A small island of just over 400 square miles, Batam's available activities can fill even the longest itinerary. From water sports to land sports, and from nightclubs to picturesque beaches, travelers seeking beauty and excitement will find both in abundance.

Day 1: Arrive and Relax

Your first day in Batam is the day you let go of the necessity to fill the hours, the day that reminds you of the purpose of your vacation. Spend the day you arrive doing nothing. Order room service or take a nap, but don't make plans.

Day 2: Soak up the Sun

Buy a picnic lunch of fruit, bread and bottled water at a local market, and trek down to the sand. Warm yourself in the sunshine and swim in the ocean. And remember the sunblock; no one wants to spend their vacation in sunburned agony.

Day 3: Do Something Active

Golf courses, parasailing, cycling tours, surf lessons. Choose a daytime activity on land or at sea that will get your heart pumping. Later, continue the trend by dancing the night away at one of Batam's many nightclubs.

Day 4: Explore Waterfront City

Waterfront City, on the western side of the island, offers go-kart racing, a flying fox and a football field, among other tourist-friendly attractions. Go early and take your pick of the area's activities.

Day 5: Take a Day Trip

A half-dozen or more companies offer ferry rides to the other Riau islands, Singapore and other nearby destinations, most for $50US or less for the round-trip. Spend the day visiting one of these other ports. At night, reflect on the day's adventure at one of Batam's hotel wine bars.

Day 6: Wander Aimlessly

By day six, you should be familiar with your hotel's neighborhood. Take a meandering stroll down side streets to observe local architecture. Window shop. Eat at the first place you see after realizing you want lunch. That evening, have a drink in a quiet pub and pack.

Day 7: Relax and Depart

Just as you did when you arrived, the day you leave should see you doing nothing but relaxing. If you prepared your bags and paperwork the previous night, you can spend the hours between checkout and flight lounging by the ocean one final time.

It's possible to pack any given week-long getaway too full, so to counteract the hurried feeling and the stress the vacation is meant alleviate, make space in your plan for lots of downtime. You shouldn't feel as though you need a vacation from your vacation.