This was an unexpected impromptu trip to Batam in 2026, but how could we say no to a quick getaway?
The last 4D3N trip to Batam was back in 2022. While some things have remained the same, some places have also been refreshed and now offers a lot more trendy offerings, especially if you compared it to the earlier years.
Accommodation – Four Points by Sheraton
Nestled in the heart of Nagoya, Four Points by Sheraton Batam sits a short distance from the Nagoya shopping district and the Harbour Bay Ferry Terminal. The newly renovated property offers bright and spacious rooms with light wooden accents. I liked that the room was clean, big, comfortable, and just the right amount of cosy. We had a nice city view, and you can people-watch at the markets right across the street.
What made the stay even better was the warmth of the staff. From the front desk to the restaurant team, the service was genuinely warm, attentive, and professional — the kind that makes you feel like a guest, not just a room number. The buffet breakfast does not disappoint, with a wide range of beverages (even jamu and juices) and food cuisines. The staff even asked us if we had any dishes that we wanted to try, and they actually prepared those dishes specifically for us the next day at breakfast!
Address: Komplek Panorama Nagoya, Jodoh River, Batu Ampar, Batam City, Riau Islands 29432, Indonesia
Transport & Getting Around
This is probably a major factor to decide if travelling to Batam is worth it or not – the ferry prices. The ticket price has inflated so much that you could also travel to KL for the same price, which is further. This is especially with the fuel surcharge.
We took Horizon Fast Ferry, who has exclusive access to Harbour Bay Ferry Terminal. This is the closest terminal between the two destinations at about 45 minutes. You also have to check-in your baggage now before boarding at both terminals, so you can easily walk to the ferry without a fuss. Immigration at both sides is also automated now, so the whole process is a lot faster.
We got around Batam with a personal driver, so your shopping is all safe and secured even if you spend the whole day out.
Day 1, Friday Night
Nagoya Foodcourt
This large and lively food destination is popular with both locals and tourists, especially in the evenings, and is known for its diverse spread of local and international cuisines with a strong emphasis on Medan flavours. Some shops are opened in the morning, and closes as it nears dinnertime, while the other opens later at night. There are lots of options from seafood to fish soup, to fried rice, to Thai food, to local snacks like pempek, chicken rice, Malay dishes and more.
Since we went there at night, we saw lots of people drinking and enjoying the live music. One of the band members were playing the violin in the open-air setting, that was pretty cool. Do note that there is a mix of Halal and non-Halal stalls, but they do have clear signage to help differentiate.
Address: Komplek Nagoya Newtown, Jl. Imam Bonjol, Lubuk Baja Kota, Kec. Lubuk Baja, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29444, Indonesia
Day 2, Saturday
Fruit Stalls by the Road in Jodoh
You will often come across farm-to-street setups, where locals set up small carts filled with seasonal fruits by the roadside. During our visit, we were lucky enough to stumble upon one of these carts selling Buah Matoa, a fruit that is only in season once a year. Apparently, this fruit isn’t available in Singapore and the nearest place we could find it is in Malaysia, which is commonly known as longan Brazil.
We saw two varieties, one was dark-skinned with something like a longan taste, while the other was green-skinned with a surprising durian-like aftertaste. Both tasted pretty good. Usually 1kg costs about 50k rupiah, so don’t be scammed just because you are a tourist!
DC Mall (Diamond City Mall)
This is a mainstay in our Batam itinerary, we also visited this mall during our previous 2D1N trip.
This is a great place to find modest clothing, batik, fake branded goods, electronics, and beauty products. On Level 1, fashion styles are fairly similar across the shops, though the quality of materials can differ, so bargaining is a must to score a good deal. Level 2 has newer, trendier options like Ojosama, where we found cute two-piece sets, denim staples, and plus-size selections.
The mall also hosts regular events with pop-up stalls – we bought the viral Kue Jongkong brand, and it tasted pretty good. Beyond fashion and snacks, the supermarket here is a hidden gem, offering both local and international brands at lower prices compared to other malls. Dining options are plenty – we stopped at Baresto Café for lunch. Also couldn’t help getting a Ding Tea milk tea for a quick tea break!
The musollah is medium-sized, with a wudu area located beside the toilets. They even provide telekung branded with the DC Mall logo, making it easy for visitors to perform prayers comfortably while shopping.
Address: Jl. Duyung, Tj. Uma, Kec. Lubuk Baja, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau, Indonesia
Private Massage Session
We booked a masseuse who used to work in a spa but now offers private sessions – even traveling to Singapore when requested. The best part is that you don’t have to prepare anything; she handles it all, from setting up the bed to the products for the massage, leaving you free to simply rest and enjoy. An hour massage with half-hour lulur (body scrub) cost about $30.
