15 Mins Before My Ferry, I Found the Best Nongkrong Spot at This Batam Chain Store
qponx
2026-03-06
Found a stylish spot to hang out near Batam's Sekupang ferry terminal? This Excelso branch surprises with its chic industrial design and spacious, photo-worthy interior. It's the perfect place for pre-ferry chilling or getting work done. While the mains can be pricey, the cheesecake is a must-try. Plus, you can catch a live band on weekend nights for an unbeatable atmosphere. It’s a top choice for great vibes and a comfortable wait before your trip.
Every time before leaving from Batam's Sekupang ferry terminal, finding a place to sit is always a huge headache! This time, I dug up this Excelso, just a 15-minute drive from the terminal[1], it's practically tailor-made for people like us who are 'waiting for the ferry'! I didn't really have any expectations for a chain cafe, but the moment I walked in, Anjay! The sense of space and the design were completely different from what I had imagined.
Mantap Vibe, with Hits and Misses on the Menu
The high ceilings, black steel paired with wooden furniture, the whole industrial style feels high-end yet comfortable, not at all like a fast-food joint. The lighting is amazing during the day, and I heard it's even more Chill at night. There's even a live band on weekend nights[2], that just maxes out the atmosphere, okay! Whether you're here to Nongkrong with friends or for a business meeting, this place can definitely hold its own.
As for the food, I've tried these for you:
- Cheesecake: This is a must-order! The texture is very soft, the sweetness is just right, not cloying at all, and one bite is super healing[3]. 🍰
- Salad: A surprise! The Thousand Island dressing for their salad feels like it's homemade, not that generic stuff from a bottle, and the taste is very refreshing[4].
- Bolognese Spaghetti: The officially recommended safe bet[5], the flavor is rich, and when you don't know what to eat, you can't go wrong with this one.
Editor's Honest Take
OK, after all the praise, it's time for some real talk. The ambiance and service are genuinely good, but you'd better prepare your wallet. The prices for main courses are indeed a bit steep, and the portions aren't the kind that will get you stuffed, so the value for money is just so-so[6]. Also, when it gets crowded, the staff can get really overwhelmed, so you'll need to be a bit patient with ordering and getting your food[7]. As for the coffee… I feel the quality is a bit inconsistent. Sometimes it's good, other times it's… emmm you know[8].
Tips to Avoid Pitfalls & Save Money, You're Welcome!
Finally, let me highlight the key points for you girls, take notes!
Overall, if you're in Batam looking for a place with a superb environment, perfect for a long Nongkrong session, and where you can also snap some nice photos, this is definitely a top choice. But if you're a foodie looking for the best value for money, you might want to think twice about the main courses
- 💻 Work-from-Cafe Friendly: There are plenty of power outlets in the cafe, so it's totally fine to bring your laptop and work for an afternoon. There's also a dedicated smoking area[9].
- 🙏 Thoughtful Facilities: They have a prayer room for Muslim friends, which definitely deserves a big thumbs up.
- 🎂 Birthday Perk: Birthday people, listen up! On your birthday and within 7 days after, you can get a free serving of Kaya toast by showing your ID[10]!
- 🎤 Best Time to Go: If you want to hear the live band, remember to show up on Friday or Saturday night.
- Classy industrial design: high ceilings, steel & wood. Bright by day, Chill at night. The vibe is maxed out—great for business meetings too[1].
- The Cheesecake: soft, creamy, perfectly sweet, and not heavy. A comforting bite and the best partner for your coffee[2].
- Free Kaya toast on your birthday + the next 7 days! Just show your ID. Birthday people, go get yours[3]
Similar Articles
4.8 stars on Google? The wait at this Batam chain gave me internal damage.
Don't let the high Google rating for Batam's Malaya Cafe fool you. This popular chain offers a polarizing experience. While the fried Gurame fish is a standout, inconsistent food quality and disastrously slow service can lead to hour-long waits. This honest review breaks down the hits and misses, offering a survival guide on whether to visit, what to order, and if the potential for a great dish is worth the frustrating wait.
Marugame Udon can fail? The tempura at this Batam branch… thanks for nothing.
Thinking about visiting Marugame Udon at Grand Batam Mall? This review gives you a heads-up. While the signature udon bowls like the Niku Udon are a definite highlight with springy noodles and rich broth, the tempura is a major letdown—often served cold, greasy, and hard. The article also points out issues with crowds and hygiene. Find out how to navigate your visit, what to order, and what to absolutely avoid for a better dining experience.
Date night or Nongkrong in Batam? This is a MUST-ADD to your list
Discover your next favorite spot in Batam, perfect for a romantic date night or a chill hangout with friends. This highly-rated restaurant boasts a spacious, comfortable atmosphere with stunning night views that are not to be missed. Don't leave without trying their standout dishes, like the incredibly creamy mushroom soup and the perfectly seared salmon steak. With great vibes and even better food, it's a definite must-add to your list for any occasion.
Calling all Batam K-food lovers! I tried this Halal Jjamppong for you—here's the good and the bad.
Batam has a hotspot for Halal Korean food lovers! This review checks out a popular restaurant in Grand Batam Mall, famous for its Jjamppong. While the signature seafood and galbi noodle soups earn high praise for their rich flavor and generous portions, not every dish is a winner. Learn which menu item to be cautious of, how to beat the long queues, and whether this spot is truly worth the visit for your next K-food craving.