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Barelang Bridge - Connecting the Islands and People of Batam

Batam’s beaches may not be as famous as that of Bali’s to the south, but it’s not as pricey. The beauty and fineness of Batam’s sandy beaches even rival that of the latter, with the added advantage of being less crowded.

If you're looking for the perfect place to celebrate Chinese New Year, consider the beautiful Riau Archipelago in Indonesia. Known as Imlek, this event is held by the Chinese communities in its major cities.

When the summer season hits, it comes knocking with a severe case of picture envy over at Instagram. Scrolling through the infinite grid of picture-perfect beaches is one way to beat the heat, show off some skin, and flaunt your ultimate getaway weekend for all to see. However, the art of posing effortlessly for Instagram is not as straightforward as it seems. No matter how right the outfit and backdrop is, however, all your photos can be trashed in an instant if your pose looks unflattering and awkward. To that end, striking the right stance can make or break a picture, which is why we’re here to help you take your best shot with these tips you can pack with you on your way to the beach. With this guide, you’ll be snapping away like your favorite seaside model in no time!

Are you planning to visit the Riau Islands? Located in Indonesia, it is one of the most famous tourist attractions. With over 3,000 islands and islets, it is filled with beautiful nature and stunning cultures. From calming beaches to wonderous jungles to stunning temples, there is so much for you to enjoy and explore. Do you want to know more about the Riau Islands? Keep on reading!

For most people who look forward to their next vacation, they can’t wait to sit back, relax, and have fun. However, some small business owners usually don’t do this. Over 50 percent of these business owners take less than three days worth off during holiday seasons, and almost 70 percent don’t ever stop work. Even at home, their minds run through lists of things to do, never truly taking a break. To those who avoid vacations to keep working, do it for the interest of your business. Read on below to understand why a vacation can help save your business.

Looking to fill your bucket list with beautiful destinations worthy of a visit? Consider Batam of Riau Islands. This beautiful island rests about an hour’s ferry ride away from Singapore. Being Indonesia’s third busiest port, this place offers stunning views of nature and plentiful food for you to indulge. Are you planning a visit soon? Here are a few things to add to your to-do list in Batam.

Family vacations are often fun and exciting, creating stronger connections between you and your children. At their youth, kids go willingly and sometimes drain the parents of energy just by dragging them around everywhere. As the years go by, however, they are no longer the little kids that once were willing to go grow up into teens. To them, spending several days up to weeks on vacation with their parents might seem more than they can handle.

Having a family and becoming a parent is among the most incredible stages in one’s life. Naturally, many things will change, and one of them is the way you spend your holidays. Before you got married and had a child, you might have been traveling with your other half. Things were uncomplicated back then, with both of you able to take care of yourselves and look out for each other. As physically able adults, you probably went for thrilling and exhilarating activities and adventures. Nothing beats going on a holiday with a loved one!

Want a vacation to remember, but only have 24 hours? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Batam island is just the place to be. This beautiful tropical island is located almost 20 kilometers from Singapore. It is just a short ferry ride away from either Singapore or Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The island has become a popular destination not only for Singaporeans and Malaysians but for vacationers all over the world. This is because the place has much to offer — from enchanting beach resorts to adrenaline-fueled outdoor recreational activities. There’s no doubt that you can see and do many things on the island. There’s just too many to mention! It’s impossible to explore every nook and cranny of Batam in a day, but you can do a pretty good job with this guide. Here’s how you can enjoy Batam from sunrise to sunset: Water Exploration: Take the plunge! On top of the Batam adventure list is water exploration. Given that the island has stunning white sandy tropical beaches, you should most definitely take a plunge. Why stop at swimming in the waters and enjoying the sloshing waves? There are also a wide array of water sports and activities that you can try. These include water skiing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, hydro-flying, kayaking, banana boat riding, and a whole lot more. If you prefer something that will allow you to really enjoy the nature of the ocean, you can also try diving, snorkeling, cruising, and fishing. Outdoor Activity: Leisure and pleasure! Next on the list is outdoor activities for both leisure and pleasure. There is a wide range of outdoor activities to choose from, such as rock wall climbing, paintball, Segway, air-soft gun, flying fox, archery, ATV quad bikes, camping, tennis, cycling, trekking, and many more. If you’re a golfer, there are a few excellent golf courses in Batam where you can practice your golf swing and enjoy the greens and the balmy weather! Sightseeing: Lo and behold the great sights! If there’s one thing you can’t miss in Batam, it’s sightseeing. There are just too many places to mention that you have to see and visit. On top of the list is the must-see iconic landmark in Batam — the  Barelang Bridge. This bridge is actually comprised of a chain of six bridges, which is a magnificent piece of architecture known for its spectacular sea views and beautiful sunsets. Another tremendous scenic retreat is the Pa Auk Tawya Vipassana Dhura Hermitage, which is a short distance away from the fourth Barelang Bridge. It is a Buddhist monastery which is a stairway to zen nestled in a hill. Not to mention the unique pyramid-shaped dome of Masjid Raya, the biggest mosque in Batam, and the splendid view of Batam from Jabal Arafah Mosque that are all beautiful splendors to cherish. Food Trip: Taste and drool over! What’s a vacation without mouthwatering food? When it comes to gastronomical treats, the island of Batam boasts of its fresh, sumptuous seafood. A wide variety of seafood offers is said to be the highlight of the local food scene in Batam. There are plenty of restaurants to visit, such as the Batam Barelang Seafood Restaurant, Restaurant Sei Enam Seafood Batam, Golden Prawn, and Rezeki Seafood Restaurant. The culinary options are to die for! To accompany the gourmet specialties, you’ll get to enjoy an ambient sea view in many establishments. Make sure you enjoy at least a few meals in restaurants along the beach so that you can see the magnificent sights. Nightlife: Light up the night! Finally, what better way to enjoy the night in Batam than to have a night out with your buddies? The island of Batam is known for its busy nightlife scene. There are crawl pubs, bars, or clubs to snoop around and hang out in the Nagoya Entertainment District or Waterfront City. You’ll have a fantastic time enjoying the disco, karaoke and live music for a memorable night in Batam. Partying in Batam island is a great way to conclude your 24-hour vacation! Holiday Inn is a world-renowned hotel chain, and we pride ourselves in providing the best accommodation at the most affordable rate. If you’re looking for a hotel in Batam that’s perfect for your weekend getaway, book at Holiday Inn today!