End Year Party The People of Batam City in Batam ISland

Last night became a nice moment when end year party was celebrate by Batam city government. Thousands people of Batam Island crowd almost all over the way to Batam Centre. Most of them go by motorcylcle or car themself or also by taxi.
" Kembang Api Party " is always celebrate every end year in Batam Centre. But now there is option between Batam Centre or Ocarina wich also celebrate end year party.

Still Batam Centre is the most choice because in Ocarina people have to spend money to entrance in Ocarina location, but in Batam centre is free of charge.


Like last year celebration government of Batam City always invite jakarta actris and singer. This year is KDI artist turn to show in people of Batam.
There is Nassar, Gita, and Maya KDI and cooperate with A Mild Live Concert show.

When the count down time is start..... treeett...treeettt...teeeeeeeeedddddd.........

Happy New Year...... Happy New Year...... Happy New Year..... surround location came so very-very crowd.
At about 3000 thousands kembang api there.... in Batam Island

Mega Wisata OCARINA

Now Batam have " Fantasy Wolrd " like Jakarta one, Its named OCARINA.
From the grand opening by Desembre 28, 2008 last week. Thousand people crowd here. It's realy-realy fantastic event.

Ocarina named from China's music traditional instrument made from bamboo.
As Director Coastarina said, as a music instrument Ocarina will fly Batam City name around the world of tourisme.
The opening of Ocarina is like the dream come true... for batam civilians willing to have other choice of vacation in Batam Island.

Photoshot take from " Kampong Indonesia " one of food corner located near Ocarina gate.
Many games you find here : water game, Giant Wheel, Sky Runner, Banana boat, jestsky, water bike, Roller ball, Water ball and many other games service.

For kids, there is kiddy Land. Need only 5000 Rupiahs to entrance.

So... It's good time to go to Batam Island.....

Hypermart Nagoya Hill

Nagoya Hill, one of the newest shopping mall in Batam.
Here you can go for shopping to Hypermart beside in Batam Centre one.

i Hotel Batam

i Hotel specializes in providing corporate venues for business travelers in town for meetings, conferences, or seminars. Two (2) meeting rooms equipped with the necessary facilities, as well as a ballroom with a capacity of 1,000 persons, are readily available for business guests to utilize.
This charming new hotel also understands the need for relaxation after a busy day at work. That is why i Hotel Batam has provided a wide array of leisure and entertainment choices for guests to choose from. Taking a dip at the swimming pool, savoring the delicious food at the hotel’s two restaurants, or singing a tune or two at the karaoke lounge can be welcome distractions for business guests.

All of our Passenger Lifts and Service Lift are all fitted with fire retardant cables, which enable them to work during emergencies. Our centralized fire system and CCTV, meanwhile, will ensure that you have a comfortable stay with us.

Additional Facilities

• Spa
• Gym
• Sports bar
• Coffee house (open 24 hours)
• Two lounges
• Wireless hotspots in the lobby and all F& B outlets
• Ample parking space (100 parking slots)

Services Offered

• Concierge
• 24-hour security
• Complimentary parking
• Aerobics classes
• 24-hour room service
• Monthly “Thank You” party for long-staying guests

Harris Resort

Harris Resort Batam, Indonesia is only 40 minutes from Singapore by ferry. Harris Batam is perfect for holidays with children or business purposes.

Address: Waterfront City, Batam 29422, Indonesia

Come an visit right now....!!!


Facilities :
Children

• Dino's Kids Club (indoor & outdoor)
• Games on the beach
• Children's Pool
• Bicycle Tours
• Video Games
• Harris Nanny (NEW!)

Watersports
• Giant free form Swimming Pool
• Giant Jacuzzi
• Jetski
• Banana Boat
• Cable Ski
• Parasailing

Outdoor Activities
• Table Tennis
• Go-Carting
• Golf nearby
• ULM - Parasailing
• Volley-ball
• Stretching on the beach

Indoor Activities
• SPA with 26 treatments
• Reflexology
• Traditional Massage
• Fitness Centre
• Squash Courts
• 10-Lane Bowling Alley
• Video Arcade
• Billiards

Batam View Beach Resort

The premier resort hotel with the largest grounds totalling 10 hectares in Batam, the resort is designed to maximise on its exclusive hilltop location and private beach facilities.

