Phuket vs Bali vs Batam: Which is the best beach travel destination for you?
Photo Source : @UiHua Cheah
If you’re yearning for a beach holiday that’s out of Malaysia but not too far away, your options will likely be between Phuket, Bali, and Batam.
All three make waves in their own way, but in very different ways - yes, even Bali and Batam, even though they’re both in Indonesia.
So from experience to prices to vibes, here’s how the three the most popular destinations for Malaysian tourists stack up.
Getting there (Tickets, travel time, and visa)
Photo Source : @UiHua Cheah
Phuket - Cheapest and shortest flight
Flight ticket prices will vary but, in general, a return trip to Phuket from KLIA typically costs between RM350 - RM450+. The flight takes an average of 90 minutes, and you’ll only have to fill in a digital arrival card ahead of your arrival.
Bali - Longest flight, higher overall cost
A return flight to Bali from KLIA will cost between RM450 - RM700+ and takes about 3 hours each way. Although Malaysians can travel to Indonesia visa-free, you will still need to fill in an online e-Visa form and a digital arrival card before your flight. Click here for more information on the e-Visa form and the arrival card.
Batam - Cheapest and most flexible travel (by ferry)
Return flight tickets to Batam from KLIA cost between RM350 - RM500+, and takes about 70 minutes each way. But ferries are where Batam has a leg up.
A ferry from Berjaya Waterfront will cost you only RM234 for a return trip, including port charges. Best of all, these prices are fixed, so you don’t need to book your tickets months in advance or search for the best prices. Just like Bali, you’ll need to fill in an online e-Visa form and a digital arrival card before you travel.
Budget and hotels
Private Villa, Bali
Phuket - Budget sweet-spot with wide range of accommodation choices
Phuket has a whole range of accommodation available - from backpacker hostels to 5-star beachfront resorts. Phuket also has non-touristy areas with eateries and cafes that don’t include an “Instagram tax”.
Bali - Easiest to overspend, despite affordable private villas
Bali’s iconic private villas are not as expensive as they look. A resort-style villa with a pool can cost as low as RM250 per night. However, everything else in Bali can be surprisingly pricey. Unless you venture out into the “local” areas, you’ll be paying tourist prices for food and almost everything else.
Batam - Most affordable overall
Accomodation in Batam can range from a RM10 no-frills budget room to a RM1,200-a-night villa with a private beach. On average, expect to spend RM100 - RM250 for a comfortable stay. Batam is also priced for locals, with highlights including fresh seafood and affordable massages. In fact, it’s actually possible to fully experience Batam’s attractions on a budget of RM100 a day.
Activities
Blue Fire Beach Club, Batam. Photo source: Blue Fire Beach Club via Facebook
Phuket - The classic beach holiday
If you write a list common beach holiday activities, you’ll likely end up describing Phuket. And that’s not a bad thing. Phuket has terrific local food, a vibrant nightlife, and daytimes spent deciding between island-hopping or frolicking on the beach.
Popular activities in Phuket:
- Island tours
- Day/Night markets
- Nightlife club/bar-hopping
- Water activities
Bali - Culture with a side of beach
Bali’s beaches are as beautiful as they come, and much better for surfing. However, what makes Bali truly stand out is its unique culture and architecture. Bali’s rich history and Hindu beliefs adorn the landscape, giving it an ethereal blend of spirituality and mystic tranquility.
Popular activities in Bali:
- Wellness (Yoga, spas, retreats)
- Surfing
- Day trips (rice terraces, ATV tours)
- Nightlife club/bar-hopping
Batam - Affordable, Muslim-friendly experiences
While Batam’s beaches may be less well-known, that’s also part of their appeal - they’re generally less crowded and less commercialised. Beyond the coast, Batam offers a more practical, everyday travel experience, where shopping leans towards quality Indonesian goods at local prices, rather than haggling over tourist souvenirs. It is also the most Muslim-friendly of the three.
Popular activities in Batam
- Seafood
- Shopping
- Massages
- Water activities and beachside cafes/clubs
So, which beach destination is best for you?
Photo Source : @UiHua Cheah
Each destination has its own strengths and trade-offs, but in the end, how you travel matters just as much as where you go.
If you’re planning a longer break - clearing annual leave, slowing down, and budgeting a little more - Bali and Phuket are better fits, offering a fuller range of experiences over several days.
But if you’re after a quick, affordable escape that doesn’t require months of planning or expensive flights, Batam stands out as the most practical choice. With convenient ferry connections from Berjaya Waterfront, it’s one of the easiest ways for Malaysians to enjoy an overseas beach getaway… even on a short weekend.