“My life is shaped by the urgent need to wander and observe, and my camera is my passport." — Steve McCurry, photographer
Almost instantly, once I stepped onto the streets of Batam, I was beaming with excitement.
Business owners, taxi drivers, ushers, and families gathered along the streets to make ends meet, shop, or chat over drinks. Adults, teenagers, and children rode together on their bikes, carrying with them their groceries and belongings—some had side carts attached to transport their food stalls.
Like the cells in our body, the cacophony of people and motor vehicles brings Batam’s streets to life.
Similar to Singapore’s bustling Chinatown and Little India districts, Batam has its own character that makes it alluring. What stood out to me was the offbeat, easygoing atmosphere. As someone who is always on the move, it can be refreshing to take a step back, bask in the surroundings, and indulge in life’s pleasures.
Just a 5-minute walk from my accommodation is Pasar Penuin Wet Market. It is a hub where people from all walks of life congregate and interact with one another. Especially on weekends, it can be jam-packed with people buying provisions and enjoying the food at the neighbourhood eateries.
Some may shy away from the “fishy” smell and the crowd that comes with the wet market. But over time, I have learnt to appreciate the loud calls from stall owners publicising their commodities, the sizzling sound from the nearby wok, and yes, even the “fishy” smell of the wet market.
Though it was just a brief weekend encounter, Batam has attracted me with its local charm and ambience. It’s definitely a place that I will love to go back and visit.
About the author: Darius Tay is a photographer/visual storyteller who loves capturing meaningful moments and uses photography to tell stories and find beauty in everyday life. If you would like to leave a comment or engage him, feel free to email him at dariustay5@gmail.com.
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