After a long time, I have finally stepped onto this island once again in 2024! This time, it was a weekend trip to Batam.
I have written a lot on Batam, but it doesn’t hurt to write more about one’s experience. So, here are some things to do and must eat food spots in Batam to check out!
Day 1 (Saturday)
Sop Tulang Millenia
This place was located at a residential area, but don’t be fooled by its humble appearance. The place is famous amongst the locals for their Sop Tulang. Heard that even their Government officials order food from here when they visit!
Overall, food here is tasty, and the sambal is spicy!
They also sold gorengan (fried fritters) in the morning. The avocado juice here was so good. We had the ayam bakar set, nasi pecel set, 2 soto, 1 sup tulang, 7 pieces of gorengan and 3 drinks for a total of SGD$13.
Address: Komplex Citra Batam Blok C No.21, Tlk. Tering, Kec. Batam Kota, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29444, Indonesia
Batam City Square (BCS) Mall
The mall gave off a more hip and cosy vibe than before. It has been rejuvenated with a lot more food options, including cafes and trendy food like long fries (which is popular in Thailand), K-food, and even Jujutsu Kaisen-related food promotions. Wished I could try out all the new food there (another reason to go back!) but I only had stomach for local franchise Kopi Kenangan.
Oh, I also love the spectacle cloth that the specs shop sold here.
Address: Batu Selicin, Lubuk Baja, Batam City, Riau Islands, Indonesia
Diamond City (DC) Mall
Am no stranger to DC mall, but we the reason we visited was because it was the place to buy bags and accessories. I was quite amused to see “Gentle Woman” and “Beyond The Vines” bags being sold. To think an SG brand made it into the list that’s good enough to be copied!
This place is also good if you are looking for Malay clothes, local snacks (a lot tastier options here than other malls I feel), beauty items and electronic goods.
There was also this really friendly staff at a hair accessories shop located near the supermarket, and guided me to buy the pins and hairbands I was looking for, and it turned out the quality and price was worth it.
Address: 42R3+F3W, Unnamed Road, Tj. Uma, Kec. Lubuk Baja, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau, Indonesia
Nagoya Thamrin Food Market
This is currently the largest and most complete culinary food place located at the Nagoya area. It is a nice place for lunch or even tea break. Really a lot of options for food, and all of them are halal! There are other restaurants, cafes (and even a Mixue), and another food court in the same area which opens till late.
At night, there will be live music and streetlights along the road.
Address: 42V7+PX5, Jl. Nagoya Thamrin No.1&2 blok G, Lubuk Baja Kota, Lubuk Baja, Batam City, Riau Islands 29444, Indonesia
Grand Batam Mall
The most hip mall in Batam is definitely Grand Batam Mall. You can spot many tourists and locals enjoying their time here. There are international brands and department stores, and also many eateries. The cinema and the arcade is a go-to spot.
The newest shop on the block is definitely Mixx. It was so crowded with locals. Imagine a sephora-miniso. It has a lot of popular and well-known brands, and also sold items like stickers, accessories, etc.
My go to food here is Holycow, which has angus meat. And Demon Slayer is also trending in time for the upcoming season!
Address: Jl. Pembangunan, Batu Selicin, Kec. Lubuk Baja, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29444, Indonesia
Bakso Gunung Jodoh
We usually eat mee rebus and mee siam for breakfast, right? Instead, bakso is actually a lunch/dinner meal. So, it was super difficult to find breakfast spots selling these noodles.
We bought some mie ayam, bakso gunung (basically describing that the meatballs are huge like mountains la) and drinks. All of it cost about SGD$8.
Address: Jl. Duyung, Sungai Jodoh, Kec. Batu Ampar, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29444, Indonesia
Pisang Keju Terowongan
You can’t escape from the banana cheese craze in Indonesia!
Banana fritters are loaded with shredded cheese, milk and other toppings. I usually ask them to reduce the amount of milk so it is not too sweet, and add chocolate rice!
I believe this is a franchise brand, so they have street stalls in other areas as well.
There is a satay shop right beside :D.
Address: 42RC+HJ9, Kampung Pelita, Lubuk Baja, Batam City, Riau Islands 29444, Indonesia
Day 2 (Sunday)
Pasar Penuin Wet Market
So many Singaporeans here lately, so I’m not too sure if prices have increased since? But still a great place to visit and get your dry goods.
This time round, we went to the clothes section. We bought batik-designed home clothes. They have sizes up to 5XL, and the quality is not too bad.
We also bought home our usual banana fritters from here (super good cause of the crispy batter and the size of the fritters!).
Address: 42P5+7PM, Batu Selicin, Lubuk Baja, Batam City, Riau Islands 29444, Indonesia
Warung Sunda Bu Joko
This is one of our go-to spots. It is a self-serve nasi padang of sorts, with a wide range of dishes. You can also find all-day satay here. The place is clean and comfortable to eat at.
Address: Kompleks, Jl. Imam Bonjol Komp. Nagoya Square Jl. Imam Bonjol No.75/76 blok d, Sungai Jodoh, Kec. Batu Ampar, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29444, Indonesia
Harbour Bay Ferry Terminal
Alas, it was time to head home. There are quite a few restaurants, cafes, and shopping spots here.
Address: Jodoh River, Batu Ampar, Batam City, Riau Islands, Indonesia
Accommodation
We stayed at Fave Hotel Nagoya. The room was unexpectedly spacious and even comes with a balcony. You can hear some noise from street level, but it should die down by 11pm.
The hotel breakfast was basic which was what I expected for its price, but it does fill the tummy. It’s cool that they set up the breakfast at the food court opposite the hotel.
Address: Komplek Nagoya Thamrin City, Jl. Imam Bonjol Tower A, Lubuk Baja Kota, Kec. Lubuk Baja, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29444, Indonesia
Thoroughly enjoyed my short weekend break!
Uminsummer 