Singapore to Batam - 26th to 28th May 2009

I took a trip to Batam for a little R&R. I selected Nongsapura as it is away from the city areas and far more quiet. I would be heading to Batam View Resort and it was nearer to catch the ferry at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Nongsapura. The ferry tickets cost SG$42 (return trip) and the trip takes around 45 minutes. The boats operate like clockwork and move off at exactly the specified times. Check-in is 30 minutes before the departure time and there are the usual security checks just like at the airport. The place is pretty packed for a weekday and my boat was completely full. My ship was the 'Golden Raider'. It felt like an older ship but it was clean and well mantained.

Batam View Beach Resort - At a glance

I arrived at the Nongapura Ferry terminal, situated within a mangrove swamp. Customs was quick as most of the passengers onboard the 'Golden Raider' were herded away to board yet another ferry. The bus to pick me up was already there and it was just another 5 minutes ride to Batam View Beach Resort. Upon arrival, I checked in and did a survey of the facilities.The resort sits on approximately 10 hectares of land and was built around 1995. It's pretty well mantained and most importantly, the rooms are clean. I know because my allergies didn't kick in.

The management was kind enough to escort me to the roof for an overview of the entire resort. The view here is perhaps one of the best but unfortunately, it isn't open to the public. There is the usual swimming pool and spa facilities that's expected of any resort. The spa rooms all have a nice view of the sea. One interesting place is the herb garden. Some of the herbs planted are actually used in the food cooked at the resort. I even found a flock of turkeys roaming around.

Batam View Beach Resort - Lodging

There are the usual hotel type rooms and also villas. If you love falling asleep and waking up to the sound of the sea, then the villas are absolutely for you.

Batam View Beach Resort - Food

The resort is about 30 minutes away (by cab) from the town areas so your selection is dependent on the menus available. That isn't much of a problem as they have a cafe and a restaurant (The Kelong) that can cook up Western, Singaporean and local cusines. The dishes at The Kelong are particulary good and the vegetables are grown on their own organic farm just a stone's throw away. I didn't take photos of every single thing I ate but here are just some...

What's nearby ?

For Golfers

There are a couple of sea front golf courses next to the resort. Indah Puri, Palm Springs, South Link and Tering Bay. Golf aficionados can practically stay a couple of days and play at every course in the area.

For Shoppers

Honestly... there isn't much in terms of shopping (from my point of view). The two most popular malls are the Megamall Batam Centre and the Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall. You can get lots of the basic stuffs but no big brands or high fashion shops. There are lots of food though. What's really lacking in Batam are shops selling traditional Indonesian art and handicrafts. There is a much better spread of those in Bali and Jakarta.

Batam Icons

Batam-Tonton Bridge: I think this has to be the island's most famous icon. I see photos of it in just about every brouchure and promotional materials.

It's kinda strange once you are there. There's absolutely no other modern structure around it and the bridge just sticks out in the middle of lush vegetation. You can't miss it. There are peddlers in their motocycles and vans selling drinks and snacks on the bridge. I was told many have fallen to their deaths from the point where I was standing so I decided to create this VR right at the very edge... check it out.

Conclusion

I wasted the first day of my 3D2N stay as it was raining too heavily to go anywhere. Half of the second day was also too cloudy for me to shoot any nice photos too. I enjoyed my stay and the resort staffs are genuinely warm and friendly. I noticed that even among the staffs, very often they talked and kid each other like friends. The food at the resort is good and I think they cater well to Singaporean tastes. Out in the town, some of the more exotic foods might take a little getting used to.

I like more urban and city-type shopping. No doubt this place will appeal to bargain hunters, the shopping available here is not really for me. Golf here is good and the sea views are really nice. I think Batam is a place that is really suited to anyone who just wants to chill out and not do much as the pace of life here is slow.

For more information on Batam View Beach Resort : www.batamview.com

Other VRs

Back to previous page