Most of us flock to new hotels in Singapore for a staycay when seeking a short getaway. But let’s face it, nothing beats the feeling of being completely outside the city. But there’s no need to spend hundreds on flights when you can easily treat yourself to a staycation at a Batam resort. Ferry tickets cost less than S$80/pax roundtrip, and will take under an hour to reach Bata. So, from taking part in watersports, relaxing in a private pool to enjoying a massage, there are lots to indulge in at these affordable Batam resorts.
The current exchange rate is IDR10,000 = ~S$0.84 as of 26th October 2024.
There’s only one way to get to Batam from Singapore, and it’s via ferry. You can book a ferry from either HarbourFront Centre or Tenah Merah Ferry Terminal, and they’ll drop at the following terminals: Batam Centre, Waterfront, Sekupang, Harbour Bay, or Nongsapura. There are multiple ferries a day and the journey takes about an hour each way.
The waters can get quite choppy during the journey and those prone to seasickness are advised to consume motion sickness pills ahead of the journey. Try to eat light before boarding, and suck on candies or consume candied ginger to ease motion sickness.
There are 4 ferry services that go between Singapore and Batam. This table breaks down which ferry terminals in Singapore they operate in and where they arrive in Batam.
All prices are inclusive of surcharge and terminal fee.
| Ferry Service | Singapore Terminal | Batam Terminal | Price |
| Batam Fast | HarbourFront |
| One-way: $43/pax Roundtrip: $76/pax |
| Tanah Merah |
| ||
| Horizon Ferry | HarbourFront |
| One-way: $43/pax (economy) | $53/pax (business) Roundtrip: $76/pax (economy) | $116/pax (business) |
| Majestic Fast Ferry | HarbourFront |
| One-way: $55/pax Roundtrip: $98/pax |
| Tanah Merah |
| ||
| Sindo Ferry | HarbourFront |
| One-way: $53/pax Roundtrip: $76/pax |
| Tanah Merah |
|
Fun fact: Batam is about 2/3 the size of Singapore, so knowing which area to stay in Batam can add convenience to your getaway. Here are the main tourist neighbourhoods and the attractions they are near:
Nongsa: Nongsa is best known for its luxury resorts, such as Montigo Resorts and Turi Beach Resort. There are also a number of golf courses in the area like Palm Springs Golf Club and the VIP Nine Tamarin Golf Course.
Nagoya: Situated in the north of Batam Island, Nagoya is popular with day tourists, as the Harbour Bay Ferry Terminal is near multiple shopping malls like Grand Batam Mall, Diamond City Mall, and Nagoya Citywalk. You can even do grocery shopping in the area at Top 100 Jodoh Supermarket and Hypermart Batam Nagoya.
Batam Centre: Considered the CBD of Batam, this area is near attractions like the Grand Mosque of Batam and the Alun Alun Batam Centre. You’ll also find Mega Mall Batam Centre near the ferry terminal.
| Hotel | Best For | Rates per Night | Nearest Ferry Terminal |
| Montigo Resorts Nongsa | Private 3-storey villa & pool | From S$235 | Nongsapura Ferry Terminal |
| Batam View Beach Resort | Sea sports centre with jet skis & kayaks | From S$73 | |
| Nongsa Point Marina & Resort | Sentosa Cove vibes | From S$85 | |
| Turi Beach Resort | Over 20 activities to do | From S$83 | |
| Woda Villa & Spa | Overwater villas with private pools | From S$149 | Batam Centre Ferry Terminal |
| Swiss-Belhotel Harbour Bay | Attached to shopping mall | From S$92 | Harbour Bay Ferry Terminal |
| KTM Resort Batam | Balinese beachfront huts | From S$77 | Sekupang Ferry Terminal |
| Harris Resort Barelang Batam | Affordable family rooms | From S$58 | Waterfront Ferry Terminal |
| Holiday Inn Resort Batam | Hammam spa & arcade | From S$72 | |
| Kiki Beach Resort Batam | Private villas on stilts | From S$64 |
Mention Batam and Montigo Resorts would be one of the first resorts to come to mind. While a 1-night stay in one of their private villas might start at S$235, you’re getting privacy, sweeping sunset views, and your own infinity pool to boot.
Travellers can choose from a stay in their cosy one-bedroom villas or have a socially-distanced ball in their premium 5-bedroom villas.
