CJ's Bar
CJ's Bar in Waterfront City became the area's most popular independent watering hole by offering cold beer, a projector TV, a pool table, free WiFi, and decent pizza in a venue 150 metres from the ferry terminal. It was opened by a long-term Batam resident who knew what visitors actually wanted. The formula is uncomplicated and it works. Singaporeans doing a Batam day trip regularly include this on their first stop before exploring Nagoya.
What to Expect
A relaxed and welcoming neighbourhood bar with strong regulars and good sports screening. The expat owner ensures the venue caters to what non-Indonesian visitors want: honest drinks, a game, and a friendly welcome. Nothing complicated.
Friendly, low-key, consistent. The local bar that everyone ends up at.
Background rock and pop. Sports audio during big matches.
Casual.
Post-ferry first drinks, pool table, casual Waterfront City visit, expat social scene
Cash primarily.
Price Range
Beer IDR 35,000-65,000. Spirits IDR 60,000-120,000. Pizza IDR 80,000-150,000. No cover charge.
Beer ~€2-4. Spirits ~€3-7. Pizza ~€5-9.
Hours
Daily 14:00-02:00
Insider Tip
The pool table is free with a drink order. WiFi is reliable, which matters if you are waiting for friends to arrive by ferry. It is the most accessible bar for new arrivals at Waterfront City as you pass it walking from the terminal. Pizza is worth ordering.
Full Review
CJ's Bar became Waterfront City's most popular independent watering hole by offering exactly what visitors want: cold beer, a projector TV, a pool table, free WiFi, and decent pizza within 150 meters of the ferry terminal. The formula is uncomplicated and effective. The space is modest, with indoor and outdoor seating, and a setup that signals casual rather than curated. A long-term Batam resident opened it, and that local knowledge shows in the details.
The crowd mixes Singaporean day-trippers, local expats, and visitors who walked out of the ferry terminal and saw the sign. The pool table is free with drink orders. WiFi is reliable, which matters for people coordinating group arrivals. The pizza is worth ordering, which not every bar this casual can claim. Staff are friendly and the owner's presence keeps the service standards consistent.
In Waterfront City's bar landscape, CJ's wins on accessibility and personality. The Marriott lounge is more polished; Overtime is more sports-focused. CJ's is the place where you show up without a plan and figure out the evening from there. Its proximity to the ferry terminal makes it the default first stop for most visitors.
The pool table is free with drinks. WiFi works. It's the most accessible bar for new arrivals at Waterfront City. The pizza is a genuine recommendation, not filler.
The Neighborhood
Positioned 150 meters from the Waterfront City ferry terminal, CJ's catches the foot traffic of Singaporean visitors arriving by boat. It functions as the unofficial welcome bar for the area.
Getting There
150 meters from the Waterfront City ferry terminal, visible on the walk from the terminal exit. No taxi needed from the ferry.
Where to stay in Batam
Compare hotels near the nightlife districts. Free cancellation on most properties.
Other Venues in Waterfront City
Harbour Bay Lounge
Modern lounge near the Harbour Bay ferry terminal popular for pre-departure or post-arrival drinks. Clean interior with a cocktail-focused menu.
Overtime Sports Bar
Sports-focused bar with multiple screens showing live matches. Standard beer and bar food menu, busiest during major football games.
Level Up KTV
KTV venue in the waterfront area with private rooms and package deals for groups. Convenient location near the ferry terminal for weekend visitors.
Queen's Restaurant & Cafe
Well-known waterfront establishment that doubles as a bar in the evenings. Steady crowd of Singaporean visitors and expats, with drinks served until late on weekends.
HARRIS Resort Pool Bar
Poolside bar at HARRIS Resort Batam Waterfront serving cocktails and beer to resort guests. Open-air setting with music on weekend evenings.
D'Palapa Lounge
Waterfront lounge with a cocktail menu and shisha service. Relaxed seating area overlooking the bay, popular for post-dinner drinks.