Located at Nongsa, Batam Island, Batam View Beach Resort is 35 mins by ferry from Singapore and is hotspot for many families and corporate clients that are looking for an affordable getaway. The resort hotel is houses a Swimming Pool, Private Beach, Sea Sport Center, Spa Facilities, and a stone's throw away, access to various golf courses such as Indah Puri, Tering Bay, Palm Spring, and South Link.

Karaoke And TV Rooms

List of Karaoke and TV rooms to enjoy your night in Batam :

Angrek	Komp Bumi Ayu Lestari Blok F/45	Tel : 426 944
Astronout	Komp Sri Jaya Abadi B/1 No.11	Tel : 456 804
Alishan	Permosa Hotel	Tel : 453 140
Aloha	Holiday Hotel	Tel : 458 345
Barong	Puri Garden Hotel	Tel : 458 888
BO-VO KTV Nite Club	Komp Tg Pantun Blok D/5	Tel : 424 217
Crow	Komp Mercu Lautan Indah Blok E/4	Tel : 457 305
Dinasty 99	Komp Cipta Utam No 8	Tel : 455 757
Dinasty International	Komp Wira Mustika Blok E/4	Tel : 456 951
Eka Putra	Patam	Tel : 322 799
Five O	Harmoni Hotel	Tel : 459 308
Grand Oscar	Komp Nayoga Squuare A/51	Tel : 454 552
Hawaii	Harmoni Hotel Blok F/7	Tel : 432 759
Horizon	Winsor Central Blok D/5	Tel : 422 217
Holly Sentosa	Sentosa Hotel	Tel : 425 345
Horizona Karaoke	Horizona Hotel	Tel : 457 111
Miyabi	Mandarin Regency Hotel	Tel : 426 888
Maxim	Jl Sriwijaya, Pelita	Tel : 424 839
New Mega	Komp Singrila, Sekupang	Tel : 322 079
Nostalgia	Sahid Reshinta Hotel	Telp : 455 888
Orchid	Hotel Singa	Tel : 451 919
Planet	Jaya Holiday Hotel Jodoh	Tel : 421 595
Pelita	Hotel Pelita	Tel : 450 615
Queen Bee's	Komp Lucky Permai No 51-52	Tel : 423 553
Rio Rita	Komp Bumi Indah Blok 1/47	Tel : 457 718
Terminal 2000	Komp JKP Blok B/26 Nayoga	Tel : 421 259
Rose Garden	Kolektra Hotel	Tel : 426 279
Sky	Bumi Nusantara Hotel	Tel : 424 444
Sensasi	Komp Wisata Hotel No 2	Tel : 455 259
Temptation	Royal Eastrn Hotel	Tel : 452 777
Titanic	Oasis Hotel	Tel : 427 711
Tampico Karaoke	Novotel Hotel	Tel : 425 555
Top Ten	Hill Top Hotel	Tel : 322 482

Restaurant in Batam

PIZZA HUT
Jl. Raden Patah
Phone 0778-332565


BIZ CAFÉ & STEAK
Komp. Graha Mas Blk.A,No.11
Phone 0778-464888


BUNDA KANDUNG
Jl. Sei Harapan BI D/13
Phone 0778-321451


GOLDEN PRAWN 555
Jl. Bengkong Laut
Phone 0778-411138


JAPANESE
Wisma BIC
Phone 0778-611644


KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN
Jl. Raden Patah Baloi
Phone 0778-457224


