Not to sound like Dan, but the tread pretty much outlines what people do on Batam. Is it the greatest, most interesting place in the world to visit? In a word, No. But it is the best available as has been explained.

Hey, about 50 people go to Brooklyn each year to eat Italian food, munch appetizing, get a sugar high, see where the "goombahs" live and stare at the Russian Mafia in Brighton Beach. Having lived in Brooklyn, I find Batam more interesting.

This trip will allow the participants to do what they wish, be it shopping, experience a country that contrasts with Singapore in attitude and beliefs, take 2 nice ferry rides, get another visa and passport stamp (or 4), drink beer in a pleasant location, sightsee, get about 10,000 rupiah for 1 U.S. dollar or experience the seamier side of life including kareoke. It is up to those going to choose.

But I think I said that in what has been posted as Dan would say.

This is not a "spoon feed the participants" jaunt. It hopefully will be a fun time no matter what people decide to do. And the nice thing, is that we do not all have to do the same thing.