Travellers from Penang will soon enjoy more convenient access to Batam, Indonesia, with Batik Air scheduled to launch its inaugural direct service between Penang and Batam from tomorrow, Sunday, October 18, 2026.
The new air link is expected to strengthen tourism, business and people-to-people connections between Penang and Batam, one of the key economic, commercial and tourism destinations in Indonesia’s Riau Islands province.
Located about 30 kilometres south of Singapore, Batam is popular with visitors seeking seaside resorts, golf, water sports, shopping, dining and relaxing short getaways. The new direct flight will make travelling between the two destinations more convenient by eliminating the need for connecting flights or alternative ferry arrangements.
According to published flight details, Batik Air flight OD359 will depart Hang Nadim International Airport in Batam at 11.30am local time and arrive at Penang International Airport at 1.55pm Malaysian time. The return service, OD358, is scheduled to depart Penang at 10.10am and arrive in Batam at 10.50am local time. The service is planned to operate three times weekly.
With improved connectivity, visitors from Penang and northern Malaysia will have more opportunities to discover Batam’s resorts, coastal attractions, recreational facilities and hospitality offerings.
Recently, Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai led a delegation to Batam to explore the new opportuities.
Meanwhile, one of the established properties in Batam’s hospitality landscape is Batam View Beach Resort, which offers a range of accommodation and leisure facilities for couples, families, groups and corporate travellers.
The resort features approximately 212 rooms and villas across several categories, including Superior, Deluxe, Deluxe Premium, Executive Suite, One-Bedroom Villa, Two-Bedroom Villa and Three-Bedroom Villa, providing different options for guests travelling alone, as couples or with families and friends.
Among its recreational facilities are an infinity swimming pool by the beach, a garden swimming pool, a jacuzzi, sea sports and land sports activities. Families can also make use of the children’s playground, Kidz Club and Pets Corner, while couples and leisure travellers can enjoy the Lovers Deck and Sunset Observatory.
Their latest product is their Sidjih Wellness Village offering therapy and treatment to refresh the tired traveller.
The resort also features KTV rooms and spaces designed for relaxation and recreation. Its dining and beverage outlets include Wangi Melati, Islander Bar, Pool Bar and Kelong Seafood Sunset Bistro, offering guests several choices for meals, refreshments and sunset dining.
For meetings, conferences, incentives and exhibitions, Batam View Beach Resort also provides seminar and meeting rooms, catering to corporate groups and events.
Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the presence of three golf courses in the vicinity of the resort, adding another attraction for visitors planning a leisure holiday or golf getaway.
Batam View Beach Resort’s General Manager is Anddy Fong, a Penangite hotelier with more than 36 years of hospitality experience.
In an interview published by Penang Hyperlocal, Fong spoke about his experience working in Batam and the resort’s improvements, including upgraded guest rooms, public areas, the lobby, private karaoke rooms, the children’s club, the beachside infinity pool and jacuzzi, and the Kelong seafood outlet.
His hospitality career also included service at several properties in Malaysia, including Bayview Beach Resort, City Bayview, Novotel, Sandy Bay Paradise and Tanjung Bungah Beach Resort.
With its accommodation choices, recreational attractions, dining facilities and meeting spaces, Batam View Beach Resort offers visitors a combination of leisure and event facilities in a tropical island setting.
Beyond Batam View Beach Resort, the island offers a variety of accommodation options, from beachfront villas and family resorts to city hotels suited to shopping trips and business travel.
These include Montigo Resorts Nongsa, Turi Beach Resort, HARRIS Resort Barelang Batam, HARRIS Resort Waterfront Batam, KTM Resort, Holiday Inn Resort Batam, Radisson Golf & Convention Center Batam, Batam Marriott Hotel Harbour Bay, Wyndham Panbil Batam and Aston Batam Hotel & Residence.
Each property offers a different setting and style of stay, allowing travellers to choose according to their interests, preferred location and holiday budget.
With the launch of direct flights from Penang, Batam is poised to become a more accessible option for short holidays, family breaks, golf trips, corporate visits and regional tourism exchanges.
