6 Fun Family Adventure Activities In Batam
Did half of 2024 just whizz by and suddenly it’s already the June holidays? Whether you’ve already planned an overseas family vacation or not, it’s the ideal opportunity for even more family adventure together — with an exciting Batam weekend getaway!
You know Batam well: Quick 45-min ferry ride away; cheap movies, massages and seafood dinners. But this Indonesian island destination also happens to be brimming with fun and thrilling experiences for the whole family to enjoy.
From water sports to animal encounters, Batam has something for every young explorer and budding adrenaline seeker. In this article, we’ll introduce you to 6 fantastic adventure activities in Batam that are perfect for families with kids.
So pack your bags, grab your passports, book your travel insurance, and enjoy an amazing Batam weekend getaway with the fam during the school holidays!
4 Important Batam Travel Tips!
- Pick the Right Terminals: If you’ve already decided on your hotel or resort accommodations on Batam, make sure you’re departing from the right ferry terminals. For example, you can get to the Batam Centre Terminal via Harbourfront or Tanah Merah, but if you want to get to Sekupang or Harbour Bay Terminal, then your only option is from Harbourfront; just as you can only get to Nongsa from Tanah Merah.
- Note the Time Difference: Singapore is 1 hour ahead of Batam, Indonesia, so make sure you wind your non-smart watches back and pay extra attention to your Batam departure timings at the end of the trip.
- Hotel Transfers: The easiest way to get from the ferry terminal to your accommodation is to ask your hotel to arrange a transfer. That way, you don’t have to get stuck at the ferry terminal trying to flag down a taxi.
Getting Around: The safest way to get around Batam is to use ride-sharing apps like Grab and Gojek. If you’re travelling with a big family, you can consider booking a private charter.
6 Fantastic Family Adventure Activities in Batam
BELALANG ADVENTURE
Belalang Adventure in Batam is the ultimate destination for families seeking an action-packed outdoor experience. Nestled within the island’s lush, verdant landscapes, Belalang Adventure promises a day filled with heart-racing activities that will leave both children and adults buzzing with excitement.
Imagine soaring through the treetops on a thrilling zip-line, putting your agility and courage to the test with the adventure park’s rope courses and obstacle challenges, or exploring rugged nature trails atop an ATV.
For more grounded excitement, you can also challenge your family members and showcase your exceptional aim with the adventure park’s archery, air rifle and paintball ranges. Younger kids can also get involved with play areas and mini courses specially designed for them.
SEA FOREST ADVENTURE PARK
Sea Forest Adventure Park also features head-rush-inducing zip-lining, aerial rope challenges, as well as archery, shooting and paintball for the whole family.
What sets this expansive park located in Nongsa apart, though, are the water-based challenges it offers. The highlight of the Sea Forest Adventure Park is most certainly the Aqua Adventure Track, a massive floating aqua park with slides, climbing walls, and a giant trampoline right in the middle!
This is where you can really see how the rest of your family is going to fare navigating the intricate obstacle course and floating platforms that will continually test their balance. This course will ultimately challenge everyone’s determination to always get back up when you undoubtedly are going to fall (with a splash)!
You can also hop onto exhilarating watersports galore here, such as banana boats, jet skis, canoeing; or take a mangrove cruise, or head out snorkelling.
Another thing the kids might love to do on land is Bubble Soccer – where, as the name suggests, each player wears a giant bubble to play soccer, making it a gazillion times way more exciting!
RANOH ISLAND
Ranoh Island is another premier adventure destination for families seeking that thrill factor! This secluded island paradise is about an hour and a half away from Batam centre, and offers an array of exhilarating activities amidst pristine natural beauty. Your best bet is to book a tour package with a tour operator that will include hotel transfers, speedboat trips, meals and activities all in one.
You can do all your favourite water sports here such as jet skiing, banana boating, ocean rafting and paddleboarding, but snorkelling in the Riau Archipelago is really the highlight here, with crystal-clear turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs and a kaleidoscope of marine life.
