Guides
Batam, explained.
Everything a Singaporean or Malaysian needs to know before the ferry — researched, sourced and kept up to date.
Weekend Guides · 5 min read
Batam for Singaporeans: The Complete Weekend Guide
Batam sits about 20km off Singapore's south coast, an hour behind on the clock and under an hour away by fast ferry. Here is how to turn that short hop into a properly good weekend.
Weekend Guides
For SG & MY · 4 min
Batam with Kids: Family Trip Ideas and Practical Tips
A short ferry, no time difference worth worrying about and plenty of space to run around. Batam works well with children if you plan the logistics.
For Malaysians · 6 min
Batam for Malaysians: The Complete Weekend Guide
From Johor you can sail straight to Batam, from KL you can fly direct, and the clock is only an hour behind. Here is how to turn that short trip into a properly good weekend.
Ferry
For Singaporeans · 5 min
Singapore to Batam Ferry Guide: Terminals, Operators and Tips
Two terminals in Singapore, several in Batam and four main operators. Here is how to match them up, plus what changed when HarbourFront moved in July 2026.
For Malaysians · 4 min
Malaysia to Batam: Ferries from Johor and Flights from KL
From Johor you can sail straight to Batam; from KL and soon Penang you can fly. Here are the options that actually operate, checked October 2026.
Things to Do
For SG & MY · 4 min
Things to Do in Batam: The Best Experiences Across the Island
Bridges and islands, temples and mosques, seafood and spas. Batam has more range than a quick ferry hop suggests.
For SG & MY · 4 min
Barelang Bridge Day Trip: Six Bridges, Islands and Seafood
Six bridges, a string of islands and a haunting piece of history at the end of the road. The Barelang drive is Batam's best day out.
Food
For SG & MY · 4 min
What to Eat in Batam: Gonggong, Seafood and Local Favourites
Batam's food is Malay, Chinese and Indonesian at once, with the sea at the centre of the table. Start with gonggong and work outwards.
For SG & MY · 4 min
Halal Food in Batam: A Guide for Muslim Travellers from SG and MY
Halal food is easy to find in Batam, but 'no pork, no lard' is not the same as certified. Here is how to read the labels and check for yourself.
Hotels
Practical Guides
For SG & MY · 4 min
Batam Entry Requirements for Singaporeans and Malaysians (2026)
No visa, but three things to get right: passport validity, the free All Indonesia declaration and customs limits on both sides. Checked in October 2026.
For SG & MY · 4 min
Money in Batam: Rupiah, QR Payments, Changers and Tipping
Batam runs on rupiah. Your Singapore or Malaysian bank app may already scan local QR codes. Here is how to pay without losing money along the way.
For semua penumpang · 6 min
Cara Masuk Batam: Panduan Lengkap Langkah demi Langkah (2026)
Paspor, visa, formulir QR All Indonesia dan apa yang terjadi di loket, dalam tujuh langkah mudah untuk semua penumpang. Diperiksa Oktober 2026.
For every traveller · 6 min
How to Enter Batam: The Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
Passport, visa, the All Indonesia QR form and what happens at the counter, in seven simple steps for every traveller. Checked October 2026.
