A Lesser-Known Island In Indonesia Offers Pristine Beaches, Fun Activities, & Great Shops

Singapore is one of the world's most impressive and remarkable cities. A stunning, futuristic, and thriving metropolis, this exciting city-state has one of the strongest economies in the world, and is known for its quality of life, long life expectancy, and high levels of security, as well as officially being the healthiest country in the world. Its towering skyscrapers, vibrant atmosphere, and unique blend of modernity and tradition makes it an incredible place to visit. But there's no getting around the fact that Singapore can be overwhelming. Sometimes first-time visitors need a break from the hustle and bustle. Luckily, just 12 miles off the coast of Singapore lies a dreamy island filled with stunning beaches, amazing spiritual and cultural sites, and laid-back luxury, which makes the perfect antidote to Singapore's frenzied dynamism.

Batam is the largest island and main city of the Riau archipelago. Despite its gorgeous scenery, amazing beaches, and incredible location just a short hop from Singapore, it remains less frequented by international tourists than many other Indonesian island paradises, and by-and-large avoids the overcrowding that plagues spots like the overhyped Indonesia destination of Bali. It's the perfect spot for a weekend escape from Singapore or a longer visit as part of a trip around Southeast Asia.

Most travelers arrive in Batam via Singapore Changi Airport, which serves over 400 cities in more than 100 countries around the world. Changi is conveniently located close to the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, and a ferry to Batam takes just under an hour. Coming from the city center, ferries leave from the Harbourfront Ferry Terminal. For travelers already in the region, Batam does have its own international airport, which is served by routes around Indonesia and the rest of Southeast Asia.

Most visitors head to Batam for its calm, warm, crystal-clear waters and pristine white-sand beaches, which rival the best beaches in the world. The two most popular spots are Nongsa Beach on the northeastern tip of the island, and Pantai Melayu close to the airport. Both boast sugar-soft sand backed by swaying palms and lush greenery, and are great for swimming, sunbathing, and water-sports. If you are looking for something more secluded, Tanjung Piayu Beach is the perfect spot, tucked away in the far southeastern corner of the island with just a few beach huts and casual seafood restaurants for company.

The snorkeling around Batam is absolutely spectacular, and it's worth strapping on fins and a mask and sticking your head underwater to explore the amazing submarine world that lies just offshore. While there are huge shoals of vivid tropical fish and amazing coral reefs almost everywhere, the best snorkeling can be found off Abang, a small island just a short boat ride away from Batam. There are plenty of boats and tour operators who can take you across, and a day spent snorkeling and swimming in the calm waters is exceptional.

Batam is also an excellent place for water-sports fans, with an array of adrenaline-pumping activities to enjoy. At almost every beach, you'll find operators offering a combination of parasailing, jetskiing, windsurfing, and banana boat rides, as well as other options like kite surfing and bodyboarding. A particularly excellent place to visit for water-sports is the neighboring island of Bintan, which is less developed and a little more exposed, particularly on the east coast.

Beyond the beaches, Batam boasts an array of fabulous shopping opportunities, a rich and vibrant culture, and wonderful historical sites, not to mention the chance to enjoy the best of Indonesian cuisine. Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall is a great place to start, and one of the best places on the island to indulge in retail therapy. Kepri Mall is another fantastic choice for electronics and apparel, while the Golden City Night Market offers a lively, edgy taste of traditional Indonesian handicrafts and food.

Speaking of food, Batam is famous as a haven for foodies. No trip to the island is complete without a meal of nasi padang, either from a street food stall or from one of Batam's excellent restaurants. The Golden Prawn on the waterfront is hugely popular, while the Rezeki Seafood Restaurant is a local favorite. Warung Mak Beng in Nagoya is a charming, family-run spot to try the most traditional local dishes, and it's also well worth tasting grilled corn from a roadside vendor on the iconic Barelang Bridge.

For cultural travelers, Batam is filled with glorious temples that offer a revealing glimpse into the diversity and rich history of Indonesian culture. Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya is one of the largest religious buildings in Indonesia, a stunning vision of traditional Buddhist architecture and modern design. Tua Pek Kong is another fascinating spot, a temple that blends Chinese spirituality with local customs.