Batam brings to mind weekend rendezvous with mistresses, cable skiing, cheap seafood and basically a getaway from the hustle and bustle of Singapore with friends or with your significant other.

The island is just a short 60min ferry ride from Harbour Front terminal in Singapore. You can get your tickets from Batam Fast and exit tax will set you back S$20. Upon arrival, you’d be greeted with a small DFS store. If you’re planning to get drunk, do stock up at Singapore’s DFS prior to exit.

Holiday Inn Batam is an all-suites hotel and 1 of the 2 more recognised hotels in Batam (the other being Harris Hotel). The hotel provides a bus service (albeit just a 5min ride from the terminal) and check-in includes a welcome punch. Per pax for a 2-bedroom pool facing suite shared among 5 is approx S$70. Suite has 2-bedrooms and 2 restrooms as well as a living area and kitchenette.


View from the balcony *I apologise for the quality of the photos. They were taken with my Blackberry

Short trip with the uni mates again. We stayed at Holiday Inn Batam, and a lovely stay it was. We didn't do much during the short trip.. basically feasted (wooh the seafood there is cheap! and the food is so yummy!) and nuah-ed. My kind of relaxation holiday. ^-^x

Check out the view.. postcard worthy, no?


Go Kart-ing time~! Loved it..


Sunset on the way home~

In short, Batam is a huge place, you need a ride to explore the island fully. And no, it's not all sleaze as reported in the papers. Just go to the right places and you'll find yourself a cheap and relaxing holiday!