If you ever have an urge to take a break from city life, Batam offers a surprising number of quick getaways where you can enjoy some fresh air and life at a slower pace.

The website www.nedbatam.com/daytrips/ outlines over a dozen Batam getaways, three of which are within a 30-minute drive of Nagoya. So, even if you only have a couple of hours to spare, it is possible to take a break from hectic city life.

What frame of mind?
For those of us who come from wealthy countries, these outings are a chance to catch a glimpse of the way our forefathers lived their lives, where toilets and bathing facilities are located in a separate building outside the house, where cooking is done without the benefit of refrigeration or electricity, and where half the population is under 20 years of age (instead of over 40).

Quick trips within 30 minutes of Nagoya
Outings one and two: The Tanjung (Tj) Uma and Batu Merah walks
Both offer a way to see village life. You will be surprised how friendly the local people are. Both walks are best done in the late afternoon, when the day is starting to cool off-start at around 4pm. The crack of dawn (be at the starting point by 6am) is also a good time to start. Both walks are more enjoyable on a clear day when there is not much haze-if you have a choice.

Tj Uma and Batu Merah are two of Batam’s oldest villages, where many aspects of traditional island life are still unchanged. Under the Suharto regime, both were slated to be demolished for redevelopment. In these more democratic times, they have a chance of surviving in their present rustic form for a few more years.

Outing three: Duriankang Dam East Shore-Ride or Walk
Duriankang Dam is Batam's main water supply. The dam was built about 20 years ago; it had filled to its present (maximum) water level by the late 90s. The dam waters cover quite a huge area, 60 square kilometers-much more than most Batam residents realise. See the satellite photo on this page. Duriangkang's rural shores are an excellent place to get away from Batam's maddening crowds to enjoy some natural tranquility.

Walkers: Duriangkang's easiest walking access point is diagonally opposite the entrance to the Puri Legenda housing estate (see photos on website).

Fishing: Duriangkang has an abundance of freshwater fish. They are best caught by using green weed as bait.

Bird-watching: Batam and the Barelang Islands have an abundance of easy-to-reach places to see bird species. Two of the best wetland areas can be found on Duriangkang’s east shore and in the swamp on the right side of the main road to Batu Besar, just after the airport turnoff.