely worth leaving room for). 

Hire a Taxi for a few hours’ tours.

I highly recommend hiring a driver for a few hours. You can then tailor your tour to your liking, and along with it comes a knowledgeable driver who is an expert in Batam. Just ask the hotel staff, and they will arrange this for you; it is that easy.

Spend a Few Hours being a Kid again.

Head over to the Illusion, 3d trick art museum! The women at the museum are lovely and will guide you through each photo. I have to say, I do love a trick art photo or two, and the staff at The Illusion just made the experience that much more enjoyable!

Visit Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Buddhist Temple

Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Buddhist Temple is not only the largest in Indonesia but also reportedly the largest in Southeast Asia. Approximately 4.5. hectares.

You can visit this Buddhist Temple at Komplek Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Bukit Beruntung, Sungai Panas, Kec. Batam Kota, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau. Admission is free and is open 8 am to 8 pm daily.

Play a Round of Affordable Golf.

Batam has several golf courses across the island. First, however, you will find Indah Puri Golf Course, 5 minutes from Tempat Senang Spa Resort and Restaurant (closed on Tuesdays).

Here you can hire a buggy or choose to walk the course; either way, the day is an enjoyable one for all levels of golf.

Go Shopping at Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall.

Your weekend getaway in Batam cannot be complete without a visit to a shopping mall. The best place to shop on Batam Island is Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall.

As this mall is the largest on the island, you will find a wide range of shops. Anything from branded clothes to local handicrafts; however, if you are after a smaller (more local) shopping mall, try Mega Mall Batam Centre or BCS Mall.

Catch the Sunset at Barelang Bridge.

If you have time (the weekend can fly by when you try to incorporate everything I have suggested), then heading over to watch the sunset at Barelang Bridge is a must-do. Barelang derives from the surrounding islands – Batam, Rempang and Galang.

The six bridges, totalling about 50 kilometres, are essential to life in Batam. You can find many local food stalls near the bridge, so you can sit, watch the sunset, and enjoy some local snacks, like dragon fruit juice and roasted corn, at affordable prices. 

Batam Island is also popular as a day trip from Singapore’s Cruise Centre Regional Ferry Terminal (just next to Vivo City), where all the cruise ships arrive in Singapore. Ferries are plentiful with a few providers, making a day trip from Singapore easy.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. I hope this post has given you the information you need. If you have any recommendations, tips or advice, I would love for you to share them in the comment section below!

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