Pulau Batam Favorites

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Favorite thing: Batam has really changed a lot since the last time I went here in 1999 and what a big difference 12 years make. First of All, There is a terminal called Batam City Center which was non existent the last time I was here that my point of entry was in Sekupang. the views around Batam are different this time with many new malls and shops in Nagoya and at Batam Center and the Route Going to the famous Golden Prawn 933 restaurant is dotted with various things to do like a flying fox ride and go kart ride. It was really a pleasant experience to revisit Batam after 12 years.

Fondest memory: the new face of batan like the new shops and malls, moren things to do than before.

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Favorite thing: Like what I've said previously, Batam is a tourist area so many of the Popular Shops and Resorts and the Polo Factory Outlet Shops accept Singapore Dollars and Even US Dollars but when buying other stuffs at the other not so touristy areas like the local Malls or Shops or Restaurant, You Need The local currency, the Indonesian Rupiah to be able to buy stuff and fortunately, there lots of Money Exchange shops in batam and they are literally everywhere where you can change your local currencies to Indonesian Rupiah.

Present exchange rate is: US $ 1: 8,659 INR

Fondest memory: the assorted money exchange shops around pulau batam

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Favorite thing: the main currency of Batam Island and the whole of the Indonesian Archipelago. Although many tourist areas of Batam Island accept Singapore Dollars, You Still Need Indonesian Rupiah, the local Currency to buy stuff at local areas like the Batam City Mall or Megamall or Lucky Plaza. The Indonesian Rupiah is the legal tender in all of Indonesia and the currency consists of coins from 25 rupiah up to 1,000 rupiah (1 rupiah are officially legal tender but are effectively worthless and are not circulated), and from banknotes of 1,000 rupiah up to 100,000 rupiah. There are lots of Money Exchange Shops around Batam Island.

Current US Dollar to Indonesian Rupiah exchange rate is US $ 1:8,650 INR

Fondest memory: the assorted Indonesian Rupiah Bank Notes

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Favorite thing: During my flight from Jakarta to Batam in January 2008, I managed to take a few photographs of the Muka Kunung Reservoir, which is located at the centre part of Batam Island. There are 5 main reservoirs at Batam, namely:

Sungai Harapan Reservoir (west side of island)
Sungai Ladi Reservoir (near to Nagoya town)
Sungai Balai Reservoir (near to Nagoya town)
Muka Kunung Reservoir (centre part of island)
Nongsa Reservoir (north-east side, near to the famous Nongsa Beach)

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Favorite thing: There are a few fresh water reservoirs located at different parts of Batam Island, and they are important sources of fresh water for the local residents as well as industries. The water at Batam are treated and are safe for drinking. Some of these water are supplied to neighbouring Singapore. Please go to part 2 of this tip.

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Favorite thing: If you are taking a plane to Batam and land on the Hang Nadim Airport, you will be able to see beautiful views of the island and the surrounding Riau Islands on a clear and sunny day. From the air, Batam island looks rather flat and heavily developed areas (with de-forestation) can be seen near the Hang Nadim Airport area. This is because the island is rapidly developing, especially with cooperation from neigbouring Singapore.

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Favorite thing: When taking the ferry from Singapore to Batam, you will be able to see many ships of all shapes and sizes anchoring outside the Singapore harbour during the journey to Batam. This is because Singapore is one of the busiest harbours in the world due to its efficient harbour as well as its important maritime location in between the Indian Ocean and South China Sea.

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Favorite thing: When you are at Batam, you can explore the other islands of the Riau Province. In order to do this, you need to go to the Sekupang ferry terminal at Batam and take a ferry to these islands, however it is better to get some locals to bring you there because they are rather off the beaten path. Good places worth visiting are Palau Karimun, Bengkalis and Selatpanjang. You can also visit Bintan Island which is just next to Batam Island. More information and photographs are at my VT pages on Pulau Karimun Besar, Bengkalis and Selatpanjang.