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
Batam is more than just massages! But this stunning bistro… add it to your wishlist at your own risk.
Discover ARCH ALLEY, a visually stunning bistro in Batam that looks like a European wine cellar. While its gorgeous red-brick decor and live music create an amazing photo-worthy atmosphere, the experience is a gamble. The article highlights standout dishes like Grilled Octopus and Cheese Pizza but warns of inconsistent food, chaotic service, and high prices. Get the full scoop on this beautiful but flawed spot to decide if it's worth adding to your list.
This viral Italian spot in Batam: Are you paying for the vibe or the food?
Is Batam's viral Italian spot, Piccola Stella, worth the hype? This place is famous for its incredible atmosphere—a stunning three-story retro building with a must-visit rooftop offering live music and chill vibes. While the ambiance is a guaranteed win, the food gets polarized reviews. This article dives into whether you're paying for the vibe or the food, revealing which dishes like the lasagna and pizza are safe bets for a great night out at this photogenic hotspot.
Google 4.8 Stars, But Trashed in the Comments? What's Really Going On with Indonesia's National Fried Chicken, Richeese?
Richeese Factory, Indonesia's national fried chicken, has a 4.8-star Google rating, but what's the real story? This review details a roller-coaster visit, uncovering a huge gap between online hype and reality. Expect a candid look at their signature Fire Chicken, which turned out burnt and overpriced, coupled with poker-faced service. While the spacious, family-friendly ambiance was a plus, the overall experience was a letdown. Is this popular spot a must-try or a definite skip? Find out here.
Singaporeans visiting Batam: Forget the malls! This is the real hidden gem.
Tired of the usual Batam souvenirs? Ditch the crowded malls and discover a secret, home-based layer cake shop hidden in a residential area. This spot offers incredibly moist and buttery cakes that are a cut above the rest. Don't miss their must-try Cempedak and Coffee flavors! For ultimate convenience, you can pre-order via WhatsApp for hotel delivery and even request a cake with two different flavors. This is the authentic, high-quality layer cake experience you've been looking for.