Batam Info / Interest / Help Thread [Archive] - Page 64

Eddyserpico

23-01-2020, 01:50 AM

Octopuss Spa FR
21/1/2020
Super short trip due to OC bday on 22/1/2020

OC wanna celebrate there but cannot overnight due to work commitment
So i big heart volunteer go the night before hehe

Being reading about octopuss but no recent update

So i go and try out here my humble fr

Reach btm ctr ard 7 wib. Check in and proceed for dinner. Once dinner done took grab to pacific cost me 50k.Reach pacific around 830pm wib, took side entrance as many bro here advice. Theres two side entrance. One u will see 2 lifts side by side thats the correct lift. Another one u will see one lift but it only go to lvl 4. No worries both entrance will lead you to the middle lift. Just remember find lift to lvl 8.
Go up lift door open, recep counter to spa. Recep greet me and show me room package, also inform me got discount now 20%+20%. Took suite room, recep say 300k ++. Showed in to waiting area another recep there show me to sitting area and explain the package. Have two tier.

Tier 1- As the first recep say 300k++ inclusive of therapist 1.5hr massage and facilities used till 11pm wib.
Therapist cannot choose.

Tier 2-
Gold - ice bj 800k ++ inclusive room suite, 1hr

Platinum - honey catbath 1juta++ inclusive room, 1hr.

Both gold and Platinum can choose girl

She say take a look first at all and choose so i agreed. She call out for 'contest' and withnin 10min about 10-12 girls appear infront of me. Notice they in two type of dresses red (gold) and black (Platinum). One girl in Platinum caught my eyes but since this is my first time test water, i never let small head control me and i survey the gold class. Pick one that suit my taste and they all left. Recep 2 ask me i want to proceed or use facilities first. I choose facilities. Time check already 9pm wib. Lead to locker to change and proceed to shower. Facilities area quite big. They have Steam room, Sauna, O2 room, cold pool, hot pool. Bar (drinks are chargeable). Tables to consume chips (foc) and drinks. They also a tv set showing local channel and a small gym area with cycle and 1/2 other machine. Use facilities for 30min. And told the guy at the bar im ready for my therapist. He hand me a kimono and shorts and i proceed to shower. Once done recep 2 show me to my room.
Room not bad. Have shower, urinal, tv, and a massage mattress. Withnin 5min my therapist arrive. Time check 935pm wib. Therapist gfe was superb and service was good. I brought in 100k to standby for tip. So after deed is done i tipped her 100k. Ask her want to tapao she say 1.5juta till max 2am (she finish at 12mn). Contact num taken. May use next time hehe she say of off day she can meet and charges lower. Once done she led me back to waiting area. Recep 2 greet me and ask me if i wanna continue for massage. Ask her how much? (Bros just a small advice, no offense, dont shy ask price, they are service provider we are customer, so make sure u know what u paying for). She inform me now my bill is about 830k++ as i have ordered one juice drink cost 30k. If i decide to continue massage 1.5hr all in will be about 1juta++ as they have 50% room promo now if i take massage and service. Time check 1035pm wib. I agreed and she request to wait. I return to facilities and relax at O2 room. Witnin 5/10mins she say therapist ready and led me to another room, my therapist already in room. Also syt. Once inside, therapist inform to remove everything and lie down. I oblige and proceed massage after 1hr she say turn lie on my back and to my surprise but pleasure she did a hj. 1.5hr up and i proceed to shower and left to settle bill.
Recep 1 inform total about 1juta++. Smile and pay and left a super happy man. time check 12.50pm wib. Took grab back another 50k.

Total Damage: 1juta in spa + 100k transport.

1juta++ from 8
Suite room 1
Ice bj and fj with therapist 1
Suite room 2
Massage 1.5hr + hj
One juice drink

To me worth it
To rtf maybe if have frens wanna try spa or have extra time and $$

Overall super satisfied.

Apologies if my fr is long and sensitive to any bros..

this is an update of the spa
Anyway here are the base price without discount for the room.
President suite -600k++
Suite - 500k++
Executive - 400++

Thats all bros

Kaboon

23-01-2020, 01:02 PM

During one of my pre-CNY, ONE lonely "mango" was hanging downward from one of the mango tree there at Vihara Cipta Dharma Temple (玄天上帝庙 ) were the center of attraction.

In case u are there, Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya buddhist temple is literally beside it & they are having free vegetarian every year on the first day of CNY every year.

Free lunch, i think u will like the food there. ;)

Photo taken from there.

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Black Page

23-01-2020, 07:01 PM

Last Saturday, I had a girl in my room after dinner at 9pm.

This is interesting. I periodically check WeChat, but usually I never find anyone worth to meet. So, this time I receive a message not from the usual ones* who offer ST/BO, but from a girl whose profile is full of visits to church, prayers to God, etc.
After some chatting, I propose her to meet, and she suggest we go to cinema. So, following Nono's tracks, I meet her at the cinema ticket counter and I book a couple seat at Harbour Bay. It was a teenager experience, with her modestly rejecting my hands trying to roam and just giving me a kiss.
I invite her to dinner, and after dinner she accepts to come to my room to watch photos. Well, she is HOT! She really needed some sex to release the tension of every day routine at work and at church.
She's a lovely person, and I hope to meet her again and stay in touch as friend.

----
* Note: this time I received messages from more than 10 women offering massage, from a ladyboy, from someone with fake sexy photo pretending to be "supermodel" (probably another ladyboy), and from a super sexy chinese girl offering ST for 500k. The last one was interesting, and maybe true maybe not, but I did not have the time to check and ask her to meet.

milfmilf

23-01-2020, 11:11 PM

Penuin Hotel soft opening...

(Penuin Hotel is at BCS area)

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术前？ :confused::rolleyes:

kuatos

24-01-2020, 01:31 AM

Hi guys, anyone wanna join me go Batam on 6-8 February? Do pm me if interested!

iicycold

24-01-2020, 02:04 AM

Why must give...seriously never encountered before in m life...not that I did anything wrong...

aiyo...brother hurricane, sm ppl always go btm once every a week, so they wan their pp kena chop til nice nice, all 4 or 5 chops in one page ma...like tat can save time & sin $ to make pp ovr & ovr agn lor....not every1 like me, go btm onli abt 11 x a year, each time stay many days ma....lol, then pp onli got abt 11 chops. :D

so ovr many decades later, it's like a culture to these grp of older uncles & ex indo ppl who wil giv a bit rp 2 get these custom officers 2 chop their pp nice nice lor....lol...can save $60 or $80, my as well use tat same $ go btm get bbbj/fj 2-3x.

btw...also not sure renew passport became an issue here...I dun wait on such thing...I can apply to renew passport with 9 months before expiry...all done online...also collect nearby singpost of my choice...nothing complicated...

make new pp aso need $ ma...& even no issue wil stil take up sm time....lol...time is $ + they got limit time left, their kkj mayb cn't tahan lei... :p

but hor, the thgs is they didnt calculate prosperly is, each time they giv custom ppl 30k-50k rp every week, one mth 4x to 5x, 1 year 52x they give ard 1.56 jt to 2.6jt, total amt can get even get more fj & bbbj liao....lol :D

i got do countin one hor, my ppl got 64 pages, if custom chop 1 chop per page, my pp can tahan more than 1 year +...lol

this morning ah neh fren asked me said Sat go batam....I told him forget it...no ticket no hotel left...

surpisely, penuin hotel posted by nono stil got rm during cny first to third day....lol...& it's in prime bcs area sm more but price abt $24-$30 a nite. :p

ndnd

24-01-2020, 02:12 AM

The negative news is that when I asked if they were available for booking or only sitting the GRO told me only sitting. However, I am not sure she understood what I meant, because she spoke no English and there was noise. She said that if I want action I can go to the spa, but me I was mouthwatering for these 20 girls in the bar and I was not not interested to the spa.
I do not know the cost for sitting with girls and for the lady drinks, but overall the place is cheap. 3 beers costed me less than 150k.

The local called this place VG.
I remembered the ladies there were all from Octopuss Cat. Sliver.
Thats why now Octopuss level 8 only have Gold and Platinum.
And ladies there are for ST.
Maybe there is a change on their system now :rolleyes:

No more Sphinx, No more Seruni hotel.
Now have changed to K hotel,
Sphinx building is now K2 KTV, and they have 2 level of KTV rooms and a lounge for drinking and betting of ping pong nos.
Also have Mookata at level 1.

nono1973

24-01-2020, 02:14 AM

Pulau Galang's Guan Yin Temple during 2017...

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Pulau Galang's Guan Yin Temple in 2019.

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Unlikely to go there during CNY 2020 but most likely will be bringing uncles and aunties there during, either March/April 2020.

My trip schedule has reach as far as June 2020. Guess this is gonna a busy year for me,hehehe... :p

nono1973

24-01-2020, 02:28 AM

Pre-CNY temple trip, so as to be able to know the place better...hehehe...talk about being kiasu plus kiasi...

Wrong timing to be there, the temple were having some minor renovation when i reached.

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They moved the deities altar to the side platform.

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Until when they finish doing up the painting and renovation, then will they move the deities back to the main altar right inside the temple.

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Behind the temple...

https://i.pilo.ovh/images/hcYiK.gif

I was trying the capture the how the rest of the koi in the pond were following the white koi,hehehe.... :D

Which is fresher? The mango at Penuin wet market...

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...those near the Jodoh bazaar....

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...or the ones behind the temple? Hehehehe...

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This place still not very populated by too many tourist tho...just some chickens and birds,hehehe...

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Talk about curi ayam,hehehe... :D

https://i.pilo.ovh/images/hcZYM.gif

Chicken and pigeon living in harmony together inside the pigeon hole cages. :p

https://i.pilo.ovh/images/hcgyI.gif

This temple is the Vihara Cipta Dharma Temple (玄天上帝庙 ) (https://sbf.net.nz/showthread.php?p=19632650#post19632650) i was talking about in my earlier post.

I need to go there before CNY just to see and get a better understanding of the place before i can bring others go during CNY time. The next place i go to on that same day is the Hock An Kiong Temple (福安宫) (https://sbf.net.nz/showthread.php?p=19632654#post19632654)

The Hock An Kiong Temple (福安宫) (https://sbf.net.nz/showthread.php?p=19632654#post19632654) is actually quite far out from Nagoya area, near to the Batam University.

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Rather simple temple for now as they are still kind-of under construction. They started as a home base temple, remember? And that steep slope up the temple is a real killer,hehehe...and then besides the 2D door and the 24 piety marbled wall...

