Based upon the growing size of our group for the[Friday January 16, SinDo Batam trip and the size of the main thread, a sub-thread dealing with this trip seems appropriate. Some of this will be a repeat of what was previously posted but this consolidation will make it easier to follow the bits and pieces of this little jaunt. Since we have a mix of travel experience it is best to post some additional information. We will make the decision as to what people want to do at the Novotel and on the way to Batam and split up appropriately

I expect that we will be back in Singapore sometime around 7 p.m. Singapore time. This will allow us to meet up with others at the venue to be determined by Sean. There is a one hour time difference between Singapore and Batam. 5 o’clock in Batam is 6 in Singapore.

How does a half day turn into 9 hours? Ever tried to herd cats? At this time we have 13 confirmed wanderers and a possible 4 more. We are meeting a half hour earlier than last year. It probably will take at least 30 minutes for everyone to get organized. Think ½ hour to get to Harbourfronte. Think another ½ hour to walk to ticket counters and get tickets on the next available boat. Do not think that we will immediately board a departing boat. We have to queue, clear immigration, customs and security in order to wait for the boat. They do not go that often. It is about 1 hour to Batam. Visas, clearing immigration, changing money, organizing taxis will mean another ½ - ¾ hour. It is a ½ hour ride into Nagoya. Return will take about as long including getting to where we will be for the evening gathering. Indonesian emigration is not always efficient and lines can be fairly long. If people want to return early, it is a simple matter for them to do on their own.

A little Indonesia information

Indonesia is the largest Muslim nation in the world. The degree of conservatism varies according to where one is within the country. In any case, it tends to be more conservative than its neighbors. Batam because of its proximity to Singapore, its function as a manufacturing center similar to the Mexican cross border cities (macquiladoras) and primarily because it is the entertainment center for the male Singaporean population tends to appear fairly liberal. Appearances can, however, be deceptive.

Compared to Bintan which is much more of a family-oriented resort area, Batam (Nagoya in particular) is somewhat sleazy. We are going to Batam because there are more frequent boats from multiple companies. Nagoya is reminiscent of Thailand’s entertainment centers (Pattaya, Patong, Patpong) but not as blatant and in your face. There are also nice areas and better shopping as the island develops.

Since we are going on a Friday afternoon it will be quite quiet in the entertainment area of Nagoya. The Harmoni Hotel is in the middle of Nagoya and as previously stated has a nice lounge area. For Batam it is a fairly upscale hotel.

Some Caveats

Please dress appropriately. Blue jeans and a modest top or shirt are a good compromise. For women, no shorts or revealing clothes. Head coverings are not necessary nor should be long sleeves. It also makes sense for men to wear long pants and a shirt (short sleeves are fine) rather than shorts. Men just make themselves out as someone who is strange in the eyes of the locals wandering around in shorts.

There are some complete taboos. Do not touch anyone on the head. Refrain from pointing the soles of your shoes (feet) at someone. If you are a reporter please do not throw your shoes at anyone. Even if you are not arrested, they will be gone forever and will have to make your way back to Singapore barefoot. These are religious taboos. I witnessed personally the result of an Englishman giving an Indonesian a “noogee” on the head which is something one would wish to not experience.

Pay close attention to your belongings. It is best to leave expensive watches and jewelry in the safe at your hotel in Singapore. Ladies, pay close attention to your purses. I always carry my wallet in my front pocket even at home. You might consider doing the same. Bring money, but do not overdo it. There are money changers and ATMs who will change U.S. dollars. Your exchange rate will vary.

Bargaining is expected. Do it with a smile and good humor. The $10 Rulex watch may cost you $50 here versus Thailand. As in Johor Bahru (JB) pirated items are readily available. Buyers beware.

Cohiba and other Cuban cigars are available. Customs is your problem.

Acting like a native New Yorker will get you nowhere. Raised voices and aggressiveness are not culturally acceptable in most parts of Asia. China is an exception.

