Batam is located between the Malacca Straits and the Singapore Straits is one of the islands that make up the Riau Archipelago (there are more than 3000 in total) and is also one of the largest, being approximately 45km x 25km (or around 415 sq Kms). Together with Rempang Island and Galang Island (now connected via the Barelang Bridge) its total area is 715 sq Kms. It is the closest to Singapore being around 20 Kms away and only one hour by ferry. It is two thirds the size of Singapore and is 10 Kms west of Bintan (the largest island in the group).Ferries run hourly to both Singapore and Johor Bahru on the southern tip of Malaysia. They also connect with many neighbouring islands such as Bintan, Karimun, Kandur as well as Sumatra and Jakarta.