Day 3, Sunday
Sun Li Batam Layer Cake (BLC)
This was so far the best layer cake that I have ever tasted. Their cakes are made with Golden Churn and Wijsman butter, ensuring rich flavor and smooth texture. No preservatives are used.
There are testers at the shop to help you decide which flavours you want to get. Flavours include cinnamon, prunes, cheese, mocha, chocolate, coffee, green tea, cream cheese, Nutella and more. They also sold premium flavours which use two high-quality butter that makes the flavour much richer. Besides that, they also sell Ambon, a traditional Indonesian cake which taste so good as well. They also sell cookies and more.
You can also watch the kitchen staff making the layered cake through a glass panel. You can pre-order your cakes and do self-pick up or arrange to send it to your hotel. While their main store is at Bengkong Laut, they have two other outlets at Nongsa and Gold Coast Ferry Terminal.
Address: 528R+J53, Tanjung Buntung, Bengkong, Batam City, Riau Islands, Indonesia
K Square Mall
K Square Mall (formerly Kepri Mall) reopened in late 2025 with a modern interior, family-friendly facilities, and a curated mix of local and international brands. Was actually surprised to see international beauty products in Sociolla at a very affordable price, which may be even cheaper than Bangkok prices. There are a number of mid-tier local shops, but also with trendy pieces.
At that point of time, the empty space was also used for a Toys & Hobby fair, which had an RC vehicle track competition. There were lots of RC vehicles, and they ran a few rounds around the track. There are also leisurely spaces like the cinema, a kids zone, and an upscale supermarket.
There is also a free shuttle bus from Harbour Bay to K Square, which makes it convenient to visit the moment you get off the ferry.
Address: K SQUARE, Jl. Jenderal Sudirman No.25-35, Sukajadi, Batam Kota, Batam City, Riau Islands 29444, Indonesia
Gorengan Baloi
This was a humble roadside stall, tucked along a narrow alley with a modest setup, that went viral on TikTok for all the right reasons. Their banana fritters, shaped like a fan and fried to golden perfection, and big, thin and crispy tempe was so tasty. Even their other fried staples were great – from bakwan, pempek, ubi and more.
Address: Unnamed Road No.29444, Baloi Indah, Lubuk Baja, Batam City, Riau Islands 29444, Indonesia
Salero Basamo
This is a well-loved rumah makan that has earned its loyal following. This casual spot serves up classic nasi Padang alongside other Indonesian favourites.
The ayam goreng pop and nasi padang are among the top orders. You can either pick your dishes, or be served with the whole range. Only those dishes that you touched will be counted.
Address: Jl. Baloi Kusuma Indah, Batam, Riau, Indonesia 29432
Grand Batam Mall
This is basically a Singaporean mall because you can just hear all the Singaporean accents all the time. It is a very busy mall, but it is a trendy place. The bakeries are quite on trend, selling the latest Butter Tteok craze which had a long waiting time.
The KKV shop is also similar to the one back in Singapore. In addition, there are familiar international brands like Uniqlo, H&M, Skechers, and Fila. The Uniqlo has additional offerings that would be useful for Muslims as well. The best part about this place is that it has several halal Japanese restaurants and other halal dining options across its floors.
The musollah here is large and comfortable.
Address: Jl. Pembangunan, Batu Selicin, Kec. Lubuk Baja, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29444, Indonesia
Pisang Keju Terowongan
This is our go-to for banana fritters with grated cheese, cinnamon, and condensed milk – that sweet-salty combo is quite addictive. I guess you could call this the OG goreng pisang keju.
Address: By the roadside near Jl. Teuku Umar No.1, Kp. Seraya, Kec. Lubuk Baja, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29444, Indonesia OR By the roaside along Kampung Pelita, Lubuk Baja, Batam City, Riau Islands 29444, Indonesia
Day 4, Monday
Restoran Pondok Batam Kuring
Set up like a traditional Indonesian kampung, the restaurant offers both indoor air-conditioned seating and outdoor garden areas under huts. The menu leans into Sundanese cuisine, with dishes like crispy ayam goreng bawang, ikan gurame goreng, asam pedas ikan, smoky cumi bakar, and the classic keredok.
Address: Jl. Prambanan No.40, Sungai Jodoh, Kec. Batu Ampar, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29444, Indonesia
This was a relaxed 4D3N trip that provided a quick getaway. Batam feels like a close cousin – close to home, easy on the wallet, and always full of good food and vibes. You will naturally want to visit every once in a while!