Things to do

 
Video Aerial Batam (sumber: aerial key)

Barelang Bridge

Sumber: Dok. Pribadi
It is said, not yet valid to come to Batam if not see and take pictures at Barelang Bridge. Bridge initiated by B.J. Habibie in 1991 became an icon and landmark Batam. What makes it special? Barelang Bridge consists of six bridges with different architecture. The bridges are then given the name of the king who had ruled at the time of the kingdom of Melayu Riau, including bridge Tengku Fisabilillah (Bridge I), Bridge Narasimha (Bridge II), bridge Raja Ali Haji (Bridges III), the bridge of Sultan Zainal Abidin (bridge IV), Tuanku Tambusai Bridge (Bridge V), and Raja Kecik Bridge (Bridge VI).Barelang name itself is an abbreviation of the island of Batam, Rempang, and Galang. At the beginning of the planning, the bridge is enabled to connect the three big islands, and some small islands that are included in the Riau Islands. B.J. Habibie who was then led Batam as Chairman of Batam Authority (now the Agency for Entrepreneurs Batam) want to make the islands around Batam to grow, given Batam proclaimed as an industrial city.If you want to come here, you should rent a car because the location is very far away, as well as to facilitate mobility. From Hang Nadim International Airport, it only takes about 30 minutes to get to the first bridge. However, if you want to see the entire Bridge Barelang to the 6th bridge then it should prepare more time and energy because it can travel tens of kilometers.

Ex-Camp Vietnam

Sumber: Dok. Pribadi
While you're in the Barelang Bridge area, be sure to drop by at one of the places that used to be a 'home' for Vietnamese refugees seeking refuge. Named Ex-Camp Vietnam, this place is on Galang Island, not far from the 5th bridge Barelang. Because it is considered historic, the local government manages this place as a tourist destination by charging an entrance fee of Rp10,000 per person plus a parking fee of Rp10,000.The establishment of a full-fledged Vietnam Ex-Camp on Galang Island is a collaboration between the Indonesian Government and the United Nations to help Vietnamese people who have experienced civil wars in 1979. Today, some places are already looking to be refurbished, but some spots such as refugee camps, Hospitals, schools, churches, temples, police stations, prisons, even the replica of ships used by the people of Vietnam sailing through the South China Sea to Galang Island in search of shelter, still deliberately left just like the original.

“Welcome to Batam”

Sumber: Dok. Pribadi
If in America there is writing "Hollywood", then in Batam there is the words "Welcome to Batam". Located in Bukit Clara, Batam Center, this big writing became one of the tourist attractions visited by local people and tourists to self-ria. Not far from here, there is the Great Mosque of Batam City and Engku Putri Plains (Batam Town Square) which can be reached by foot.

This paper faces the International Ferry Port Batam Center, so tourists from Singapore, Malaysia and surrounding areas seemed to be welcomed as a visitor. If you want to come here, you do not need to pay anything. Just simply bring a dime for snack snack because there are many traders who sell.

Have fun at Ocarina Park

Sumber: Dok. Pribadi
Still in the area of Batam Center, there is a playground area of 40 hectares located on the beach named Ocarina Park. Simply by paying an entrance fee of Rp10,000 per person and a Rp5,000 parking ticket, I can enjoy the beach atmosphere while looking at the Batam-Singapore or Batam-Johor Bahru ferry boat going back and forth in sight. Yes, do not be surprised. Ocarina Park is located not far from the Port of Ferry International Batam Center.

Once satisfied to play water, I tried to ride giant wheel vehicle (bianglala) by paying a ticket of Rp15.000. From the height of the cistern, I can see the atmosphere around with more satisfaction. He cried again, visitors can feel the foam bath bubbles every weekend afternoon. Hence, one of the tourist attractions in Batam is always crowded to visit.

Beautiful Nongsa Beach

Sumber: Dok. pribadi
Tourist attractions in Batam next is Nongsa Beach. Nongsa is a district famous for its beautiful beaches. From downtown Batam Center, it takes me about 30 minutes to reach Nongsa Beach. Along this coastline, many international hotels and resorts lined up as exciting stays that you can try. However, there are some Nongsa beaches that are part of the traditional village and are cared for independently by the surrounding community. If you want to see the beauty, entrance fee Nongsa Beach only Rp5.000 only.There is an interesting of this Nongsa Beach, which is an island located on the opposite named Pulau Putri. The island is not too large it can be accessed using a beam (wooden motorized ship). There, you can enjoy water tours, such as swimming and snorkeling. The island is even a favorite spot for young people to camp Batam. So, while visiting Nongsa Beach, take a moment to cross for a while to Princess Island.

Relax for a moment at the Thousand Habibie Tourism Park

Still in Sekupang area, I went to Habibie Tangga Thousand Garden Park. Going to this location is not difficult because of the many directions. Do not forget to also, prepare Rp5,000 in cash per person. Just for information, this tourist place was once the residence of B.J. Habibie as the founder and leader of the Batam Authority.

This area is very shady and has many small saung-saung. With its position on the hill, the charm of the sea, the skyscrapers of Singapore, and the vast number of large ships sailing into a soothing view of the eye. While the Thousand Ladder is taken from the location where it has many stairs. If you want to go to the beach, you have to go down some stairs first. However, if not, you can selfie in a tree house built self-help community. If you want a photo here, do not forget to pay Rp2.000 first, yes.

Hunting gadgets and cheap bags in Nagoya

Nagoya Batam

If you hear the word "Nagoya", your mind must be directed to a city in Japan. But now, I do not need all the way to Japan because "Nagoya" is in Batam. Nagoya area actually resembles its Batam China Town. Here, visitors can shop branded handbags, gadgets, perfumes, even electronic devices at low prices. Yes, Batam is a free trade zone area where all goods entering Batam are not taxed in the least.

If you want to shop branded bags and cheap perfume, hundreds of shops in the Nagoya area you can explore one by one. However, if you want to find a gadget, come to the famous Lucky Plaza shopping center as a variety of laptops, smartphones, and cameras cheaply in Batam.

Satisfied eating seafood at Piayu Laut

Piayu Seafood

Who says eating seafood is expensive? In Batam, I am very satisfied to enjoy a variety of good and fresh seafood culinary at a low price. There are many seafood restaurants offering various menus, but Piayu Laut is one of the most famous seafood places in Batam.

Located in the area of Tanjung Piayu, this place to eat stands simply because it is only a wooden stage on the sea like a fisherman's house. But make no mistake, it can be pitted with an expensive seafood restaurant. If you come here, I recommend to try barking, a kind of sea slug that becomes a typical food of Riau Islands.


Well, really exciting recommendations of various tourist attractions in Batam? Hence, take time to have fun in Batam.