"Keeweechic's Batam" a Pulau Batam Travel Page by keeweechic

Batam is one of the 3,000 islands of the Riau Archipelago. It is only 20kms from Singapore where you can travel from in only 20 mins by an airconditioned ferry. Over the years Batam, known as the gateway to Indonesia, has developed into a major industrial and tourist area and its population has expanded rapidly from other areas of Indonesia as well as some 2,500 expats now living and working there. While the island is now filled with international standard hotels and resorts, not to mention golf courses and other recreations facilities, you can still find pockets of rural delight which have not been cleared and tranquil spots with white sandy beaches.

Around 88% of Indonesia's population is Muslim, around 10% Christian and 2% Hindu and Buddhist. With the influx of more expats living on Batam, there are more western style bars and restaurants. The small local fishing villages offer fresh seafood to dine on while you sit over lapping waves soaking up the view.

I went to Batam when I first lived in Singapore as a day trip. Then Batam was only just beginning its development boom and there was still an unspoilt feel as we drove around the island. Only now and then could we see the scarring of land for new development purposes. The photos I show are of that one day trip, and today if you go Batam, you will see some major modernisation going on.