As Singaporeans, it may be easy to assume you’ve done everything there is to do in Batam. If you can already navigate Grand Batam Mall with your eyes closed and have tried all the cafes in Batam, we’ve got a new spot you should check out. De’Sands Cafe is a super aesthetic spot that looks like Santorini, located a 34-minute drive away from Batam Ferry Terminal.
Image adapted from: @msharulnba & @what.the_food_ via Instagram
First of all, De’Sands Cafe is gorgeous. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a Mediterranean-inspired haven. Think white-washed walls, rustic wooden furniture, and splashes of blue accents that complete the Santorini aesthetic.
Image credit: @woendgy via Instagram
You’ll also find plenty of photo spots around – pose by the curved staircase, snap a photo of the blue domes against the clear sky, or take a couple photo with bae at the LED arches surrounded by a narrow stone pathway.
They’ve even recreated the beautiful stone pathways you’d often see in Santorini.
Image credit: @woendgy via Instagram
Image adapted from: @lenna_ying via Instagram
When it comes to seating, you can choose to seek shelter from the sun in the rustic indoor space or get a table in the open-air space with panoramic views of the sea.
From nachos to pizza inspired by local Indonesian flavours, you have a solid range of food to choose from.
Image adapted from: @what.the_food_ via Instagram, Sam Toh via Google Maps
Well, De’Sands is a dining establishment after all, so we’d recommend flipping through the menu and ordering before taking all your shots. That way, you can have a mini photoshootp while waiting for your foodorder.
You’ll be spoilt for choice here, but consider Indonesian fusion dishes such as Ayam Betutu Pizza (Rp 99,900, ~S$8.51) or Greek-inspired ones like the Santorini Short Plate Salad (Rp 49,900, ~S$4.25).
The iced coffee and bread platter will have you forgetting that you’re in Indonesia.
Image credit: @ainishrdn via Instagram
If a drink is all you need, you won’t run out of options either. Sip on a Butterscotch Latte (Rp 34,900, ~S$3.39) or a Red Velvet Blend (Rp 39,900, ~S$3.39); or opt for a Dragonfruit (Rp 37,900, ~S$3.23) or Mango smoothie (Rp 37,900, ~S$3.23).
In the evening, try one of the tipples inspired by local flavours – such as the Es Cendol Cocktail (Rp 79,900, ~S$6.81) or Tommy Yummy Cocktail (Rp 79,900, S$6.81), the latter being a tom yum flavoured drink. You can also knock down a pint of Bintang Crystal (Rp 25,000, ~S$2.13), all while enjoying coastal views.
It’s also open until 1am from Mondays to Wednesdays and 2am from Thursdays to Sundays, so there’s no need to hit up a bar after.
Image credit: @marcelliomwk via Instagram
Whether you’re looking for a romantic meal with your special person or a peaceful escape, De’Sands Cafe will make you feel like you’re in Santorini.
There’s no need to get on a flight to Greece to get a photo with the white-washed buildings and blue-domed churches, the cafe’s architecture and decor will make you feel like you’re on the famed Greek Isle. Shh, we promise we won’t tell anybody.
Address: Jalan Golden City Residence, Tanjung Buntung, Kecamatan Bengkong, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29444, Indonesia
Opening hours: Mon-Wed 11am-1am | Thu-Sun 11am-2am
Contact: +62 811-7000-880 | De’ Sands Cafe website
More Batam reads for your next long weekend:
Cover image adapted from: @what.the_food_ & @marcelliomwk via Instagram
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