Batam One of the largest islands of the Indonesian archipelago, part of the Riau province. Two- thirds the size of Singapore, it used to be home to some 100,000 Orang Laut, a fishing community which relies on the sea for its livelihood, and farmers. Things changed when the Indonesian government earmarked the island for industrial, tourism and trade purposes in the 1970s. It became the support base for the state- owned Pertamina oil company and its offshore oil exploration, and in 1971, a presidential decree designated Batam as an industrial zone. In 1978, Batam was established as a bonded area, and in 1989, it was declared a free- trade zone.

To Singaporeans, Batam is a popular destination for recreation. It is a 35- minute ferry ride from the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal. As a tourist destination, Batam is to Singapore what Macau or Shenzhen is to Hong Kong— a getaway which is both convenient and affordable. There are six international- standard golf courses, large shopping malls, seafood restaurants, two marinas, numerous nightclubs and lounges, hotels and resorts, bowling alleys and seasports facilities. Visitors can also visit the 6- ha Duta Maitreya Buddhist monastery, or the Galang and Rempang islands south of Batam. Linked by a bridge to the main island, they have good beaches and an abundance of marine life.

Photo credit: Singapore Press Holdings/ The New Paper