You will find Batam island (part of the Riau Islands province) in Indonesia. It is only a short ferry ride from Singapore and will take you approximately 30 minutes which makes 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, so this is why many people in Singapore spend a weekend in Batam.
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Accommodation for a weekend in Batam
Tempat Senang Spa resort and restaurantÂ
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 BatamÂ
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.Â
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 during this time or three different beauty treatments, the choice is all yours.
6-hour spa treatment at Tempat Senang Spa
Yes, it is truly an entire day dedicated to you! Pure heaven, where you can choose from 6 different treatments of your choice! 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 mealÂ
Although the price of the food at this restaurant is more Singapore prices than Indonesian prices, it is worth every cent. We decided on the 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).Â
Hire a taxi for a few hour’s tours.
Instead of booking a pre-paid tour, I highly recommend hiring a taxi 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 the area of 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 Templeis not only the largest in Indonesia but is also reportedly the largest in South East Asia as it is on. 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 in many parts of the island. First, however, you will find Indah Puri Golf Course, 5 minutes from Tempat Senang Spa Resort and Restaurant (it is 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 in Batam getaway can not be complete without a visit to a shopping mall. The best choice for shopping on Batam Island would be at Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall. As this mall is the largest on the island, you will find many types of shops. Anything from branded clothes to local handicrafts; however, if you are after a smaller (more local) shopping mall, try Mega Mall Batam Center 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 total about 50 kilometres and are essential to Batam life. 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.Â
Batam Island is also enjoyed as a day trip from Singapore’s Cruise Centre Regional Ferry Terminal (just next to Vivo City), this is where all the cruise ships arrive in Singapore. Ferries are plentiful with a few providers, making a day trip easy from Singapore.
Visa and Insurance for a weekend in Batam
If you aren’t sure about a visa, check via the ivisa website and apply online. It is as easy as that!
SafetyWing is the world’s first International Travel Medical Insurance developed to meet the needs of entrepreneurs and remote workers travelling or living abroad worldwide. I can not recommend travel medical insurance enough! For those who are going to be away for long periods, live and work abroad or are nomad travellers.
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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