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Kid-friendly Things To Do in Batam in 2024

9 Kid-Friendly Things To Do In Batam For Families Planning A Trip During The School Holidays

Kid-friendly things to do in Batam


Yes, we know most people hop on the ferry towards the island to pamper themselves at the spas in Batam or simply to lepak in one of the cheap Batam resorts. But we’re dangerously close to the March holidays – and not too far from the mid-year ones. So, if you have yet to book a family holiday, consider this a sign to plan a trip to this nearby destination.

Calling all adults who are young at heart and families with children, here are the best kid-friendly things to do in Batam.


What do I need to know before visiting Batam, Indonesia?


The currency used on this island is the Indonesian Rupiah, and the exchange rate is currently S$1 = Rp11,733.18. While Bahasa Indonesia is the language spoken, you’ll have no issues communicating with the locals in English.

Singaporeans also don’t have to worry about any travel visa for Batam but please bring along your passport. Finally, although there is no tourism tax as such, there is a terminal fee of Rp100,000 (~S$8.52) which one has to pay upon departing from Batam and is usually included in your ferry ticket.

There’s plenty of things to do in Batam for cheap like watching a movie for less than S$3. Anyone who loves water sports like wakeboarding and cable skiing or beach activities will find Batam worth visiting. Just outside of Batam city centre, the coastline consists of scenic beaches where one can indulge in fun activities such as banana boat rides and paragliding.

Setokok Beach, Batam, Indonesia
Setokok Beach

Slightly further out, in the Southern Riau waters, you’ll also be able to find shallow reefs, suitable for beginner divers and those looking to do snorkelling.

Apart from the beaches, the island is also home to a few well-known malls including Grand Batam Mall, Mega Mall Batam Centre, and Nagoya Hill Shopping Centre.

Other attractions include Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya – one of the largest Buddhist temples in SEA – and the Barelang Bridge which connects Batam to other smaller islands.


How many days in Batam is enough?


To cover most of the activities on this list, 2 days would be sufficient. Having said that, factor in the time needed for kids to rest and recharge in between activities. For a more relaxed pace, consider staying 3 days, such as over long weekends.


1. Mega Wisata Ocarina Batam


Amusement park with a Ferris wheel & bumper cars


Thrillseeker or not, a day at the amusement park always ends up with everyone having a fun time. Better yet if it’s a waterfront park overlooking the ocean. Mega Wisata Ocarina Batam has rides suitable for all ages including a Ferris wheel, flying chairs, and bumper cars.

If you’re there over the weekend, then you just might catch a foam party too. Never met a kid who doesn’t like bubbles, right? Just remember to pack an extra set of clothing.

Kid Friendly Things To Do in Batam -Mega Wisata Ocarina Batam
Image adapted from: @irmaangga & @new.ocarina via Instagram

The park is actually pretty quiet on weekdays and not all rides may be open. So, it’s best to drop by on a Saturday or Sunday to revel in the full theme park atmosphere. There’s a token entry fee and then you pay per ride at Rp15,000/pax (~S$1.28).

Admission: Rp25,000/pax (~S$2.13)

Mega Wisata Ocarina Batam
Google Reviews
4.2
(3,342)
Address
Sadai, Bengkong, Batam City, Riau Islands 29444, Indonesia
Opening Hours:
Friday 08:00 AM - 10:00 PM Show More Timings

2. Panbil Nature Reserve


Feed animals like rabbits & guinea pigs


Panbil Nature Reserve in Batam - rabbit feeding

2 words – cuddly animals. You can’t go wrong with bringing the kids to Panbil Nature Reserve where furry little creatures scurry around you for food. You get to feed rabbits, guinea pigs, fish, and birds. Braver souls can even try to interact with reptiles such as snakes and giant lizards.

The highlight here has got to be the 3 bird zones – 1 for pigeon feeding, another area for peacocks to strut about, and a 3rd pavilion with all sorts of colourful parrots.

Kid Friendly Things To Do in Batam -Panbil Nature Reserve animal feeding
Image adapted from: @panbilnaturereserve via Instagram

To visit the deer sanctuary one must make a 2-hour hike into the forest, so only embark on this route if the kids love a little adventure and won’t get cranky from the distance.

Admission: From Rp100,000/pax (~S$8.52)

Panbil Nature Reserve
Google Reviews
4.5
(336)
Address
Jalan Kantong Semar, Panbil, Kec. Batam Kota, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29437, Indonesia
Opening Hours:
Friday 10:00 AM - 06:00 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information

3. Grand Batam Mall


Play at an arcade & indoor playground


Okay, parents, we know most of you probably want to stop by Grand Batam Mall to shop for cheaper clothes and skincare. The good news is that you can drop the kids off at Fun World arcade where they can spend a couple of hours gaming without bothering you.

