Latest News in Batam

Latest News in Batam

Here’s where you can find all the latest news in Batam  for tourists planning a visit.

There’s lots more information available on our Things to See and Do in Batam page.

If you’re currently planning your tip to Batam, take a look at these Batam Vacation Suites.  Far more spacious than hotel rooms, with a better personal service.

There’s options for  spacious vacation suites with 1 – 9 bedrooms,  ideal for singles, couples as well as bespoke Suites for larger groups & families.  Conveniently located in a quiet and safe area, close to malls, restaurants, hawker centers, seafood & spas. 

Multi Entry Visa Relaunched in Batam & Riau Islands

It’s now possible again to obtain a multi entry visa for visitors who need to enter Batam regularly.  Indonesia immigration have relaunched the MEV following its suspension during the pandemic. Currently the multi entry visa option is only available in the Riau Islands as part of a trial which started Nov 22 2023.  This is great news for visitors who use the ferry to visit Batam from Singapore and Johor on a regular basis, as it means they don’t need to buy a Visa on arrival each time. The cost of the MEV is 3 million Rupiah.

Batam Ferry Schedules Updated

Three of the four Batam ferry operators have issued schedule updates. Most start on December 1st ready for the increased number of visitors to Batam at Christmas and new year.  See our dedicated page for more information.

Electronic Visa on Arrival E-VOA Batam

The new E-VOA was launched on 11 November 2022 for arrivals in Bali and Jakarta.  As yet there is no information about when Electronic Visa on Arrival will be available for visitors to Batam.  As soon as we know more we will update you here.

Sekupang Ferry terminal is once again Operational

The ferry terminal at Sekupang has been closed for almost 2 years due to the pandemic.  Majestic Batamfast and Sindo ferries are now operating again to Sekupang from Harbourfront Singapore.

Batam TIIATEX Expo 2022 (EXHIBITION OF TOURISM, INVESTMENT, TRADE, INDUSTRY

November 17 – 20 2022

This is a government sponsored exhibition designed to promote trade and industry as well as tourism in Batam.  The event is being held at Nagoya Hill mall.  This event appears to also incorporate another event called INDONESIA TOURISM & TRADE INVESTMENT EXPO 2022 (BATAM) which then moves on the BCS mall From December 01 -04.  This would be an ideal exhibition to attend for those seeking to develop or start new a business in Batam as there’ll be lots of key players to develop some good business connections.

PHRI Fest

17-20 November 2022

The PHRI fest is taking place at Harbour Bay.  PHRI  (Association of Hotels and Restaurants in Batam) are sponsoring a range of activities during the festival.

You can expect to find funbikes, cosplay, night run, sports & recreation activities like  tai chi, qi gong, line dancing, bodybuilding, martial arts, skateboarding,  Mahjong and Elephant Chess.

In addition there’ll be a special event called a night Run on November 19. Fun Bikes take place on  November 20th.