5 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE HARBOUR BAY TERMINAL
Holidays are coming. You are coming to Batam. But which ferry terminal should be your entry point?
There are 5 entry points to Batam by sea. You can read more here. But this is my favorite gateway to Batam Island if you are coming by sea. And I would suggest this to be your entry point especially if this is your FIRST TIME to Batam! WHY??? (Note: I will update this post later on with more links and appropriate pictures. Meanwhile, I hope these little info can help you on your Batam Trip)
1. Harbour Bay is the CLOSEST ferry terminal to NAGOYA area in Batam.
Wow, wait a minute, what is so special about Nagoya? I dare say, Nagoya still remains the most popular area to be for tourists. This is where the most visited mall located; Nagoya Hill Mall. Nagoya is where many food and beverages could be found, especially old school local legends. You could find plenty of massage joints; including all the better ones. Street food are plenty. Hotels are everywhere; from budget to luxury. And so on. I will probably talk about malls later on in separate blogs
2. The Horizon Ferry fleet is new, clean, and kinda luxurious
I usually seat in the Economy class on its 1st level. For an additional of $8 per pax, you can upgrade to Business class and seat on the 2nd level. In the Business class, you could access the lounge but the main benefit for me is you get to DISEMBARK FIRST from the ferry! This will guarantee you to stay ahead of your peers in the same ferry. And if let’s say there is another ferry just reaching Harbour Front Terminal in Singapore, that little difference could mean 30-60 mins of queue time in Singapore Immigration. Oh yeah, they also have a private VIP room where you can book for
3. Distance to Singapore is only 45 mins by ferry
Yes, I don’t like to sit too long on ferries! So the shorter the better. If you are going through Batam Center Ferry Terminal, distance between Batam and Singapore is about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Of course, there are other terminals like Sekupang and Nongsapura which requires slightly lesser time. But taking other factors into accounts, this is probably the best timing for Tourists!
4. Immigration Queue Time is shorter here
At most, you are fighting with one ferry full of passengers in Immigration queue because there are only a few ferry operators running through here
5. Good Location
There are 5 hotels in Harbour Bay alone. More than 10 Restaurants/Cafe/Coffee Shops ranging from Indonesian, Chinese, to Italian cuisine. A few entertainment spots. A rather big grocery supermarket and some mini marts. All are within 5 mins walking distance from the ferry terminal
Hotels:
I would suggest Swiss-Belhotel if you like to stay in class and Zest Hotel if you are looking for a more affordable yet stylish option
Food:
Now I can talk all day in this regard but let me just say this, my favorite Chicken Rice stall in Batam is here. One of my favorite chill out spot is also in this area, Pounce Cafe. Then there is Jumbo Thai Restaurant too and many more!
Entertainment:
Watch new blockbuster movies at Blitz Megaplex. Check the movie schedule here. If you love to club, go to Titanium. Both are located inside Harbour Bay Mall.
Shopping:
There are very limited shoppings around but hey, they have POLO and POLO RALPH LAUREN. That’s enough for you tourists right?? hahaha.. Seriously, what are the differences? You can google that but both are authentic and legit. POLO is obviously cheaper.
Hi! Do you have a contact fir reliable car rental with driver? I really appreciate your help
Yes. Contact Mr Yeo at hp +62 812 7785433
Hi. Did u utilised the recommended driver? I wanted to find one too
Contact Mr. Dodi : +62 852 72266466
You can catch him through WhatsApp as well.
Hi just wondering if visitors from visa free countries like Australia can enter Indonesia from Harbour Bay
Yes you can. I am Japanese and entered from there.
Hi, just want to ask how much will it cost us for a half day tour in Batam using grab rent? Thank you.
Where are the other shopping centres around harbour Bay
Why do so few ferry go to harbour bay? Is it due to high tax/surcharge?
Hi, Can I have full information in details about Batam tour form Bali? How can I visit to there please let me know about processing?