Duty-free alcohol, cheap layered cake (kuih lapis), it’s no wonder that Batam is a popular spot for a weekend day trip. As a hub in the Indonesia-Malaysia-Singapore Growth Triangle, you’ll get some of the best prices for branded goods in Batam. Here are some of the malls you may want to visit.
A note on transportation: taxi drivers may act violently if they see you calling a Grab or Gojek at a pickup point for ferry terminals and malls. If you intend on calling a Grab, walk to a place where there are no taxi drivers and minimise the app. As for taxis, only accept a ride if the taxi has a meter and firmly request that it be used during the ride.
Nagoya Hill Shopping Centre
Nagoya Hill Shopping Centre is Batam’s Bugis Junction. People come to Nagoya Hill Shopping Centre for the food stalls and electronics stores. On the first floor, you’ll find a wide selection of food outlets that range from fast food to local restaurants. There’s an A&W on the first floor if you’re craving a refreshing root beer float! As for local food, you can’t go wrong with any of their ayam penyet stalls along the mall’s food street.
Also, consider getting a massage while you’re at Nagoya Hill; we recommend Thai Best and Majesty Spa. Both of which offer great service and Majesty Spa actually provides free pick-ups from the ferry terminals if you make a reservation.
Nearest ferry terminal: Harbour Bay
Grand Batam Shopping Centre
Grand Batam is the new kid on the block. It’s also the only mall that has a UNIQLO or an H&M. You’ll find a plethora of bubble tea stalls and Japanese restaurants here. The arcade on the top floor is also worth visiting (it’s huge!). Locals prefer Grand Batam to Nagoya Hill due to its wider selection of branded outlets.
Nearest ferry terminal: Harbour Bay
Nagoya Citywalk
Nagoya Citywalk is the mall that’s the most family-friendly. There are amusement rides for children on the top floor, some of which include a merry-go-round and a small kayaking course for toddlers. That aside, head to Nagoya Citywalk for food and clothes. If you’re clothes shopping, go to Sunboss for a wide selection of affordable, trendy clothes. For food, we recommend Bebek Tepi Sawah for good Indonesian dishes.
Nearest ferry terminal: Harbour Bay
Kepri Mall
Kepri Mall is a bit further away from both ferry terminals and you’ll find that it isn’t as busy as the other malls. However, there are a few golf courses nearby which makes it a popular stop for golfers. Clothing stores and spas are mostly on the second floor and you’ll find a Miniso on the first floor. Movie tickets are also quite cheap and can cost about SGD4.
Nearest ferry terminal: Batam Centre
Mega Mall Batam Centre
Mega Mall is integrated with the Batam Centre ferry point. It’s also near the Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in Batam. Most people coming from Batam Centre spend the entire day here without venturing too far from the mall apart from visiting the nearby seafood restaurants. You’ll find no shortage of food options here, especially large chains like KFC and Baskin Robbins.
Nearby ferry terminal: Batam Centre
BCS Mall
BCS Mall is where you can stock up on layered cakes. Take your pick among the many layered cake shops or simple head to Lamoist for the most popular option. There’s also a huge food court within walking distance that serves up great seafood and other local dishes. It’s also near Grand Batam so it's possible to “mall-hop”.
Nearby ferry terminal: Harbour Bay
Diamond City Mall
This is the mall that’s more catered to the locals. There are furniture shops and carpet stores on the top floor that are worth looking at. Most of the clothing stores are also more traditionally oriented so don't expect to find too many big fashion stores here. If you’re looking for a baju kurung, Diamond City Mall is the place you want to be. Also, the stuff here might be cheaper than the larger malls.
Nearby ferry terminal: Harbour Bay
BayFront Shopping Centre (connected to the terminal)
BayFront is directly connected to Harbour Bay Ferry Terminal so it’s pretty convenient. You might think that it would be the equivalent of Johor’s City Square that’s always busy, but that isn’t really the case. It’s actually a bit quiet and most visitors tend to skip it for another mall like Nagoya Hill. It’s great for buying a sim card and last-minute layered cake. There’s also Excelso Cafe which has civet coffee (kopi luwak) if that’s something you’d like to try.
Nearest ferry terminal: Harbour Bay
