When it comes to Batam, for many years I had wanted to visit, a notorious party island reachable by ferry from Singapore. Lore stated that it was not just one of the best places to party in Indonesia, but had a nightlife to rival Bali and beyond.
Well, I have now been and can confirm that alas the stories of the greatness of Batam are somewhat exaggerated. Here’s my take on Batam and why it is a bit shit.
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What the Batam?
Batam is part of Indonesia’s Riau Islands Province, just a short ferry ride from Singapore but a world apart in vibe. The island covers roughly 400 square kilometres and has a population of around 1.2 million people, most of whom live in the main urban areas around Nagoya, Batam Centre and Sekupang.
Originally developed as a free trade and industrial zone to take advantage of its proximity to Singapore and Malaysia, Batam’s economy today is driven by light industry, logistics, shipping and short‑stay tourism. There’s no real old town or historic core; much of the island feels like a commercial sprawl of malls, factories, karaoke lounges and budget hotels. The reputation as a party destination mostly comes from the number of Singaporeans who ferry in for cheap drinks and massages, but in reality it lacks the charm and infrastructure of places like Bali or Lombok.
Who is coming to Batam?
Being an hour away from Singapore via high‑speed ferry has led Batam to become the unofficial getaway for mainly Singaporean men. It seems they come here for the freedom relative to Singapore and to do what Singaporeans like to do when they think no one is watching: massages, shopping and going to bars where they can pay girls to sit and talk to them. Picture Japanese hostess bars, but without any of the charm, nuance or atmosphere.
This manifests in what looks more like a loosy situation for local lasses and, sadly, a real pushiness in many of the bars. Most of the nightlife lacks character and flavour. This, my dears, is not Bali, particularly during Ramadan when the scene is quieter and more subdued.
Batam during Ramadan
Outside of Bali it cannot be denied that Islam has had a strong influence on Indonesian society, and Batam is no exception. Bars are meant to close at midnight during Ramadan, but as is often the case here the reality is different.
We were told the bars close at midnight, then were introduced to the secret world of Batam after hours. Alleyways, stairs, secret passageways and places that do not officially stay open past midnight exist, and the police seem to know about it because these bars are busy, mostly with Indian‑Singaporeans and visitors. The hypocrisy is obvious — lip service is paid to the rules, but if you have the right contacts or are in the right place, drinks continue. A bit scuzzy, but at least you can get a drink.
Bars of Batam
Honestly the bars were pretty shit and by Indonesian standards expensive, with a beer costing around seven US dollars. There are though a few that just pass if you end up here. There are no family‑friendly bars. Some let you do karaoke…
Hi Fly Live Bar
Jl. Lubuk Baja, Nagoya Entertainment District, Batam
A popular live music bar with drinks and a semi‑local crowd. Better than most hotel pubs, with DJs and atmosphere later into the night.
Altitude Rooftop Bar and Lounge
Batam Marriott Hotel Harbour Bay
Upscale rooftop bar with cocktails and views over Harbour Bay. Classier than most spots on the island and good for sunset drinks.
Cock & Bull Pub
Jl. Imam Bonjol, Jodoh River area
A relaxed pub with beer, pub food and often sports on TV. Not a club, but one of the better chilled places for a few drinks.
Ocean Beach Club
Ocarina Beach, Barelang Area
A beach‑side bar with DJs and party vibes toward sunset. Good for getting a drink before heading back into town.
Square Club & KTV
I Hotel Baloi 2nd Floor, Batam
Club plus karaoke combo that stays open late with rooms and bar zones. One of the more lively nightlife spots on the island.
Eating in Batam
As I have said many times, Indonesian food is bad and in Batam it is even worse because many of the restaurants do not serve alcohol. Remember the Muslim thing? We went to a god‑awful Japanese place, but also one very good if expensive Korean one.
Woo Rae OK Korean Restaurant
Jl. Bunga Raya No.12, Nagoya
The best restaurant we found in Batam. Authentic Korean barbecue with quality ingredients and sides. Expensive by local standards, but worth it. Will get its own article.
Sakura Sushi
Jl. Raja Haji No.34, Nagoya
Fresh sushi and sashimi. Simple menu, decent quality, slow service but proper Japanese food. We had to leave here….
Batam Seafood Market
Jl. Engku Putri, Nagoya
Local seafood cooked on demand. Fresh fish served Indonesian‑style. Messy but solid.
Warung Nasi Goreng
Jl. Riau No.101, Nagoya
Traditional Indonesian fried rice and satay. Simple, cheap and genuinely tasty by local standards.
Hana Japanese Restaurant
Jl. Hang Lekir 5, Nagoya
Another Japanese spot with decent cooked dishes and sashimi. Alcohol is limited so best combined with soft drinks.
I won’t give sleeping in Batam its own section, but hotels exist and are decent value. The best thing you can do though is Airbnb. We got a villa with a pool for $100 a night — much better than the generic hotels around.
Getting there and away
Batam is easiest to reach by ferry from Singapore, which takes around 45 minutes to an hour. Prices vary, typically $25–$30 return on the regular ferry lines. Once on the island, taxis and ride‑hailing apps are the main way to get around; there is no reliable public transport outside Nagoya.
For flights, Hang Nadim Airport has domestic connections to Jakarta, Surabaya and other Indonesian cities with fares often between $50–$80 for short routes. From Batam you can fly to Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, or continue by ferry to nearby islands like Bintan or Tanjung Pinang.
So, is it worth visiting Batam?
Well Batam is far from awful, it is OK. That though is the extent of things, it is just OK. It lacks the party vibe of Bali and the rural charm of places like Lombok. Therefore if you are passing through, it’s worth a stop. Do not though, as I did, head straight here expecting paradise. Prepare to be disappointed.
With that being said though, it could be worse! You could stay in Singapore.
Click to see my Indonesia Tours.