Batam Info Thread

[xiaolibiantai]

Doh... Thought you would recommend Batam Man's personal ferry service....

[S.B.Y.1]

Originally Posted by xiaolibiantai

Doh... Thought you would recommend Batam Man's personal ferry service....

Ferry ONLY for Prez of Indo Bonk Land

[MFTO]

Thanks to all the bros here for the good advise and help!! Greatly appreciated. I have booked my ferry ticket for tonight at 930pm.

Now for the hotel. Still thinking which one? Lai Lai or Batam Star? Which is more convinent?

Hope there are still things to do there when I reach!! Hahaha

[The Lord]

Yes rightly said by Bro xiaolibiantai.

The Lovina Inn at Penuin area is in a quiet area.

Bang opposite is the towering BCC condotel with city views n great fittings.

At night in front of BCC CONDOTEL, there is a huge food court a la Lau Pa sat style.

I was charged a ridiculous Rp 50k for a very small serving of Sayur at the Sea food stall in the food court.

I am not sure if they hv different prices for locals n tourists.

For those interested in malling n shopping n saving some money the nearby BCS MALL comes in handy.

I checked n discovered the super market at Nagoya hill is more expensive than the supermarket at BCS mall.

There are quite a few food options at BCS mall. They have Breeks cafe, Godiva, KFC and a couple of tiny restos.

Oh yea they have Pak SBYs favourite soup Bun tut as well. About 45,000rp at breeks..

Money Xchange in the penuin area at night may be a trifle trouble some but there are atms for emergency so not to worry.

Penuin area is generally quiet away from the Hustle and Bustle of Nagoya.

The BCC condotel is spanking new with great fittings. So if u wanna relax with family its a great place.... Hi floor plus an executive room will mke u feel u r d King.

For those who love Nagoya, its just a short taxi ride away.

I managed to pay RP 20,000 per taxi trip from Penuin to Nagoya area. I am not sure if anyone bargained a rate better than this. Yes they asked me for Rp 30k, Rp 40 k.... But they were very happy with Rp 20k.

How much do u bros pay? Rp 10-15k anyone?

Originally Posted by xiaolibiantai

Bro,

Actually there is now 2 Lovina Inn. The one you describe above is in Penuin area. Still a decent hotel, but does not come with a lift. So, it's still ok if stay at level 2 or 3. If kena level4, by the time you reach your room, no need to do anything already.

The other branch is at Nagoya, diagonally opposite Formosa Hotel. This is the one which I have given the number above and also near to quite a number of joints like Berry Inday, Dynasty, Queens massage etc... This branch is also the newer one than the one in Penuin.

[The Lord]

Bro ndnd was kind enough to provide me with a No Frills budget hotel.

Thank you bro ndnd.

Its

Hotel Harapan Baru

Komplek penuin Centre OC1 & OC2

Tel: 0778-421899, 459808

Hp: 0821-73558899

Standard RP 180k

Superior Rp 198k

Deluxe Rp 216 k

Above rates r incluive of tax n 10% discount.

Location .... A minutes walk from BCS Mall.

Difference between Lovina Inn n hotel harapan baru is.... Lovina Inn wifi only t lobby.

At hotel harappan baru wifi in room too.

Try to get room on floor 2. Atleast no need to climb o much.

My experience at Hotel Harapan Baru was good.

For those who have bad experience dun blame me.

The place is no frills n pretty decent.

Check/inspect room before paying so u cant complain much later.

Water in shower Hot n water pressure good.

Got a mini bar in d deluxe room if u wanna stock up on drinks.

And if u r going to late check out just pay RP 20,000 for every additional hour.

[MFTO]

Bro The Lord, is this hotel near the pick up areas or any bars around?

Thanks!!

[hendri2]

just call this no. 0778461000 silver cab....from harbourbay to nagoya area e.g. formosa...25000rp min rate + the mall parking fee 2000....you will get the taxi in 10 mins....or you call in the ferry before you reach the harbour..faster... in nagoya area any place min charge 25000 rp..
besides the prices, you will have a peace of mind in the taxi without the driver pestering you about ayams....

[xiaolibiantai]

Penuin area is good, if you need to avoid ceweks. Like for eg, whe I used to alternate between 2 ceweks, I will stay in Batam Star (which is super near to Gold Bird) when I visit cewek A, and Penuin Hotel when I visit cewek B. The foodcourt mentioned by The Lord is A2. I've only patronized them during night time and always order from this stall, Lady Seafood. Food is good and price is cheaper when compared to Windsor. But, you don't get to see the loads of ceweks like at Windsor.

