Belakang Padang (from Batam)
This is a small island just west of Batam, very close to Singapore. It’s a quiet, authentic slice of old Riau life — no resorts, no crowds, just real island living.
🚤 How to Get There
From Batam, go to Pelabuhan Pancung Sekupang (Sekupang Ferry Terminal). From there, take a local wooden boat called a pompong or boat pancung. The ride takes about 15–20 minutes.
Cost: Around Rp 20,000 (about S$1.80)
Frequency: Boats run roughly every 30 minutes, from about 7am to 5–6pm. Sometimes they wait until there are 6 passengers before departing.
📸 Photography Spots
An-Nur Mosque on Pulau Gara — A peaceful, photogenic mosque with beautiful architecture. Worth the short hop from the main island.
Old Batam Village Life — Traditional wooden houses, old shops, and simple fishing villages. Great for street and documentary photography.
Island Hopping & Nature — You can hop to Pulau Gara for nature shots, or take a boat through the mangroves.
Singapore Skyline from Afar — The island is only about 3.3 km from Singapore. From the coast, you can photograph the city skyline across the water.
🛺 Getting Around & Eating
Trishaw (becak) tour — A classic way to see the island. A full loop costs around Rp 60,000. Slow, easy, and great for photos.
Must-try food: Mie Lendir (noodles with thick gravy), Roti Prata, Mee Rebus, and Teh Tarik.
Coffee: Kopi Ameng is a well-known old coffee shop on the island. Good for a break and a few candid shots.
💡 Practical Tips
Bring cash. ATMs are scarce. Withdraw Indonesian Rupiah in Batam before you go. Small notes are best.
Language: English isn’t widely spoken, but locals are friendly. A smile and simple gestures go a long way.
Weather: Sea conditions can change. Bring a light jacket, especially if you’re on the water early or late.
Belakang Padang (from Batam) — A time capsule of old Batam. A 15-minute boat ride from Sekupang takes you to a quiet island with a photogenic mosque, trishaws, and local markets. In the evening, you can even shoot the Singapore skyline from across the water. For photographers who like real life, not resorts.
