A Day Trip to Batam, Indonesia
A boat ferry took us to Land of Indonesia where the remains of the famous prehistoric Java man was found inside one of their caves. In this trip I'm hoping to find my Java Man - just kidding I'm too young for that. Here I go again, another short trip this time to Indonesia with my friends at work. Good news if you're in Singapore because it's just less than hour away by ferry. Let's go!
A boat ferry took us to Land of Indonesia where the remains of the famous prehistoric Java man was found inside one of their caves. In this trip I'm hoping to find my Java Man - just kidding I'm too young for that. Here I go again, another short trip this time to Indonesia with my friends at work. Good news if you're in Singapore because it's just less than hour away by ferry. Let's go!
How to get there: Singapore to Batam, Indonesia
HarbourFront Centre Ferry Terminal
Address: 1 Maritime Square, Singapore 099253
From Harbourfront MRT Station
Exit the train station and follow the signs to HarbourFront Centre Ferry Terminal
Ferry Ticket
HarbourFront Centre Ferry Terminal to Batam Centre: 16 SGD
Singapore seaport tax 20 SGD
Batam seaport tax 7 SGD
Ferry ticket total fare: 43 SGD
Travel time: 45 minutes - 1.5 hours
Prices may have changed.
Ferry Ticket
HarbourFront Centre Ferry Terminal to Batam Centre: 16 SGD
Singapore seaport tax 20 SGD
Batam seaport tax 7 SGD
Ferry ticket total fare: 43 SGD
Travel time: 45 minutes - 1.5 hours
Prices may have changed.
Tips
- Power outlets: are commonly type C/F, Round Two-Pin Plug, with standard voltage 230 V and frequency 50 Hz.
Suvival Terms
- Toilet is the term for the bathroom/washroom
- Terima Kasih means "thank you"
Welcome to Batam! Now what?!
We headed to Batam,Indonesia via Ferry at HarbourFront. It was a Chinese New Year week so our tickets were booked ahead of time. Batam is located west of Bintan Island and south part of Singapore. This is just a day we have limited time to roam around but we managed to visit what we came for.
1. Relax
The place smelled like home and it was just like going back to the Philippines. What makes the place different is their building structures, they have temple-like design roofs.
Try to relax and appreciate the simplicity of life here. They don't have busy people in suits walking around, people catching the bus or train, drivers driving fast to work and all.
The place smelled like home and it was just like going back to the Philippines. What makes the place different is their building structures, they have temple-like design roofs.
Try to relax and appreciate the simplicity of life here. They don't have busy people in suits walking around, people catching the bus or train, drivers driving fast to work and all.
2. Barelang Bridge
As we drove along we stopped by this bridge, and we just stand there while staring at the horizon. The Barelang Bridge or also known as Jembatan Barelang, it is considered to be one of the Iconic structures in Batam.
4. Dragon Fruit Farm
We didn't actually know where to go so we asked the driver what's like the nearest place we can chill out. We headed to a dragon fruit farm to Naga Zore Juice House, just a few minutes away from the famous Barelang bridge.
I've never been to a dragonfruit farm before, I was excited to see it. These plants lives with the heat of the sun, Batam's tropical weather will definitely reap it's benefits from the fruits.
We just enjoyed having our freshly squeezed dragon fruit juice drink under the sizzling heat of the sun-refreshing? Not really, I'm not a fan of it's taste,it's like drinking sweet saliva. I hope I didn't offend any dragon fruit fanatic out there.Peace man! However recently I tried the white colored dragon fruit and it actually taste better.
We didn't actually know where to go so we asked the driver what's like the nearest place we can chill out. We headed to a dragon fruit farm to Naga Zore Juice House, just a few minutes away from the famous Barelang bridge.
We just enjoyed having our freshly squeezed dragon fruit juice drink under the sizzling heat of the sun-refreshing? Not really, I'm not a fan of it's taste,it's like drinking sweet saliva. I hope I didn't offend any dragon fruit fanatic out there.Peace man! However recently I tried the white colored dragon fruit and it actually taste better.
4. Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall
Before the day ended ,we can't go home empty handed, so we headed to the nearest mall and bought some keychains. It's located at the center of Nagoya town and near Nagoya Plaza Hotel.
We were like instant millionaire's there,if you have with you more than 200 SGD, you'll have 2 million rupiahs, for 1 SGD = 6,950 Rupiahs, please refer to current exchange rates for accurate ratio. The zeroes were too much that it made our heads hurt.
We were like instant millionaire's there,if you have with you more than 200 SGD, you'll have 2 million rupiahs, for 1 SGD = 6,950 Rupiahs, please refer to current exchange rates for accurate ratio. The zeroes were too much that it made our heads hurt.
The items sold in the Mall are really not that expensive, it's really not a fancy mall they have like souvenir items, a grocery store and a few boutique selling shoes and bags. I wasn't planning to buy many stuffs so I've just changed 10 SGD, which is equivalent to 69,500 rupiahs. I've only purchased keychains 1 key chain was about 10,000 rupiahs. My friends were roaming around the mall looking for t-shirts well as for me I was busy looking for something my mum can put on her display cabinet.
5. Massage
If you still have time enjoy a relaxing massage. Massage rates: 130,000 rupiah - 150,000 rupiah
What to Eat in Batam
Deep fried Marble Goby Fish (also known as Ghost Fish)
Seafood Dining Adventure
Traveling is like having a food trip, searching and trying out something new, a new cuisine means a whole new experience. I feel that way about my cravings for travel, but at the end of each travel I always end up coming back home as nothing can compare to my mom's cooking. The smell of homemade food is always one of a kind.
We tried different variety of dishes and if only I can divert food in my liver, heart, lungs,why not so I can try all kinds of Indonesian food in Batam.
Deep Fried Garlic Chicken
Mixed Vegetables
Coconut Juice
Butter Garlic Prawns
While we were at Barelang Bridge, two vendors approached us selling street foods. The crab was gigantic and looked so delicious. I never thought they would sell this kind of foods here at the bridge, usually these cost a lot in restaurants.
I'm still craving more of Indonesia but next time I want to go swimming in the beach or do some water sports.
Itinerary Reminders:
1. Flight Details
Make sure to write down your booking reference number, be at the airport two hours before your flight and allocate time for your travel to the airport.
2. Accommodation Details
Write down your hotel/motel/resort/bnb booking number. Contact your place to inform them around when you'll be arriving — it really does help. Also, ask if your accommodation has any discounted activities. You'd be surprised!
3a. Transportation
List possible times your bus/train/boat arrives and leaves so you don't miss an activity. Always give yourself an extra 30-45 minutes in case you get lost, get stuck in traffic, or are looking for parking. Better early than late. Of utmost importance: check for the last trip and fares! So you still have time and money to get back.
3b. Car Rentals
Take note of your pick-up address and time allotted. Our last car rental told us to bring the car back by a certain time with a certain amount of gas. Allot money for fuel and parking.
4. Budgeting
Set aside a minimum and maximum spending amount for: meals, transportation, entrance fees, activities, souvenirs and emergencies. 3 meals a day + snacks adds up quickly, so keep track! As well as tips for restaurants and activities.
5. Activities
Call to confirm your booking(s) a day or so beforehand. Set alarms and/or calendar reminders for things you plan to do (i.e- bungee-jumping, river-rafting, or even city / food tours).
Do you want more adventure?
If you still have one more day to spare why not go to Bintan, Indonesia for a relaxing island getaway.
Where am I going next?
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