Batam Island, Indonesia, is an enjoyable city to visit year round, especially since the shopping is all duty free and dirt cheap. You can attend the DC Mall, Batam Centre Mall and the Plaza Mall for designer clothes, international books and electronics for half of what you’d pay back home. If you want local goods, head to the Batam Crafts Market in the city centre.

Here's a look at some of the annual events on Batam Island, to help you plan on when to go.

DECEMBER EVENTS

Parade Budaya Nusantara

One of Batam’s best parades attended by locals and travelers alike, here you can listen to music, buy souvenirs, enjoy the local food and stroll the streets of the city centre. A great hit with children.

Batam Batik Fair

Showcasing an array of Batik artwork, crafts, design, fabric and performances, the annual Batam Batik Fair is a delightful way to spend a day away from the beach and buy gifts to send back home.

Pageant Fair in Batam

A newly created event, the Pageant Fair in Batam features women contestants who discuss the history of factories in Batam. What better way to get a glimpse into Batam history and tradition? Watch the contestants engage in friendly debate while snacking on a delicious chicken wrap.

Batam New Year’s Eve Festival

Just head to the city centre to see Batam’s annual fireworks display. Food and drink will be on sale in the streets, and you can sit at any of the parks, the beach or bring your own chairs.

JANUARY EVENTS

Batam Regatta

Every year the tourism office holds a regatta between Singapore boaters and Batam’s local club at Nongsa Point Mariana. Sailors will love this event! Food and drink available at the marina. Entry is free.

SUMMER EVENTS

Sea Eagle Boat Race

The Sea Eagle Boat Race is another huge and popular event with locals and tourists. Open to both local and international boaters, this is another annual event not worth missing. Boaters and non-boaters will delight in this friendly competition.

FALL EVENTS

Marine Expedition

If you head to Batam in November, don’t miss the famous Marine Expedition. Here you can view ancient Batam nautical displays, ships and tools. You can also read about the first sailors that came into this Indonesian port. A hit with the entire family!