What Can RM100 a Day Get You in Batam? (Spoiler: Everything!)
Photo Source : @UiHua Cheah
If you think an overseas holiday is expensive, then you’ve definitely not been told about Batam. For an island destination, it’s one of the most affordable getaways in Southeast Asia.
How affordable? You can enjoy a full-fledged holiday on a budget of just RM100 per day in Batam. And yes, this budget INCLUDES your room stay and transportation!
So let’s start with a basic requirement for any holiday trip…
Accommodation: RM25 per night
Photo sources: Booking.com
If you aren’t fussy, you can get a basic homestay room for as low as RM9 a night. On the other hand, budget hotels typically cost between RM25 - RM40 a night. In either case, many homestays and budget hotels are located in the city centre, which can reduce your transportation costs.
If you’re in a group, consider renting a villa or apartment on Airbnb and splitting the bill. It’s cheaper and more practical than getting multiple hotel rooms.
Photo source: Airbnb
Since this article focuses on solo travel, a RM25 per night hotel room strikes a good balance between cost and comfort.
Budget left: RM75
Transportation: RM10 per day
Photo source: @pointstar.com/gojek
There are 4 main ways you can get around Batam:
- E-hailing motorbike (Gojek)
- E-hailing car (Grab/Maxim)
- Trans Batam bus
- Your two feet (walking)
While most Malaysians are familiar with E-hailing cars, Gojek bikes are a much cheaper option that starts from about RM1 for nearby rides. This is the best option for getting around the city centre - You just have to be comfortable riding pillion.
Many malls and attractions in the city will be within reasonable walking distance as well. For example, Mega Wisata Ocarina and Batam Zoo Paradise and waterpark are right next to each other.
Many locations outside the city centre may be covered by the Trans Batam bus network. While this may require some planning in advance, it will be the cheapest way to travel to further locations like Barelang Bridge.
Click here for our full comparison of transport options in Batam.
If you avoid using E-hailing cars, RM10 should cover your travel costs for the day.
Budget left: RM65
Food: RM15 for 3 local meals
Photo source: Radar Depok
We know what you’re thinking, and this isn’t cold sandwiches or plain white rice and sambal. For RM15 a day, you can have 3 hot meals with meat and vegetables.
You just have to eat like a local, rather than a tourist. Here’s our guide to truly local food in Batam
For instance, a tasty bowl of mie bakso will cost around RM3 while pecel lele (fried catfish with sambal and rice) costs RM3.50. With a simple drink, you may even have some change left over!
Although this isn’t your usual Instagrammable beachside cafe meal, it’s still nutritious, filling, and authentic. Don’t worry though… you can still get that pretty mocktail or coffee. It’s covered under the activities portion of your budget.
Budget left: RM50
Activities: RM50 per day
If you’re looking to get a taste of all the popular attractions in Batam, you’ll need to go to:
- A beach
- A beachside bar or local cafe
- A popular tourist attraction
There are many public beaches in Batam that are free or cost less than RM5 to enter. The closest to the city centre are in Nongsa, on the eastern coast of Batam island. Sekilak beach is free, while Payung Beach costs RM1.30 to enter.
Photo Source: Blue Fire Beach Club via Facebook
Popular bars such as Blue Fire Beach Club with its pink sand beach and Next Level Koffie with its santai vibes require an entrance fee (with complimentary drink). This will set you back between RM10 - RM20. Here’s our list of unique cafes and bars worth visiting.
Meanwhile, local tourist attractions have the most variance in terms of cost. For example, landmarks such as Masjid Cheng Hoo are free but won’t keep you occupied for long. On the other hand, Batam Zoo Paradise and Waterpark costs RM25 but you’ll be kept occupied for hours - especially if you love animals.
Photo Source : @UiHua Cheah
Lastly, your budget actually allows for a massage! Many massage shops offer Happy Hour promotions which can bring the price down to RM30 for a 1-hour full body massage.
Depending on your priorities and length of stay, you’ll have to mix and match your activities in order not to go over budget. As an extra tip, check the locations on Google Maps ahead of time so you can plan your visits by area and save on travel costs.
You may even have extra for souvenirs!
Photo Source : @UiHua Cheah
If you have a few Ringgit left over, stop by at a supermarket for some unique budget-friendly souvenirs.
Grocery items such as sambal pouches or Tolak Angin cost less than RM1 and make memorable (and practical) gifts for friends and family. Here’s our list of grocery items that make unique souvenir gifts.
The final cost to add is the ferry to Batam. At Berjaya Waterfront, an air-conditioned ferry costs about RM230 - RM240 for a return trip, including all Malaysian and Indonesian taxes and surcharges.
Even with this in consideration, you can actually have a 5-night overseas holiday for under RM1,000… only in Batam.
- For more information about Berjaya Waterfront, click here.