There are also a bunch of activities you and your crew can get up to. From watersports to ATV rides, and even virtual reality games, you’ll be able to do more than just laze in the sun at this minimalistic resort.
Check out what we got up to during our stay at Montigo Resorts.
Nearest ferry terminal: Nongsapura Ferry Terminal
Rates: From $235/night
Image credit: Batam View Beach Resort
Also along Nongsa Beach is Batam View Beach Resort. The resort offers 2 types of accommodation – from S$73/night, book a hotel-like room with full-length windows overlooking the resort’s private beach, or splurge on a villa that gives you extra space and an expansive, unblocked view of the sea.
While you’re there, check out their sea sports centre and try out banana boating, jet skiing, or canoeing and kayaking in the lagoon area. If you’re not in the mood for any outdoor activities, you can easily hire a taxi to one of the many malls within the city centre as well.
Batam View Beach Resort is closest to Nongsapura Ferry Terminal, which is only a 9-minute drive away. Comparatively, the drive from either Harbour Bay or Batam Centre ferry terminal will take about 45-50 minutes.
Nearest ferry terminal: Nongsapura Ferry Terminal
Rates: From S$73/night
Image credit: @cobainsanasini via Instagram
If you’ve ever wanted to know how it feels to live along Sentosa Cove, even just for one day, Nongsa Point Marina & Resort is probably the closest you’ll get to experiencing that.
Image credit: @gusti_santriani via Instagram
Boasting a marina right outside, this resort will make you feel like you’re living the high life, especially as you enjoy a drink at their beachside bar. No doubt that there will be various water-based activities for you to try here, such as fishing and canoeing.
Deluxe Garden-View Room.
Image credit: Nongsa Point Marina
If you’re coming from Nongsapura Ferry Terminal, you will be glad to know that the resort is only a few minutes’ drive away – so you definitely won’t get lost in a foreign land.
Nearest ferry terminal: Nongsapura Ferry Terminal
Rates: From S$85/night
Image credit: @jing_fish_jing via Instagram
Shoutout to all thrill-seekers: Turi Beach Resort may just be the adventure paradise of your dreams. From just S$83/night, you can take part in a whole series of activities in one place when you stay here.
Image credit: @ikhsandfc via Instagram
I’m not exaggerating when I say that Turi Beach Resort has everything – they offer over 15 different activities, from diving and flyboarding, to hiking, and golfing. If your energy hasn’t all been worn off by the adrenaline-pumping activities by the end of the day, there’s also a nightclub and bar to hype your nights up with.
Deluxe room with 2 single beds.
Image credit: Turi Beach
Nearest ferry terminal: Nongsapura Ferry Terminal
Rates: From S$83/night
Image credit: @wodavillaspa via Instagram
When it comes to overwater bungalows, most of us envision a hefty price tag plus a flight halfway across the world. Turns out, you can book an overwater suite at Woda Villa and Spa, starting from S$149/night.
Signature Villa Room.
Image credit: @wodavillaspa via Instagram
While these bungalows are above a kelong instead of the ocean, you’ll still get to enjoy a private pool when you book their Signature Villa Room.
Image credit: @wodavillaspa via Instagram
The villas are a 5-10 minutes walk to Golden City, an entertainment site where you’re able to go-kart, play paintball and hop on the flying fox. And if you’re looking for some really good and cheap seafood, dine on a kelong at 993 Golden Prawn Seafood Restaurant, which is just around the corner.
Nearest ferry terminal: Batam Centre Ferry Terminal
Rates: From S$149/night
Rooms offer a view of the harbour or the pool.
Image credit: Swiss-Belhotel Harbour Bay
If convenience is what you’re after, then pick the Swiss-Belhotel Harbour Bay for your next Batam vacation. It’s just a quick 5-minute walk from the Harbour Bay Ferry Terminal, and has a ton of facilities, including a swimming pool, and an attached shopping mall with entertainment options.
There’s a dim sum buffet (IDR199,000/pax) every Sunday at the Chinese Restaurant.
Image credit: @swissbelhotelharbourbaybatam via Instagram
For dining, there’s no need to venture far to get a bite of what Indonesia has to offer. The Swiss-Cafe Restaurant has familiar classics like nasi goreng and soto ayam. If you’re too lazy to even head down to the diner, there’s also 24-hour room service available.
