Abang Island, nestled within the southern Riau Islands archipelago, is Batam’s most recommended destination for authentic marine adventure. Known for its clear turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and incredibly vibrant, well-preserved coral reefs, the island is a haven for snorkelers and divers seeking an escape from Batam City’s hustle. Because the island maintains a low tourist footprint, visitors can enjoy the natural, colorful underwater garden teeming with diverse marine life.
Getting There: A Multi-Stage Journey
Reaching Abang Island requires combining a ferry, a land transfer across Batam, and a final boat ride. The total duration can be reliably estimated as follows:
- From Singapore: The first leg is a ferry ride from Singapore (HarbourFront or Tanah Merah) to Batam (e.g., Batam Centre). This journey takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- From Johor Bahru (Malaysia): A direct ferry from Stulang Laut, Johor Bahru to Batam Centre takes around 1.5 hours (90 minutes).
- Batam to Abang Island: From the Batam ferry terminal, a taxi or chartered vehicle is required to drive to the south end of Batam, typically crossing the famous Barelang Bridges (Jembatan 6), which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. The final leg is a short traditional wooden motorboat ride (a bot pompong) from Galang Baru port to Abang Island, lasting approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
The total travel time from your original departure point to the island itself is approximately 3 to 4 hours, making it perfectly suited for a planned full-day trip or an overnight stay in the local guesthouses.
