Batam

M and i decided to head for a short getaway in Batam during this long break of mine. Managed to do last minute hotel reservations online; thank god for mum's friend who managed to get us ferry tickets thou it was Sunday (and mind you, it's a public hol on mon&tues!) We left for Batam at Harbourfront terminal on Wed and came back on Fri evening. Cutting the long story short, here're 10 tips for Batam travel.

1) Indo is 1 hour behind Sg time.
2) Exchange rate is better at Indo. (R7400 vs R7140) If Indo$Changer states 73__, you can negotiate for a higher value, eg 7400.
3) If you're keen on shopping (than water sports), opt for accomodation closer to the city. Eg: Nagoya area.
4) Travelling from Harr!s/Hol!dayInn Resort costs Rupiah70k (S$10) one way. Harr!s has (paid) shuttle frm resort to NagoyaHillShoppingCentre at 2pm and 5.30pm (Indo time) return. Wise to opt for taxi/private car; same rate without timing restraints.
5) Nagoya Hill SC to Batam Centre Megamall(SC) negotiable at R25k (S$3.40).
For points 4 & 5, don't let me know that we were chopped. We tried our best not to.
6) Various spa/massage services behind NagoyaHillSC. Its rates, ambience (and services, probably) beat H.Spa hands down.
7) Street satay grilled over white hot charcoal smells darn good but tastes really shitty. Not for our palates.
8) Polo is not equal to PoloRaIphLauren. (Trust me on that.)
9) Plus point to be able to communicate in BahasaIndo (somewhat like BahasaMelayu).
10) Furniture/household stuff = so cheap! I bought a pretty waste bin for S$10, and M got a 12Litre stainless steel classic style kitchen bin for S$27! (Yes you heard me right, we bought dustbins, of all things)
11) Atap-chees are big juicy and very sweet.


Signing off from my blue sky holiday,