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...there's the dragon statue fountain. Out of its main temple area at the datuk kong shrine.

https://i.pilo.ovh/images/tqmgG.gif

Big place with nice ambiance too.

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I think they are going to have some event during the cny period as well,hehehe...hope i have the time to catch up with that.

Just doing some homework before my actual CNY 2020 trip.

nono1973

24-01-2020, 02:30 AM

Lol....got 4 more days then is cny liao lo....tis yr like no good movie for cny in btm ya?

1 more days to CNY 2020,hehehe...this year, the only set back in Batam is really no good movies for me to look forward to except one! Or at least, nothing really caught my interest.

This year's CNY 2020..."Be a true God...in your own way"...hehehe....:D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTuit9os5zw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFO0HPTNJmI

Unlikely to come to Batam during CNY and stay for a long time (i hope i'm wrong,hehehe...). Nezha was here for a short while and this Jiang Zi Ya movie gonna launch in China on CNY eve.

By the time it reach other parts of Asia, its probably February time.

i got feel tat it's gng 2 be no so crowded like previous years cny lei....lol

There wont be no rooms to stay in if one comes during CNY. Just what type of rooms that is left,hehehe...i look forward to go to places that are quieter in Batam. ;)

And finally...its CNY eve.

True inner peace be upon all in this thread.

Black Page

24-01-2020, 02:30 AM

The local called this place VG.
I remembered the ladies there were all from Octopuss Cat. Sliver.
Thats why now Octopuss level 8 only have Gold and Platinum.
And ladies there are for ST.
Maybe there is a change on their system now :rolleyes:

No more Sphinx, No more Seruni hotel.
Now have changed to K hotel,
Sphinx building is now K2 KTV, and they have 2 level of KTV rooms and a lounge for drinking and betting of ping pong nos.
Also have Mookata at level 1.

Thank you so much. You definitely know a lot.
I have just returned last Monday after 8 days in Batam. Overall the disco scene was disappointing:
NEWTON: never more than 50% full, no more young SYT looking for a dad with money in pocket, some hit and miss.
P3: as usual, some hit and miss
P1: I tried on a Monday night, and it was EMPTY (5 people dancing on the floor).

fde83

24-01-2020, 07:47 AM

Did yr friend go buy 4D?:D

His not the type that gamble his money away but his life while farking his gals raw and cumming inside thier pussies

Leoric

24-01-2020, 11:03 AM

it is a cultural difference & people mindset in diff countries. If Sgreans choose 2 visit tose places, then they must accept tose kind of attitude lor...to them, this might b normal everyday routine, even they do the same towards their own ppl. China used to be like this aso & has improved over time.

I think once Indo gov see how far behind they are, the gov body wld impose tougher policies & no b under their ppl's (Demonstration) threat.

Question is when? lol.... :D

i think it's already in their blood abt the corruption to the extend that they might not even knw that they're actually committing a crime (corruption).

Just recent 2019 news, Indonesian tourist come Sg & try to bribe the Sg immigration officer.

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/indonesian-jailed-for-trying-to-bribe-ica-officer-over-tampered-11280056

Though he alone cannot represent the whole of Indonesia but i would say most of them, likely would do the similar when getting into trouble with any government officers anywhere, it's a just part of most of their natural reflexes to just push money to get themselves out of trouble.

This don't just happen from the bottoms up, it goes right to the top. Like this Indonesian Riau Islands Governor Nurdin Basirum (Batam was part of his charge,within the Riau island) that was caught during mid 2019.

https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2019/07/11/kpk-arrests-riau-governor-for-alleged-bribery.html

Their law for corrupted practice just isn't hard enough to deter others & the rest of from committing the same offence again. U can catch them all but the punishment is just a slap on their wrist & they're free to go after. ;)

Perhaps it's just a small crime to them, just like littering in Sg.

I'm on my way to Batam in a couple of hours time. See u guys there! :D

nono1973

24-01-2020, 01:43 PM

I'm on my way to Batam in a couple of hours time. See u guys there! :D

Dont forget to keep a look out for the best rate in almost ALL the Singapore money changers,hehehe... :D

https://cashchanger.co/singapore/sgd-to-idr?val=1000&valtype=have

(i sent the above links to you guys since ages ago,hehehe...)

If Batam rate not as good enough, can change for you. 10050/SGD is best rate in Singapore but minimum S$300. The rest of them mostly just 10000/SGD.

I no need change anymore, as i already got 10150/SGD in my last batam trip,hehehe...and i changed enough to last me for this whole CNY 2020 trip. Maybe even the next one too. :D

A kind bro just PM me that ferry is loaded FULL with lots of foreign workers from Singapore at 1045am. And some Indo Chinese (girls) too. :p

Keep in contact and see you guys there soon! ;)

nono1973

25-01-2020, 10:07 AM

Take this opportunity to wish everyone in this thread and in Batam today, a happy and prosperous Chinese Lunar New Year.

http://www.imgflex.com/images/2020/01/25/giphy2.gif

Harbour front was so crowded like never before. I have never seen such enormous crowd over my past 5 years of CNY trips (5 consecutive year, i am in Batam during CNY time). Waiting in queue to scan my passport from the Singapore side took more than 40 mins reached and Horizon ferry delayed (other ferry companies as well),hehehe...1st time experience.

Once i reached Batam, all was back to norm. No queue from the Batam Harbour Bay side. Rejected taxi from Harbour Bay to hotel even tho signboard says 30k rupiah. Took the Zest Hotel taxi instead at 35k rupiah,hehehe...5k rupiah extra for peace of mind during CNY, its worth every bit. ;)

(base on experience from last year CNY trip was that many taxis would start asking for 50k rupiah per trip)

Cheers!

Hurricane88

25-01-2020, 10:43 AM

Take this opportunity to wish everyone in this thread and in Batam today, a happy and prosperous Chinese Lunar New Year.

(base on experience from last year CNY trip was that many taxis would start asking for 50k rupiah per trip)

Cheers!

Gong Xi Fa Cai!...:)

Reason why I will not like crowded Batam or anywhere crowded during long weekends or public holidays...:)

fde83

25-01-2020, 11:02 AM

How is batam now? Loads of Aneh around? Last year wasn't as crowded the year before

nono1973

25-01-2020, 11:43 AM

Reason why I will not like crowded Batam or anywhere crowded during long weekends or public holidays...:)

Comparing the crowd in Singapore and Batam, i still prefer Batam,hehehe...went to Sentosa some 10 over years ago to the Spring flower festival. From the birds eye view on the cable car, i see rainbow colors of flower from it. Then all of a sudden, i patches of "black crowd" (99.9% non-Singaporean). That day onward, i work on giving Singapore a miss and chose Batam. Even "call chicken" in Singapore also so crowded.

Batam is quite different (at least to me). Due to my couple of years of working and analyzing, i am able to locate places in Batam which are not "infested" (or least infected) by the CNY holiday tourism. In Batam, i get the best of both world, i get less or literally no crowd in it to places i choose to go (at the best timing), i also get the CNY ambiance, eg...fire crackers, temple praying with lesser chinese-rush, massage places with lesser business,lower pricing+better service, Indo girls which are lesser affected by the season etc.

Comparing with the influx of foreign workers from Singapore who would share 2 to 5 person in a single room and paying a much higher price for girls, i think i am better off than them,hehehe...and comparing with those Singaporean who are on par with me, not many of them has my experience and knowledge of the island during this season.

I confirm gain the upperhand most of the time. :p

You should come by one CNY in future, just endure an hour or 2 from the Singapore immigration side for a while and you would touch heaven on earth,hehehe....:D

Just sharing.

69n69

25-01-2020, 04:45 PM

Just reached today. Line up harbour bay custom 1 hour. Hotel mostly fully booked. All shopping malls are open. Chinese owned shop mostly closed. At DC mall now. Quite crowded. Later will go nagoya shopping mall walk walk see see

Hurricane88

25-01-2020, 05:05 PM

You should come by one CNY in future, just endure an hour or 2 from the Singapore immigration side for a while and you would touch heaven on earth,hehehe....:D

NO thank you...even queue 45 mins in an airport I hate it...if I want to spend CNY in Batam then I will go a few days before CNY and stay a week till all mad rush over..:)

PowerBenz

25-01-2020, 10:30 PM

Guys update here...those wanna go hai ou seafood for dinner pls take note...this few days hai ou will be closed for this few days durong cny...

BFOMF5

25-01-2020, 11:06 PM

NO thank you...even queue 45 mins in an airport I hate it...if I want to spend CNY in Batam then I will go a few days before CNY and stay a week till all mad rush over..:)
555
Same thinking...
Already here last Wed...
Anyway...
Long time didnt do my after dinner walk.
Last night make a tour in Nagoya area,
Ride pressed Bunga,Kupu2,SriKandy, saw some aneh shopping around.
At Seker(ExNB) saw Chandra n
AhLong was burning jossstick in front.

As for eating place most chinese stalls were closed....
A2 Quite
J8 dead,
98 hv Singer/DJ/Firework 50% full.
Nagoya FC See Car park 80% full.

Usually dont go kampungBule.
As it was stillhv time before the fire work start. Desided to just Go one round and to my surprise.. it was quite happening.

Windsor TPK firework start at around 1130Wib.
and Lubuk Baja (near Martabak Har)IMLEK Event ground firework starts at midnight.

BFOMF5

26-01-2020, 08:26 AM

https://img2.uploadhouse.com/fileuploads/28133/281336228a1fb022e4a2f1663b3daa9df7e6f12b.jpg

LATE GREETING FROM BATAM
HUAT AH!!

nono1973

26-01-2020, 08:48 AM

There is a Zi char restaurant near Windsor foodcourt that serves Pai Gu Wang and it’s quite nice, comparable to SG standards.

I can’t remember the name of the place but here’s the map location:

............

I’m sure the standard won’t fail u and the lady boss is quite pleasant.

On a side note, the Thiam Huat place in the above map also serves one of the better ikan asam pedas in Batam, worth a try for anyone who’s into ikan asam pedas.

Hmm...thank you for sharing, at least now i got thiam huat as a map point to try to locate the place you were talking about.

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This thiam huat coffee shop is a corner shop, on its shop front "port side" opposite is Hong Ti sea food coffee shop.

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On its "starboard side" right opposite is a big drain. Hope you are not referring to this side as there are more coffee shop there if i walk across the drain and follow by the road.

