Batam Island Minefield Guide! 5 Wallet-Draining Traps to Avoid!

Emergency! My friend got fined 5 million IDR (≈¥2300) for wearing bikini while shopping in Batam!
Indonesian police specifically target Chinese tourists⚠️ New regulations DOUBLE fines! Save this post now!

【Taboo 1: 🚫 Riding motorbikes without license + wrong-way driving】
Riding without Indonesian license/driving on right side will be fined!
No license: 5M IDR (≈¥2300)! Wrong-way: 3M IDR + vehicle impound!
Tip👉 Prepare international driver's permit (with IDP mark) + check rental plate compliance

【Taboo 2: 🚫 Carrying e-cigs + excess cash】
Bringing vape devices/unreported cash over 100M IDR (≈¥46,000) gets fined
E-cigs destroyed + max 200M IDR fine! Excess cash confiscated + investigation!
Tip👉 Declare excess cash via BCF3.3 form (on customs website), meds need original packaging + English prescription
Just don't bring vapes - not worth it~

【Taboo 3: 🚫 Public drinking + nude sunbathing】
Drinking outside bar zones/leaving beach area
Public drinking: 10M IDR fine! Nudity: 5M IDR + deportation!
Tip👉 Only drink at "Licensed Bar" spots, wear sarong over swimwear

【Taboo 4: 🚫 Littering + stepping on coral】
Trash throwing/snorkeling while standing damages coral
Littering: 2M IDR fine! Coral damage: 100M IDR (≈¥46,000)!
Tip👉 Carry portable ashtray, wear buoyancy vest when snorkeling

【Taboo 5: 🚫 Illegal drone flights + military zone photos】
Unregistered drones/photographing port facilities
Equipment confiscated + minimum 100M IDR fine! Military photos may cause detention!
Tip👉 Apply flight code via SISKOMUD website 14 days in advance

💣 Cultural taboos
Head-touching taboo: Muslims consider heads sacred - touching kids' heads angers parents!
Ramadan daytime eating: No public eating/drinking during Islamic Ramadan (Mar 1-30, 2025)
Temple attire: Wear long sleeves/pants + women need headscarves (rentable at entrance)