Elsewhere in the hotel, there’s the Chinese Restaurant, which unsurprisingly serves Chinese cuisine. And for holiday tipple, head to The Lounge and Bar for cocktails and mocktails.
Nearest ferry terminal: Harbour Bay Ferry Terminal
Rates: From S$92/night
Image credit: @ntlcsmna via Instagram
Bali has become synonymous with island vacations. But while flights from Singapore are cheap, large chain resorts may rack up a hefty price. At about S$77/night, the cosy Balinese-styled KTM Resort Batam is a great no-frills alternative.
Deluxe Villa 1 full bed.
Image credit: KTM Resort
Rooms are on stilt huts that line the beach, guaranteeing visitors a great view. Plus, the interior of each room is fully furnished with wood, for an authentic Bali touch.
Image credit: @anusankh via Instagram
To add some excitement to your stay, play a game of paintball with your friends, or book a jet-ski and go island hopping in Riau Islands. And if you’re one who’s looking for relaxation, you can chill in their jacuzzis or destress at their spa.
If you’re looking for retail therapy, Batam Centre Mall and Nagoya Hill shopping malls are nearby too, where you can take advantage of the spending power of your Singapore dollar.
Nearest ferry terminal: Sekupang Ferry Terminal
Rates: From S$77/night
Image credit: @harris_barelang via Instagram
Shoutout to all parents who want to travel with the kiddos while on a budget: Harris Resort Batam Barelang offers family rooms starting from just S$58/night. Yep, each room can fit a family of four so long as your kids are under the age of 11.
Large Double Room.
Image credit: Barelang Batam
Plus, there’s a never-ending list of facilities for the children while you’re here – such as water sports for the older kids, and a kids club decked with games for the younger ones. Even if you’re not travelling as a family, you can still rewind and recharge at both their spa and poolside bar.
Image credit: @harris_barelang via Instagram
Nearest ferry terminal: Waterfront Ferry Terminal
Rates: From S$58/night
Image credit: @travelliciouz via Instagram
Foodies will be glad to know that Holiday Inn Resort Batam has not just one, but four restaurant options. So if you think a resort stay means eating the same thing every day, this place lets you choose between Japanese, Chinese, Thai, and international cuisines.
Image credit: @shawn_thesheepppp via Instagram
The choice of food isn’t the only impressive thing about this Batam resort: They have an endless list of wellness facilities for you to unwind with, such as a hammam and massage parlour. And kids and adults alike are sure to have a blast with water slides, karaoke, and an arcade.
Studio room with 1 double bed.
Image credit: Holiday Inn Resort Batam
Nearest ferry terminal: Waterfront Ferry Terminal
Rates: From S$72/night
Image credit: Heppi Numen via Google Maps
Kiki Beach Resort Batam is the place to be if you want a true getaway from the city. Located on Galang Island about 66km away from the city centre on Batam Island, it features private villas on stilts with amazing seaside views, priced affordably from S$64/night.
Image credit: Hoong Wai Wong via Google Maps
Apart from lounging in your villa, there are activities such as fishing, canoeing, and hiking that you can engage in, albeit for an extra charge.
Image credit: Heppi Numen via Google Maps
While the Batam resort is a little out of the way from the ferry terminal, guests can arrange for a hotel transfer from the ferry terminal to the resort via WhatsApp. The journey involves an hour’s drive plus another hour-long jetty ride.
Nearest ferry terminal: Waterfront Ferry Terminal
Rates: From S$64/night
Even after adding up the cost of the ferry ride and a night’s stay at one of these resorts, it’s still cheaper to chill in a Batam resort than to have a staycay in Singapore. You can also get a spa treatment from the many spa packages available. If you are looking for breathtaking views of the island, you can choose your resort that comes with a private beach.
So pack your travel essentials, suitcases and book your Batam ferry rides for your adventurous Batam weekend getaway – You’re now able to embark on the weekend escapade you’ve been dreaming of.
Psst…here’s a list of more things to do Batam below, beyond just lepak-ing at a resort.
Cover image adapted from: @wodavillaspa, @ntlcsmna, @gusti_santriani via Instagram
Last updated by Shannon Lee and Raewyn Koh on 26th October 2024.
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