Note : Corner shop will have 2 opposite, one on left and one on right of their shop. I refer portside as "left" and starboard side as "right", from the viewing angle of the thiam huat coffee shop.

Further down from Hong Ti sea food coffee shop block, the same 5 footway would be...

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Hope they still have that dish around. :p

If there is time, shall go there look around.

I mean since i have always been curious about Hai Hai 2 hotel,hehehe...most likely i would one day have to walk there to explore. They were all just a stone throw away.

nono1973

26-01-2020, 11:26 AM

555
Same thinking...
Already here last Wed...
Anyway...
Long time didnt do my after dinner walk.
Last night make a tour in Nagoya area,
Ride pressed Bunga,Kupu2,SriKandy, saw some aneh shopping around.
At Seker(ExNB) saw Chandra n
AhLong was burning jossstick in front.

Hehehe...all booking joint and massage opened. But price as usual, super ultra high...hear that some joint's overnight booking price went above 2 juta a night.

Utama hotel area all hotels fully booked (except S Hotel), just like BCS mall area Hotel (except Penuin Hotel).

As for eating place most chinese stalls were closed....
A2 Quite
J8 dead,
98 hv Singer/DJ/Firework 50% full.
Nagoya FC See Car park 80% full.

Astro Food court closed. BCS mall 90% shop opened, but quiet inside. Perhaps due to the timing i was there. :D

A2 was 110% full both the sheltered area and non-sheltered area.

Money changer rate in BCS Mall inside and outside were at 9800/SGD. Seems like 70% of money changer in Batam all close shop.

Usually dont go kampungBule.
As it was stillhv time before the fire work start. Desided to just Go one round and to my surprise.. it was quite happening.

It sure is.

Utama area, mostly Singapore Malays there.

BCS area, mostly Singapore Chinese.

Kampong Bule area, mostly educated Singaporean ("eat french fries" Singaporean aka fake ang moh).

So sad to see Sunboss close this CNY at Citywalk Mall this year. Lucky Plaza opened but 50% shops closed.

Will start hitting temples from today onward. :p

Its the 2nd day of CNY 2020 today.

Wait a second, a lot of food stalls ran out of certain type of food yesterday (1st day of CNY by 6pm, even Mcdonald and KFCs too). How i know? Becos i tried to order Grab Food and this is the 1st of Grab Food experience that i have 3 orders cancelled due to lack of my favourite food i am looking for. And i highly doubt they can replenish those food today.

Gonna go with no pork day today. :(

My late abalone supper yesterday evening.

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Mixed with vegetarian food from the hotel and some Rosella tea.

Its the 1st time my girl tried abalone ,quite unreceptive at 1st but later end up fighting with me on the last piece from the can! Even ask me to buy her a can the next time round. :p

Maybe in future can consider start selling abalone in Batam,hehehe... :D

Saw in some online market place that Batam Formosa Hotel is selling off its property for S$13 million.

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Maybe later can go check with their management staffs if its true.

Just sharing.

iicycold

26-01-2020, 06:06 PM

Its the 2nd day of CNY 2020 today.

Wait a second, a lot of food stalls ran out of certain type of food yesterday (1st day of CNY by 6pm, even Mcdonald and KFCs too). How i know? Becos i tried to order Grab Food and this is the 1st of Grab Food experience that i have 3 orders cancelled due to lack of my favourite food i am looking for. And i highly doubt they can replenish those food today.

Gonna go with no pork day today. :(

knn, u got solution for tis or no? Aldy got 2 online order tio cancel due 2 no enuff good food in btm liao...lol...i order til a bit pek chek liao lei. :mad:

aso hor...hope u no tinking of cummin back sg 2mrow 27th feb on tat horriblezon ferry bcs they're all fool liao....lol :D

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btw, happi cheena new year ya...2 all...lol

Huat ah! Huat ah! :D

daviddavid

26-01-2020, 08:31 PM

Long time never go batam liao, Thinking of going tmr for a couple of days. Any bros around to show the rope?:D

MaskedRider_555

26-01-2020, 09:08 PM

1 more days to CNY 2020,hehehe...this year, the only set back in Batam is really no good movies for me to look forward to except one! Or at least, nothing really caught my interest.

Due to coronavirus, alot of CNY movie release are being hold back.I believe the move is to prevent bad box office results and lose money.

:)

hawkeye007

27-01-2020, 03:32 AM

Hmm...thank you for sharing,

Further down from Hong Ti sea food coffee shop block, the same 5 footway would be

Hope they still have that dish around. :p

If there is time, shall go there look around.

I mean since i have always been curious about Hai Hai 2 hotel,hehehe...most likely i would one day have to walk there to explore. They were all just a stone throw away.

Yes u found it, Hong Ti Seafood is the place that I’m referring to. The Pai Gu Wang is quite nice; go try it and let me know your verdict...

hawkeye007

27-01-2020, 03:36 AM

Due to coronavirus, alot of CNY movie release are being hold back.I believe the move is to prevent bad box office results and lose money.

:)

No, the reason is because all these CNY Chinese movies have to be premiered in China and cannot be premiered in other countries first.

The premieres of these CNY movies have been delayed in China as a measure to slow down the spread of the Wuhan virus; to minimise mass congregation.

tomic

27-01-2020, 10:33 AM

Any bros going today or tomorrow?

Wanna meet up to go around booking joints and maybe dinner and drinks?

Been a while since I last went batam, know some basic stuff but that's it.

BFOMF5

27-01-2020, 11:38 PM

Yesterday tried to go Tg.Uban(Bintan) by bike.
At Punggur roro terminal... then learnt that there are some restrictions for vehicle to exit btm.
As spoken by local...
If the vehicle registered after certain year(1999?)then hv to report to the police to obtain a permit to go out.
As we didn't bring the necessary doc. and do not like to be "chopped" by the police....

We decided to turn back.
On the way back... few minutes away fr terminal
saw a market and this Hokkie hotel (under OYO mgmt)
https://img2.uploadhouse.com/fileuploads/28137/28137292402ecf7c357cf4b69212801cc99401a7.jpg

Walk in rate
https://img4.uploadhouse.com/fileuploads/28137/28137294d83bbe81c06977deedbb3cfbe359896b.jpg

Beside Hotel there is a Restaurant
https://img3.uploadhouse.com/fileuploads/28137/28137293380db5deaedea18fa30068ab25a7aed2.jpg
Look likes a entertainment place. :)

PowerBenz

28-01-2020, 01:42 AM

Went to batam on first day of cny reach hf the queue is still ok for horizon ferry...After reaching clear checkpoint within 5mins by priority lane as im taking business class..For non business class the queue is about half still ok.When to tua pek kong temple to pray and met up.with bro nono at formosa hotel tea story for a drink and had a very good chat with him.Bro nono thanks for the drinks treat..Nagoya plasa hotel totally cannot make it...went to nagoya hill and grand batam mall for a walk bought some food and head back to hotel..At nagoya hill went to JR salon for massage took an hour massage for $28 find that its abit expensive..Massage is soso but later the will slowly the masseuse will start with some massage near the private area and slow will do some hj on it..Did not mention price but after job done just tip her 200k and also asked her that if she want come to my hotel after work...she agreed to it..But one thing to take.note on this jr salon is the counter staff push their vip package which cost $600k first...I rejected the package and took the sport massage for 1hr..The staffs later came out with trick me to get their private room for a top up of 100k but i rejected and was offer 50% discount..For their private room is totally no different from normal room...To my surprise a normal salon got special in the roon...The masseuse came after her work at 11pm and wad having a good time with her..After job done pay her 500k and she went of happily...This is my first time spending my cny in batam and its a very good exprience there...

Naka_Timo

28-01-2020, 10:10 AM

DDAMn

28-01-2020, 11:56 AM

PowerBenz

28-01-2020, 05:07 PM

Interesting share, this JR Saloon is located inside ngaoya mall or outside.

outside nagoya hill mall...

unipaint

29-01-2020, 12:11 AM

Here to share my experience in Batam, mainly split into 3 parts. Hopefully it would be somewhat useful to other bros planning to go there.

So I went to Batam recently, went with Harmony hotel for the No Name Pub, was hoping to get a freelancer for LT. Went there to find out No Name Pub closed, not sure reopen but it seems permanently closed.

Transport:
You could use Grab to travel around Batam, but most of the time you have to walk quite far just to get to the car. So I would only recommend if want to take Grab, take from your hotel. If not just use their reputable taxi, the price difference is only a few dollars, no point to save, safety more important.

Delta Spa:
I must say I have been exploring countless massage parlours in JB, and this spa is everything I have been looking for. If you are familiar with JB, it's like a combination of K Spa and VIP spa from JB. Quite Atas place with proper good massage, a lot of teasing and end with a happy ending.(Don’t like those piano massage for 2hr then turn around, handjob then done) Went with 2hrs Hot Stone massage for around 830K+, ML is SYT, the massage is on point and I must say I felt like a King went she scrub me with the loofa.

Conclusion, It's definitely on the more expensive side, and not for those who must do the full service.

FL(Wechat):
This is my most turn off moment of the whole trip, sharing here hope other bros don’t get cheated.

Saw this really hot FL lady on Wechat, ask for LT price(1.5juta), managed to bargain down to 1.2juta. She came over then started with a BBBJ and I must say is really good. After I autoroam then she mentioned she is ladyboy. Super pissed off, he still blamed me for not checking with her whether he is ladyboy. Asked for a refund but he doesn't budge, after a heated argument got back 300k and he left. Went back to Wechat and got another FL, 500K for 1hr.

Lesson learnt, be very careful when through FL, or just go to the pub/club to pick up.

nono1973

29-01-2020, 02:40 AM

knn, u got solution for tis or no? Aldy got 2 online order tio cancel due 2 no enuff good food in btm liao...lol...i order til a bit pek chek liao lei. :mad:

Its CNY peak bro,lots of people around (supply cant beat demand). Even massage girls gone on sick leave on 3rd day onward of CNY due to over-demand. :D

You may try ordering from food places that were further away from Nagoya/BCS area. Example, if KFC Nagoya no stock, try KFC Harbour Bay...hehehe...works almost everytime.

Some places arent 24 hours, some dont even open for business at all. And if they ever do, they close early too. Probably due to lack of supply on ingredients to make food.

