Barelang Bridge
The Barelang Bridge is one of Batam's most iconic landmarks — a series of six bridges connecting the islands of Batam, Tonton, Nipah, Setoko, Rempang, and Galang. Built in the early 1990s, the bridge stretches over 2km and offers sweeping views of the South China Sea. It's a must-visit for photographers, couples, and anyone wanting to see Batam's engineering achievement against a natural backdrop.
Also known locally as Jembatan Barelang. Last updated September 7, 2026.
What makes Barelang Bridge special
The Barelang Bridge, officially Jembatan Barelang and sometimes called the Habibie Bridge after former president B.J. Habibie who championed the project, is a chain of six bridges built through the 1990s to link Batam with the smaller islands of Tonton, Nipah, Setoko, Rempang, and Galang. The name itself is a contraction of BAtam-REmpang-GALANG.
The most photographed of the six is the first, a cable-stayed span whose twin angled pylons rise more than 100 metres above the water. Together the bridges run for roughly 2 kilometres and were designed to open up the southern islands for industry and settlement. Today that first bridge is Batam's unofficial postcard image and appears on local souvenirs, prints, and nearly every tour brochure.
Getting there and what to expect
Barelang sits on the southern side of Batam, about 45 minutes by car from Nagoya and from the Batam Centre and Harbour Bay ferry terminals. There is no public bus that runs the full route, so most visitors arrive by private car, taxi, or as part of a day tour.
Parking areas and roadside warung — small food stalls — cluster at both ends of the first bridge, selling grilled corn, fresh coconut, and cold drinks. You can walk along the pedestrian edge of the bridge for photos, though there is no dedicated viewing deck and traffic passes close, so keep children in hand and watch your footing.
Best time to visit and nearby stops
Early morning before 8am and the hour before sunset give the softest light and the thinnest crowds. Weekend afternoons draw local families and can get busy.
Many itineraries pair Barelang with a seafood lunch at one of the kelong stilt restaurants further along the island chain, a visit to the former Vietnamese refugee camp on Galang Island, or the Blue Fire swimming spot. Allow 30 to 45 minutes at the bridge itself, or half a day if you continue south to Galang.
Highlights
- →Six-bridge series spanning multiple islands
- →Panoramic sea views ideal for photography
- →Best visited at sunrise or golden hour
- →Nearby local seafood restaurants
- →Easy 30-minute drive from Batam city center
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Barelang Bridge from the ferry terminal?
About 45 minutes by car from the Batam Centre or Harbour Bay ferry terminals, depending on traffic.
Is there an entrance fee for Barelang Bridge?
No. The bridge is a public road and free to visit. You only pay for parking, food, or any boat activities nearby.
Can you visit Barelang Bridge at night?
Yes, the road is open 24 hours and the first bridge is lit, but there is limited lighting for walking and no facilities, so a daytime or sunset visit is recommended.
What else can I do near Barelang Bridge?
Combine it with a stilt-restaurant seafood lunch, Galang Island's former refugee camp, or the Blue Fire swimming spot to fill a half or full day.
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