5 Essential Apps to Make Your Batam Trip Easier
Photo Source : @UiHua Cheah
Batam may only be a short ferry ride away from Johor Bahru. But once you step foot on the island, having the right apps on your phone can make your trip smoother and way more enjoyable.
From getting around to managing your money, here are 5 essential apps you should have on your phone before heading to Batam.
1. For getting around Batam: Grab / Gojek / Bluebird / Trans Batam
Photo Source: TribunBatam
If you already have the Grab app installed on your phone, you’re good to go the moment you leave the ferry terminal. The app will automatically adjust to local settings and you’ll be able to book a ride right away.
If you’d like alternatives to car-based e-hailing, here are a few reliable options:
- Gojek: Similar to Grab, but especially competitive for motorbike ridesharing which is cheaper and faster than cars.
- Bluebird: Indonesia’s most reputable taxi company, perfect if you prefer metered taxis over e-hailing.
- Trans Batam: The official app for Batam’s public bus network, providing you with routes, schedules, and fare information.
Download the apps here:
Trans Batam: Android only
2. For payments: Touch n’ Go / GrabPay / any banking app with QR payment
Photo Source: Suara Batam
Thanks to cross-border QR payments, you don’t need to carry stacks of Rupiah to Batam anymore! Most stores and vendors accept digital payments, so you can just scan a QR code instead of fumbling around with unfamiliar-looking banknotes.
All you need is your existing DuitNow-supported payment app such as TnG eWallet, GrabPay, or your local banking app… and you’re ready to make payments conveniently and without fuss.
Just be aware that it’s called QRIS in Indonesia, so asking for QR or DuitNow will get you confused looks. That said, your daily transaction limit still applies, so it’s still a good idea to carry some cash and/or a credit card as a backup
3. For currency conversion: Xe Money Transfer and Converter
Photo Source: Xe.com
Having a dedicated currency converter app will help you avoid mental gymnastics when converting Rupiah to Ringgit.
Xe is the most popular currency conversion service due to its reliability and ease-of-use. On top of that, the app can also save exchange rates for offline use which is handy in areas with poor data connection.
Download the app here:
4. For navigation: Google Maps / Organic Maps
Photo Source : @UiHua Cheah
Of course, Google Maps remains the go-to navigation app, but it relies heavily on a stable data connection to properly work. While offline maps are available, you may soon find that it’s not all that ideal outside of the city centre.
If you’re planning to head deeper into nature, Organic Maps is a highly-praised offline alternative to Google Maps. It uses community-driven data for detailed offline mapping, and is completely free and open-source - a favourite among hikers, bikers, and travellers heading off the beaten path.
Download the app here:
5. For AI-powered trip planning: GuideGeek
Photo Source: Guide Geek
Instead of scrolling through endless blogs or pre-made itineraries, why not try asking an AI travel assistant?
GuideGeek is a free AI assistant that you can text anytime on Whatsapp, Facebook Messenger or Instagram. Here, you can ask it for specific places to go to based on your interests, request alternatives, or even plan out a customized itinerary.
The best part? GuideGeek is not an app. It works right inside your messaging app, like having your own personal tour consultant that’s available 24/7.
Your phone may be your best travel consultant
Photo Source : @UiHua Cheah
Batam is one of the easiest and most affordable holiday destinations for Malaysians, and having these apps on hand makes your holiday experience just that much more enjoyable. With just a few taps, these apps help you solve many of the small hassles that travellers often face.
However, most of these apps will require an active data connection. For that, head over to our guide on staying connected in Batam. Here’s a free tip - Don’t rely on free Wifi.
And of course, you can even use your phone to book ferry tickets to Batam! Simply click here to view schedules and book tickets from Berjaya Waterfront.
With regularly scheduled air-conditioned ferries and a mall with an attached hotel on-site, there’s no wonder that Berjaya Waterfront is a key gateway for travellers to and from Batam.
Even the AI travel assistant says so.
