5 Things Malaysians Say About Batam That Show They’ve Never Been to Batam
Photo Source : @UiHua Cheah
Mention Batam to a Malaysian, and you’ll usually get one of three reactions:
“Oh, that place ah? Nothing to do wan.”
“You go to Batam once enough already.”
“Go Bali better”
But here’s the thing… most opinions about Batam are based on uneven comparisons, friend-of-a-friend stories, or hearsay from someone who last went when BlackBerry was still a thing.
So let’s clear the air. Here are five common myths Malaysians believe about Batam, and how much truth there actually is in them.
Myth #1: “Batam is boring. It’s only for seafood and massages.”
Photo Source : @UiHua Cheah
This is probably the most common Batam stereotype - and the most outdated one.
While Batam still is the place for cheap fresh seafood and massages, it’s also got:
And this is related to our next myth…
Myth #2: “Visiting Batam once is enough. It will always be the same”
Photo source: THE ILLUSION BATAM, via Facebook
While the pace is indeed slower in Batam, it’s far from being a sleepy township. Batam is actually in the middle of a resort and retail development boom that’s opening up entirely new avenues for tourism.
The latest must-visit area is Golden City, which is a new hub for trendy lifestyle outlets and high-end housing developments. In the Golden City is Gold Coast Bengkong, where you’ll find premier beachside experiences such as clubs, cafes, and independent retail stores.
In fact, if your last trip to Batam was a year ago, you can now choose to arrive at the new Gold Coast Bengkong International Ferry Terminal that puts you right in the middle of the action once you walk out the door!
Myth #3 “Batam is not safe”
Photo Source : @UiHua Cheah
There’s a perception that Batam is a no-man’s land where crime runs rampant on the streets. In reality, it’s no different from any other city - it’s not zero crime, but it’s also not inherently unsafe.
Myth #4: “Batam is only for Singaporeans”
Photo Source : @UiHua Cheah
This one feels true, mostly because Singaporeans already recognise Batam as a good short-haul escape. Ask a Grab driver or hotel staff who they see most often, and chances are they’ll say Singaporeans.
In reality, Malaysians are not that rare. In November 2024, Malaysians accounted for 26.44% of tourist arrivals in Batam, compared to 52.31% of Singaporean tourists. But more to the point - it doesn’t really make much of a difference.
Yes, some businesses in Batam are clearly Singapore-facing, like seafood restaurants serving Singapore chilli crab. But, culturally and gastronomically, Malaysians and Singaporeans are similar enough that you won’t feel out of place at all.
If anything, we have a slight advantage: language. Bahasa Indonesia feels far more familiar to us, making everyday interactions much easier.
Myth #5: “Batam is cheap”
Photo Source : @UiHua Cheah
YES. 100% true.
Batam is super affordable for Malaysians, and it’s possible to have a full-fledged holiday for a fraction of the price compared to Bali or Phuket.
Batam’s reputation for massages and fresh seafood is established for a reason - you can get an hour-long massage for as low as RM30, or a fresh seafood meal for one person at the same price. To keep it short, whether it’s batik, dining by the beach, or experiencing live jazz over cocktails at a Santorini-inspired restaurant - prices are much more affordable than you think.
In fact, prices in Batam are so good that they’re seeing a rise in “grocery tourism”, where tourists would specially make the trip with empty suitcases and return with bags of groceries.
What’s not a myth? Quick, convenient travel to Batam with Berjaya Waterfront
Photo Source : @UiHua Cheah
Batam isn’t “cheap” because it’s low quality or because it’s boring. It’s because your ringgit stretches further so that you can do more, even on a budget.
One of the biggest reasons Batam works so well as a short getaway is how easy it is to get there. No long planning, no flights, no complicated itineraries. Just a comfortable ferry ride, and you’re across in about 90 minutes.
From Berjaya Waterfront, Batam becomes the kind of destination you don’t need to “save for” or overthink. It’s close enough for a weekend, flexible enough for a quick reset, and affordable enough that you don’t feel guilty enjoying it.
So, the best way to dispel myths? Hop on a ferry and see it for yourself.