Heard quite a number of Bangaleshi/indian men were in Batam for holiday and went hotel-less,hehehe...and end up living in the street. A good lesson for them.

nono1973

29-01-2020, 02:41 AM

Namii hotel quite good, other than the part it has no elevator & that their better were all at the higher floor. :D

Thank you for sharing, just touch on a little, Namii hotel and Namii Massage, both belongs to the same organisation,hehehe...and they are "clean" massage. :D

Now you know better what to look for huh? ;)

I will be compiling up all my favourite Grab-food in Batam soon,hehehe... :p

I will touch on Namii Hotel (and the other Utama area of hotels) at a later time.

Remember i said i was trying to look deeper into those hotels around Utama area?

I got 2 or 3 new base in Area B, now looking at another base in Area A. Which is suppose to sort of replace Formosa Hotel ,if not at the least, have other alternative for myself to choose from.

Getting overly-reliant to Formosa Hotel is NOT healthy.

I will be looking deeper into :

1. Pagoda Hotel

2. S Hotel

3. Namii Hotel

4. Romance Hotel

5. Maybe Hotel 18 too, which i am keeping in view.

Hehehe...to be continued.

What i learned so far...

1. Pagoda Hotel, what i find out so far is that this hotel is even more popular than Utama Hotel. And in terms of popularity, Utama hotel can only comes in 2nd place. On the December peak period, i learned that Pagoda Hotel gets fully booked faster than Utama and other hotels in that same area. I know what you are thinking.But i do not think its becos Utama Hotel is a bigger 3 star hotel hence they got more rooms, therefore took a longer than usual to be fully booked.

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Its a hotel that i wouldnt bother to take a 2nd look few years ago. But i am curious why are people still returning to this hotel again and again. What are its good points that keeps their customers from returning. I am keen to find that out soon,hehehe... ;)

2. S Hotel, not as close to Utama Hotel as compare to both Pagoda Hotel and Namii Hotel. Its the actually furthest away from Utama among the 5 listed. But its really not that far out in terms of walking distance. I try walking from Utama Hotel to S Hotel before (entrance to entrance walk),and its roughly only about 8 mins walk away.

Price wise were exceptionally low too. But then again, i am often looking at their better room but still, its pretty much quite low base on a 2 star versus 2 star comparison, eg Zest Hotel versus S Hotel. They sell most of their rooms to Red Doorz tho, hence usually it would appears online that their rooms were sold out but the fact is Red Doorz is selling their room instead. And its price is about S$15.83 for their premium room with windows and bath tubs.

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And their family room only at S$13.11,with an extremely small toilet.

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Their most expensive room is about S$16.18..with big window. So i dont mind a smaller than usual toilet, probably half of Formosa hotel's toilet size, i might pay this hotel a visit.

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Much often, i enjoy reading the lower than average pointer review in agoda booking.com and there was complain on cockroaches, poor wifi, below par facilities,mosquitoes,centipedes and those smoker-stench scents on beddings etc. There were also talks about raid by local polisi too. More important of it all, if i could bear with all the mentioned bads or able to find solution/s counter them all.

Not forgetting, i am the type of Batam travelers who would bring my own mobile wifi along, portable humidifier/ionizer/air-freshener and even insecticide,hehehe....

3. Namii Hotel, already hear-read your review on this place and a few more others who has PM-ed me. Not bad a place other than they have no elevator for their good and better room.

Plus point, they are just almost directly opposite Utama Hotel, they are new, hence nearly every in-room facilities were working well. More importantly, they are from the same organisation as Namii Massage at Harbour Bay, hence they also has a reputation to upkeep.

Minus point, no elevator to their better rooms, no breakfast option, no good view windows. Meaning to say, they only have a small windows for outside view, and their bigger window has a poor view. Small toilet is not good either as it probably gonna wet everything inside, including tooth brush, cups, flooring etc. No toilet paper provided,hehehe...this is really one of its kind. Maybe their targeted customer were locals?

4. Romance hotel. Location is the best as it is directly opposite DC Mall's bad door. This hotel sold most of their room to OYO and were selling at a pretty low price, i would say its as low as S Hotel.

The bad would be pretty much similar to S Hotel as well and like S Hotel, runs the risk of getting raid by the local polisi. One review from a Taiwan tourist caught my attention on this hotel tho.

https://sbf.net.nz/showthread.php?p=19612021&highlight=romance+hotel#post19612021

Hmm...why am i even talking about this hotel after i have already strike it off my list. Its just a reference.

5. Hotel 18. Its a small 1 star hotel with small room, small bath area but super good location. Its the closest hotel to Utama Hotel. In fact, its just directly behind Utama Hotel where all the fun place were location. Surprisingly, it provide breakfast too, but just the very basic ones like in Lumba Lumba Inn hotel. Who needs breakfast anyway when Hai Kee coffee shop is just less than a min walk away from its front door,hehehe...on top of it, they have a family room too.

The bad, no elevator. 3 storey hotel, not too high to climb up 3 floor as compare to Namii hotel's 4 storey (in Singapore term ,as local term its 3 storey high). Better rooms were on the 3rd storey tho. Only their standard room cost below S$20 (include breakfast), the rest of the rooms all cost above S$20 and family room can go up to as high as S$27.65 (include breakfast). A bit high for a 1 starred hotel.Then again, one can still opt out breakfast for a little lower price for the stay tho,hehehe...and forget to mention, due to its the hotel size and limited rooms, its often full during weekends too. :p

I am making an apple to apple comparison, not on affordability.

Still keeping a lookout.

nono1973

29-01-2020, 02:42 AM

bro, dun expect much help from these civil servants...

1st world going to 3rd, much often i would kept my expectation low for almost everything.

from my friends experience they rendered no help for any polisi cases...these buggers tot you committed crime...they are only good to issue temp passport with a fees...:)

...and one more thing they are also good at, if i die, i am kind of sure they will send my body back to Singapore. :D

Remember Samat, the security guard who has a heart attack in Batam and were send back to Singapore hospital whom i talk about years ago? He still die in Singapore hospital tho... :(

Agree...
The aunty morning in Penuin.
And evening in A2. But now she no more helping in A2 any more.

The problem with her stall in penuin market is no sign board,hehehe...so i will tell my friends to go to Bai Long cha kue stall. :D

Not sure she go Nagoya FC or not.
Btw Satay Buaya got a store at NFC.

The Nagoya Food court, i pass by few times. May not wish to go there until 5th day of CNY onward. Every food court likely to be crowded on the 1st few days of CNY. But i have got Grab Food on my PC,hehehe...so i will just order what like from there.

I really got a very long list of food things i like to try out in Batam, but time doesnt permits hence i am taking CNY to do a step by step walk through. And over half a dozen of them looks something like the below pork/boar meat...

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Really no time and no chance to try since few years ago, this year i kind of want to try them out as much as possible at every chance. The issue i encounter with these pork/boar meat seller is that...they close shop very early and rarely opens till evening time.

Where there is crowd, i try my best not to be there,hehehe... :D

Not everyone from the Singapore Consulate or High Commission are civil servants. They do outsource certain jobs to agents and subcontractors.
I used to travel a lot and have on occasions been contacted by MFA to render assistance to their consular officers due to my familiarity with the locality or populace there.

This is interesting. And thank you for sharing.

Something learned.

yuanswang

29-01-2020, 12:20 PM

Is it ok to travel to batam now? Any deep checking activity going for corona spreading? While going into batam or come back to sg?

fde83

29-01-2020, 01:17 PM

Any deep checking activity going for corona spreading?

As long u don't eat crocodile or dog meat in batam, u are pretty much safe.

Naka_Timo

29-01-2020, 01:36 PM

outside nagoya hill mall...

Thanks, maybe i go recee recee. Anything to take note when go in?

Hurricane88

29-01-2020, 01:43 PM

...and one more thing they are also good at, if i die, i am kind of sure they will send my body back to Singapore. :D

I dun think so...your family had to come identify you before embassy asked undertaker to help send your body back...btw not free hor...your family will need to pay heavily...best can cremate there and then bring the ashes back...this way easier and cheaper...:)

For those who travel frequently...hope you guys tot of all these in case of emergency who to contact and how to go back...:)

Example...

Think I read this in PP Cambodia thread, a guy had a sudden heart attack...luckily guy was with friends...his friends send him to hospital and admitted...called the son from Singapore to bring in USD15k for the operations...then recover need to send home...all these are not cheap...:)

Another case...friend bang by motorbike and need to operate broken knee...immediately book ticket to fly home from hcm...then send to hospital for operations...need help in hcm airport and singapore airport to transfer...:)

Black Page

29-01-2020, 08:54 PM

For those who travel frequently...hope you guys tot of all these in case of emergency who to contact and how to go back...:)

A travel insurance for all travels to countries where our (our? I am European and I have one, but Singaporeans?) public health assistance does not provide coverage is a MUST.
Once I went to a clinic in KL because I had a blooding cut to close, and I was assisted and cured for 30 SGD. But the same in USA would have costed 1500 SGD!
In Batam, good health assistance can be expensive, if am not wrong, and if one wants to be evacuated to Singapore by helicopter (think about a serious car accident or heart stroke) then the final bill is not in the possibilities of any normal person.

PowerBenz

30-01-2020, 09:00 AM

Thanks, maybe i go recee recee. Anything to take note when go in?

yes..counter staff will for sure ask you to get their highest cost vip service which cost 600-800k...I had reject it and took one hour massage then she will ask wnt private room she can give 50%..btw the private room is the same as normal partition room...dont fall for her trick..Just opp for the basic will do..btw massuse you need to nego for special...

Hurricane88

30-01-2020, 09:47 AM

A travel insurance for all travels to countries where our (our? I am European and I have one, but Singaporeans?) public health assistance does not provide coverage is a MUST.
Once I went to a clinic in KL because I had a blooding cut to close, and I was assisted and cured for 30 SGD. But the same in USA would have costed 1500 SGD!
In Batam, good health assistance can be expensive, if am not wrong, and if one wants to be evacuated to Singapore by helicopter (think about a serious car accident or heart stroke) then the final bill is not in the possibilities of any normal person.

Thanks for highlighting travel insurance...this is good but no good for immediate...travel insurance cannot give you immediate medical care...you need to deposit cash...travel insurance is good after you recovered and claim the expenses...:)

Many foreign hospital do not provide any medical assistance if they do not see cash deposited into the hospital during admission for foreigners...:)

In many places, you must know what kind of med is available so you do not need to panic...also the nearest clinic or hospital...:)

nitecrawllerr

30-01-2020, 09:47 AM

In Batam, good health assistance can be expensive, if am not wrong, and if one wants to be evacuated to Singapore by helicopter think about a serious car accident or heart stroke) then the final bill is not in the possibilities of any normal person.

