Back now, update on this.
Originally Posted by
18hours
Batam is pretty depressing, unless what you're after are prostitutes.
Honestly, comparing to Bintan's Tanjung Pinang and rest of the Bintan, Batam is an upscale modern city. Seriously - there is Starbucks there.
But not disputing what you said, it is well known locally that most Singaporean males go to Batam for 'massage'. And yes I would not recommend going to Batam/Bintan except for specific purpose to go to non-touristy Indonesia with photo/selfie taken 'I've been there'. And Batam-Bintan ferry is the 'excellent' opportunity to experience local Indonesian transportation.