Besides the vast growth in the manufacturing industry, tourism has been a booming industry in Batam. The total number of tourist visits to Batam in 1999 reached more than 1.25 million, in 2000, 1.1 million, and in 2001, 1.2 million, averaging more than 100,000 each month or 3,300tourist visits every day; making Batam the second busiest area for tourism in Indonesia, after Bali. There are 5,600 hotel rooms, 60% which are starred hotels and beach resorts. Six international standard golf courses and two marinas are among the favorite weekend activities for visitors. Traditional "Kelong" restaurants by the beach, serve a variety of delicious fresh seafood to satisfy visitors appetite. Bargain shopping offers goods and products ranging from traditional handicrafts to international branded goods. Year round warm tropical weather makes the most of your days in Batam. Most importantly, wherever you go, you will be greeted by kind and friendly people.

Additional islands linking to Batam are the islands of Rempang and Galang which are especially suitable for tourism and investment for they have beautiful scenery, good beaches, and also fascinating coral reefs. Boat cruises touring the water between the islands is among potential attractions, which need to be explored. Rempang Island holds historical significance where the Allied Forces imprisoned Japanese prisoners of wars who were captured at the end of World War II. Galang Island is famous because it was rated the best refugee camp by the United Nations (UN) and was used to accommodate refugees from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia from 1979 to 1996. These two special historic sites can bring out many untold stories of their experiences.

The number of foreign visitors coming to Batam makes the tourism industry a good opportunity and very prospective for investment. Tourism related investment makes up about 16% of the total private investment in Batam amounting to US$ 800 million. The government assisted by the Batam Tourism Promotion Board puts a continuous effort to promote the industry in Batam by organizing social and international cultural and sporting events.