Batam - It's industrial Indonesia after all!

[markis10]

Like many I have often looked down on Batam. As in down below from an aeroplane on approach to Changi. It's true that Batam is not high on the western tourist lists, and I doubt its on many bucket lists. Batam is a bit like Dubai, with its mentality of build it and they will come. They even have some interesting concepts in that area:



No barnacles on that hull.

Unlike Dubai, the money tree is not growing on oil, and withered some twenty years ago. The result is an island with some grand resorts, where higher rooms don't always attract a premium because of the view.

 

[markis10]

So why Batam. For a start, its cheap compared to its neighbours.



As with most Asian cities you need to remember those rates are ++, as in 10% service charge and 11% government tax on top? As you can see, Batam offers pretty cheap accommodation at a chain branded resort which is handy should a mattress run be in order (cough cough, IHG Big Win anyone).

So how does one get to Batam?

 

[markis10]

Booking a ferry is easy and its cheap. There are four or five companies offering services ex Singapore. I chose Batam fast and clicked on their promotions page, SGD$35 return including all fees, fuel fines etc.

On arrival at Changi it was a simple case of paying under SGD$3 for a train ticket, two lines and three trains later I was at the ferry terminal opposite Sentosa. The ferry terminal shares space with the cruise ship terminal and I noted a ship associated with the Concorde, the "Deutschland" was in port.

Boarding process for the ferries starts about an hour from departure. If you collect your boarding pass from the Batam fast ticket office you get a nice preprinted immigration form for Indonesia. They must have seen my handwriting before.
Boarding consists of security and immigration department processing for Singapore and then it's down to the waiting room? The room is large and has duty free, vending machines and a cafe along with a 7-11.



Entry to Indonesia is in the form of a Visa on arrival for Australian passport holders, 7 days and under costs USD$10. I would recommend you get some rupiah or greenbacks at Changi to cover this, while the government site says they take credit card, I found out this was not the case in all places.

 

[markis10]

I had about a twenty minute wait in the holding area before my ferry to Sekapang, the port closest to my hotel. it's worth doing your research as to the closest port as Batam is a big island, with poor infrastructure when it comes to roads and taxis.
We were soon on board, as it was approaching twilight and the boat windows were heavily tinted, there was not much of a view.


Thats not much of a photo thanks to the iPad being poor in low light, however it does give you an idea of inside the ferry, BYO IFE, as in Inside Ferry Entertainment. Luckily for all but the last 15 minutes I had Singtel 3G coverage, so AFF kept me busy.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Now anybody going to Batam the outdoor eateries known as PUJASERA's are an absolute must - fabulous range and variations of all types of food - and CHEAP - you sit outside in a big courtyard type arrangement with all the various little food vendors / stands surrounding entire square. Wander from stand to stand to inspect - indicate to vendor you want to order - go back to table - order some beers from the beer girls wandering between tables trying to sell their beers - be ready for the Asian experience of large glasses of ice with warm beer poured on top - ah the experience.

 

[markis10]

After an hour at sea (last fifteen minutes you could feel a swell) we arrived at the modern Sekupang ferry terminal. On disembarkation first stop was the VOA office, only to discover as previously mentioned its cash only. As I did not have cash, I was able to hand my passport to the customs officer and get an escort to the ATM lobby outside. Luckily I had some I idea of the exchange rate as I did not want excess Rupiah to take home, I have to say dividing everything by 10400 to get an AUD equivalent does take some effort.

With cash in hand I soon had my passport back and a receipt showing my VOA was paid.



Keep in mind that the visa covers 7 days including the day of arrival and departure being counted as two days, a thirty day VOA is also available for USD$25, both are single entry I believe.

With formalities done I was soon out to greet my hotel pickup, only problem was it was not my name on the board. I explained that and was told no worries, as soon as we had the other guest we would be off and took a seat in the van. Being the only person who arrived sans cash, I was the last to clear formalities so I knew we were waiting for no one, the driver worked it out five minutes later and we were off.

