Like Hollywood hor! |
Batam is Indonesia's designated
Free Trade Zone, part of the small Riau archipelago, which are situated close
to Sumatera. Batam itself is a short ferry crossing from Singapore, and is a
popular destination among Singaporeans, looking to get away for the weekend. In
Batam
a Singaporean dollar will buy a lot more than it does in Singapore. In fact the moment you enters Batam, you become a millionaire! REJOICE! Visitors to
the island can enjoy the nightlife, the vast abundance of fresh seafood
restaurants, or the numerous outlets selling heavily discounted electronics. (And some also say you can find girlfriend there. Because Batam got many pretty girls. I don't know lah. I hear say only) There are also some relatively unspoiled outdoor recreation areas, in the form
of a number of beaches, a water park, and Mount Senyum for hiking enthusiasts. And don't forget all your lotion, or else chao tar then maybe not so funny already.
While Batam used to be notorious
for its illicit activities such as gambling, the present governor has cracked
down on illegal activity, and in recent times the city has become more suited
to family vacations.
While it is a small island, it
is home to a million inhabitants, so downtown area is as densely populated as
any major South-East Asian city. A very large quantity of the locals are
Chinese immigrants, from a variety of different Sinean ethnicities. There are
invariably large numbers of Singaporeans and Malaysians on the island at any
given time too, given its proximity to both countries.
Harris Resort
Waterfront City,
Batam
Peak season rates start at S$82
The modern, spacious Harris
Waterfront Resort is a perfect getaway for families on vacation, or even for
the solitary business traveller, who needs to be able to spend some time
relaxing in the sun now and again. It's gigantic swimming pool, and beach front
location make it an ideal choice for water sports lovers, as well as travellers
looking to be able to spend as much time outside as possible, working on their
tans.
You can eat at the hotel
poolside cafe, or go one step up in luxury, and have a meal at the onsite
Italian restaurant for authentic pizzas, and pasta, with its dreamy night time
views of the ocean.
If all of that is not enough,
the hotel also has its very own spa, where you can go for massages and
wellness treatments.
You will receive a
welcome drink upon arrival (But if don't have, don't blame me hor.), and the hotel is equipped with free Wi-Fi. (which is like damn important these days.)
The resort is 29 km away from
the airport and only eleven minutes walk from the harbour.
Harmoni One Convention Hotel
Batam Kota, Batam
Peak season rates start at S$57
Harmoni One Hotel was designed explicitly to cater to business
travellers. It has an abundance of convention and business facilities. However,
the more casual visitor is still liable to feel at home under its roof, given
its modern design, and array of comforting facilities.
The hotel is conveniently located in the downtown Batam area, and
many of the city's most alluring attractions can be found within easy walking
distance. Such as the main shopping district, the Grand Mosque, Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Buddhist Temple, as well as some
of the main government departmental offices which could come in handy for
business travellers.
The hotel has on its
grounds two separate restaurants, respectively serving Chinese and
international cuisine, as well as a bar. There are numerous wellness
facilities; such as a gym, a reflexology centre, and a sauna. If you are lazy to move around, there are also a variety of shopping outlets
within the hotel complex itself.
Free Wi-Fi is available is
available throughout the entire building as well as in every room.
The hotel is 25 minutes
drive from the airport, and 45 minutes drive away from the harbour front for
ferry crossings to Singapore.
Batam Centre Hotel
Raffles City, Batam
Peak season rates start at
S$36
Batam Centre Hotel is
located in the heart of the city. It is a good choice for travellers on a
budget, and its being only minutes away from Ocarina Water Park make it
additionally attractive. Free Wi-Fi is available in all public areas, and cable
internet is available in the rooms as well. You can dine at the
restaurant, which also offers a lunch buffet. Dishes from the restaurant may also
be ordered to be eaten poolside. Other facilities include a professional gym
and sauna.
The hotel is 25 minutes
away from the airport, and 29 minutes away from the harbour.
So now you know where to go, have fun finding love out more about Batam!
0 comments:
Post a Comment