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Batam Potpourri
The charm of Batam
The real charm of Batam is the cultural potpourri that has sprouted from her economic growth as ethnic groups from all over Indonesia settled on the island in search of new opportunities. Fascinating contrast exist between the modern towers that stand alongside traditional street scenes but, in the ensuing chaos of progress, kampung-life carries on virtually undisturbed. Batam is a duty free port and has become a bit of a shopping haven for residents as well as visitors from Singapore.
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What's best about Batam? It's the people. Batam is a cultural blend of every Indonesian ethnic group. This also brings with it the added benefit of a variety of food. Batam is well known for its seafood and there are many places to savour the best of this.
There's an active outdoors scene with many mountainbike and 4WD clubs around the island. The Barelang Highway has garnered some attention even from Singapore cycling clubs.
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Batam has an oft overlooked but colourful history that dates back to as early as 231 A.D when Chinese settlers landed on the island. The region has been ruled by several different nations beginning with the Malacca Kingdom in the 13th century. In the 1800's, the Dutch arrived, then the English. During the Second World War, Batam was occupied by the Japanese hence the name for Batam’s main city of Nagoya.
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One of the greatest hauls in modern day treasure hunting, the Nanking Cargo, was found by Captain Mike Hatcher in the waters just off Batam's coast. The area was a major trading route and the tricky currents have sent many ships to their doom. Where there's smoke there's...
Batam Today
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