If you’re looking at traveling to Equatorial Guinea, you may only be looking at the main Island of Bioko where you can find the capital Malabo. To really explore this tiny African country though you should be heading to the mainland part of the country where most of its territory is located. This part of the country is known as Rio Muni, named for the river that weaves its way through the mainland. Rio Muni is where the government is building (slowly) the new capital called Ciudad de la Pais which is super interesting to check out especially if you like the sound of a giant unfinished city in the middle of the jungle filled with mega projects. We really can’t stress how strange and cool this place is. To read more about what there is to see, check out our highlights of the
Equatorial Guinea Mainland blog here.
Getting to the mainland will mean you’ll have to fly to Bata from Malabo on either Cronos or Ceiba Intercontinental. Bata is a little sleepy coastal town with not a lot going on, but here is our guide for what to do while you pass through.
Where to stay
Accommodation options are fairly limited in Bata but there are a couple for different budgets.
1. Hotel Elik Melen
This is a government hotel, so prices are cheaper, however don’t expect great service. The rooms are quite large and most of them have air conditioning and hot running water. Just be aware that when you arrive you should ask for a towel as they may not be able to get you one if it is later at night (yes, we know it sounds outrageous, but that’s just how it is). Hotel location is great, and many restaurants are walking distance.
2. Hotel Panáfrica
This is a brand new 5-star hotel in Bata. It is the most expensive option but is quite good quality. The front area was still being constructed (June 2025) but the rest of the hotel was working. Rooms are nice and there is a pool. Location is also fantastic right on the foreshore area, also within walking distance to restaurants.
3. Ibis – Bata
This is just another generic Ibis and is the same as what you would get in other Ibis hotels around the world. The location is not as good as the above two hotels, but it is a solid option if you want to go with something you know.
Where to eat
1. Torre de la Libertad
This is the unique liberation monument located right on the foreshore with a revolving restaurant. Yes, it does revolve and the restaurant is functioning. Prices are higher than other places nearby, but then again you are in a fancy revolving restaurant.
2. Pizzeria Artesanal
This is a very local pizzeria that serves cold beer and pizza on plastic chairs. The prices are great, and pizza is pretty decent. This is a great budget option, just don’t be put off by the dim green lights at nighttime.
3. GFC (Guinea Fried Chicken)
This is a great option found at the Centro Comercial EGTC. This is a cheap fast-food restaurant specialising in fried chicken. Right next to it are some decent Lebanese-run cafes, one of which is called “Guinea Bucks Coffee” (we love the name). Great if you want something quick which sometimes can be hard in Africa.
4. Chinese restaurant ( 中餐馆 )
This restaurant doesn’t have an English name on google maps, but the Chinese characters mean “Chinese restaurant”. This is one of the best options in Bata as service is great, portions are very generous, and prices are decent. If you’re looking for someone without any hassle where you will get your food fast, this place is great. It is located just off the Paseo Maratimo de Bata near the Kim Mall Istanbul Bata.
What to see
1. Liberation Tower
This one has already been mentioned in the restaurant section, however the design of this is definitely worth a visit in itself.
2. Biblioteca suberraneano (Underground Library)
In the centre of Bata is a super cool underground library that is in great condition. You can just go in and walk around and the staff there are quite friendly and helpful. It is located just off the Plaza de la Libertad. The plaza itself is cool to visit too and has a great statue in the middle.
3. Monumento memorial de los caidos en las explosions de 7 Marzo de 2021 (monument to the victims of the explosion of 7 March, 2021).
If you’re heading out of Bata on the main highway you can see this area with twisted metal. An accident here led to a massive explosion where 107 people died and more than 600 were injured. It worth a stop if heading out of Bata toward Mongomo.
4. Bata Cathedral
Also known as St. James and our Lady of the Pillar Cathedral. This is a Spanish style church that has some really cool interior frescos. It is open to the public and is something you should definitely see in Bata.
Shopping
Centro Comercial EGTC
There are not a crazy number of shops, however if you are looking for a supermarket or big mall type place you can head to the Centro commercial de EGTC. The prices in the supermarket are fine, but the department store is very expensive!
If you’re looking for tourist souvenirs, these are quite hard to come by, however there are a few people selling them outside the terminal of the Bata Airport. Their prices are pretty cheap; however we didn’t manage to see much that was specific to Bata.
Getting around
The best way to get around will be by taxi. Taxis are plentiful around Bata and your hotel can help you call one. If you are staying
Other things to note
It is very difficult to change money in Bata, and if you can find someone they will give you a terrible rate. Make sure that you exchange as much as you think you will need when back in Bioko. Bioko actually has the best rate for EUR to FCFA that you can find in the whole region!
If you want to come and explore Bata with us, check out upcoming
Equatorial Guinea group tours
on our website. If you want to know more about Equatorial Guinea have a look at our
destination guide.
To secure your spot on an Equatorial Guinea group tour, send us an email to [email protected].