RESTO KEDIRI
Jl. Engku Putri Batam Centre
Phone 0778-456777

MAK ATEH
Komp. Inti Sakti BI H1
Phone 0778-457808


MARTABAK HAR
Komp. Bumi Indah BI X
Phone 0778-458369


MC DONALD BATAM
Jl. Imam Bonjol
Phone 0778-454089


MIMUMIKU Spinach Nodel & Baso
Komp. Penuin Centre Blok F No.6
Batam


MIMUMIKU Spinach Nodel & Baso
Komp. Ruko STC Mall No.18
Sei Harapan - Batam


NEW CITY
Komp. Inti Sakti BI B/2
Phone 0778-457451


DAPUR SAWARGI Khas SUNDA
Komp. Carnaval Mall (Area Parkir)
Batam Centre - Batam


PONDOK BATAM KURING
Jl. Prambanan Bukit Senyum
Phone 0778-456652


RM. SEDERHANA
Komp. Centrak Blok B No.1
Phone 0778-426002


PAPARONS
Komp. Palm Spring
Phone 0778-467926


A&W
Mega Mall Lt.1
Phone 0778


NEW SANGRILA
Komp. Bcs Plaza Lt.3
Phone 0778


RM. ISTIMEWA
Komp. Hup Seng Blk.A No.5-8
Phone 0778-467740


RM. ISTIMEWA
Komp. Nagoya City Centre Blk.E/8-9
Phone 0778-421264


PUTI BUNGSU
Komp. Nagoya Garden 1
Phone 0778-457960


AYAM PENYET RIA
Komp. Nagoya City Centre BI D/I
Phone 0778-423213


MAK IJAH Khas Melayu
Komp. Ruko Pantai Permata Blok A/8
Phone 0778-722866


A ONE
Komp. Bukit Mas Nagoya
Phone 0778-426583


BIMA MANDIRI
Komp. Wijay Kusuma Blok H No.1
Phone 0778-322847


O K E
Komp. Nagoya Permai
Phone 0778-425643


O K I
Komp. Sriwijaya Abadi
Phone 0778-425644


MIRA BARU
Jl. Imam Bonjol Nagoya
Phone 0778-456907


NAGOYA BARU
Komp. Pasar Nagoya Baru
Phone 0778-452252


PENUIN
Komp. Penuin Centre Blk.F No.2-3
Phone 0778-425288


SATU DELAPAN
Jl. Pembangunan
Phone 0778-455012


SINDO HAPPY
Komp. Windsor Nagoya
Phone 0778-424146


WINDSOR FOOD COURT
Komp. Windsor Nagoya
Phone 0778

Relax And Fresh With Spa And Massage

Batam Spa service at Tempat Senang offers a variety of spa treatments that are most unique. Our 3 hour spa package will not only help stressed bodies unwind and relax, but energize and re-balance the mind and soul as well. The minute you step into Tempat Senang the calming begins. The rich Balinese architecture and the lush green gardens are as unique as the treatment themselves. Our 100% natural products are in keeping with our philosophy: "Nothing should go on the outside of the body that can't go on the inside".

Our signature body scrub is the "Cinnamon Body scrub". The cinnamon helps heat up the muscles and prepares you for a more relaxing massage. Depending on your preference of massage strength our experienced spa professionals will adjust the massage strength to your liking.
Whether you come for the day or treat yourself to an overnight stay your visit with us will be a memorable one. See our packages for midweek promotions.

At Tempat Senang we have 2 types of treatment rooms all depending on your preference:
Our Bali Spa Room will instantly make you feel like you have arrived in Bali. The design is cool and dark with lots of natural stone work. The lighting is subdued to help you instantly unwind and relax. Designed for couples it is equipped with AC, shower, facial chair, foot bath and a pro massage table.

Our Open-Air Spa Room (see view) for singles or couples, overlooks the Indah Puri Landscape. You can privately enjoy the outdoors, and feel the breeze caress your skin. Listen to birds chirping and take in the fresh air.
All spa treatments are 100% natural and are designed to sooth and relax. Please visit: www.batambestspa.com for more information.

Many Massage Centre in Batam you can stay for relaxation :

ATALANTA
Komplek Citra Permai Blok B No.8
Jodoh - Batam

PAS
Komplek Nagoya City Blok J
Nagoya - Batam

SAWADIKA
Komplek TOP 100 Blok C No.7 - Nagoya
Phone 0778-450616


BLUE MOON
Komplek Harmoni Nagoya
Batam

CITRA SEHAT
Komplek Rizki Mas Batam Centre
Phone 0778-472115

NATURAL SPA
Komplek Top View Garden
Phone 0778-431888

Here we go... when you going to Batam...?

Traditional Dance

Wellcome To Batam Island.....

