You will be amazed to know that the attractive island of Batam is probably the most affordable tourist vacation spot in Southeast Asia. This small island was formerly well-known for its illegal casinos which are closed down by the federal government currently. Now it ranks second within the checklist of most preferred tourist vacation spot after Bali for its stunning beaches.
Regardless of how brief a time you decide to spend on this beautiful island you can't afford to overlook these 3 day thing must to do's in Batam to have an ever memorable journey here.
Day 1: Arrive and Relax Your first day in Batam is the day you let go of the need to fill the hours, the day that reminds you of the aim of your vacation. Spend the day you arrive doing nothing. Order room service or take a nap, but do not make plans.
Day 2: Soak up the Sun by Take a Day Trip
In the MorningVisit Barelang Islands Area (Recommended)The Barelang Islands are basically 6 islands connected by 6 bridges. Some of beaches there are secluded and off the beaten track offering the tourists to be away from the crowds and enjoy some privacy. Some of the beaches are Pantai Pasir Putih (White Sands Beach), Pantai Melayu (Melayu Beach) and Memory Hill Beach. Toilets and changing rooms are available at some of the beaches while other has shacks where you can grab a snack.
Down at the Barelang Islands, connected to Batam by a series of 6 bridges, there are many good beaches, as well as an old Vietnamese refugee camp, that was occupied for 20 years by Vietnamese boat people, and has now been restored as a tourist attraction. This is also a favorite route for cyclists.
Visit Old Camp Vietnam Village This is the ultimate destination if you are interested in history tourism. This is the site of the refugee camp of the Vietnamese Boat People Village between 1976 and 1996. The most visited place here is the Quan and Tu Monastery which was built in 1984.
In the AfternoonVisit Nongsa Point Marina BeachIt is the islands hottest tourist area. The seaside scenery surrounded by lush green forests takes you away from the pressures and hurdles of city life. You may discover the tradition via organized treks and bicycle rides in the area. To get the best out of this beach, the most effective time to visit would either later afternoon or within the evening. It's also one of the standard spots for snorkeling around the reefs.
At the NightThe nightlife is Batam is divided into the different areas of the region but mostly concentrated at Nagoya city area.
That is the most bustling area after hours stuffed with pubs and bars. The most recent and hottest place that is opened in the area is the Pacific Disco on the Pacific Hotel. It is constructed in the form of a ship and aptly nicknamed the 'Titanic'.
Along the streets and side roads are numerous pubs, with many side by side. Lucy's Oarhouse is a popular spot, which also serves meals & snack food. They have Batam's only GoGo bar, PP Banana which is upstairs and is open from 2pm on Fri / Sat / Sun only.
Across the road from Lucy's is Rio Rita. Stepping out from Lucy's and turning right you will discover many more bars. The first is the Jungle Bar which was one of Batam's earliest bars and still lives on today. Next is Classics and across from there is the Red Cock Inn which serves some very tasty Western and Asian dishes. Next door to Classics is the Ice Pub, also one of Batam's earlier pubs.
Steps Music Lounge is a large pub that regularly has live music, either a resident group or a visiting band, and gets pretty lively on Saturday nights. The Hard Chilli Cafï's next, which is located upstairs, followed by George's Bar and Last Pub. A bit further along is the Bistro which serves up some good food, and then there is the Red Rose and Beyond Bar.
Day 3 - Bon Voyage Simply as you did when you arrived, the day you allow ought to see you doing nothing but relaxing. In case you ready your baggage and paperwork the earlier evening, you may spend the hours between checkouts and flight/ferry lounging by go for shopping.
It is possible to pack any given week-long getaway too full, so to counteract the hurried feeling and the stress the holiday is meant alleviate, make space in your plan for many downtime. You should not really feel as if you need a vacation out of your vacation.