The drive was more interesting than the ferry trip, and took 15-20 minutes. Stopping at red lights is optional for some. Lights on bikes at night are apparently optional as well. Perhaps the worst option was helmets, while many bike riders had them a few didn't, including a family of five on the one bike (three kids under five by the looks of it), they also thought lights were optional. I am pleased to say the hotel driver drove to a standard I am used to, wore a seat belt and seems to do all the right things! like indicating and stopping at lights.

 

[markis10]

Now anybody going to Batam the outdoor eateries known as PUJASERA's are an absolute must - fabulous range and variations of all types of food - and CHEAP - you sit outside in a big courtyard type arrangement with all the various little food vendors / stands surrounding entire square. Wander from stand to stand to inspect - indicate to vendor you want to order - go back to table - order some beers from the beer girls wandering between tables trying to sell their beers - be ready for the Asian experience of large glasses of ice with warm beer poured on top - ah the experience.

Passed a few last night, they look like fun. I believe if you keep your head on re common sense and avoid food that's uncooked, your often better off eating tat such places.

 

[mushez]

How long time wise is the ferry trip over? (Roughly)

 

[markis10]

The resort.

Reading tripadvisor is always worthwhile if done with a balanced mind. Some are going to have unrealistic expectations both good and bad. I must say I have been there myself at other hotels. Looking at the hotels website it's hard to get a realistic idea of what you are in for. Google earth helps, or some times it doesn't.


It seems google have got it wrong (again), as the resort labelled the Holiday Inn is not the Holiday Inn, the real location is the label for the Chinese restaurant down the road, which looks like a swish restaurant with pool etc.

Google Earth take 2:

 

[markis10]

How long time wise is the ferry trip over? (Roughly)

It was an hour, basically you get there when you leave as Batam is an hour behind Singapore.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

It was an hour, basically you get there when you leave as Batam is an hour behind Singapore.

But be careful on return as timing can be VERY confusing - I can give you a list of a dozen guys who have missed flts out of SIN because they got confused - also I have seen taxi rank at waterfront in SIN like a mile long at times if you get heavy rain in peak time - allow yourself plenty time and 3 x double confirm your timing.

 

[markis10]

The hotel looks quite nice, it's around fifteen years old which is why there are a few comments on TA re old rooms etc.





The bell hop must have a hearing problem at times:



While those venturing onto the hotels front lawn should be wary of the man killers.

 

[markis10]

Checkin took awhile, it seems I had been gazumped by a mainland Chinese tour group. Being an island the staff do run on island time, an important consideration.



The tour group took over the lounge area where coincidently there is a IHG Rewards club desk. It was unmanned when I checked in, looking like this during the day.



There was a lady at the desk and I waited for her to move before taking a picture.

The lobby is very large, featuring a polo store, 24 hr restaurant, and upstairs a bar and games room, as well as a KTV venue.

 

[markis10]

Nice pool table.

 

[markis10]

Sports Bar

 

[markis10]

Inside the KTV venue





Private rooms





And the main room

 

[markis10]

As you can see the hotel is centred around the pool, which is large.

 

[markis10]

Indonesian banks treat debit cards differently, so you generally cannot get a preauthorisation on them like you can get on a credit card. However they can be used for payment at the end of the stay, so take a credit card or if concerned with security like I am, use cash. The Holiday Inn uses 1M IDR per day (around $100 AUD) as a bond which I think is excessive, that could mean a lot of cash if staying a while.

I was able to book a 1 bedroom suite for $1 more than a room, and I was happy with it, in fact at $62 SGD a night ++, very happy.







No prizes for guessing which side I sleep on.

 

[TomVexille]

This looks interesting. Might have to consider a little side trip next time I pass through SIN.

 

[markis10]

The hotel has a number of venues for dining, with the average meal costing about $15 AUD and up. If you are staying here for a few days, there is certainly plenty of options without leaving the hotel.





And the restaurants themselves:



Teppanyaki (taken in the morning)



Thai (also taken before opening)


Both the venues shown appear to be quite small.