There are folk arts and games handed down from generation to generation attractive and impressive to watch in Batam as Malayan Heritages, such as : Kompang, Rebana, Zapin Dance, Joget, Lukah Gila, Joget Dangkung, Jogi Dance, Gyro Bowl, Congkak Jong, Mak Yong Sampan Kolek Theatre, Traditional Sonnets, Poetry, Gurindam reading and so on. All those artistic and impressive attractions will give a distinctive color in the efforts to develop as well as the Temptation of the tourism itself.

Exs Camp Vietnam

War leaving mystery, like event of happened in north Vietnam and Vietnam Selatan. War always generates grief. Rekonsilation between Negara like agreement happened in Paris on 23 Januaries 1973, in this agreement studied conflict happened in Saigon ( struggling between Vietnam Utara and Vietnam Selatan ). This thing causes history of transfer of resident Vietnam, they is run from its(the state to look for safe place and far from its(the state. Transfer of a real resident many this looks for place like Guam, Philipina or direct to America. World hardly pays attention to Vietnam from time to time, during 3 year no news about their transfer. Equimomental happened in Indonesia on 22 Mays 1975 around 24 man of meanses in Indonesia, precisely in Kepulauan Riau. Where there is 45000 evacuates disseminates in Kepulauan Riau as of area case Tanjung Unggat, Aqua regia and Bintan Timur and ends in the year 1978 . Some Asian States is East gets surprise because refugee Vietnam enters Negara merekaPara this war refugee evacuates from their nesara Saigon, which that moment is being mastered by state other.


Read More here :

Barelang Bridge

" Batam is located in a really strategic area namely Singapore Strait which has been a crowded and lively shipping traffic in the word. Therefore, Indonesia Government sees Batam, in fact, could be developed as an industrial area which plays important role in national economic life in general."

In reality, the Batam development in fantastic. It is shown by the business and economic progress in this area, which eventually experiences limited space.

Futher, by the decree of the Batam Authority , about the development of the new area approaching the Batam Island, is organized a team to prepare the regional design and space development of Rempang Island and Galang Island Industrial area, and a team to build 6 bridges to connect the Batam Island and the Tonton Island (Bridge 1), Tonton – Nipah (Bridge 2), Nipah –Setokok (Bridge 3), Setokok-Rempang (Bridge 4), Rempang-Galang (Bridge 5), and Galang – Galang Baru (Bridge 6). By the chairmen of Batam authority at that time, Mr. Ismet Abdullah the six bridges is announced to be honored in accordance with the names of the Riau Kings (before) and Kepri (now). Then appear several names, Tengku Fisabilillah for bridge 1 in Tonton Island, Nara Singa for bridge 2 in Nipah island, Raja Ali Haji for bridge 3 in setokok iusland, Sultan Zainal Abidin for bridge 4 in Rempang island, Tuanku Tambusai for bridge 5 in Galang island and bridge 6 connecting New Galang island will be mentioned as Raja Kecik.

View of The Kings Bridge :

Go Shopping

As we already told you before, shopping is one of the factors visitors came to Batam. The whole island is a duty free zone, making the prices become relatively low. The shopping scene may not be as good as in Singapore or Hong Kong, because the two islands has transformed into a mega metropolitan city. Batam however, seems rather like the two islands back in the old days, where everything was a lot unsophisticated.

Shopping Malls
Shopping malls available mostly in the larger part of Batam like Nagoya, Waterfront City and Batam Centre. And the selection is quite many. The DC Mall, Lucky Plaza, Centre Point, Batam Centre Mall, Robinson & Ramayana, Megamall (Hypermart) and the newly built BCS Mall is some of the places you could visit. There is also the Ralph Lauren shop which comes with extremely low prices. The items are all genuine, because it is an authorized outlet of Ralph Lauren. You can bargain in many of those shopping places above, so bargaining skill wil be very useful although language will often be a challenge.

Arts and Crafts
You may also want to check out the galleries and local decorating or souvenir shops. You may encounter some fabulous arts and crafts at bargain prices. Items like paintings, wood carvings, pottery, etchings and intricately fashioned jewellery from many part of Indonesia could be found in these shops. The quality is nonetheless excellent.

