BATAM MUNICIPALITY

Batam is one of the islands in the group of Riau Archipelago located directly facing the neighbouring country, Singapore. From Pekanbaru, the capital city of Riau Province, it only takes around 45 minutes by flight to Batam, while from Singapore which is only separated by a small strait of 12 miles, Batam can be reached within 25 minutes by fast ferry.

The area of Batam island is 415 sq.km. However due to the process of investment and demand of space, Batam was expanded in 1992 with the inclusion of two other surrounding islands, hence giving a new name: BATAM - REMPANG - GALANG or BARELANG. The total area became 715 sq.km. All the main islands are linked with a Trans-Barelang road which includes six beautiful bridges.

According to plans, Batam will be developed in stages into becoming a major center of international trade, industry and commerce with all the supporting services and facilities. It is expected to become one of the major free ports of Southeast Asia. Batam is also destined to become a recreational zone for international tourism. With its range of elegant luxury hotels, scenic golf courses, a flourishing nightlife and a range of outdoor and sporting activities, and other tourist facilities built with plans for future expansion, there is a lot for everyone to do. Resort facilities can be found either at Waterfront City and Nongsa, which include windsurfing and sailing, watersports, ecotourism, shopping, golfing, entertainment, adventure treks as well as mountain and trail biking. Studded with modern supermarkets and shopping arcades, the island also boasts itself as a shopping paradise.

In fact, in recent years tourism has been a booming industry in Batam. In terms of visitor's arrivals, Batam is Indonesia's second fastest growing tourist destination after Bali. The island untouched natural beauty characterized by rolling hill terrain and lush vegetation of mangroves on the seashore coupled with fast growing infrastructure development for tourism makes it as a must for many visitors wanting to go off the beaten track. Besides, Batam promises resorts and four-star quality for those who need to be pampered or tent camping for the more robust and adventurous, while the surrounding islands of Rempang and Galang with their beautiful sceneries, good beaches and also fascinating coral reefs, cater to rustic adventurers who want nature in its pristine shape.

SEKUPANG
Situated on the Northwest of Batam island, this previous expanse of virgin jungle is today a thriving developed sector. The tourism industry here is supported by the development of hotels, golf courses, residential housing and shopping. Daily ferry service links Sekupang with neighbouring Singapore and other surrounding areas through two separate terminals, respectively catering for Singapore-bound and Domestic-bound passengers.
Marine recreation with marina, clubhouse and other sea sport activities is only a 10-minute ride from Sekupang. In addition an 18-hole championship golf course is now playable with seaside residential housing.
NAGOYA
Now widely known as Lubuk Baja, Nagoya is the major city center of Batam. Once a village of wooden huts and laterite tracks, the place is now a fast growing and bustling commercial center with metalled roads and high rise office and shopping centers.
Nagoya has it all that you want to have a good time. You can find numerous shops, restaurants, hotels, spas, discos, karaokes, cinemas, bars, music lounges, shopping centers/plazas, and more. At night it transforms into a fairyland of lights as most of the entertainment facilities spring to life. If you are looking for branded goods, try visiting the Lucky Plaza and Jodoh Square. You can find shops and boutiques selling duty free goods, branded and luxury items as well as Indonesian products.
BATAM CENTER
As the name suggests, Batam Center is the hub of commerce and government for Batam. Located here are the central office of Batam Industrial Development Authority (BIDA) and Immigration Off ce. Supporting the tourism industry here are two large department stores - cum - supermarkets, a handicraft center, restaurants, bowling alley and snooker parlor. This area prides itself in the many picturesque houses being built in residential sites. Further developments planned for the area include shopping centers and malls, commercial and office complexes. A ferry terminal also provides seaward transportation to Singapore and other surrounding islands.
NONGSA
Nestled in the pristine greenery of Northeastern Batam island, Nongsa - another gateway to Batam - is quickly becoming a tourism developed area.
Its idyllic and tranquil setting makes it the ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. Golf courses, resort hotels, marinas, chalet-style bungalows, and many tourism activities can be found here. Fishing, snorkelling, parasailing and waterskiing are just some of the sea sports available here. Located here is the Nongsapura Ferry Terminal which allows tourists to disembark from a ferry originating from the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore.
Nongsa is also the site of Turi Beach Resort, Batam View Beach Resort and Purl Jaya Resort. And not too far away are TeringBay Palm Spring Golf Course and Hang Nadim International Airport.
BARELANG
Coming to Batam will not be complete without visiting the island and smaller islands around it, especially when the access to a number of islands and isles is now much easier following the construction of several bridges connecting the islands and isles.
The six BARELANG (the acronym of Batam-Rempang, Galang) bridges connect Batam island, Rempang island and Galang island with smaller isles around them. All these bridges make Barelang seem to be one island.
Passing over the amazing bridges is indeed a fascinating experience as the overview around the area is breathtaking. The deep blue sea, the smooth asphalt roads, the green hills and picturesque coasts are just sensational charm of this newly unveiled beauty. Rempang and Galang is being equipped with infrastructures with special emphasis toward tourism. Plans for the development of hotels, marinas, restaurants, golf courses and other supporting facilities have been drawn up.
TANJUNG RIAU
Tanjung Riau is one of typical fishermen village of traditional Malay reflecting idyllic and intimate daily life. The platformed houses in a row, hanging fishing nets, thick Malayan dialect, cool breeze of the sea, simple way of life, all give special atmosphere indeed. Those geeting fed up with the bustling city life will find Tanjung Riau a perfect place for change of air.
WATERFRONT CITY
All around Waterfront City you will discover new things to do and try. You can enjoy the experience of a lifetime or maybe f nd a new sport to become your favourite hobby. No matter what you are looking for, on the water out of it, you'll be sure to find it at Waterfront City.
Marina Cove Resort offers some of the finest and exciting facilities for both adults and children. They include bowling, video games, squash, tennis, archery, gymnasium, billiard, beach volleyball, Olympic size fun pool and many more. Not forgetting the outdoor facilities which include pare-sailing, jetskiing, banana boat, bungy jump, go kart and horse riding.
For some other adventures, optional day and night tour can be booked at the Waterfront City Travel counter. Island hopping to Batam offshore islands and hatching is also available.
Waterfront City offers air-con tents with bathroom, attached tv, mini bar and Ocean Park Terrace houses to visitors. Waterfront City is only a HOP, SKIP and a JUMP from Singapore. You just Hop on a boat which only takes 35 minute to arrive, SKIP through their very own ferry terminal and JUMP on a shuttle bus that will take you to your favorite spot on the resort.
SEKILAK
Back to nature, Back to Sekilak is the impression given when visiting Sekilak. A resort complex taking the form of "Kelong", fisherman's traditional fish catching house which is commonly found in areas offshore the Riau islands. As a resort, Sekilak is also furnished with accomodation facilities and seasport facilities of swimming and skiing. A good choice for recreation and relaxation while enjoying the sea breeze, Sekilak is only 15 minutes from Batam by speed boat.