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Batam/Bintan on weekend
While I have been living in Singapore for more than five years, I never been in Batam and just once been at Bintan right after the arrival for a weekend.
Have a friend of mine visiting Singapore for a work contract and wants to go to either or both these islands. Is there anything to see there, considering that he is not interested in shopping or food? Like nature/sightseeing? |
Batam is pretty depressing, unless what you're after are prostitutes. I wouldn't bother going there. I'd rather go to Singapore's southern islands, such as St. John's, etc.
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Well, too late - we are already here. :) But you are essentially correct: I tried to explain him that neither of these islands are tourist destinations but he just wanted to go and 'plant flag there'.
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Back now, update on this.
Originally Posted by 18hours
(Post 27753146)
Batam is pretty depressing, unless what you're after are prostitutes.
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. |
Bintan has some luxury resorts. It is comprised of Melayu and Chinese culture. Past years, it was dubbed as next big thing in Indonesia. Batam is more industrial. Well, it has its stories as you mentioned.
I have never been in both islands so can't say anything more. |
Originally Posted by blueferrari
(Post 27768744)
Bintan has some luxury resorts.
I feel sorry for people who think that this is five star property. Where can I start... The only thing at this property can qualify for five stars is sounds of waves, which BTW you can buy at iTunes for $0.99 and save the rest of minimum $199.01 per night you would have to pay. Because honestly the rest qualifies from 'ok' (room and beach) to plain 'bad' (food at restaurant). Cost cutting on facilities and amenities is clearly visible - slippers provided in the room are made from paper, bathroom window does not close, coffee provided in the room is 10c instant coffee, yet guests are charged arm and leg: can of Coke - 50k IDR, 1h massage - 400k IDR and so on. Special mentioning deserves the Spice Restaurant. I have a feeling that cooks/personnel there either have some grudge towards guests or (most likely) are plain incompetent in terms of cooking ANY food. Because how can you screw up Indonesian, Chinese, Malay and Indian food - all of them are in menu and ALL of they they managed to do it - is beyond me. Satay was over salty, crab dish was plain not fresh, pasta and keropoks (crackers) were saggy and they even managed to screw up tandoori chicken, while charging IDR 250k-300k per meal. Honestly, if you planned to go stay at this property, it would be better if you order waves sounds for 99c and donate $199.01 for charity.
Originally Posted by blueferrari
(Post 27768744)
It is comprised of Melayu and Chinese culture. Past years, it was dubbed as next big thing in Indonesia.
Originally Posted by blueferrari
(Post 27768744)
Batam is more industrial. Well, it has its stories as you mentioned.
I have never been in both islands so can't say anything more. |
Originally Posted by invisible
(Post 27767167)
Honestly, comparing to Bintan's Tanjung Pinang and rest of the Bintan, Batam is an upscale modern city. Seriously - there is Starbucks there.
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Originally Posted by Zolex
(Post 27791011)
There are Starbucks all over Indonesia! Coffee bars are super popular hangouts in Indonesia.
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com...12200eced6.jpg |
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