Duty Free goods
Because of the duty free zone, electronic items like cameras and cellular phones are very much cheap. But you may find it difficult to pass the Customs at the Immigration if you carried out bigger electronic appliances. Other mostly demanded items in Batam are clothing, perfumes, leather goods and confectionaries.

www.batam.com

Water Sports

Island getaways are very much connected with beaches and Batam have beaches for every needs. For those looking for some water sports activities may come to Nongsa coast and the Waterfront City.

Staying at one of the resorts would be an even better idea. For those who would like a less crowded beach could go to Melur Beach in Galang Island. The beach has been developed for tourism since 2000, but still looks a bit underdeveloped. An even more secluded beach can be found in Rempang Island, the Sembulang Beach.


Water sports facilities can mainly be found on resorts throughout Batam. Most of them are accessible not only for the guests, but also to the public. That means you don’t have to be the guest of a resort to enjoy the facility offered. There is a wide variety of available water sports activities at your disposal, including:

* Jet skiing
* Cable skiing
* Banana boat
* Parasailing
* Sailing
* Speed boating
* Wind surfing
* Wakeboarding
* Kayaking
* Canoeing
* Fishing
* Snorkelling
* Diving.

Visitors may find these facilities in these following resorts:

Batam View Beach Resort
Jl Hang Lekir, Nongsa
Tel.761 746
Fax. 761 747

Nongsa Point Marina Hotel
Jl Hong Lekui Nongsa
Tel. 761 333
Fax. 761 474

Pura Jaya Beach Resort
Jl Hong Lekui Nongsa
Tel. 761 435
Fax. 761 438

Turi Beach Resort
Jl Hong Lekui Nongsa
Tel. 761 080
Fax. 761 043

Harris Resort Marina
Waterfront City
Tel. 381 888
Fax. 381 142

Holiday Inn Hotel
Marina Waterfront City
Tel. 381 333
Fax. 381 332

Source :
www.batam.com

Actifity You Can Get

Sport and Leisure
On the shore, there are also lots of activities to do. And the facilities mostly are also provided by the resorts. For those with huge demand for sporting, there are tennis court, squash court, basketball court, billiard tables and a gymnasium ready to use. For the ladies who would like to find a leisure Spa, the Turi Beach Resort can provide it, with an extra therapeutic and cosmetic treatment ready at your service. Reflexology and tradiotional massages are also available.
Action Adventure
If you’re finding an acticvity with more action, you could try:

Go-karting
One package will give you 2 races, with 12 minutes to spend on each race.

Paintball
Paintball arena is also available. One game will require 8 people, and is a great activity for those higly energized people, because there are lots of running, shouting, rivalry and teamwork in the game. For the even more adventurous tourist, they should try an

Ultra-light aircraft joy flight
You can take the joy flight from the nearby Batam Flying club, seeing a great view from the aircraft will be an experience that will last. For the kids there are water amusement park in Batam Centre, and most resorts have their own video game arcades.

Batam offers you a complete range of activity not only in the water, but on the ground as well. Great activities at a very reasonable price. A trully great place to spend your holidays.

www.batam.com

Temple And Monument

As Batam was merely a fishing villages some 30 years ago, we cannot expect it to have great old monuments, artefacts or museums as places with hundreds or even thousnds of years of history. But we could find some newly built monuments with great charisma within the island.

Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya
The Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Buddhist temple at Batam Centre is one of the example of those great modern day monuments. It’s massive and beautiful figure surely amazes people who are viewing it. The building was opened in 1999 and still undergone some development. It is regarded as one of the biggest temple ever built in South Asia.

The temple was built by the Chinese Community in Batam, which the concept was said to be revealed in a series of visions received by the leaders. Now, thousands of Buddhists from all over Indonesia and within the region come to Batam to visit the temple, pray and study in it. The temple itself is open to the public and visitors are warmly welcomed. Another temple worth visiting is the Toa Pek Kong Chinese Temple in Nagoya.

Dewi Kuong Im Monument
There is another Buddhist monument taking place in Batam, the Dewi Kuong Im monument, the Buddhist goddess of prosperity. However, the monument is said to be controversial, as it overlooks the ocean where across the ocean there is Singapore, giving an expression that the monument is built to give Singapore the prosperity by te goddes, but not to Batam. The statue itself also have some problems with the local authorities, because it stands 26 metres and that means it is higher than the Garuda Nusantara Monument in Hang Nadim International Airport. But nonetheless, it is a breathtaking monument worth visiting.

