Batam is a small but bustling Indonesian island just a short ferry ride from Singapore. Popular for its accessibility, affordable luxury, and urban-resort feel, Batam is a favorite weekend escape for regional travelers. Whether you’re visiting for seafood feasts, waterfront resorts, shopping, or spa sessions, Batam offers the perfect blend of leisure and value.
For golfers, Batam is a paradise of convenience. The island boasts several quality golf courses, many located within top-rated resorts. With sea views, rolling hills, and a relaxed atmosphere, Batam is one of the most accessible golf destinations in Southeast Asia.
Regions or Areas
- Nagoya & Harbour Bay
Batam’s commercial center, packed with shopping malls, massage parlors, seafood restaurants, and nightlife. Great for evening entertainment after a round of golf. - Batam Centre
A fast-developing district with ferry terminals, modern malls, and family-friendly attractions. - Nongsa
The island’s premier leisure zone, home to beachfront resorts, marinas, and some of Batam’s best golf courses. - Sekupang
Known for its quieter atmosphere, ferry terminal, and proximity to green spaces and local temples. - Barelang Area
Famed for the iconic Barelang Bridge and scenic coastal drives. A great area for sightseeing and seafood dining.
Quick Highlights
- Just 45–70 minutes by ferry from Singapore
- Affordable resort stays and spa packages
- Multiple golf resorts with sea or hill views
- Seafood dining by the water and traditional markets
- Variety of shopping options from outlets to boutiques
- Easy-to-navigate island with English-speaking hospitality
- Ideal for weekend escapes or weekday golf trips
- No flight required from Singapore – seamless travel experience
Best Visiting Season
Batam enjoys a hot and humid tropical climate, with relatively consistent temperatures. The dry season is the most favorable for golf:
- Dry Season: May to September (best for golf and water activities)
- Wet Season: October to April (showers are usually brief and in the afternoon)
- Weekend Peak: Fridays to Sundays attract many Singaporean tourists – book tee times in advance.
Recommended Duration
- 2 to 3 Days – Ideal for a weekend golf and spa trip
- 4 to 5 Days – Perfect for a mid-week retreat with more golf and sightseeing
- Day Trip from Singapore – Possible with early ferry and planned return
Thanks to Batam’s proximity to Singapore and well-developed resort areas, trips can be customized to any schedule.
Local Travel Tips for Batam
- Getting There: Regular ferries operate from Singapore’s HarbourFront and Tanah Merah terminals. Tickets are easy to book online.
- Transport: Use hotel shuttles, Grab app, or hire private drivers for island touring.
- Currency: Indonesian Rupiah is used; exchange counters available at ferry terminals.
- Language: Bahasa Indonesia is spoken, but English is common in hotels and golf resorts.
- Connectivity: Local SIM cards or roaming plans work well; Wi-Fi is widely available.
- Booking Tips: Weekdays are quieter and cheaper for hotels and tee times.
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Top Golf Courses in Batam
Despite its small size, Batam is home to several impressive golf courses that cater to tourists and regional players. Courses are located within or near major resorts, making them convenient for stay-and-play experiences.
- Tering Bay Golf & Country Club (Nongsa) – A scenic course designed by Greg Norman with sea views, rolling terrain, and a resort feel.
- Palm Springs Golf & Beach Resort (Nongsa) – Offers three 9-hole combinations with varied challenges and coastal panoramas.
- SouthLinks Country Club (Sekupang) – A well-maintained hillside course popular for its tranquility and elevation changes.
- Padang Golf Sukajadi (Batam Centre) – Centrally located and part of a hotel complex, perfect for those staying near the city.
All courses are open to visitors and offer equipment rentals. Tee times are readily available, especially on weekdays.
Why Visit Batam?
Batam is a fast-growing island city in the Riau Archipelago, just an hour by ferry from Singapore. Known as an industrial and trade hub, Batam also offers a convenient escape for travelers seeking golf, resorts, seafood, and Indonesian hospitality within easy reach of Southeast Asia’s busiest routes. Though not as scenic as Bali, Batam’s appeal lies in its accessibility, affordability, and steady development.
Visitors often start in Nagoya, the city’s commercial center, where malls, spas, and nightlife cater to weekenders and business travelers. Nearby, the Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall and Mega Mall Batam Center are popular for electronics, fashion, and dining. Traditional massage houses and seafood restaurants line the streets, offering indulgent experiences at competitive prices.
The island’s coastal charm reveals itself at waterfront resorts, golf courses, and beach clubs along Nongsa and Marina. Water sports, island-hopping tours, and seafood BBQs at golden hour are favorite pastimes. Just off the coast, Galang and Rempang islands offer quieter beaches and rustic villages, as well as historical sites like the Vietnamese refugee camp memorial.
Batam’s food scene reflects its mixed population of Malays, Chinese, and Minangkabau. Enjoy local favorites such as ikan bakar (grilled fish), gong-gong (sea snails), and spicy sambal-laden dishes served at lively night markets.
Whether visiting for a short break, shopping spree, or business retreat, Batam provides a different flavor of Indonesia—fast, functional, and framed by sea breezes. For Singaporeans and Malaysians, it’s the easiest taste of the archipelago, and for others, it offers a practical base to explore the Riau Islands.
Latest Travel Stories from Batam
Discover real experiences, expert tips, and local highlights from recent travelers in Batam. From scenic escapes to food adventures, our latest stories help you explore smarter.
Useful Resources in Batam
Expedia – Hotels + Packages
Book top-rated golf resorts and bundled deals in Asia, all in one place with Expedia.
Hotels.com – Golf Resorts in Asia
Discover and compare the best golf-friendly hotels and resorts across Asia with ease.
Orbitz – Travel Deals for Golfers
Find hotel and travel deals near Asia’s top golf courses with Orbitz.
