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.
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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
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.
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.
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.
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)
Feed animals like rabbits & guinea pigs
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.
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)
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.
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.
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
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)
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.
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).
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?
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
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.
Admission: Rp35,000/pax (~S$2.98) on weekdays | Rp55,000/pax (~S$4.69) on weekends
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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