I believe Nono did mention some time ago. Wonder wats the outcome? :D

nitecrawllerr

30-01-2020, 09:50 AM

As long u don't eat crocodile or dog meat in batam, u are pretty much safe.

Mas...ini bisa?:D

https://youtu.be/7dsBEkc-yLw

yuanswang

30-01-2020, 12:21 PM

As long u don't eat crocodile or dog meat in batam, u are pretty much safe.

Nola. It spreading through air too.

PowerBenz

30-01-2020, 01:22 PM

Naka_Timo

30-01-2020, 03:17 PM

yes..counter staff will for sure ask you to get their highest cost vip service which cost 600-800k...I had reject it and took one hour massage then she will ask wnt private room she can give 50%..btw the private room is the same as normal partition room...dont fall for her trick..Just opp for the basic will do..btw massuse you need to nego for special...

Ok, thanks

Mas...ini bisa?:D

This is scary, especially not cook one

https://youtu.be/7dsBEkc-yLw

Latest update here for mask and sanitzer mall and paramacy all out of stocks...i just back ytd...but for your info hbb terminal there are still stocks for mask n sanitzer...i know its not related to this forum but for our health just to let you guys know can get some for prevention..

They are more kiasu than us.

Black Page

30-01-2020, 07:08 PM

Thanks for highlighting travel insurance...this is good but no good for immediate...travel insurance cannot give you immediate medical care...you need to deposit cash...travel insurance is good after you recovered and claim the expenses...:)
You are very wrong on this.
It depends on the travel insurance. Some refund expenses, some other advance all expenses directly to the hospital, ambulance service, etc.

My travel insurance (I pay 400+ SGD/year from my own pocket, and my company does not refund it because they have another insurance, but I prefer to be double covered rather than being unsure) gives me:
- coverage in all countries of the world except USA/Canada (because there hospitals are among most expensive in the world);
- for as many trips per year as I wish
- direct payment to hospitals, ambulance, helicopters, flight, whatever, up to maximum 2 or 3 millions SGD (I do not remember exactly);
- 24/24 emergency call center, to coordinate assistance, contact hospitals, call local doctors, decide for evacuation, etc. etc. (without calling the number and their coordination, advance payment to hospital and assistance is not given).

Please note that it is possible also to get an insurance per each single trip, but if you travel more than 2-3 times a year it is not convenient. To give an idea, a similar insurance for a single trip to Singapore/Batam/Malaysia lasting say 10 days would cost me on the order of 100-150 SGD.

I must say that so far I must have paid this insurance for, say, the last 5-10 years, but fortunately I have never needed it, except once when in Ecuador I fell very sick for some flue or food poisoning. I called the 24/24 number, they provided me medical counseling via phone, offered to take me to an hospital if the situation would have got worse, advised what medicine to take. Fortunately the situation solved in a couple of days. One week later I was back to my country, and they called me again to be sure everything was fine and if I needed anything else.

It is not an exception. Most travel insurances by major insurance companies offer the same. The difference is on the prices, max coverage, countries, etc.

I do not know what to recommend to a Singaporean who, at most, travels to Batam, but in case of repeated travels abroad a good insurance is a must.

Many foreign hospital do not provide any medical assistance if they do not see cash deposited into the hospital during admission for foreigners...:)
Cash deposit, credit card with enough capacity, or a travel insurance which guarantees direct payment.

Hurricane88

30-01-2020, 07:25 PM

Cash deposit, credit card with enough capacity, or a travel insurance which guarantees direct payment.

Tell me what's good about travel insurance if you cannot speak or already motionless...Is up to your friends to handle the situation right...anyway I understood your posts..:)

I refused to bring any old men along my trip...I told them you can follow but dun say I bring...please inform your family that in case of emergency the family have to come and I will help...:)

In my previous post, I did mentioned know your med to take...where to buy...med for flu, cough, sore throat, gastric, pain...etc...:)

nono1973

30-01-2020, 07:38 PM

I dun think so...your family had to come identify you before embassy asked undertaker to help send your body back...btw not free hor...your family will need to pay heavily...best can cremate there and then bring the ashes back...this way easier and cheaper...:)

I believe every country also the same. I look at it this way, i rob someone in Batam, kill him and took all his passport, ID etc and disfigure his face, then dump him in some deep forestation. I think its going to take a really long time to find this guy's ID to have his body returned back to Singapore.

In other word, hospital needs to ID the patient 1st. This applies to even Singapore hospital as well.

The consulate should be the one who would try to make arrangement to coordinate both side of authorities, to help make traveling back home easier when an issue occur, eg. accident, hospitalization, virus outbreak, terrorist attack etc (even death).

For those who travel frequently...hope you guys tot of all these in case of emergency who to contact and how to go back...

This is a MUST. I often keep in contact with Singapore when i am in Batam. With such advance technology in communication, contacting one another is a breeze.

No less than 3 bros in SBF would know i would be in Batam,hehehe... :D

Think I read this in PP Cambodia thread, a guy had a sudden heart attack...luckily guy was with friends...his friends send him to hospital and admitted...called the son from Singapore to bring in USD15k for the operations...then recover need to send home...all these are not cheap...:)

Another case...friend bang by motorbike and need to operate broken knee...immediately book ticket to fly home from hcm...then send to hospital for operations...need help in hcm airport and singapore airport to transfer...:)

Pay "advance" i believe would probably be a "must", mostly serve as some sort of "deposit" until insurance claiming ,when the person gets back to his/her country.

I think indonesia, even their local needs to pay in advance to the hospital for major accidents too.

I read it online.

I believe Nono did mention some time ago. Wonder wats the outcome? :D

Here :

https://sbf.net.nz/showthread.php?p=18986760#post18986760

Basically, one year basic travel insurance (Aviva) to Asean countries for a year is about S$183 a year. Cover emergency evacuation of S$250k,hehehe... :D

Helicopter cost from Batam to Singapore :

https://sbf.net.nz/showthread.php?p=19010466&highlight=aviva#post19010466

Formosa Residence has a helicopter pad. Medical Helicopter flies from Hang Nadim Airport (to Singapore).

Outcome? Buy 1 year travel insurance if any Singaporean is often out of Singapore,at least the most basic one. :p

nono1973

30-01-2020, 07:42 PM

Latest update here for mask and sanitzer mall and paramacy all out of stocks...i just back ytd...but for your info hbb terminal there are still stocks for mask n sanitzer...i know its not related to this forum but for our health just to let you guys know can get some for prevention..

I dont see why thats not related to the forum? It happens in Batam, and there are medical staffs/people at Harbour Bay Ferry terminal taking temperature for tourist (as well as from Singapore side) before they get their passport chop.

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For your info, Batam top 100 at Grand Batam Mall basement is selling one box of 50s mask at 20k rupiah. Saw a one Singaporean there buy 4 boxes in one go, i bought only one box.

Just for any event of emergency,hehehe... :D

(i kiasu ma,hehehe..)

fde83

30-01-2020, 11:19 PM

Mas...ini bisa?:D

https://youtu.be/7dsBEkc-yLw

Om, from china all can :D

Black Page

31-01-2020, 05:58 AM

Tell me what's good about travel insurance if you cannot speak or already motionless...

This is very true. The recommendation is to keep in the wallet a piece of paper together with the documents, with the reference to the insurance and emergency number.
Hospitals check those things.
In my wallet there is always a photocopy of my passport and the card of the travel insurance.

Hurricane88

31-01-2020, 09:12 AM

This is very true. The recommendation is to keep in the wallet a piece of paper together with the documents, with the reference to the insurance and emergency number.
Hospitals check those things.
In my wallet there is always a photocopy of my passport and the card of the travel insurance.

Now we are ready to rock and roll...feel free to fly anywhere and stay anywhere...:)

The consulate should be the one who would try to make arrangement to coordinate both side of authorities, to help make traveling back home easier when an issue occur, eg. accident, hospitalization, virus outbreak, terrorist attack etc (even death).

No need to involve consulate or embassy...just pay money will to the airline or vessel...virus outbreak and terror attack then every ministry involve liao...:)

I will go home with first news of trouble...:)

PowerBenz

31-01-2020, 09:49 AM

I dont see why thats not related to the forum? It happens in Batam, and there are medical staffs/people at Harbour Bay Ferry terminal taking temperature for tourist (as well as from Singapore side) before they get their passport chop.

285184

For your info, Batam top 100 at Grand Batam Mall basement is selling one box of 50s mask at 20k rupiah. Saw a one Singaporean there buy 4 boxes in one go, i bought only one box.

Just for any event of emergency,hehehe... :D

(i kiasu ma,hehehe..)

I went to grand batam mall on wed to look for it but they said out of stocks..Btw your mask in pink look pinky when u wear...hahaha

tomssss

31-01-2020, 11:20 AM

I went to grand batam mall on wed to look for it but they said out of stocks..

i bought my boxes of facemask from the apotek pharmacy around btm. Not hard to find one such store around btm.

Btw your mask in pink look pinky when u wear...hahaha

wait till u meet him for the 1st time, with his hello kitty pink color hanging bag. :cool:

those mask would be matching with that 'bag' around his neck. :D

iicycold

31-01-2020, 04:40 PM

Saw in some online market place that Batam Formosa Hotel is selling off its property for S$13 million.

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Maybe later can go check with their management staffs if its true.

Lol....price drop....lol...to $8.5 mil sin$ liao....lol :D

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according 2 tat website it's strata/HGB lei...so no freehold de. :D

leekwantew

01-02-2020, 09:16 AM

Anyone know anything anout this PP banaba bar? Is it stil operating?

{edited by mod - external url not allowed due to commercial purposes}

nitecrawllerr

01-02-2020, 10:59 AM

A coronavirus suspect at Raffles med clinic at HARBOURFRONT CTR yesterday. Those heading to Btm n TBK..awas ya.

https://www.mothership.sg/2020/01/wuhan-virus-harbourfront-centre/

PervMonk

01-02-2020, 02:39 PM

Hi all, was at batam for the first time during CNY and was an eye opener for me though it wasnt filled with the atmosphere for where i was but at least they played fireworks around the night! was kinda really fun and was lucky to be able to meet up with bro nono and really thanks for the tea and advice!

went down all the way south and notice that the locals loved to hang around those bridges that connects the island around batam especially the barelang bridge. The beaches were beautiful too as i went down to both Tegar Putri Beach and Pantai Cakang Beach. But do take note for those who wants to go there to please book a full day car ride or rent a car as the whole journey one way is about 90mins, no big shopping malls, eateries nor petrol kiosk and also not much signal when you are near the destination.

