batam - famous temples MUST visit

Batam - 2 must visit temples
Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple (buddhist temple)
Large Buddhist temple with many statues, plus an eatery serving vegetarian fare.

The Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Buddhist Temple was built on 2 November 1991 and was inaugurated on January 23, 1999. The idea of building this Buddhism temple came from the Supreme Leader Tao Maitreya, MS. Gao Shan Yu Ren who sent a message to Pandita Muda Harun, a local businessman and a devoted follower of Maitreya from Batam, to find an appropriate site to build a great temple in Batam.

Location	:	Jl. Bukit Beruntung, Sei Panas, Batam Center
Telephone	:	+62 778 462901
Fax	:	+62 778 462349
Operational hours	:	daily, 8am-8pm
Admission fee	:	free
Facilities	:	vegetarian restaurant, clinic, school, parking area, souvenir shop, auditorium, free tour guide (only in Bahasa Indonesia)
Nearby facilities	:	restaurants, mini market, ATMs
How to get there	:	by taxi from Batam Center International Ferry Terminal to the temple ranging from Rp. 40,000, while from Nagoya is starting from Rp. 50,000
Remarks	:	feel free to take pictures inside the vihara. The vihara usually will be crowded on weekends and holidays.

TUA PEK KONG TEMPLE

Also known as Vihara Budhi Bhakti, Tua Pek Kong Temple is the oldest Chinese temple in Batam, having been inaugurated in September 1986. While the influence of Chinese design is made obvious through its many red lanterns, large candles and colorful tributes, the temple itself celebrates a variety of deities. In fact, within the temple grounds you can find tributes to many different Gods and deities from Taoist, Buddhist and Confucian teachings.

Tua Pek Kong is a popular tourist spot, with many tours stopping here throughout  the day, however it is also frequented by locals who come regularly to pray and present offerings. For this reason, you’ll be met with the heady scent of incense when you enter the temple grounds, as well as the perfume of burning Joss paper, used to send materials and wealth to relatives who have passed away.

The temples got many big statues for nice pictures.  Off to the side, the Temple has a small garden and Koi pond, a beautiful place for tourists and locals to take pictures, relax and reflect away from the bustle of the main area. If you get hungry you can even snack on the delicacies sold by nearby food vendors!

Located in the central area of Nagoya, Tua Pek Kong Temple is an easy destination to reach while travelling in the area. Not to mention it would make a perfect activity for a family-friendly holiday in Batam, as kids would love exploring the myriad colors, scents and statues within the temple walls.

Location	:	Windsor, Nagoya
Telephone	:	+62 778 424530
Opening hours	:	daily, 6am-6pm
Facilities	:	toilets, warungs, free Buddhist course
Nearby facilities	:	restaurants, hotels, ATMs
How to get there	:	by taxi from Harbour Bay Ferry Terminal or Batam Center International Ferry Terminal is around 15 minutes