Batam: The Unlimited Paradise for Water Sport Enthusiasts
Adrenaline junkies who love water sports will be on the lookout for new destinations which can host their favourite activities. Malaysians who love water sports usually look at destinations within the country as they’re highly accessible.
However, there are also excellent water sporting destinations just outside our borders. One of these is Batam, an island about one and a half hours from Stulang Laut, Johor. Batam island is located in the Riau archipelago of islands in Indonesia and enjoys sunny weather for a large majority of the year.
This makes it a great choice if you're into various sports that take place by the beach. The entire island is home to more than 10 beautiful beaches. The most popular of these include Nongsa Beach, Melayu Beach, Ocarina Beach and Viovio Beach.
Why Choose Batam for Water Sports?
Batam Island offers water sports enthusiasts an accessible option, as Batam is just an hour and a half away from Johor Bahru by ferry.
With the presence of Berjaya Waterfront’s ferry terminal in Stulang Laut, you can expect multiple ferries to Batam every day. Furthermore, Berjaya Waterfront allows you to buy tickets online, which assures you of a place on the ferries at your chosen date and time.
As mentioned earlier, Batam enjoys the same sunny weather all year round. This means you’ll be able to travel there at any time of the year rather than having to choose an optimal season to visit.
Batam is a friendly and welcoming place for tourists. You’ll be able to find lodgings easily that fit your needs and budgets, from 5-star resorts to cheerful hostels. Additionally, you can explore the rest of the island’s attractions such as its many temples, historical sites, markets and street food.
What Water Sports Can You Find in Batam?
When it comes to the beaches of Batam, you can expect a variety of exciting activities to try. In many cases, you don’t have to worry about bringing your gear as they’re available for rent.
These are some of the adrenaline-pumping activities you can expect to find in Batam:
Parasailing
If you love a bird’s eye view and the feeling of flying, then Parasailing is for you. Parasailing is a sport where you are attached to a parachute whilst seated and then pulled by a speedboat. This will cause your seat to be airborne, just like a kite.
You can then enjoy the exquisitely breathtaking views of Batam from the sky and the excitement of moving through the air. Those who want to parasail can visit Monkey Beach Hut in Bengkong or Harris Resort Waterfront, among others.
Photo Source: Freepix l @travelarium
Jet Skiing
Jet skis are the aquatic answer to motorcycles. If you like speed, you’ll enjoy riding a jet ski. In Batam, you can find jet skis for one or two people. Some guides can help coach you if this is your first time.
A jet ski ride will give you the same excitement as a high-speed motorcycle ride, with the addition of refreshing sea water splashing in your face. You can visit Batam View Beach Resort in Nongsa to rent a jet ski, among many other beaches.
Banana Boating
Going on a banana boat is a family-friendly and group-friendly activity whereby you ride on a long cylindrical rubber float pulled by a speedboat. Most of the time, the boat will make a curve at the end of the ride so that riders can experience falling into the water.
Safety shouldn’t be a concern as everyone who rides a banana boat must wear life jackets. You can also request the operators not to unseat your group from the float at the end of the ride, especially if you have very young children or those with health concerns.
Photo Source: Freepix l @jcomp
Scuba Diving & Snorkelling
Those who are into diving will love that several diving centres are on the island. Among these are Max’s Dive Centre and PT.wear diving services. Those who are experienced divers can expect to rent the necessary diving gear and have a boat take them out to the best diving sites.
Those who are new to diving can take dive classes and have a guide with them if it's your first time underwater.
The waters around Batam are rich with various marine life and corals which will make your diving even more interesting.
Photo Source: Freepix l @EyeEm
Kayaking and Canoeing
Yet another water sport that’s common in Batam is pedalling on a kayak or Canoe. There are also several other types of pedal boating sports available here. It’s affordable to rent one by the hour and explore the waters around Batam by yourself or with a partner.
Kayaking, canoeing or pedal boating allows you to appreciate the pristine and crystal-clear waters around Batam. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to see small fishes and other marine wildlife in the waters beneath you.
Flyboarding or Hoverboarding
Here’s another water sport that is great for adrenaline junkies. Both flyboarding and hoverboarding fall into a category known as hydroflighting. It involves stepping on a board similar to a skateboard and having water pumped through it to push it up and above the water.
Enjoying this sport does take a little bit of practice. For beginners, you can choose to go flyboarding with an expert guide first before going on your own to get a feel of things. One of the places you can head to for this is Turi Beach Resort in Nongsa.
In Conclusion
Apart from the sports mentioned above, there are plenty of other water activities to enjoy such as knee boarding and ski boarding. Remember to follow all recommended safety protocols whilst participating in these sports.
Additionally, it helps to know how to swim in case you end up in the water. At the end of the day, Batam offers rather comprehensive attractions, so you can still go to a spa to relax and heal after indulging in your favourite water sport. Remember to book your ticket with Berjaya Waterfront much earlier than your travel date to avoid disappointment.