Tom Thinking of a relaxing getaway from Singapore? Batam has always been a firm favourite among Singaporeans. Just an hour away from Harbourfront Centre, you’ll be able to reach the port of Batam Centre. From there, our top choice for hotel stay would always be Harris Hotel Batam Center as it is just next to the Batam Centre Ferry Terminal. Just a 5 minutes walk and you’re there.
Truth be told, Harris Hotel used to have all the boxes checked in terms of location, cleanliness, comfort and swimming pool with a view. However, due to the development of a new condominium, the views have been blocked and there’s now noise/dust from the development…
Hence, we recommend checking out these Batam hotel deals at Agoda before your next visit. Resorts at Nongsa such as Montigo Resorts Nongsa as well as Turi Beach Resort are popular choices.
After our unpleasant encounter with anti-Grab cooperatives in Batam, we decided that we would not be heading back to Batam anytime soon. But, if you do decide to still head over for a quick weekend getaway, here are some recommendations on where you can chill out in Batam Island, Indonesia!
Mega Mall Batam Centre
Staying at Harris Hotel, our natural inclination is to head over to Mega Mall Batam Centre (literally just across the street) to check out the makan (food) and entertainment choices.
There are many dining options available at Mega Mall Batam Centre. If you’re fans of A&W like us, you’ll be able to enjoy old-time favourites like curly fries, coney dogs, waffles ice cream as well as the famous root beer float! KFC there also have the new salted egg yolk flavours. Of course, Kate’s favourite would be the Tauhu Telur and Ayam Penyet – paired with sea views from the top level of the mall!
In terms of entertainment, the kids can enjoy a ball of a time at Timezone. We got additional credits for only $20 SGD and had some difficulty finishing the credits. You can also catch the latest movies at XXI Mega Mall. But our latest favourite joint has got to be Starsbox Premium Barber Shop. Not only are the haircuts stylish, the place has been done up with a really inviting modern and chic feel. Plus, for only $8.5, you’ll get the haircut, complete with hair wash and a head massage. The whole treatment was an hour! Awesome!
Sky 8 Rooftop Bar – Sahid Batam Center
While taking the ferry from Harbourfront to Batam, we saw an advertisement from Sahid Batam Center which depicted an awesome-looking rooftop bar. During this visit to Batam, we decided to check it out and we were duly rewarded with this amazing view…
For Singapore standards, the food and drinks at the rooftop bar was not expensive. The pizza, deluxe set as well as a tower of beer came up to only $40SGD (inclusive of taxes). Moreover, we were able to watch EPL matches, play pool (there’s a large pool table that’s complimentary for patrons) as well as listen to live music in the evenings. Coupled with the views, Sky 8 Rooftop Bar at Sahid Batam Center is definitely worth a visit.
Address: Teluk Tering, Batam City, Riau Islands 29444, Indonesia (Sahid Batam Center)
Opening Hours: 4pm to 12am
Fresh Beer Batam
While googling for places to chill near to Harris Hotel Batam Center, we stumbled upon this pub called Fresh Beer. Since it was within walking distance from the hotel and had such an enticing name, we were inclined to check it out…
The walk there takes you through a small little deserted alley but since we were able to see the rooftop fairy lights, we knew we were at the right place. Other than that, it’s a really classy place to go. At the rooftop of Fresh Beer, you’ll be able to enjoy unblocked views in the vicinity in an alfresco dining setting. Beautifully decorated. There’s also live music here in the evenings. Food and beers were rather affordable at about $3 per glass of fresh cold beer!
Enroute back, we also stumbled upon Holland Bakery. Here, we found a great selection of cakes, pastries and breads for breakfast the next morning 🙂
Reminded us of Paris Baguette. Do drop by for quality breads and cakes if you’re in the vicinity.
Address: Jl. Engku Putri No.1, Tlk. Tering, Batam Kota, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau, Indonesia
Opening Hours: 12pm to 2am
Sei Enam Seafood Restaurant Batam
Another thing that Singaporeans usually do in Batam would be to enjoy seafood. As Sei Enam Seafood Restaurant was within walking distance from Harris Batam (we checked out venues within walking distance due to the whole Grab ordeal), we headed over to try out the beehoon crab!
We found the bee hoon a tad too salty but the crab itself was fresh and sweet. If you happen to have tried the chili crab here, do share it with our readers in the comments section below – heard it’s quite good as well. All in all, the bill came up to $40 SGD (inclusive of taxes) which was quite decent.
Address: Nusantara, Jl. Engku Putri No.4-6, Tlk. Tering, Batam Kota, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29461, Indonesia
Opening Hours: 11am to 9pm
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We hope you have enjoyed our coverage of where to chill and relax while you’re in Batam. Let us know more about your trip in our comments section below! Happy Travels Everyone!
