Healing and Serenity: Discover Batam's Top 7 Healing Spots
Rest and rejuvenation are essential to leading a healthy and productive life. That’s why it’s important to take a break in a place that soothes both the mind and body. One of these places is Batam, an Indonesian island just 90 minutes from Johor Bahru.
Batam is part of the Riau Archipelago, and it offers visitors a quiet respite from the usual hustle and bustle of city life.
In recent years, the term ‘healing’ has come into common use to mean moments where one can rejuvenate or ‘heal’ from the demands of life. We’re highlighting some of the best healing spots in Batam for you to restore your mind and body.
1. Delta Spa and Health Club
The Delta Spa and Health Club is located inside Nagoya Mall, near downtown Batam. Visitors who have come here speak highly of the spa’s friendly staff and quality service. Most come here for a relaxing massage. However, you can also enjoy other treatments and experiences here, such as a mud therapy, cold pool, stone therapy and a steam sauna.
The spa is family-friendly, and offers a cozy atmosphere where you can relax. They even provide buffet meals if you’re feeling hungry yet don’t want to leave.
Photo Source: wodavilla.com/gallery
2. Woda Villa & Spa
There’s nothing like a good massage and spa to rejuvenate and refresh tired souls. That’s why our first two healing spots in Batam are relaxing spas. Woda Villa is one such idyllic destination that offers contemporary villas built over the water, with each unit featuring its own private pool.
Guests can also experience Woda’s luxury spa. Choose from Balinese aromatic massages, or a Lava Lulur skin exfoliating treatment. Also available are various spa treatments including a chocolate spa, aromatic express spa and green tea spa.
3. Sembulang Beach
Sembulang beach is located on the eastern side of Rempang island, an hour’s drive from Batam city centre. If you’re looking for a beach that’s much quieter and not as crowded, Sembuland beach is the answer. As the beach is pretty far from the city, it is also much cleaner and offers the perfect spot if you want to relax and unwind without the usual crowd of tourists.
The only thing you’ll have to be prepared for is a lack of toilet facilities and petrol stations nearby. Therefore, preparing and doing the necessary before you leave is the best as the journey here will take you through several lonely, rural roads.
Photo Source: pantaipedia.com/pantai-elyora
4. Elyora Beach
Batam’s neighbouring islands are full of great beaches where you can find the space you need to decompress, and Elyora beach is one of the most beautiful ones. Located on the southern tip of Galang Baru island, this beach boasts crystal clear waters and fine white sand with views that will take your breath away.
Although it is the farthest beach from Batam City Centre, the beauty of Elyora makes your effort to travel here worth every minute. This peaceful beach is famous among campers, so you can pack a tent and stay overnight to really experience the beach to its fullest.
5. Barelang Bridge
There are several bridges that connect the main Batam island to its neighbouring Rempang and Galang islands. Collectively, they’re known as the Barelang Bridges. You can stop at any one of them for some impressive views and photography opportunities.
The Barelang bridges are particularly impressive during sunset. Soothe yourself in the warm and comforting colours enveloping you as the sun goes down over the horizon. You can reach the Bareland bridges either by rented car or motorcycles, which are reasonably prices in Batam town.
Photo Source: beritaibukota.com/pulau-mubut
6. Pulau Mubut Darat
A short boat ride from the Eastern coast of Rempang island will land you on the small island of Pulau Mubut Darat. Each trip costs about IDR50,000 (~MYR 15) and you can spend the day lounging around to your heart’s content.
The views here are extraordinary, with coconut palms, a white sandy beach and clear blue waters all around. Shaded huts are available for resting and picnicking. It’s also advisable to arrive here in the morning, as the late afternoon spells low tides with less watery areas to enjoy.
7. Sekupang Ponds Park
This calming and relaxing garden can be found near Batam’s city centre. There’s a small entrance fee of IDR10,000 (MYR 3) charged to visitors. You are then free to explore the park at your own pace. At the centre of the park is a large pond filled with water lilies and fish.
Visitors are allowed to buy fish food to feed the fish, as well as hold picnics. If you would like to escape the heat, avoid coming in the late mornings to late afternoons. The park allows you to soak in Batam’s healing atmosphere as you spend time close to nature.
Tips for a Relaxing and Healing Holiday in Batam
Batam in general has a very laid back and unhurried atmosphere, which is ideal for those looking for a relaxing holiday. There are some ways you can plan for a slower vacation and ensure you come back refreshed.
Firstly, it helps not to schedule too many activities into one day or have a packed schedule. Give yourself space to return to your lodgings and rest. At most, aim to visit only one or two destinations per day.
Secondly, take time to be mindful when you visit an attraction here. Mindfulness will help your mind rest and relax much easier. You can practise mindfulness by being aware and observant of your surroundings and being present in the moment, rather than thinking about your problems or planning for the future.
Fortunately for Malaysians, visiting Batam is easy and convenient. You can book a ferry ticket to Batam from Berjaya Waterfront Ferry Terminal in Johor Bahru. It only takes an hour and a half to travel to the island and you have the option for a flexible return date, anytime within 3 months of your arrival to Batam.