Also came across an interesting food at Gadeno in Nagoya mall called "Flying Noodle", quite interesting, almost thought it was fake when the food came :P

**sorry, wanted to upload or tag the photos but kept having some issues with it. maybe bro nono can help with the noodle??:P

Black Page

02-02-2020, 03:39 AM

A coronavirus suspect at Raffles med clinic at HARBOURFRONT CTR yesterday. Those heading to Btm n TBK..awas ya.
One more reason to extend the stay in Batam and to not hurry to go back to Harbour Front :o

BenZQ

03-02-2020, 01:25 AM

Going batam next week. Abit out of touch for sometime. Any recommendation for existing booking joints? Looking more for service oriented rather than looks

nono1973

03-02-2020, 11:48 AM

& if u cummin back on nxt week mon, 27...aso jialat liao....lol

Nope, i didnt choose to come back Singapore on that date. The date i came back was raining quite heavily, to the extend some Batam road flood.

Ferry was less than 50% full,hehehe...which is a good sign, no need to even pay for Business class (saved 120k rupiah).

last fri,sat & sun, formosa opp confirm is 10150 rate...hb ferry term is 10050 & bcs is 10070. Mani money chnger gng 2 close on cny eve until next wed...jus 4 every1 information....lol

i tink bcs it's mani money chger stock up on rupiah due 2 holiday season peak & bank closing but bcs i regular, they give me a bit beter rate...otherwise i see fx is all below 10100 jus b4 i chge my money...i aso tio surprise 2.

Damn exchange rate was 9800/SGD and below, from Tuesday onward. :(

Opposite Nagoya Plasa was 10020/SGD, which was the best rate after asking more than 3 shops in that area.

Opposite Formosa fat girl shop, not open for business even during my last day in Batam.

Believe it or not, Singapore side on the same day offers 10030/SGD,hehehe...but minimum must change S$200 to get that rate. Before i was in Batam, on CNY eve, they offered 10050/SGD if i change S$300 or more. So, i am right. Mainly during CNY period, Singapore exchange rate for Singapore dollar to Rupiah is better than in Batam, if not otherwise on par,hehehe...in other word, exchange rate were as bad on both side.

recently HY got 2 gers resign,1 go married, left 2 ger then cum in another 3 new gers...the 1 u try is new ger....lol

hw is service? good?

Hehehe...for you to try and for you to find out.

I know HY3 pregnant lady is back from maternity leave for 3 days already. Well, thats if you can convince her for some "milk". :D

i tinking, hw cum go so far until reach indo land btm 2 look for inferior quality & higher price wetnam & prc gers?

sbf aso already hv ah....& cheeper prettier sm more....lol

i my ownself try prc & wetnam ger in sg & btm b4, 2 be honest...sg in general quality better & cheeper lor...

Vietnam girls, go Vietnam find....better.

PRC girls, all go back to home town celebrate CNY (in general),hehehe...those that are left here arent very good quality.

In Indonesia, go for the Indo girls. Better quality too. ;)

nono1973

03-02-2020, 11:49 AM

Last Saturday, I had a girl in my room after dinner at 9pm.
At midnight, I went to Square without much motivation, as I knew from the past days that Square is not a good place to meet girls who are not working PRs. Still I wanted to check.

Surprise! I met a couple of very sexy ladies who apparently were not hard-core workers, just out for partying and possibly get laid. When I understood there was this possibility, I "panicked" because my room still had the traces of my recent activities.

Batam really never cease to amaze me. :D

I visit a family KTV call Happy Puppy at Nagoya Hill Mall and notice quite a handful of pretty looking girls with super ultra short skirts working there. I mean they are actually KTV girls like those of Alishan/M1/M2, like massage girls in a massage joint.

285169

I think the KTV guys here should go there to have a look in future,hehehe....not as expensive,like those in M1/M2/Alishan/Billiard Center etc. :p

Perhaps other KTVs in this area also have such situation? Not so sure...but i think i will get to know more in future. Talking about family KTV here. :D

nono1973

03-02-2020, 11:50 AM

Also came across an interesting food at Gadeno in Nagoya mall called "Flying Noodle", quite interesting, almost thought it was fake when the food came :P

**sorry, wanted to upload or tag the photos but kept having some issues with it. maybe bro nono can help with the noodle??:P

Here...i got the photo,hehehe...a bit of help here to show what the noodle looks like. Will post more of it in a later post which i have prepared. :D

(no one's holding the fork at the other end of the noodle)
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Will be sharing more about this "flying noodle" and the renowned "DEAF" waiterS in that restaurant (the "S" behind the word "waiter" is for a reason, becos it signifies more than one waiter in Gadeno who are like that). :(

I read tripadvisor about that restaurant before i stepped in (its quite badly rated). Staff/s cant be bother type of attitude was indeed obvious. Ask for "apple", comes "pear",hehehe...hence i use the word "deaf" in my description.

I arent angry nor piss, since i kept expectation low before i stepped in,hehehe...my objective that day was simple. Too look and taste the Flying Noodle. The rest of what happen later, i was prepared for it. :p

I was impressed (by the flying noodle),hehehe...and that was what i am looking for before i walked in and i got what i was looking for. ;)

fde83

03-02-2020, 02:49 PM

A coronavirus suspect at Raffles med clinic at HARBOURFRONT CTR yesterday. Those heading to Btm n TBK..awas ya.

https://www.mothership.sg/2020/01/wuhan-virus-harbourfront-centre/

Thanks for the info om, will wear this mask to HBF soon :D

https://youtu.be/iZe8RyQrnoY

lee123

03-02-2020, 05:33 PM

Going batam next week. Abit out of touch for sometime. Any recommendation for existing booking joints? Looking more for service oriented rather than looks

You can try sri kandy or bunga, so far i booked some girl there service no problum

OnlyLiveOnce

03-02-2020, 09:19 PM

You can try sri kandy or bunga, so far i booked some girl there service no problum

Bunga name changed to Mawar already.

BenZQ

03-02-2020, 09:26 PM

You can try sri kandy or bunga, so far i booked some girl there service no problum

Thanks bro. Upped your pts

lee123

03-02-2020, 09:39 PM

Bunga name changed to Mawar already.

Bro thank for your update...

PervMonk

04-02-2020, 12:53 AM

I read tripadvisor about that restaurant before i stepped in (its quite badly rated). Staff/s cant be bother type of attitude was indeed obvious. Ask for "apple", comes "pear",hehehe...hence i use the word "deaf" in my description.

?Huh? Really that bad? Mine still okay except that the waitress serving me didn't know whatt is in the menu that is still available.
Worst experience was the duck king or something in grand Batam mall where me n my friend went. Ordered and waited for their super fresh food which never came as they might still be in the midst of harvesting after one hour of wait.

JustLearn

04-02-2020, 11:59 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8Un_WthHdk

Bro, which booking joint has better service? Many years ago I booked one just behind Formosa hotel, the girl gave excuses to run off half way. Thanks for your video by the way.

Kaboon

04-02-2020, 07:46 PM

Batam isolates patient suspected to have coronavirus

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Embung Fatimah General Hospital (RSUD) in Batam, Riau Islands, says one of its patients may have been infected with the novel coronavirus and is being treated in the isolation ward.

The patient, identified only as R., 40, arrived at the Batam Center International Ferry Port from Singapore on Wednesday. The thermal scanner at the port did not detect a fever.

"He arrived in Batam from Singapore and passed the thermal scanner test because he had taken fever medication," Batam Health Agency head Didi Kusumayadi said at a news conference on Thursday.

Didi said the patient worked on a tugboat at Jurong Port, Singapore, where he interacted with workers from various countries.

On Jan. 20, R. came down with a fever and breathlessness. He took a home remedy, but the symptoms returned. He was then instructed by his superior to return home to Batam.

R. took the Majestic ferry from Singapore at 12 p.m. Wednesday to Batam.

Soon after arrival, R. went to RSUD at 3:30 p.m. with respiratory problems.

After consulting a lung specialist, he was suspected to have contracted the coronavirus.

"R. has all the symptoms according to Health Ministry [guidelines], although he has no record of having traveled to China. But because the coronavirus has spread to Asia, including Singapore and Malaysia, he fits the pattern [of coronavirus infection]," Didi said.

He said R. would remain in isolation and be closely monitored. The Batam Port Health Office (KKP) has also been enlisted to diagnose the man.

"We have sent a specimen from the patient to Jakarta. Perhaps by afternoon it will have arrived at the Health Ministry laboratory," Didi said.

https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2020/01/30/batam-isolates-patient-suspected-to-have-coronavirus.html

"We are cooperating with the police to track down passengers on board with him. There were 16 passengers -- four Indonesians and the remainder foreigners," Romer said, adding that the police had tracked down the Indonesians but had not been able to locate the foreigners.

OnlyLiveOnce

05-02-2020, 08:32 AM

Bro, which booking joint has better service? Many years ago I booked one just behind Formosa hotel, the girl gave excuses to run off half way. Thanks for your video by the way.

Sri Kandy, Marwar, MM, Happy8 all offer ceweks with acceotable service levels providing 3 shots at reasonable rates.

Naka_Timo

05-02-2020, 09:29 AM

Batam really never cease to amaze me. :D

I visit a family KTV call Happy Puppy at Nagoya Hill Mall and notice quite a handful of pretty looking girls with super ultra short skirts working there. I mean they are actually KTV girls like those of Alishan/M1/M2, like massage girls in a massage joint.

285169

I think the KTV guys here should go there to have a look in future,hehehe....not as expensive,like those in M1/M2/Alishan/Billiard Center etc. :p

Perhaps other KTVs in this area also have such situation? Not so sure...but i think i will get to know more in future. Talking about family KTV here. :D

Good find bro. I tink is time to try out

decaptico

05-02-2020, 08:23 PM

https://i.ibb.co/XFvGxjJ/IMG-20200205-202239.jpg (https://ibb.co/nQ5KM6k)
https://i.ibb.co/WVvWTNP/IMG-20200205-202230.jpg (https://ibb.co/0syjwpF)

decaptico

05-02-2020, 08:24 PM

Good find bro. I tink is time to try out

Dont try it. Its ktv and sound system sucks. Girls are just normal ah lian and ah hua patrons not ktv girls
Songs are difficult to navigate and not user friendly.

nono1973

05-02-2020, 08:31 PM

In case u are there, Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya buddhist temple is literally beside it & they are having free vegetarian every year on the first day of CNY every year.