For the craziest thrills of your life, try the Mantaray Flying Fish — where you’re being pulled by a speedboat so fast that you’re literally flying in the air as if you’re riding on a kite; or the Crazy UFO, which spins you around at crazy speeds.
Like Sea Forest, Ranoh Island also features a mega inflatable playground floating in the ocean, boasting multiple slides and a giant trampoline.
Ranoh Island also excels at its land activities, from daredevil obstacle courses and zip-lines through the trees, to the ultimate family beach volleyball challenge.
Because it’s a resort, you can also choose to just relax in a beachside cabana and enjoy the stunning natural surroundings as your little ones build sandcastles on the white sandy beaches dotted by swaying coconut trees.
And in the name of making memories, you can also choose to experience glamping by the sea — a wonderful way to bond as a family sharing new experiences together!
DIRT KARTING
If it’s about satisfying your need for speed, then Gokart at Batam Dirt Karting by FREYA is where you need to be. This 560-metre long dirt rally track promises to thrill both young and old, and complete beginners and advanced drivers alike.
The rugged terrain and expertly designed course provide a challenging yet thrilling experience, with twists, turns and jumps in every lap. This is your chance to unleash your competitive spirit — but whether you want to let your kids win or not might not actually be up to you!
The unique dirt track really sets it apart from traditional karting experiences, as you navigate off-road bumps and curves, and drift through the dirt. But, as the name suggests, you can’t do DIRT karting without getting a little DIRTY. Everyone receives a plastic poncho for their ride, but you sure won’t stay squeaky clean for long!
WATERPARK TOP 100 BATU AJI
What’s a true family summer vacation without plummeting into refreshingly cool water over and over?
Waterpark TOP 100 Batu Aji is just the place to go for some cooling dunks underwater, with a huge variety of slides, pools, and water attractions for kids (and adults) of all ages.
One of the waterpark’s highlights and most thrilling rides is the Super Bowl, where you’re especially spun round and round, as if you were cotton candy being created!
Although some of their more exhilarating slides are for kids 1.2m and over, the waterpark also offers a ton of calmer water experiences for little kids as well.
There are slides at lower heights with gentler slopes, an entire kids’ water playground, and a lazy river where you can just float along. You can even opt to sit under the man-made waterfall and just let any stressful thoughts simply wash away, because you’re on holiday!
PANBIL NATURE RESERVE
“Escape to nature in the heart of the city” is the tagline of Panbil Nature Reserve, and that is exactly what it is.
The biggest draw of the eco park lies in two words: Feeding Zoo. Your kids are going to light up at being able to feed cuddly and furry animals like rabbits and guinea pigs as they scurry around them excitedly.
You can also feed pigeons, parrots, and koi fish, admire peacocks, and if you’re brave enough, interact with snakes and giant lizards. (Make sure you’re fast enough to capture those squeamish faces!)
But this nature reserve goes beyond just feeding animals — take a hike through the forest, or rev up on an ATV and check out the woods at a different speed.
If you’re up for it, a 2-hour hike through nature will take you to the deer sanctuary, where you can experience getting up close and personal with deer — not something many of us can say we’ve done in our lifetime!
If you’re a family with older kids who are used to walking and love being out in nature, then you should definitely check out the more immersive “Premium” hiking package that includes a 3-4 hour hike through the forest and an unforgettable “eco-healing water therapy” experience.
The cliche is true. Time flies, and kids grow up so fast. In a blink of an eye, they’ll be graduating, getting married, and before you know it, you’re a grandparent! This is the time while they’re young to make the most amazing memories, and let them celebrate their childhood in the best ways possible: with Fun, Freedom, and Family!
Remember to also think “Family First” when getting your travel insurance for your Batam trip. With DirectAsia’s value-for-money family travel insurance packages, with 2 adults insured up to 4 kids insured for FREE. Peace of mind for the whole family!