4 Activities for First-time Travelers in Batam, Indonesia

Batam is the fastest-growing tourist destination in Indonesia in terms of arriving travelers. In the famous Batam Center, hotel and accommodation places abound with visitors from all over the world. The shopping malls in Nagoya, meanwhile, reveal bargain prices and luxury items to those who know how to look. The island's famous beaches also attract a good number of people who want to experience total rejuvenation before returning to the daily grind. Truly, a visit to Batam presents regular visitors with a lot of diversions while first-time tourists are sure to lose themselves in a flurry of exciting and relaxing activities.

So, if it's your first time in the island, you can try the following time-tested activities that let you sample Batam's best offerings.

1. Sightseeing

Aside from the glitter and glamor of Batam's many shopping malls, fine beaches, and charming hotels, exploring the island's many cultural destinations has its own rewards. One of the places you can head to is Mesjid Raya or Grand Mosque where pilgrims gather before they depart for Mecca. The biggest Buddhist temple in Asia, Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya, should also be in your itinerary. Another wonder for the eyes is Balerang Bridge, which features a chain of 6 types of bridges.

2. Shopping Sprees

Nagoya, the main town of Batam, Indonesia, is home to the island's largest mall, Nagoya Hill. Here, one can find imported goods sold at a low price. A destination for the fashion-forward traveler, many clothing items can be bought here at a very cheap price. Once your bargaining skills and weary legs demand a sacrifice of food, you can take a rest outside the shopping complex and sample the local dishes served at the eateries.

3. Enjoy the Beach

Take your pick from the numerous water sports activities that you can take part in on your holiday in Batam. With 2,400 islands in the province, you'll never run out of places where you can go jet skiing, water skiing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, parasailing, and snorkeling. If you wish to go beyond the surface, so to speak, Batam features a thriving underwater environment. The island also has numerous shipwrecks that continuously pique the curiosity of divers.

4. Cheap massage

After a day of running around and taking pictures, it's time to reward yourself with a trip to the spa. You can look for ones that offer a foot bath, body scrub, body mask, or hydrotherapy bath in an inclusive package to save money. Some hotels in Batam Center, like The BCC Hotel & Residence, have their own spas so you can enjoy this relaxing treat without leaving your accommodation.