Free lunch, i think u will like the food there. ;)

I was there on the 3rd day of CNY. Restaurant with FREE food was closed,except for the cafe. :(

285175

Maybe becos its the 3rd day of CNY, hence it wasnt crowded.

Eat in that cafe must pay,hehehe... :D

285174

There was some tourist there, and i met one of the auntie there too,hehehe...they came with their family and will be going back to Singapore on that same day i saw them. Meaning they are there for 3D2N.

Quite a handful of changes in this temple after i havent been there for around 2 years or so.

285176

Notice the Korean words?

This temple is prospering from many tourist indeed. At least the temple place are doing something good for the locals in Batam; and regardless of race, language and religion. ;)

nono1973

05-02-2020, 08:33 PM

At Grand Batam Mall, went over to try this 3 Wonton restaurant (name, Tiga Wonton) at the mall's top floor...

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I ordered the mix salted egg noodle tho. And to my surprise, its very tasty and suits my taste bud. This is one of those very rare times that i find shopping mall's noodle restaurant makes very good noodles that suit me.

285283

Overall rating i give to this noodle i ordered,is an easy 8.5/10.

285284

Not cheap tho. Costing about 45k rupiah before tax and service charge.

285285

Note here that i am actually comparing this version of salted egg noodle with the 22k rupiah Bai Long Noodle, 20k rupiah Meximo Pub noodle and 20k rupiah from Bei Long (a2 Food court). Not exactly fair comparison as their ambiance were different hence i am mainly comparing it solely base on taste, in accordance to my own taste bud.

Very close score of 8.5 to 9 over 10 points between all mentioned noodle stall above,hehehe...oh, and this tiga wanton noodle, i notice they give ONLY 3 wantan for every wan tan noodle ordered,hehehe...guess that live up up to their name. :D

The next honorable mention for noodle would be from Gadeno at Nagoya Hill Mall top floor which i didnt try it becos of its taste but more for its "flying look".

285286

Under normal time, i would NOT have head over to a restaurant and especially so to Nagoya Hill Mall just to eat something out of just being it looks nice,hehehe....but this one is really unique, as its being served the way the photo was shown to my dining table.

285287

This Gadeno restaurant was 1st recommended by a bro here in this forum (meaning place not found out by me), and just before i step into it i did read some review of it. 60% of those who tried this Gadeno's food gave it a THUMBS DOWN. Not becos of the food taste but becos of the staff's attitude in the restaurant.

THEY DONT LISTEN TO CUSTOMER'S REQUEST PROPERLY.

Those who reviewed this restaurant was right. The staff truly NEVER bother to listen up. I ordered apple, came in orange kind of service. Not many i believe can take this kind of service-level. I would say, similar to bro Blackpage's situation at Jco when he order his double shot coffee, turns out its a single shot and/or something else.

My expectation was brought down to rock bottom before i reach there tho,hehehe...

(observe carefully,there were chilli in the fried rice itself)
285288

I knew the noodle dish was spicy before i ordered it (base on reviews i read), hence i told the staff no less than thrice. "No spicy, no chilli please." Even repeat myself to another waiter too. In between the waiting time, there was 2 dishes which i didnt order came to my table.

When it was served to my table, it was the spicy version. Same for the fried rice i ordered too. 2 dish, the flying noodle and the fried rice, both came with chilli and were spicy.

https://s5.gifyu.com/images/ezgif-5-72439bb5d266-edited.gif

Anyway, my objective for eating in this Gadeno restaurant was mainly for that flying noodle shown above,hehehe...hence i can still forego all the rest of their no-good. I kind-of impress the other tables in the restaurant when my "flying noodle" comes to my table tho,hehehe.... :D

Paid 40k rupiah for that plate of flying noodle dish tho.

285289

And my final bill for that meal...

285291

Not cheap, but well...its a one time experience. Taste of noodle, and being a noodle person, i would rate it a 6/10. And if it isnt spicy, probably might just rate it a 6.5/10. Still edible, but its really nothing compare to rest of the other noodle stall i visited around Batam mention above in this post (base on my taste bud).

Its CNY afterall, just pinch my nose and swallow it all (my girl helps me "swallow" some too). :p

Oh, wait...anyone interested to know how this Gadeno restaurant makes their noodle "fly"? There are 2 ways to know...one way is to skip this post and go visit their restaurant in Batam, pay 40k rupiah excluding tax and service charge to find out.

Another way, simply click on the below spoiler to find out,hehehe... :D

285297

You save 40k rupiah and perhaps learned something,hehehe...anyway, this is just my one time out-of-curiosity experience. And am unlikely to return to that restaurant in Nagoya Hill Mall again, unless someone wish to foot my part of the bill to get "impressed",hehehe... :p

* I just learned that BCS mall also has one Gadeno Restaurant branch too. Might visit that one instead rather than the Nagoya Hill one. Hoopefully staffs there got no problem with their ear.

Just sharing.

...to be continue...

Malaria55

06-02-2020, 12:55 AM

This incident sounds like a police raid to me. Hmm...and BCC is a 4 starred hotel. Thats not going to bring out well for this hotel.

Anyway, this hotel other than being one of the tallest building in Batam, nothing in it really caught my attention. Not even its breakfast nor its customer service level. The room however is above average, other than that...well, everything and anything in it is expensive.

Totally agree..stayed there last month for 1 night. Big rooms and OK breakfast. But not allowed online taxi to be called and picked up at their lobby!!! Which is ridiculous.

Naka_Timo

06-02-2020, 10:53 AM

https://i.ibb.co/XFvGxjJ/IMG-20200205-202239.jpg (https://ibb.co/nQ5KM6k)
https://i.ibb.co/WVvWTNP/IMG-20200205-202230.jpg (https://ibb.co/0syjwpF)

LOL!! this card look familar. Octapas member card...

dogman

06-02-2020, 05:54 PM

Hi bros..will b making my 1st solo trip to batam since 2001..will b staying at formosa hotel..any things tat i shd look out for??read dozens of pages here..the more i read,the more interested i m...

BFOMF5

06-02-2020, 11:12 PM

FYI.
"City Foodcourt" (beside i-hotel)
opening on this coming sat (8/2).

Gaze

06-02-2020, 11:28 PM

PowerBenz

07-02-2020, 08:08 AM

Any further updates on face mask supplies and prices? Im heading to batam this coming wednesday and hope it dont run out of supplies.

I heard that mask price increased to 150rp per box.. not sure its ture anot...

Gaze

07-02-2020, 11:38 AM

I heard that mask price increased to 150rp per box.. not sure its ture anot...

I always thought that pharmacy prices are fixed.

hawkeye007

07-02-2020, 01:07 PM

I always thought that pharmacy prices are fixed.

Suppliers are jacking up their prices. Pharmacies are now getting them from suppliers/wholesalers at 90-100k per box. Selling price now at 150-170k per box versus the usual pre-Corona pricing of 30-40k per box

hawkeye007

07-02-2020, 01:07 PM

I heard that mask price increased to 150rp per box.. not sure its ture anot...

It’s true, prices are heading upwards to 150-170k per box

TheBob

07-02-2020, 01:11 PM

I always thought that pharmacy prices are fixed.

Fixed price, but no stock no use.

N95 - cheapest 700k for box of 20 pcs at Kimia pharmacy
Surgical mask - 150k for brand like Sensi and earloop type. Can get cheaper like 120k for less reputable brands.

There are some sellers trying to pass off dust mask, fashion mask and sell for 80k, 90k. These are useless for what we want the masks for.

Last check at GoGo Supermarket at HarbourBay
last evening only left generic brand N95 at 13k per piece.

And, prices are going up still.

Lastly, don't buy more than 2 boxes (50 pcs each) cos for once, the x-ray guy is working and instruction for them is 2 boxes max per person. More than that, will have to send via courier. This is applicable at HarbourBay, not sure about Batam Center.

TheBob

07-02-2020, 01:14 PM

It’s true, prices are heading upwards to 150-170k per box

Painful experience. Managed to buy 3 carton (at 80k per box) but can't bring out. Have to send via courier.

iicycold

07-02-2020, 01:18 PM

wait till u meet him for the 1st time, with his hello kitty pink color hanging bag.

those mask would be matching with that 'bag' around his neck. :D

wa brother, hw long u last seen him? he long time no use tat bag liao la....lol

nwday if u go btm, can only see him wear tis hello kitty musker walkin ard then can recocknize him liao lor....lol

286547

got mani versi sm more...sm time he will change different style. :D

286548

4 me, if u wan recocknize me in btm, mus open eye big big 2 see person wearing tis musker....lol

286550

since mus wear musker 4 prevention, my as well wear wit style, tio bo.... :D

https://i.pilo.ovh/images/tlyVT.gif

nono's motto...safety mus lumber one....lol...who knws, can impress the btm custom ger officers too. :D

no musker? nvrmind, can stil follow japan or cheena style...lol :p

286551

or simply borrow yr ger ger's bra 4 use as musker lor....lol :D

i gng 2 be headin 2 btm soon, but exchange rate 4 sin$ no so good in btm nw.... :(

i mus stock up my doraemon musker b4 i go 2....lol

Gaze

07-02-2020, 01:26 PM

Painful experience. Managed to buy 3 carton (at 80k per box) but can't bring out. Have to send via courier.

Thanks! If I courier out 50boxes, how much does it cost and will I be liable for taxes?

nono1973

07-02-2020, 01:27 PM

NO thank you...even queue 45 mins in an airport I hate it...if I want to spend CNY in Batam then I will go a few days before CNY and stay a week till all mad rush over..:)

Yea, if you have no programme on just a day or 2 before CNY, Batam should be a nice place to be at, and then leave the island 2 to 3 days after CNY itself. I left few days after CNY 3rd day, hence no crowd at all. Ferry was less than 50% full,hehehe...

I have reunion dinner commitment, hence my best date/timing i could go to Batam were usually eve of CNY or on the 1st day of CNY itself. All i can do is to be getting the correct timing that best suits me but the crowd would often be from the Singapore side. Batam immigration would mainly be crowded during the day before sunset. Well, unless you disembark from Batam Center ferry terminal whereby one would likely be queuing for hours to get pass immigration (one of my friend took a little more than 2 hours to get out of there). Clearing immigration custom from Harbour Bay ferry terminal took no more than 15 mins during CNY after disembarking from ferry...hehehe...i timed it with my stop-watch (about 9.5 mins upon disembarking from ferry, i reach the arrival door of the ferry terminal).

