TRIPS
Revisiting Batam Island, Indonesia
By Phil Foo
Having been stuck within the boundaries of Malaysia for some two over years, I felt like a bird let out of its cage with the borders opened. Yay! I am free to explore the world again with travel restrictions brought down. Being an avid traveller I was eager stretch my wings and fly, but where to? My first trip out of the country is to Batam island in Indonesia.
Batam island is the largest city in Riau, Indonesia. It is also an affordable place to visit especially for Malaysians and Singaporeans; who are practically share the same “neighbourhood,” so to speak. Batam is only a 30 minutes to 2 hours by ferry from Johor, depending on which jetty we decide to travel from. From Singapore it takes only about 35 to 45 minutes depending on which terminal.
Enjoying the ferry ride from Stulang Laut in Johor Bahru to Batam Island.
I have taken the ferry from Stulang Laut Ferry Terminal at the Berjaya Waterfront, and from Puteri Harbour International Ferry Terminal. My preference is Stulang Laut. The reason is because I love watching birds. The Berjaya Waterfront is an awesome place to watch birds. It is also convenient for me as I prefer to stay the night and take the morning ferry the next day. With a terminal that shares a building with the hotel; it is super easy. I do not have to rush.
The other option is to fly direct to Batam, a better alternative for those who don’t like being on boats. As for me, I actually enjoy my journey by sea. Another love of mine is sailing. The journey on the comfortable, air-conditioned ferries are part of the fun. Another reason I take the ferry is planes. While I love flying too, I like photographing planes. As the ferry cruises near the landing path of planes into Changi International Airport, the planes are low enough to take awesome shots of them.
Batam, Post Pandemic
Before planet Earth was hit by the corona virus, Batam flourished as an entertainment hub. The city offers value for money massages of which it is famous for, shopping, delicious seafood that is easy on the wallet, and drinking holes for those who enjoy socializing with loud music. It was the playground of Singaporeans and many a Malaysian especially those living in the state of Johor.
Batam Island has got good seafood that do not hurt one’s pocket.
During my visit, it is sad to see that many of these places remain closed. But that is because the borders have just been reopened, with travelling restrictions eased. With travel picking up, I believe that all of these businesses will reopen its doors, and vibrancy will return to Batam. This is not to say that as of current, Batam is not vibrant. It certainly is. One can still get a good massage in Batam. Good seafood is available. Shopping too. And there are places to visit and things to do.
Welcome To Batam
Upon disembarking at Batam Center International Ferry Terminal, one of the first things that one sees is the “Welcome To Batam” sign that sits on a hill. This sign that mimics the Hollywood sign in America is a hot bed for tourist. It is a must go to place to take photos with the said sign, as if to say that the immigration stamp on your passport isn’t enough. You must have a photo of you with the sign too.
A photograph with the Welcome To Batam sign taken at the parking area below the signage.
To me there are two places to take a photo with the “Welcome To Batam” sign as the background. One is at the open parking area just below the sign. Most visitors come here to take photos. In fact, there even are photographers there who can take photos of you, and print them out within minutes, at a reasonable price.
That said, my favourite place to take a photo with the sign is actually at the Harris Hotel Batam Center. I always stay here when I am in Batam and this allows me to take a photo with the sign within the comforts of the hotel (see main title photo). Most of the time I get a room that faces the city and the sign. Once in a while I get a room that faces the sea. Both are good views.
The Harris Hotel Batam Center.
A Memorial Of Three Leaders
One of the lesser known attractions is a roundabout at the Batam city centre. Not far from the Batam Center International Ferry Terminal and right beside the Harris Hotel Batam Center lies a roundabout that holds (or should hold) a special meaning to Indonesians, Singaporeans, and Malaysians. What’s so special about a roundabout?
For those who do not know, this roundabout houses three unassuming ficus trees (Ficus Benyamina or Ficus Benjamina). Most visitors to Batam will probably not pay any attention to these trees as they are just trees in a roundabout, right? Each of these trees marked a significant event of friendship between the three neighbouring countries; Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia.
A stone with the name Prime Minister Tun Mahathir Mohamad of Malaysia engraved on it.
A stone with the name President Soeharto (Suharto) of Indonesia, engraved on it.
The leaders of Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia; each planted one of these trees on 29th November 1987. Today, these trees serves as a memorial to (former) President Soeharto (Suharto) of Indonesia, (former) Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore, and (former) Prime Minister Tun Mahathir Mohamad of Malaysia.
The Raja Ali Haji Museum
Still within the areas of Batam Center is the Raja Ali Haji Museum, in Engku Putri Square. The first thing that caught my eye is the building itself with its domes and minarets. I could not help but take photographs of the building before heading into the museum. Inside the museum, treasures of Malay culture and traditions are on display for visitors to see, learn, and appreciate.
The Raja Ali Haji Museum in Engku Putri Square.
Some of the things on display are from traditional theatre such as mask used by “Mak Yong” performers, traditional Malay headgear, traditional musical instruments, information on various foreign ruling eras such as the Dutch and Japanese eras, etc. There is also a section of the museum that is dedicated to the founding and development of Batam Island.
Some of the things on display are from traditional theatre such as mask used by “Mak Yong” performers, traditional Malay headgear, traditional musical instruments, information on various foreign ruling eras such as the Dutch and Japanese eras, etc. There is also a section of the museum that is dedicated to the founding and development of Batam Island.
