If you are thinking of taking a break after a busy week in Singapore, then Indonesia’s Batam island is the best destination for a weekend trip. It is an easy and convenient Weekend trip from Singapore. Batam island is situated in Indonesia’s scenic Riau Island province which is a short ferry trip from Singapore. The travel time is around 45 minutes and Indonesia’s local time is 1 hour behind Singapore’s. It is like travelling in the past by a time machine. If you start from Singapore at 10 am, you will reach Batam at 9.45 am (both are local times).
How to go to Batam, an Easy and convenient Weekend trip from Singapore:
There are several Ferry terminals in Batam, but our favourites are Batam centre and Nongsapura. More details at Batam: The Scenic Tourism Hub Port City – Indonesia Travel. Nongsapura is well connected with Singapore’s Tanah Merah terminal while Batam centre is with Singapore Cruise Centre (Harbour Front near Sentosa). We visited Batam many times, but what you can do is to go to Nongsapura, stay in a hotel and then while returning, come via Batam centre. In that way, you will also have the opportunity to visit the Batam centre and do some shopping.
How to book a ferry ticket to Batam:
We booked our ferry ticket in advance from https://batamfast.com/. The cost of a return ticket is about SGD 70 for an adult and unfortunately almost the same.
What time to book your Ferry:
You can book your ferry at your desired suitable time. As the check-in time in most of the resorts is after 11 am, it’s better to book a ferry around 11 am SGT so that you can reach at 11 am Indonesia time. Once you reach Nongsapura, there will be a free bus service to your resort after completing the immigration. While coming back you may choose a ferry at around 4 pm. Then you will have 3-4 hours to explore Batam centre after checking out from the hotel. You may ask the receptionist to book a cab for you. At Batam centre, you will have the option to change your ferry timing free of cost if the seat is available.
Ferry Terminal to hotel:
Once you reach Nongsapura, it’ll be quick to complete the immigration. If the queue is big, then they may ask you to leave your passport and later you will get it back at the resort. There is a free bus service from the terminal to your resort.
Where to stay in Nongsapura:
There are several resorts in Nongsapura and they have free pickup and drop from or to the Ferry terminal. Our favourites are Nongsa Point Marina & Resort and Turi Beach resort. You may choose any one of them based on your convenience and availability. We stayed in both of them, and both are good and relaxing although Turi has a better view.
