AIS Riyadh | Batam Island

Follow along with AIS Riyadh as they visit the beautiful Batam Island off the coast of Indonesia!

February 9^th, 2025

Day 1 - Arrival and Adventure in Batam Island

After a long night of travel, the AISR group touched down at Singapore’s Changi Airport, ready for an exciting Indonesian adventure. Without delay, we boarded a bus to the ferry terminal, where we crossed over to the stunning Batam Island.

Our first stop was Panbil Nature Reserve, where we enjoyed a delicious lunch surrounded by lush greenery. Energised and eager to explore, we embarked on an afternoon of discovery. A guided trek through the rainforest introduced us to the island’s rich ecosystems, where we learned about the diverse flora and fauna that thrive here.

Next, we had the opportunity to immerse ourselves in local culture through a traditional batik workshop. Working alongside local craftspeople, we created our own unique leaf-printing designs, gaining insight into this centuries-old Indonesian craft.

As the day wound down, we checked into our beautiful hotel, Batam View Beach Resort. After dinner we learnt some key phrases in Bahasa, helping us connect more with the local community.

At the end of a day packed with travel, exploration, and hands-on learning, everyone is ready for a well-earned rest before another exciting day ahead!

Day 2 - Building Bonds and Exploring Nature

Our second day began with an engaging team-building session in the grounds of our beautiful hotel, designed to strengthen our communication and teamwork skills. The blindfolded challenges, in particular, provided plenty of laughter as we worked together to complete various tasks, proving that collaboration and trust are key to success.

Following the activities, we had a fantastic and insightful talk on sea turtles, where we learned about their habitats, conservation challenges, and fascinating facts about these remarkable creatures. It was an eye-opening session that deepened our appreciation for marine life and the importance of protecting it.

With our brains full and our teamwork on point, we headed to Nongsa Point for a well-deserved, mouthwatering lunch. The food was amazing, and the views over the harbor were absolutely stunning. It was the perfect way to relax before an afternoon full of activities.

Day 2 - Turtles and Tides

Our afternoon kicked off with an exciting turtle simulation activity, where we got to experience the journey turtles take when they leave the water to lay their eggs. We carefully dug deep nests, buried the eggs safely, and covered them up before making our way back to the sea. Everyone threw themselves into the challenge with amazing enthusiasm, making it a fun and memorable experience.

Next, we had an insightful talk about tides and their impact on our environment. With this knowledge in mind, we set out to explore the intertidal zone, searching for coral, marine creatures, and hidden treasures along the shore.

To round off the day, we had the chance to take part in some beach games, choosing between volleyball, football, or other fun activities in the sand.

After dinner, we ended the evening on a high note by celebrating Yunho’s 16th birthday—a perfect way to wrap up another fantastic day!

Day 3 - A Day at Sea: Sailing into Adventure

Today, the group split into two activity teams, packing even more adventure into the day!

The first group set sail aboard the magnificent Rona yacht, embarking on an unforgettable voyage across the open sea. With the wind in our sails and the horizon stretching endlessly ahead, we worked together to chart our course, read nautical maps, and navigate using key landmarks along the way. Everyone had the chance to take the helm of this historic 130-year-old vessel, gaining hands-on experience in sailing while immersing themselves in life aboard this remarkable yacht.

It was a relaxing and enjoyable day in the sun, with plenty of laughter and teamwork along the way. As the yacht glided through the water, we soaked in the stunning coastal views, making memories that will last a lifetime.

Day 3 - New Skills and Sweet Treats

The second group had an action-packed day filled with learning and hands-on experience. The morning began with an introduction to the fundamentals of sailing, from mastering essential knots to using compasses and charts for navigation. After getting to grips with the basics, it was time to put their new skills to the test, taking control of boats and practicing maneuvering within the harbor.

After a well-earned lunch, the group enjoyed some free time to relax and unwind. Some took a refreshing dip in our hotel’s beautiful pool, while others joined in for beach games under the sun. Later in the afternoon, the adventure continued with a local cooking class, where everyone had the chance to prepare a traditional sweet dessert—learning not just the recipe but also the cultural significance behind it.

As the day wound down, both groups reunited for a delicious evening meal, followed by a lively game of Pictionary, rounding off another fantastic day of exploration, learning, and fun.

Day 4 - Sailing Adventures and Local Flavours

Our fourth day in Indonesia saw the groups swap activities for another exciting day of adventure. One group spent the day aboard the Rona, sailing along the breathtaking coastline of Batam. With the sails full of wind and the open sea stretching out before them, they had the chance to put their skills to the test—helping to steer, adjusting the sails, and experiencing what it’s like to be part of a working crew. Between the effort, there were plenty of moments to relax on deck, take in the incredible views, and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of life at sea.

Meanwhile, the other group spent the morning learning essential sailing skills—tying knots, navigating with a compass, and mastering the basics of handling a boat. After plenty of hands-on practice and a few tangled ropes, everyone walked away with a new appreciation for the technical side of sailing.

After lunch, they had some well-earned free time to enjoy the hotel pool before our Indonesian cooking class. Here they learned how to make bubur sumsum, a creamy coconut rice porridge, and dadar gulung, sweet green pancakes filled with coconut and palm sugar. We were impressed with everyone's culinary skills and we managed to whip up some delicious traditional treats.

As the day wound down, both groups reunited for a relaxed final dinner, a BBQ in the beautiful hotel gardens, where we enjoyed great food and shared highlights from our time in Indonesia. After dinner, we made our way down to the beach for a bonfire and toasted marshmallows. We played games, enjoyed some free time and had great conversations stretching late into the evening. It was the perfect way to wrap up our last night together - a fun and easygoing way to enjoy our last evening by the sea.

Day 5 - Exploring Mangroves and the Art of Batik

Our final day on the Indonesian island of Batam was packed with adventure and learning as we explored the rich ecosystem of the mangroves. We discovered their vital role in coastal protection, their unique growth process, and even had the opportunity to plant our own mangrove saplings—leaving behind a small but meaningful contribution to the environment. Another highlight of the day was trying our hand at batik painting, a traditional Indonesian art form where intricate designs are created on fabric using hot wax and vibrant dyes. This centuries-old craft requires patience and precision, and it was fascinating to see our own designs come to life.

After a final lunch together at the hotel, we boarded the ferry back to Singapore, marking the end of an unforgettable journey. As we checked in for our flight to Riyadh, we reflected on the incredible experiences of the past week - the new skills we learned, the friendships we built, and the lasting memories we made. This trip has been nothing short of amazing, and we’ll carry these moments with us for years to come.