Originally Posted by opushomes

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.