Batam Island

Batam is a small island city in the Riau Archipelago. Ferries are available daily from the World Trade Centre (WTC) (now renamed to Harbourfront MRT) and Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (TMFT). Ferries depart approx. every 40 minutes. It is famous for it's boisterious nightlife and amazingly fast growing economy - a veritable border boom town that has been growing at 30% a year for the past 11 years..

A 24 hour visit is well worth and great value for money - a world class 4 star hotel room goes for only S$50/US$35/£16/€25 per night.

People visit Batam for a number of reasons:

1) To enjoy just being in Indonesia. The locals in Batam a really fun - median age is only 20, so the city's outlook is youthful and optimistic.

2) To enjoy it's famed nightlife. Great pubs, discos, casinos and outdoor food courts.

3) The enjoy Batam and the Riau Island's great outdoors. Many nice daytrip to areas on natural beauty. Do a Google search for "Batam daytrips"

4) As a weekend stopover from one part of the world to another, using Singapore's Changi Airport as a hub. 111