5 Relaxing Experiences to Have on a Weekend Getaway in Batam, Indonesia
Do you want to spend a weekend lazing at the beach on an affordable resort island? Do you want to escape the hustling and bustling city life for a short time? Whether you are a tourist or a local residing in Singapore or Malaysia, thinking of spending quality time with your family, look no further. Jump on a 40-minute ferry to Batam. Only 20 km off Singapore’s south coast, and 25 km off Malaysia’s southern state of Johor, Batam is so easily accessible and is perfect for a weekend getaway. The ferries run at frequent intervals.
Indonesia left a good impression on me when I first visited Bali. I couldn’t wait to go to another Indonesian island after finding that it was just a boat ride away. My idea was to spend a relaxing weekend. Imagine waking up late, no schedule to follow or chores to do, having a sumptuous breakfast beautifully laid out for you, laying on the beach under an umbrella, watching the waves kissing the shores, a book in your hands, music flowing into your ears from the distant beach cafe. Doesn’t this all sound like a perfect weekend?
Sometimes, just slowing down for a while can help you realign to your goals and achieve them even faster.
While relaxation is a top priority, I love to explore a place as much as I can. It’s kind of second nature to me. I was thrilled to discover some hidden gems in Batam and can’t wait to share them with you. So, here it goes:
- Stay at Harris Resort Barelang Batam
This resort was for sure a highlight of our trip. A bit remote from the city, this resort is perfect for unwinding after a busy work week as it is tranquil and peaceful. They have a private beach with breathtaking views and sea-facing swings, great for photo opportunities. Fish pole structures at the beach get illuminated at night and look astounding.
They have a lavish spa and outdoor pools that include an infinity pool. The resort is kid-friendly as there is a separate playing area for kids. Their rooms are large, well lit, and have a big balcony. We had a garden view room. It had a decent view, and you can also choose a sea view room. The resort was massive, so there was enough space to walk around. Most importantly, the staff was welcoming and helpful. They even put up a live dance show for the kids every morning to start the day on a happy note.
The resort also organizes certain water sports and adventure activities. We didn’t try those in the spirit of a relaxing weekend. But if you are looking for some adrenalin rush, feel free to try them.
2. Watch the sunset at Barelang Bridge
In close vicinity of Harris resort is the Barelang bridge. A chain of 6 bridges connects the islands of Batam, Rempang, and Galang. Hence the name Barelang.
Built as a transportation route between the islands, this 2 km long bridge now serves as a landmark and a tourist attraction. The architectural design of Barelang Bridge has some resemblance to the Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco, California.
3. Find inner peace at Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Buddhist Temple
Immerse yourself in Batam’s culture by visiting this majestic Buddhist temple. It’s said to be the largest Buddhist temple in Indonesia. Spread out on an area of approx. 4.5 hectares, this temple can accommodate up to 2000 worshippers.
This temple embraces the teaching of Maitreya Buddha, which teaches love for the universe. The temple also has a school, a health clinic, a boutique, and a restaurant where you can try the vegetarian version of their local food. The temple offers peaceful surroundings, and many statues of Buddha adorn the temple courtyards.
4. Get yourself a calming massage
People usually come to Batam for rest and rejuvenation. There are a wealth of spas where you can enjoy a wide range of soothing rituals.
The city has a lot of spas scattered around. Choose whichever suits your taste, soak your senses in the calm and soothing ambiance, and leave feeling light, relaxed, and rejuvenated.
5. Go on a shopping spree to Batam City Square Mall
People get lured to travel to Batam due to its discounted shopping. Buying clothes, shoes, accessories, getting massages, and manicure is inexpensive in Batam compared to Singapore. The city has a lot of malls to choose from, including Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall, Kepri Mall, DC Mall, and Mega Mall Batam Centre.
So, these are just a few things to do in Batam on your next weekend getaway. I wish you a relaxing, fun, and pleasant stay in Batam.
A few practical tips:
- Ferry Booking:
We booked our ferry through Easybook.com and chose Batam Fast Ferry service as the timing was convenient for us. You can also check other services.
Please double-check your port of arrival and departure. Just an hour before our scheduled departure from Batam, we realized that we had accidentally booked Nongsapura as our port of departure from Batam. We had already reached the Harbour Bay terminal. So it was too late to go to the other port. Thankfully, the ferry company offered to change the port and reissue tickets at no additional cost.
2. Resort Booking:
We booked Harris Resort Barelang Batam through Booking.com. It is my go-to resource for all my bookings when I am traveling. I like its user-friendly interface.
Have you been to Batam? When are you planning your next weekend getaway? 🙂