A Mak Yong mask used in traditional theatre.
Information on the exhibits can be gotten by scanning a QR Code.
The Raja Ali Haji Museum is a good place to visit and is a must should you want to learn more about Batam, its history, and development. Best of all is that you do not have to pay an entrance fee to visit the museum (as at time of visit). Yes, it is free to visit. Just remember to respect the exhibits as some of the exhibits are placed in open spaces.
Click here to read a full article on the Raja Ali Haji Museum
Eco Edu Park Panbil Nature Reserve
Some 7km to 11km from Batam Center is an awesome place for those who enjoy spending time with animals; the Eco Edu Park Panbil Nature Reserve. Here visitors get to spend time with animals such as various beautiful birds, various types of reptiles, guinea pigs, deer, etc. We were the first visitors outside of those working at the Eco Edu Park to visit the soon to open deer sanctuary. Well, it may be open now.
At the deer sanctuary one not only gets the opportunity to observe the deer that spend their day hanging out at the sanctuary, but also got to feed them under the supervision of the park rangers. Should one prefer to hang out with birds, just head on over to the bird area. There are colourful macaws, parakeets, jungle fowls, etc.
Deer hanging out at the Deer Sanctuary.
For those who like to see creatures of a more exotic nature such as spiny tail lizards, bearded dragons, scorpions, snakes, etc. one can visit the reptile centre. Holding and petting these reptiles are possible but under strict supervision as some of them, such as the scorpion for example, still have got venom in their stinger.
I personally love animals. I love hanging out with them, and photographing them. Hence, I thoroughly enjoyed myself here. If you love animals too, do plan at least to spend half a day here. Food and drinks are available at the Atrium. There is also a big shop where one can purchase all sorts of things including first aid items, fruits and vegetables, buns and sandwiches, alcoholic beverages, etc. So, if you love hanging out with animals do plan to come here.
Click here to read a full article on the Eco Edu Park Panbil Nature Reserve
The Tengku Fisabilillah Bridge (Barelang)
Bridges can be fascinating to many people, and there are six of them that links six islands. This chain of six bridges is called the Barelang Bridge. Amongst the six bridges, the Tengku Fisabilillah Bridge is the most famous. It is also the most photographed bridge here in Batam. The Tengku Fisabilillah Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge that connects Batam Island and Tonton Island.
The most photographed bridge on Batam Island; the Tengku Fisabilillah Bridge.
Taking photos of bridges can be rather tricky, especially when it comes to angles. Fortunately, there are platforms built that help visitors take good photos of the bridge. Should one prefer a person with more experience to help take a photo; there are micro entrepreneurs here who are more than willing to take photos and print them for a small fee.
Galang Refugee Museum
The Galang Island Refugee Museum also called the Ex-Vietnamese Camp” Museum, was a place I visited on one of my earlier trips to Batam (before the pandemic). I have decided to add it here as it certainly is a worthwhile place to visit. It is located on Galang Island, the island after the fifth Barelang Bridge.
Replica of boats used by the Vietnamese refugees.
Old building that were used back in the day.
Galang Island Refugee Museum is located at an ex Vietnamese refugee camp site. It was built by the government of Indonesia in cooperation with the UNHCR or United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees back in 1975 to place refugees that fled Vietnam following the ending of the Vietnam War. It showcases the lives of the refugees back then. Some of the buildings that were built then are still standing today after repair and renovation works were done.
The above are some of the things that I did on my visit to Batam Island after the opening of international borders, and one that I visited before the pandemic. During my visit I did do some shopping at the Grand Batam Mall and the Megamall Batam Center. The one thing that I want to do but did not manage to, due to time, was to go for a massage.
Head Out To Benan Island
There are more things to do and places to visit should one decide to venture further into the Riau Lingga. On this trip I did go to Benan Island, a nice little island some 30 to 45 minutes by ferry from Batam’s Galang Baru Island. I do recommend spending a few days at Benan Island. The beach there is nice with clear waters to swim and play at. It is also an awesome place to see both sunrise and sunset. It is an awesome place to relax at.
Benan Island – Fishing Village.
Where To Stay
As for accommodation, Batam Island has got a few awesome hotels for you to stay at. The one hotel I will always stay at on the day before I grab the ferry back to Malaysia is the Harris Hotel in Batam Center. This is because it is right beside the Batam Center International Ferry Terminal. It is super convenient as I do not have to take a taxi or Grab to get to the ferry terminal. I can either walk or use the hotel’s shuttle service.
Below are some hotels you can consider when you decide to come to Batam. Click on them for more information.
favehotel Nagoya Batam – I stayed here on this trip too
Aston Batam Hotel and Residence
Do Take Notice
There are certainly plenty more hotels and resorts to choose from should you decide to visit Batam. The above are some that I recommend. So, do visit Batam. It is easy especially for citizens of Malaysia and Singapore. As at time of writing; we Malaysians and Singaporeans do not need a visa. All visitors will need to be fully vaccinated and boosted at least 14 days before arriving at Batam. One may need to undergo a RT-PCR test should one show symptoms upon arrival.
There you go. With the opening of borders, we avid travellers get to spread our wings and travel again. One of the nearest places for Malaysians and Singaporeans to visit that is easier on the pocket is definitely Batam Island in Indonesia. Here we get good hotels with good service, nice places to visit, good shopping places, good relaxing massages, delicious food, and more. Wait no longer. Visit Batam and explore further.