Another strikingly beautiful place of worship is the Mosque that takes pride of place by the waterfront at Batam Centre. However, all Mosques are not open to non-Muslim visitors.

www.batam.com

Mausoleum Temenggung

Mausoleum Temenggung Abdul Jamal located in Pulau Bulang Lintang Kecamatan Bulang, a Pulau is residing in side south Pulau Batam. Island broadly can only be gone through through transportation of sea that is Pancung (machine boat) with travelled distance + 20 minutes from port Sagulung Batu Aji.


Temenggung Abdul Jamal is one of Temenggung during empire Riau - Lingga - Johor. Beside this mausoleum there is also some other mausoleums estimated is its the family mausoleum. One of them is Makam Raja Maimunah, its the wife.

According to local public, he has position as Bendahara. One of reference is written about Pulau Bulang is Dutch Contract with Sultan Sulaiman Badrul Alam Syah (contract met den Sulthan van Lingga, Riouw end Orderhoorigheden dd 1 December 1857 (From Malay Sultanate Johor - Riau to Colossus Malay Sultanate–Riau, 1993 : hal:122 ) in enclosure section 24 this Perjanjian is completion from agreement of date of 10 Novembers 1784 and date of 29 Octobers 1830.

In this agreement marked soil;land;ground – soil;land;ground or daerah/pulau becoming Colossus Malay Sultanate area – Riau as included in enclosure section 2, and daerah/tanah-tanah becoming power area of the Government of Dutch Indies which included in enclosure section 24. in enclosure section 2 is mentioned Colossus Malay Sultanate area Riau covers :

1. Colossus Island and vinicity islands up to Selat Abang.
- Islands eastside door strait.
- Islands westside Island Temian.
- Islands westside strait Semboyo.
2. Islands along the length of going abroad Sumatra island, eastside and strait west Durai.
3. Islands westside strait Riau and eastside strait Durai, side south Singapore and northside strait Abang.
- Islands in strait Bulang
- Islands in strait Tinung
4. Island Bntan and Islands that is almost Island Bintan.
5. Islands Anambas below(under rich man Jemaje.
6. Island Anambas under by Prince As of pestle.
7. Islands Natuna Besar thereunder rich man Bunguran.
8. Islands Natuna northside under by rich man Pulau Laut.
9. Islands Natuna under rich man Subi.
10.Island – island Serasan under by Rich Man Serasan.
11.Islands Tambelan thereunder Petinggi Tambelan.
12.Soil;land;grounds in Pulau Sumatera part eastside (National Archive, 1970:117-126) In enclosure section 24 is called as residing in island under power of goverment direct of Dutch Indies like :
1. Islands westside strait Riau and eastside Durai from finite Singapore of Selat Abang.
2. Islands side Band.
3. Islands in Strait Tiung.
4. Bintan with its(the taklukan ( National Archive, 1970:138-140)

Religious Corner

CULTURAL & RELIGIOUS TOURISM
In Batam there are many places with the potential of cultural tourism destinations such as Kampung Jabi Tourism Object, Vietnam Refugees Camp, Setokok Village, Duta Maetreya Vihara, Cetya Tri Darma Pagoda as well as the Ancient Burial Yard such the Japanese Cemetery, Temenggung Abdul Jamal’s Tomb and so on. In Sekupang there are three tombs namely the tomb of Syech Abdul Karim, the tomb of Syech Mohammad Abu Bakar and the tomb of Siti Hajjah Hawa. They were Moslems, the followers of the Tarikhat Nafsabandyah School derived from the Syari’at, Tarikhat, Hakekat and Ma’rifat.

RELIGIOUS CENTER
Barelang is blessed with magnificent Malay culture with the majority of Islam religion but freedom of worship is guaranteed for other religions as we can find many places of worship for any religions in the islands

MASJID RAYA BATAM
Masjid Raya Batam or Batam Great Mosque is located in Batam Centre, 100 meters to west of Batam Municipality Office. It is the biggest mosque in Riau Archipelagos Province. Batam is one of the pilgrimage centre embarkations which providing pilgrim accommodation before departed to Mecca located in Batam Centre next to Batam Great Mosque. As the biggest mosque in Batam it is also the centre of the Moslem religious affairs for instance Batam Amil Zakat, Majelis Ulama Indonesia, Institution of Medicine, Food and Cosmetic Research, Batam Moslem Associations Forum, Centre of The Al-Quran Recitation and Library.