I'm not sure if it's particularly near to any joint (at least not sure if there are any within walking distance) as I always use a taxi driver when staying in Penuin area, due to not familiar with this area.

Hotels I've stayed before in this area:

Hotel Harapan Baru (mentioned by The Lord above, was the newest hotel in Batam 2 months back) - room is in the 200k region, depend on the room size you get.
Tel: 0778-421899, 459808
Hp: 0821-73558899
One thing though about this hotel, seems like not a lot of taxi drivers know their location. At least that was the case a month back. If you stay here, take their hotel card and if taxi drivers still don't know, tell them opposite BCS.

Lovina Hotel (Penuin)
Tel: +62 778 423212
Decent hotel, like Hotel Harapan Baru, but not as new. No lift, try to get lower floor rooms.

Penuin Hotel
+62 778 454853
Big room, near to Lovina Hotel above. Ask for newer rooms. Price around 220k.

Nearest mall is BCS to these hotels. Prices in this mall is, on average, cheaper than those in Nagoya Hill. Taking taxi to Nagoya, cheapest I've managed is also about 20k. Even nego by my cewek also 20k. Maybe you can get it cheaper when using those who go on meter. That's why many recommend to stay at Nagoya area (especially Formosa Hotel - +62 778 426789 - and Lovina Inn (Nagoya) - +62 778 467789) as there are at least 5 ceweks in walking distance, thus saving you taxi fare and commission.

[xiaolibiantai]

Originally Posted by MFTO

Thanks to all the bros here for the good advise and help!! Greatly appreciated. I have booked my ferry ticket for tonight at 930pm.

Now for the hotel. Still thinking which one? Lai Lai or Batam Star? Which is more convinent?

Hope there are still things to do there when I reach!! Hahaha

You will reach here about 9:30pm Batam time, assuming you're taking Wavemaster. Normally, it is still fine coming on a thursday. But, being a long weekend eve, I think it's better that you call and make hotel reservation before going. Given that it's long weekend and just collect salary, Batam will be very crowded over the next 3 nights... Have fun.

[MFTO]

Originally Posted by xiaolibiantai

You will reach here about 9:30pm Batam time, assuming you're taking Wavemaster. Normally, it is still fine coming on a thursday. But, being a long weekend eve, I think it's better that you call and make hotel reservation before going. Given that it's long weekend and just collect salary, Batam will be very crowded over the next 3 nights... Have fun.

Thanks bro for all your help and advise!! Think I will stay at Batam Star.. Easier for pick up as I'm totally not familiar with the places there.

Thanks to all once again.

[xiaolibiantai]

I would call them now to check on rooms availability and the other hotels if no rooms available. You don't want to be at the mercy of the taxi drivers here if end up no rooms available and you are already at Batam.

[newyorker88]

Originally Posted by MFTO

Those sim card there, available for 3G services? Like for IPhones?

For 3 G, there are, but for Iphones? I have not come across yet, since Iphone sim cards are smaller.

But the internet is very slow. Suggest you try the wifi better.

[newyorker88]

Just a gentle reminder to brothers to BOOK THEIR RETURN TICKET EARLY to avoid a shock on sunday. It is best recommanded to book the return after you reach batam these few days, if you plan to return on SUNDAY.

[xiaolibiantai]

Originally Posted by newyorker88

Just a gentle reminder to brothers to BOOK THEIR RETURN TICKET EARLY to avoid a shock on sunday. It is best recommanded to book the return after you reach batam these few days, if you plan to return on SUNDAY.

Yup, in fact the first thing you guys should do when you land in Batam is head to Habourbay mall (which is a short 5 mins walk) and book you return trip, irregardless of whether you're coming back on Saturday or Sunday. Else, you may not get a seat back...

[MFTO]

Originally Posted by xiaolibiantai

Yup, in fact the first thing you guys should do when you land in Batam is head to Habourbay mall (which is a short 5 mins walk) and book you return trip, irregardless of whether you're coming back on Saturday or Sunday. Else, you may not get a seat back...

Thanks again for the info bro Xiaolibaitai and bro newyorker88!!

I have successfully book 2 rooms at Batam Star.. But alamak, because I requested for room with windows and connecting, it's on the 4th floor!!! Lolz.....

I will only reach batam tonight at 930pm local time. Will the counter still be open at harbourbay? Will be coming back on Saturday though..