The women who work in the entertainment section are predominantly from the poorer areas of Indonesia such as Sulawesi. They normally lack documentation. Many (most) speak little or no English, only Bahasa Indonesia. English is spoken by quite a few people on the Island. Their employment is a fact of Asian life (and fact for much of the rest of the world). Despite the nature of their employment, many of them have quite interesting stories about life in Indonesia.

For the uninitiated, Blanksheet and rtarbuck are now initiated, the traffic may appear chaotic. Just relax and go with the flow. The driver knows what he is doing. Hopefully your evacuation insurance will pay to get you to Singapore and great medical care if you need it.

I sincerely doubt that any of you will use the term "sterile" to describe the island.

Thanks Mike for putting this together. I just renewed my passport and it's in need of every stamp it can get. I'll also remember to bring my Sin visa this time to not slow the exit process again.

Please put me on the strong suspicion list.

Here is the definitive answer as to what countries are eligible.

http://www.embassyofindonesia.org/consular/voa.htm

There are also a number of countries that do not need a visa. They are:
Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Morocco, Peru, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

If anyone carries a passport not on the list, it appears that a visa must be obtained in advance from an Indonesian consulate. Check locally to be sure.

Good news for those of us who are going later into Indonesia (including Bali) is that the $10 one is good for 7 days. It used to be 3 so a $15 savings for stays of a week or less. Day of arrival and day of departure count as 2 of the days.

Important These are single entry visas, so if someone is going into Indonesia later, a new VOA must be purchased.

Editing does not move up a thread for some reason

Point 1 in the quote. If you take a blond haired boy everybody, and I mean everybody, will want to touch his head. For some reason it is considered good luck.

Point 2. Definitely expect to bargain and don't be disappointed if you are not very good at it. Bahasa Indonesian is very easy for simple words like the numbers that you need for counting. Don't forget to say please and thank you. Also I found that I had no problems with accents after learning the basics out of a book.

I agree completely, but never having seen a blond headed Indonesian boy or girl, the reference is to the visitor touching an Indonesian (or other Muslim) on the head. I doubt that this group will smuggle in such child on our jaunt.

On Point 2, it is not really necessary to know any numbers since everyone understands calculator. Most vendors will have one so that you can bargain with just a few key taps, a smile and good nature. Most of us will probably also have a cell phone with such a device built in. The reason that I stated the example concerning the "Rulex" because Indonesia is tougher than some other countries.

Thanks for the points.

WWGBD is now +1.

Perhaps Sean can rent a Singapore bus and we will ship it to Batam

what do you do in Bamtam other than shopping?

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.

The cab rides alone are worth the trip. That guy took out at least one cyclists just getting into town. No harm was done as he popped right up.

The above link references a need for a "..Round-trip airplane ticket.." as one requirement for the VOA. Q: Is this needed? Will an printed itinerary suffice? ect...

When we went in last year, we had round-trip boat tickets. No problem obtaining the visa. The $10 is a revenue enhancement feature for entering Indonesia. Fortunately, they haven't turned into a Brazil, Chile or Bolivia.

When I went into Bali a few years ago just after implementation of the charge, no one was interested in looking at the documentation, only the $$$.

If I remember, I will bring a treat for your tenacity :-: and actual reading of the thread. :-:

If you feel better about it, bring your airline e-ticket.

See you on the 16th.

Seeing DLouise NW Plat. status reminded me to mention that those of us connecting in NRT on January 15 will meet in the World Club near gate 16. Elevator opposite and one stop up if you haven't been there before.

If you have connected in NRT before it is the new club. The one with actual food.

[QUOTE=opushomes;11018690
When I went into Bali a few years ago just after implementation of the charge, no one was interested in looking at the documentation, only the $$$.
[/QUOTE]

When I was in Indonesia, I soon learned that everything was bribable (barterable). I'm not sure whether is true for obtaining the visa but once in money could cure anything bureaucratic. I can't imagine that you guys will need that.