CHURCH
Church as a fellowship (Communion) which is a safety sacrament for all human beings in the world. You would find a lot of Churches in Batam, especially for the Protestant Christian. As to fulfill your religious activity also provided the English service worship where you can find at Penuin and Jodoh.

MAHA VIHARA DUTA MAITREYA
In 1986, The President of International Great Dao, His Holiness Great Master Gao Shan Yu Ren, arrived in Batam to deliver The Dharma of Conscience awakening. He stated that Batam was a Lotus island, a Treasure Island on November 2nd, 1991. The opening ceremony of the first phase of the project was held on January 23rd, 1999. It is located at Sungai Panas and takes 8 minutes by taxi from Batam Centre Ferry Terminal.

Culture and Religious Tourism

Even if Batam is multi-ethnic it is still the Malayan culture and Islam which forms the root of the local culture. Both daily life and the ceremonies have religious and mythical elements, expressed in dance, music and other forms of art. Some of the most popular traditional dances are Jogi Dance, unique for Batam, Zapin Dance, which reflects strong Arabic influence, Persembahan Dance, to welcome honored guests and Ronggeng Dance, where the guests can be invited to come up and join the dance and song.

This small Indonesian island city is just 45 minutes by ferry from Singapore, and is the second most popular destination in Indonesia for international tourists. Famed for its nightlife and youthful vibe, Batam is also rich in cultural and religious attractions. The wide range of sites to explore includes Kampung Jabi Tourism Object, the Vietnam Refugees Camp, Setokok Village , Duta Maetreya Vihara, Cetya Tri Darma Pagoda as well the Japanese Cemetery – an ancient burial yard – and Tumenggung Abdul Jamal's Tomb.

DO You Know Batam?

Do You Know Batam?

The history of Batam is tightly interwoven with nearby Bintan island and the rest of the Riau archipelago. According to Chinese chronicles Batam was already inhabited as early as 231 A.D. when Singapore island was still called Pulau Ujung (Ujung Island). It came under control of the Malacca kingdom from the 13th century, and later taken over by the Sultan of Johor who ruled until the 18th century. The coastal villages that face Singapore is said to have been a hideout for pirates who hijacked ships in the strait.

In 1824 the name of the island again appear in the Treaty of London which led to the division of the region between the Dutch and the British. Batam and the surrounding islands later became part of the Riau Lingga Kingdom, a situation that lasted until 1911, when the Dutch East Indies colonial administration took over.
The People

Close to Sekupang, a large part of the population still make their living from fishing and sea transport.The native people of Batam are of Malay origin, but with the rapid growth and development of the area various ethnic groups from all over Indonesia has come here in search for jobs and a better life. Traditionally most of the people live in coastal villages, while the "Orang Laut" (sea people) continue to live on boathouses and boats and generally fish for a living. Some of their catch are sold to Singapore. Bahasa Indonesia is the language used to communicate among the multi-ethnic population here, while many now also understand English, which is commonly used in business communication.

Batam Island

Batam is one of the largest islands in the Riau archipelago, and not long ago it was just another poor island with coastal villages and unspoiled nature. The declaration of the Batam free trade zone in 1989 has turned the island upside down, after just a few years of rapid construction it now has a modern airport, tourist and business centers and a still growing infrastructure that has changed the island completely.

It is no secret that nearby Singapore is the role model, and the goal is eventually to become one of the biggest ports of Southeast Asia and a major center of international trade, industry and commerce. The strategic location close to the Malacca Strait and Singapore will certainly help reaching this goal, but like the rest of Indonesia the economy and development here was dealt a major blow during and after the Asia economic crisis in the late 1990's.

Batam is actually one of fastest growing tourist destinations in Indonesia in terms of visitor arrivals. There are several tourist resorts here with luxurious hotels and golf courses. Many visitors however choose to use Batam only as an entry point, it is only 40 minutes from Singapore with boat, and then leave with the first available transport to other destinations in Indonesia.