* price updated daily, fares can change at any time, Search for exact date for last updated flight prices
Batam
Time zone in Batam is : GMT+07:00
Batam is one of the largest islands in the Riau archipelago. Like many islands in the region, it was once an underdeveloped island, but after the declaration of free trade in 1989, the island was completely converted into a tourist destination and business district, in a very short time frame. Its strategic location close to the Malacca Strait and Singapore has made Batam one of the biggest ports of Southeast Asia and a major center of international trade, industry and commerce. Despite its many luxurious hotels, Batam is still considered as a transit destination or entry point to Singapore. On the other hand it\'s a great place to get your hands on affordable electronics.
The once sleepy river port on sungai Siak, has transformed into one of Indonesia’s oil capitals, with all the hustle and bustle of a modern city. Long before today\'s affordable air travel, it served as a transit point for tourists between ferries from Singapore. Following the Americans striking oil back in the 1930\'s, Pekanbaru\'s economy was heavily dependent on oil revenues and now its not uncommon to have a conversation with a Western oil executive, on a business trip when visiting.