Belakang Padang Island: Batam's Hidden Gem and Its Local Kampung Life

Belakang Padang is a small island off the west coast of Batam that you can only reach by boat from Sekupang, about 15 to 20 minutes away. There are almost no cars here, people get around by becak, and the old coffee shops are busy every morning. Few travellers put it on their itinerary, yet people in Sekupang call it their favourite place to unwind.

What Is Belakang Padang?

Belakang Padang is a district of Batam City that sits between Batam and Singapore, with around 55 smaller islands around it. It was the seat of local government before Batam grew into a city. Today it is a quiet coastal kampung, home to Malay, Minang, Javanese and Chinese families. Locals call it Pulau Penawar Rindu, the island that soothes longing hearts, from an old saying that anyone who visits will always want to come back.

Its past is still easy to spot. The island's immigration office opened before Batam had one of its own, and the old shophouses around the jetty are still used for trade. Many residents work in Batam and commute by boat every day, so the jetty is always lively in the morning.

Why Is Belakang Padang Called a Hidden Gem?

• Almost no cars: people walk, ride a becak or hop on an ojek (motorbike taxi). The becak here is not a tourist attraction but everyday transport.
• A kampung that is still lived in: old shophouses, wooden stilt houses over the water and neighbours who greet each other by name. This kind of village life is hard to find in big cities now.
• Old coffee shops at old prices: breakfast of prata and teh tarik at places like Kopi Ameng is a daily ritual for locals.
• Traditions that live on: gasing (top spinning), silat and traditional dance are still performed, especially during celebrations.

How Do You Get to Belakang Padang?

Belakang Padang has no bridge and no airport. The only way there is by boat pancung, a small wooden boat with an outboard motor, from Pelabuhan Rakyat Sekupang, the local jetty next to Sekupang Ferry Terminal. Boats arrive at the Sekanak Raya jetty. Since both places are part of Batam City, there are no immigration checks.

*Fares can change. USD amounts assume about Rp18,000 to USD 1.

Regular boats leave once they are full, usually with about 13 passengers. Buy your ticket at the counter near the jetty. On the way, the boat weaves between large ships and small islands, and the canvas roof keeps off the worst of the sun. When you arrive, becak riders and ojek drivers are usually waiting at the jetty.

What Can You Do in Belakang Padang?

• Have breakfast at a coffee shop: try roti prata, mee rebus, nasi lemak and teh tarik. Kopi Ameng is also known for its martabak and coffee. Mornings have the best choice.
• Ride a becak around the island: fares run from about USD 1.11 for short trips to USD 3.33 for a full island loop. It is the easiest way to see the kampung, market and waterfront in one go.
• Climb Bukit Jepang: a small hill with views of the sea, passing ships and the surrounding islands. It is only a few minutes by ojek from the town centre.
• Walk through the stilt-house kampung: the most photogenic spot on the island. Remember, these are people's homes.
• Relax at the beach: Pantai Pasir Putih has calm water for swimming and kayak rental, with entry at about USD 0.28. Pantai Sulaiman is quieter, with cafés facing the sea.
• Visit Vihara Dharma Bakti and Masjid At-Taqwa: two old places of worship that are island landmarks. The temple is at its liveliest during Chinese New Year and Chap Goh Mei, with lion dances and fireworks.
• Try local seafood: assam pedas fish, sotong hitam (squid in black ink) and grilled fish at local stalls.
• Visit the Lang-lang Laut night market: it opens after sunset near the jetty, with satay, soup and local snacks.

Can You Visit the Islands Around Belakang Padang?

Yes. Belakang Padang is the shopping hub for the small islands around it, where many families still live by fishing. On islands like Pulau Sarang, stilt houses are linked by wooden walkways, relatives live next door to each other, and generator power only runs at night. In the afternoon, people fish from their sampan. At night they go squid hunting, and the day's catch is cooked into assam pedas at home.

The Malay dialect here is close to the one once spoken on Singapore's southern islands, and some Orang Laut descendants from Singapore come to these islands to trace their family roots.

Do You Need to Stay Overnight in Belakang Padang?

No. There are very few places to stay on the island, only a couple of small hotels and simple homestays. Most visitors go back to Sekupang the same day.

Staying in Sekupang makes the trip easy. In Tanjung Pinggir, about 7 minutes from Sekupang port, KTM Resort is a hotel sekupang with wooden villas by the sea. You can head out in the morning and be back before the afternoon.

If you would rather not arrange the boat yourself, KTM Resort also runs its own trips to the island:

• Belakang Padang Island Tour: a short boat ride and a becak tour through the kampung, about USD 13.89 per person
• Island Hop and Seafood Lunch: the becak tour plus a seafood lunch at a kelong, a floating restaurant, about USD 27.78 per person
• Jet Ski Belakang Padang Tour: a 90-minute ride to the island and back, about USD 50 per jet ski

What Can You Do After Visiting Belakang Padang?

Relax at the Resort

KTM Resort has activities such as kayaking, jet skiing, a water playground, zip lining, rock climbing, paintball, spa treatments and yoga, followed by dinner by the sea at sunset.

Explore Other Hidden Gems in Sekupang

Taman Wisata Habibie 1000 Tangga, about 20 minutes from KTM Resort, is named after BJ Habibie, Indonesia's third president, who once lived in the area. Hundreds of steps lead down to the shore, and its treehouse is a favourite spot to wait for the sunset.

Hutan Telaga Biru in Tiban, about 25 minutes from KTM Resort, offers a 1 to 2 hour trek through the protected Sei Ladi forest. The trail passes old trees and a small river before reaching a lake with blue-tinted water. Go in the morning, when it is cooler.

Go Shopping in Nagoya

Batam's city centre is about 30 minutes by car from KTM Resort. It has Nagoya Hill Mall and rows of food stalls that come alive at night.

What Should You Bring to Belakang Padang?

• Small rupiah notes: boats, becak rides and coffee shops are all cash only. Change money in Batam before you cross.
• A waterproof bag: the boats are small and open, so expect some sea spray.
• A hat, sunscreen and water: the boat ride and walking around the island can get hot.
• Modest clothing: cover your shoulders and knees when visiting the kampung, temple and mosque.
• A plan for getting back: regular boats are busiest around midday. If you stay for the night market, budget for a charter boat home.
• A translation app: locals speak Malay and English is limited. Halal food is easy to find.
• Photo etiquette: ask before taking photos of residents, especially children.