A hop, skip and 45-minute boat ride from Singapore, Batam has become a well-known spa and seafood paradise for bargain hunters and city dwellers looking for a quick getaway.
While some may still associate this island with less than desirable activities - prostitution, dubious massage parlours, secret second wives of Singaporean men who have received their pensions - and that may indeed be the case... stick to the well-established tourist routes and you'd be safe.
Wrapped up in our busy corporate lives, Batam represents a relatively painless retreat for the girls and I to get pampered, scrubbed from head to toe, massaged till our sore muscles are soothed and to prepare us for another week ahead.
TO DO
A natural pit stop in Batam is at one of its numerous spa and beauty centres. Some of the bigger beach resorts offer in-house services, but for variety (both price and standards), check out those in town.
 |
| Every beauty service offered – hair, nails, body, face |
Offering every (decent) service available, this spa is situated just behind Nagoya Shopping Centre. A firm favourite with Singaporeans, my friend bumped into her friend during our visit.
But owing to its popularity on blogs and forums, this place fills up very quickly on weekends. I had to wait 1 hour despite making a prior reservation. The masseuses have varying degrees of professionalism and not all speak English (approach the younger ones or the receptionists if you have questions).
EATING
Batam cuisine mirrors the rest of Indonesia, but Chinese food is readily available, perhaps to cater to the large Chinese clientele from Singapore. Seafood is definitely always a good choice and the prices do not hurt the wallet.
My restaurant experiences within the shopping centres have not been ideal, and I much prefer striking out to explore the streets.
| A1 Eating House (or Pujasera A1) |
 |
| A seafood lover’s haven |
This outdoor zhi char complex (there really is no other word for it) is a collection of numerous seafood stalls, drink vendors and satay sellers, all clamouring for your business. Frequented by locals and tourists alike, this place is slightly out of the way but worth the trip down dark alleys.
Slurp down chilli crab and cereal prawns while getting serenaded by brave souls on a karaoke stage.
 |
| Nothing like curly fries and a root beer float on a hot day |
Talk about nostalgia. Once available in Singapore, this fast food chain has all but faded into a distant memory. Think icy cold root beer floats and curly fries. Unfortunately, the burgers and chicken leave much to be desired. Skip those if you are not a hardcore fan willing to overlook taste flaws.
SHOPPING
The shopping centres largely cater to the local population. Counterfeit goods abound, so if that's your thing, great. Otherwise, most Singaporeans head to the supermarkets to stock up on groceries at unbeatable prices.
 |
| I can’t get enough of this stuff |
Possibly their most famous export, this is deliciously springy curls of goodness tossed with fried onions, chilli powder and garlic oil. ZW bought a whole carton.
SLEEPING
Many families choose to head to the beach resorts that have kid-friendly facilities (bike rentals, bowling). Without the need to entertain munchkins, my friends and I prefer to head into town, where the spa services are located.
 |
| Clean, functional. Especially clean. |
A relatively modern establishment set up a few years ago, i-hotel is just a few minutes away from Nagoya Shopping Centre, a large shopping complex. The hotel is starting to show a little wear and tear - holes in the sheets, housekeeping sometimes forgets to replenish the supplies such as hand soap - but it's clean, affordable, friendly and the location can't be beat for a town hotel.
 |
| Exploring how to open the gate |
Hotel guests can gain access to a footpath that links to Nagoya Hill Shopping Centre. The path cuts across an untamed field and you can get to your destination in 2 minutes. But when we were there in June, construction was ongoing and guests had to take a 7-minute detour around the hotel. Shuttle service is only available after 6pm, so be prepared to walk.
TRANSPORT
| GETTING THERE |
| There are a few ferry operators that depart from the Singapore Cruise Centre at Harbourfront. The ride takes less than an hour to reach Batam Ferry Centre. From Batam Ferry Centre, locate the taxi stand on the ground floor. It’s a fixed price depending on your hotel’s location. |
| GETTING AROUND |
| Everything is within walking distance if you’re staying in town. If you’re at a seaside resort, most hotels have shuttles. Taxis are also a good alternative. They do not run on metres, so remember to bargain! |
OVERALL IMPRESSION
I wouldn't call Batam a destination by any shot. But if you're in the region, in need of affordable massages and seafood, it's not a bad place for a quick getaway.
No comments:
Post a Comment