Things to do in Grand Batam Mall - Fun World

The arcade is probably more appropriate for kids of schooling age and teens. There are the usual favourites – car racing, air hockey, and claw machines.

Things to do in Grand Batam Mall - Kidzilla

Those with toddlers can make their way to KidZilla instead where little ones can bumble their way through slides and ball pits. Unless there’s an older sibling around to supervise, though, parents are going to have to keep an eye on the tots while they play in the indoor playground.

Fun World
Address: Jalan Pembangunan, #L3-A4 Grand Batam Mall, Batu Selicin, Lubuk Baja, Batam City, Riau Islands 29444, Indonesia
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily

KidZilla
Address: Jalan Pembangunan, #L3-A1 Grand Batam Mall, Batu Selicin, Lubuk Baja, Batam City, Riau Islands 29444, Indonesia
Opening hours: 10am-8pm, Daily


4. The ILLusion Batam


Visit for mind-boggling photo ops


Kid Friendly Things To Do in Batam - The Illusion Batam Museum
Image credit: @mariiisacha via Instagram

Time to add to the family album with quirky and fun pics taken at The ILLusion Batam. Much like the Trick Eye Museum in Singapore, the attraction has 28 studio rooms with different setups, each designed to trick the eye of the beholder.

There’s 3D art, making it look like things are popping out of walls; upside-down houses that create the illusion of defying gravity; and perspective rooms that make you look bigger or smaller than an object from certain angles. Don’t forget to check out the mirror illusion room for an interesting family selfie.

Admission: Rp80,000/adult (~S$6.82) | Rp40,000/child (~S$3.41)

THE ILLUSION
Google Reviews
4.4
(510)
Address
Golden city blok K no 4-5-6 batam, Tj. Buntung, Kec. Bengkong, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29444, Indonesia
Opening Hours:
Friday 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information

5. Board Games Cafe Batam


Bond over Monopoly & UNO Stacko


Kid Friendly Things To Do in Batam - Board Games Cafe Batam
Catan and Sequence are just some of the strategic games you can find at the cafe.
Image credit: Eatbook

Nothing like a game of Monopoly or UNO to cause a family to unite or divide. One too many plus-four-draw-fours and you’ve got yourself a sibling fight waiting to happen. Jokes aside, if the fam is up for some fun and games, then head to Board Games Cafe Batam.

Located within the city centre, it’s a good place to relax after a long day. Plus, it’s open till 12am on the weekends. Whether you prefer board games, card games, or word games, there’s plenty to choose from including Scrabble and Exploding Kittens. If you want to break up into smaller groups, there are 2-player games like Connect Four too.

Kid Friendly Things To Do in Batam -Board Games Cafe Batam monopoly
Image adapted from: @boardgamescafebatam via Instagram

As long as you hit a minimum spending of Rp25,000/pax (~S$2.13), you get access to all the games. The cafe menu features items such as spaghetti aglio olio tuna (Rp32,000, ~S$2.73), choco cheese sticks (Rp22,000, ~S$1.87), and iced avocado float (Rp29,000, ~S$2.47).

Board Games Cafe Batam
Google Reviews
4.5
(140)
Address
Jalan Permata Baloi Ruko Permata Niaga Regency Blok AA Nomor 6-8, Baloi Indah, Kec. Lubuk Baja, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29432, Indonesia
Opening Hours:
Friday Open 24 Hours Show More Timings
Contact Information

6. Lee’s Cafe Batam


Eat Korean food at a colourful teddy bear-themed cafe


Kid Friendly Things To Do in Batam -Lee's Cafe Batam teddy bear theme
Image adapted from: @mw_nonatapsel, @johns_angel & @xmeii25 via Instagram

Parents who love to take at least a hundred pics of their kids for the mems, this one’s for you. We’re not gonna judge if we see 10 IG stories of your child hugging a different bear in each snap at Lee’s Cafe Batam. The cafe is cute and colourful, has several corners for photo ops, and serves affordable Korean street snacks – what’s not to love?

Kid Friendly Things To Do in Batam - Lees Cafe Batam food

You can even get the cuddly teddy bears to sit at your table and keep you company while you dine. On the menu are dishes like chicken wings (Rp50,000, ~S$4.26) and desserts like red velvet cake (Rp33,000, ~S$2.81).

Address: Block J, Jalan Komp. Penuin Centre No.1-2, Batu Selicin, Kecamatan Lubuk Baja, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29444, Indonesia
Opening hours: 11am-10pm, Daily
Contact: Lee’s Cafe Batam Instagram


7.  Waterpark TOP 100 Batu Aji


Go on kid-friendly slides


Outdoor activities in Batam - Waterpark TOP 100 Batu Aji

As far as we know, kids of any age love playing in the water. At Waterpark TOP 100 Batu Aji, the whole fam can spend the day floating in the lazy river or going on the thrilling slides. The park has got a mix of kiddy rides and more exhilarating ones.

