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Getting Around Batam, Indonesia

Globetrotter

21 Apr 2023 - 4 min read

Batam is a popular tourist destination located near Singapore, with many visitors annually. It spans an area of approximately 1,597 square kilometers and is also a business hub, where travelers often stop before heading to nearby countries. The island is also a duty-free shopping haven for brand-name goods.

Before visiting, it's important to familiarize yourself with the layout to avoid getting lost and make the most of your trip. During your vacation, you can easily access the island's amenities via public transportation such as buses, taxis, and car rentals.

Also read: Itinerary & Budget: 4D 3N in Singapore

Transportation Recommendations in Batam

1. Trans Batam

Photos are for illustration only

Pros: Trans Batam bus is the main public transportation in Batam, covering all areas with 8 bus corridors. It operates from 06:00-20:00 WIB and has 23 stops located close to various tourist spots in Batam.

Fares: Fares are affordable at IDR 2,000 for students and IDR 4,000 for the public, payable in cash or non-cash.

Tips: Find your route and corridors to your destination before boarding. Check the bus stops or online for information.

2. Angkot (Carry)

Source: Shutterstock @akhmaddody

Pros: Angkot, or Carry, as it is referred to by the locals, is the most popular mode of public transportation in Batam, with each vehicle accommodating 8-10 passengers. Passengers can get on and off at any point along the route, without predetermined stops.

Routes: Two angkot lines run in Batam: Muka Kuning to Bekong (through Batam Center) and Muka Kuning to Batu Aji.

Fares: Fares for carry in Batam are distance-dependent, with short trips costing approximately IDR 2,000 per person. Cash is the only accepted form of payment.

Tips: Ask the driver for directions and bring the exact change for your ticket.

3. Bimbar

Pros: Bimbar is similar to angkot, but with bigger vehicles that can accommodate up to 16 passengers.

Routes: There are three routes to choose from: blue bimbar (route from Jl Dapur 12 Sagulung to Nagoya via Batam Centre), red bimbar (route from Jl Dapur 12 to Nagoya via Sukajadi), and pink bimbar (route from Jodoh to Nongsa via Batam Centre).

Fares: Fares vary from IDR 5,000 to IDR 15,000 per person, depending on the route.

Tips: Make sure to board the correct bimbar for your destination. Ask the driver for help if you're unsure.

4. Becak

Pros: Becak are a unique mode of transportation in Batam's history, commonly found in public areas. They are convenient for visiting nearby attractions.

Fares: Prices are based on distance and negotiable. Short-distane trips cost roughly IDR 10,000.

Tips: Negotiate a fair price with the driver before departing.

5. Becak Motor (Bentor)

Source: Shutterstock @Sony+Herdiana

Pros: Motorbike tricycles, known as becak motor (bentor), are easily accessible in Batam for city and tourist travel. Bentor's broad seat provides more comfort than a pedicab.

Fares: The cost of your ride is determined by the distance you need to travel. Generally, shorter trips will cost you no more than IDR 10,000 to IDR 15,000.

Tips: You can negotiate directly with the driver to agree on a reasonable price.

6. Damri Bus

Source: Shutterstock @Tania0378

Routes: The Damri bus service offers two main routes from Batam Airport. Route 1 starts at Jodoh, while Route 2 begins at Batu Aji. Each of the six buses can accommodate up to 22 passengers.

Fares: One-way tickets cost IDR 15,000, and only cash payments are accepted.

Tips: Wait at designated stop and check bus departure times. Arrive early to avoid missing scheduled departure.

7. Car Rental

Pros: While Batam is walkable, having a rental car offers even more freedom and flexibility during your trip. If you're planning a trip to Batam, it's highly recommended that you rent a car through Traveloka to get around the city with ease. You can choose between chauffeured and self-drive options, and reserve a car ahead of time from a wide selection.

How to rent a car: To rent a car through Traveloka, simply install the app on your device and select the "Car Rental" option. From there, you can choose your rental date and set the location to "Batam". If you prefer a driver, be sure to select that option when renting.

Tips: It's best to reserve your car rental in advance to ensure that your preferred model is available, and to take advantage of possible price reductions. With Traveloka, you can relax knowing that your car will be taken care of during your stay in Batam. So don't hesitate, reserve your rental car today!

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