Batam Trip 2016 ( One Day Batam Tour )

Since school holidays are almost over me and Hubbyness decided to squeeze in a last minute trip. Initially, we wanted to go to Bintan but since it's a last minute thing like, a week to book hahaha. We went Lucky Plaza in Orchard road to book our trip after walking around and inquiring at a few travel agency we ended.up at Travel Plus Aviation at Lucky Plaza. Ms. Ann assisted us, she suggested that we should consider going to Batam instead, told her that we don't want to stay in the city and that we will prefer to stay in the resort. She has us several suggestions and we ended up booking a 3D2N package with 1 day Batam tour with Indonesian buffet lunch and a 60 min massage, 2N accommodation at Batam View Resort with breakfast total damage was SGD 380.00, which I thought was not bad haha haha.
Oh I think I should let you guys know that am writing using the bloggeriod app, I have written a few post using it but I was all short post wanted to try to write on the go Hahaha am actually in the ferry now.
And I am also using my OPPO F1 phone to take pictures.


And since it's the NBA finals, Hubbyness is busy watching the game on his phone.


Decided to start writing and blog on the go.
We are quite excited, been to Batam several times but I didn't join any tour it was always the free and easy type of holiday.
So here it goes...
Woke up around 6am which is kinda late since we had planned to take the train to Harbourfront.
Left our place around 7:15 booked a cab through the Grab app, arrived at Harbourfront Ferry terminal around 8:00 am went straight to Level 3 to find the Majestic Ferry Counter to collect our tickets.
The lady behind the counter gave me our 2-way tickets and boarding pass and was instructed to proceed to check in right after since our ferry was supposed to leave at 8:45 am.

And she also gave me two stickers to stick on our t-shirts once we arrive in Batam so that the tour guide would be able to spot us.
After we had cleared the immigration which was super fast we went to the waiting area.

After a few minutes our we boarded the ferry, I was not able to take a picture of the ferry.
Settled in our seats

And away we go... The ride took around 45 mins. Welcome to Sekupang Batam

After clearing the immigration we have to find our tour guide noticed the group of people and decided to check it out

Found him Hashanah

Mr. Harry, our tour guide collected our ferry tickets and tour vouchers, he also collected the payment for terminal fees and taxes SGD 56 for the 2 of us.
After he had settled we boarded the bus.

When everyone had boarded our tour guide Mr. Harry started.

He started explaining what are we supposed to do today and the pickup time from the hotel.
His command of English is good he is also quite funny.
Oh, when you arrive please get on the bus earlier since me and Hubbyness decided to smile hahaha ah we were not able to sit together.
I was seated right behind... The ride was quite bumpy, AC is good.
Our first stop



We walked our way to the Cultural Dance show it was roughly a 5 minutes show, there is no admission fee but you will be encouraged to donate 10,000 rupiahs per person which I think is reasonable.

And of course, Hubbyness can't resist taking a photo with the 2 performers.

Next stop was the shooting range which is just beside the Cultural Dance thing by

And boys being boys, Hubbyness have to give it a try, since it was not included in the package he paid 150,000 rupiah

Channeling his inner sniper self hahahaaha

Next stop was the temple.

There are 3 mini temples, you are allowed to go inside pray or take pictures just remember to remove your shoes.



Between these mini temples are small gardens



And outside at the parking lot are more Buddhas was only manage to take 2 photos


Next is Lunch!!!!!



The spread is quite ok, there was Gado Gado, rice, noodles, fried chicken, sweet and sour fish, beef, sauteed veggies, fruits, and dessert.

Shopping Time!!!!
I think because we just ate lunch I was so sleepy during these next stops.
POLO Factory Outlet
Another factory outlet


Next was 1st Factory Outlet, Mr. Harry gave us 50,000 rupiah

The shop mostly sells t-shirts



Unfortunately, we were not able.to buy anything
Next stop Massage!!!!

The inclusion in our package was for an hour massage. However, you could top up several services for an additional fee
Add 30 mins 10 sgd
Aroma therapy 12 sgd
Thai massage 5 sgd
I've opted to go for the Aroma therapy and Hubbyness for the Thai massage.
They gave me this bottle to pass to my masseuse


I've enjoyed my session although Hubbyness didn't.
After our session, we were given a hot ginger tea which was nice to end the session.
You will be encouraged to give tips to your masseuse 20,000 rupiahs ( 2sgd)
Mr. Harry informed us that another bus will take us to our hotel. We quickly cross to Golden Trully Mall to get a data sim card, it costs us 65,000 rupiahs (6.50 sgd) for a 3GB plan.

Now off to our Hotel Batam View Resort.
I will write another post for our Batam View Resort Experience.
And if you are planning to visit Batam and not sure what activities you could do, Our friends from The Crazy Tourist have compiled a  15 Best Things to Do in Batam (Indonesia).