Apart from the kids’ favourite free water playground, there are also a number of slides at lower heights and with gentler slopes so young ones don’t miss out on the fun. Longer and larger slides require a minimum height of 1.2m. Don’t forget to check out the man-made waterfall for a cooling photo spot.

Waterpark TOP 100 Batu Aji

Admission: Rp35,000/pax (~S$2.98) on weekdays | Rp55,000/pax (~S$4.69) on weekends

Waterpark Top 100 Batu Aji
Google Reviews
4.3
(2,295)
Address
Kawasan Mall Top 100, Jl. Letjend Suprapto, Tembesi, Kec. Batu Aji, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29439, Indonesia
Opening Hours:
Friday 09:30 AM - 05:30 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information

8.  CGV Cinemas


Catch a movie in theatres for just ~S$3


Kid Friendly Things To Do in Batam -CGV Cinemas
Image adapted from: CGV Cinemas Indonesia via Facebook

Some films are made to be experienced on the big screen. So, if you’re gonna catch a movie in the cinema anyway, might as well save a few – actually a lot – of bucks. CGV Cinemas Batam shows new blockbusters and, if you’re keen, local Indonesian movies too. Normal cinema seats are going at just Rp35,000 (~S$2.98).

You won’t even feel the pinch if you choose to pamper the family with Velvet Class tickets considering they only cost Rp55,000 (~S$4.69). You get the full premium experience with a bed, blanket, and pillows. The cinema has 2 locations in Batam at Park Avenue Mall and Grand Batam Mall.

Contact: CGV Cinemas website


9. Miniature House Indonesia


See replicas of traditional buildings


Kid Friendly Things To Do in Batam - Miniature House Indonesia
Image adapted from: @erijenggot, @tchinyean via Instagram

While in Batam, drop by Miniature House Indonesia – a small park displaying models of traditional Indonesian architectural buildings. There’s no admission fee and a casual stroll will take about half an hour. But you can take your time to look around and slowly admire the pretty mini structures while enjoying the fresh air.

Showcasing the diverse culture of Indonesia, the park has replicas of kampung houses, as well as religious buildings such as temples and churches.

Admission: Free

Miniature House Indonesia
Google Reviews
4.3
(1,386)
Address
526R+RCG, Tanjung Buntung, Bengkong, Batam City, Riau Islands 29444, Indonesia
Opening Hours:
Friday 08:00 AM - 06:00 PM Show More Timings

Bonus: Ranoh Island


Splash around at the floating water park


Kid Friendly Things To Do in Batam - Ranoh island inflatable playground
Image credit: @ranohisland via Instagram

Those who want to get away slightly further than Batam can take a 15-minute fast ferry to Ranoh Island for a day trip. This lesser-known private island has white sandy beaches and houses a day resort with all sorts of beach activities.

The highlight is the mega inflatable playground floating in the sea, complete with a giant trampoline and multiple slides. There’s so much more you can do though – canoeing in mangrove forests, snorkelling in the Riau Archipelago reefs, glamping by the sea … the list goes on. 

Kid Friendly Things To Do in Batam - Ranoh Isalnd water activities
Image adapted from: Ranoh Island via Facebook

When you get hungry from all the activities, enjoy a BBQ seafood lunch at their waterfront restaurant. The only way to get to the island is to book a tour package which includes transport to and fro, activities, and food.

Book a Ranoh Island experience in Batam from Singapore ($98.05).

Contact: Ranoh Island website 


How do I get from Singapore to Batam?


Batam is easily accessible from Singapore via a 45-minute ferry ride to Batam Centre ferry terminal. These ferries depart daily, so you can easily plan day trips or stay overnight throughout the week.

Apart from Batam Centre, which is the most central ferry terminal, there are also ferries that go to 3 other terminals – Sekupang, HarbourBay, and NongsaPura. It’s best to check which of these would be the nearest ferry terminal to your hotel for the least amount of travelling time.


How much is the ferry from Singapore to Batam?


Roundtrip tickets from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Batam Centre costs $76/pax. You can also get a one-way ticket from Harbourfront Centre to Batam Centre for $38/pax.

Book your ferry tickets to Batam


How to get around Batam?


The safest way to get around is to flag down local registered taxis or to use the car-sharing apps Grab and Gojek. If you prefer sightseeing at your own pace, it would be more convenient to book a private charter in Batam.


Explore these kid-friendly activities in Batam

Travelling with kids is no easy feat. Keep this list of places handy so that’s one less thing to worry about on your family holiday. Whether the kiddos are the more adventurous type or are still really young and just want something fun to do, there are numerous kid-friendly things to do in Batam to keep them entertained.

For more places to visit in Indonesia, check out:


Cover image adapted from: @wong.bobby & @panbilnaturereserve via Instagram, Eatbook
Originally published on 17th August 2023. Last updated on 6th March 2024.