Batam side, i have already beat the crowd. Even shopping malls like Nagoya Hill Mall, BCS and DC mall was quiet when i reach them,hehehe...quiet here means its quieter than normal weekends in Batam.

1st day and 2nd day of CNY, temples were super ultra crowded (day time), but i wasnt there,hehehe...i was at massage shops and those quiter malls instead.

285180

3rd day and 4th day of CNY, shopping malls were more crowded (day time), but i wasnt there,hehehe...i was at the temples. :D

Batam is crowded to many during CNY, but not to me,hehehe....Singapore is way more crowded instead.

By the 5th day of CNY, i am back to Singapore. And when Singapore side is no longer crowded.

Now its the time to work like "shit",hehehe...

nono1973

07-02-2020, 01:29 PM

Due to coronavirus, alot of CNY movie release are being hold back.I believe the move is to prevent bad box office results and lose money.

I see...no wonder no good movie in Batam. 1st time go Batam, i didnt watch any movie from their theater.

https://youtu.be/muN0vBVixEE

But i am watching movies online in the room with my girl,hehehe... :D

Yes u found it, Hong Ti Seafood is the place that I’m referring to. The Pai Gu Wang is quite nice; go try it and let me know your verdict...

Will do so in my later trips to Batam. CNY not a good time as they are likely to close during those period.

It would be good to recce a bit around Windsor area too. That area seems to be quite a bit of a treasure island. Even Meximo Pub wantan noodle is around that area too.

Thank you for verifying with me the location.

No, the reason is because all these CNY Chinese movies have to be premiered in China and cannot be premiered in other countries first.

The premieres of these CNY movies have been delayed in China as a measure to slow down the spread of the Wuhan virus; to minimise mass congregation.

In the event if you or anyone needs to buy any mask, can buy in Batam. No need to buy in Singapore which is selling at sky rocketing price now.

285182

Cost of 50 pieces in a box selling at Batam Penuin Top 100, Grand Batam Mall cost 20k rupiah,hehehe...there have been so much talk on TV now regarding price-hike of those mask. :D

* this message is probably too late by now,hehehe...probably all masks were sold out or be very expensive, if there is any left.

Just sharing.

Hurricane88

07-02-2020, 02:03 PM

@nono1973

I cannot go eve CNY becos I need to pray and received God of Wealth to my home...:)

Hence CNY cannot go anywhere till after 4th day after inviting and receiving God back to home...:)

After 1st day then go out to meet friends for drinking...:)

Eddyserpico

07-02-2020, 02:09 PM

Super impromptu trip to batam today
3d 2n
Anyone wanna join pm me ya

nitecrawllerr

07-02-2020, 07:28 PM

https://i.pilo.ovh/images/tlyVT.gif

no musker? nvrmind, can stil follow japan or cheena style..

286551

or simply borrow yr ger ger's bra 4 use as musker lor....lol :D

No more frenching leow.:D

Black Page

07-02-2020, 11:53 PM

No more frenching leow.:D
No condom but white mask? Do I see well? This is safe!

By the way, I hope everyone understands that wearing a mask has nearly zero effectiveness to stop virus particles in the air around you, IF ANY, but it is effective if you are sick and want to avoid spreading around your infected water micro-drops every time you cough. Buying stocks of masks and wearing them to walk around may be a psychological help, but not more than that.

Malaria55

08-02-2020, 03:50 AM

Super impromptu trip to batam today
3d 2n
Anyone wanna join pm me ya

Will be going to Batam on Monday. Wil u still be around??

Naka_Timo

08-02-2020, 11:37 AM

https://i.pilo.ovh/images/tlyVT.gif

Wear mask bonk and wear mask moan lo...

nitecrawllerr

08-02-2020, 04:32 PM

IF ANY, but it is effective if you are sick and want to avoid spreading around your infected water micro-drops every time you cough.

True. Wear only when ur sick. Practise hygiene habit. Make a point to wash one's hand and avoid wiping face nose eyes frequently...

nono1973

09-02-2020, 10:45 AM

I heard that mask price increased to 150rp per box.. not sure its ture anot...

i am in Batam, surprise that many shops were selling their mask at 100k rupiah per box of 50s.

What for buy in Batam when i can get 100s of 2 ply mask at S$10 online? :D

(2 ply good enough for me, if i arent sick)

286781

I came over Batam on a Saturday noon (yesterday), surprise the ferry is only 40% full at best.

Business class only 3 person in it,hehehe...temperature was being taken at the glass door of immigration (in Batam) for EVERY passenger before passport can be chopped.

Need to fill up the health alert card (as below) inside the ferry too.

286782

Whoever going to Batam, dont forget to bring a pen (to fill up the form above). :p

Enjoy Batam, be vigilant and stay healthy.

Batam (in fact the whole of indonesia) got no corona thingy, so i think its the better place to be in during this time. But please, wear a mask if anyone is not well. My sincere thanks.

Bring some mask along from Singapore as Batam's mask seems more expensive to me. (i am more kiasu, i bring everything, from Po Chai pills, to panadol to anti-biotic etc along,hehehe...i have some elderly friends with me)

Cheers!

nitecrawllerr

09-02-2020, 11:13 AM

Guys, cheong with care. Absence of cases doesnt mean no case.:o

https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/absence-of-confirmed-cases-in-indonesia-raises-eyebrows

Coronavirus: Absence of confirmed cases in Indonesia raises eyebrows

The coronavirus outbreak in China has spread far and wide, reaching countries and cities in the region such as Japan, Thailand and Malaysia. The Sunday Times foreign correspondents look at how the governments and people in these areas have reacted to the crisis.

As the deadly coronavirus which originated in Wuhan spreads outside of China to infect at least 320 people in more than 27 countries, Indonesia has yet to confirm a single suspect case, raising questions over its preparedness to deal with the disease.

Indonesian healthcare practitioners told The Sunday Times they do not rule out the possibility the virus may have already entered the vast archipelago and is lurking among the 260-million population, but remains undetected and unreported.

"Infected people who are asymptomatic and don't get sick do not see a doctor. Those who develop flu but are scared of being quarantined or receiving special treatment may also not see a doctor," said Professor Gusti Ngurah Mahardika, head of the Animal Biomedical and Molecular Biology Laboratory at the Udayana University in Bali.

As of Friday, Indonesia's Health Ministry has put the number of suspect cases at 50, of which 49 have tested negative and the remaining one is pending results.

"Indeed, until now, there has been no confirmed cases," Professor Menaldi Rasmin, chairman of the expert board at Indonesia Medical Association, told The Sunday Times. He said the severe acute respiratory syndrome epidemic in 2003 has raised awareness in the healthcare sector on how to deal with viral outbreaks.

He also gave assurance that Indonesia has the test kits and special operating procedures in place to ensure virus suspects with respiratory problems and who have travel history to China are immediately referred to hospitals to be isolated for further examination.

The focus now is having emergency plans to prepare for a sudden spike in cases, Prof Mahardika said.

"The isolation facilities in hospitals in the provinces can cater for, say, around 10 people, so it will be overwhelming if there is an explosion in cases," he added.

Besides thermal screenings of passengers at airports and ports which have been in place since January, the authorities last Sunday flew home more than 200 Indonesians from Wuhan, and placed them under a 14-day health quarantine in the remote Natuna Islands, in the Riau province.

Jakarta has also suspended visa-free and visa-on-arrival provisions for Chinese nationals and halted flights to and from China. The import of live animals will also be temporarily banned. The travel restrictions appear to have displeased China, Indonesia's biggest trading partner and second-largest tourist source after Malaysia.

Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia Xiao Qian last Tuesday was quoted by the Jakarta Post as saying that Indonesia's decision can potentially cause a negative effect on its bilateral trade in future. In response, President Joko Widodo said: "Whatever it may be, I reiterate that our national interest remains the top priority."

Indonesian political analyst Ray Rangkuti said China appears to be harder on South-east Asia's largest economy than other countries adopting similar measures as it is influential in the region.

"But our government cannot be seen as doing nothing as the public will surely condemn it. But we will need to take care of our relations with China too," he said.

fde83

09-02-2020, 01:48 PM

Om u got invite aunties and uncles to come batam hypermart or other supermarket to buy groceries? since SG finish stocks. Mie instant murah2 lo :D

https://youtu.be/Ufjq7nMUXvk

nitecrawllerr

09-02-2020, 06:59 PM

Om u got invite aunties and uncles to come batam hypermart or other supermarket to buy groceries?

I not so kiasi like typical sillyporean! Just eat at hawker centre lah. See some crazy aunties hoard so much instant mee. KNN..before ur hit with coronavirus u die fm heart attack/stroke!:mad:

Gaze

09-02-2020, 07:16 PM

Cewek in MM looks young and gorgeous.

Aside to that,

It looks like everywhere has ran out of face mask(3ply 50s surgical) in batam, kimia, apotek, alphamart, top100, boston and guardian.

Black Page

09-02-2020, 11:11 PM

It looks like everywhere has ran out of face mask(3ply 50s surgical) in batam, kimia, apotek, alphamart, top100, boston and guardian.

Once more: there is no point to wear a mask, if you think it protects you from viruses floating around you in the air...
The only usefulness is to avoid those sick spread around their micro-drops of water when they cough.

nono1973

09-02-2020, 11:21 PM

* I just learned that BCS mall also has one Gadeno Restaurant branch too. Might visit that one instead rather than the Nagoya Hill one. Hoopefully staffs there got no problem with their ear.

Just sharing.

...to be continue...

https://sbf.net.nz/showthread.php?p=19728542#post19728542

...continue here...

Its CNY afterall, hence i drop into Duck King at Nagoya Citywalk Mall this time round...

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Bringing along the heart to try out of fun, hence we didnt order much food for 4 person to eat,hehehe...and the bill turns out on the higher side compared to my "normal" meals in Batam. Oh, come on, its CNY afterall...try something out of the blue...hehehe...

285302

I would say the duck dish was better than Grand Duck which i tried around 2 weeks ago before this CNY trip. Duck Kitchen in both Nagoya Hill Mall and the basement of Grand Batam Mall were better than Grand Duck and Duck King.

I strongly believe the uncooked jelly fish that was serve on the table may have cause some of us to have diarrhea the following day too.

For Duck King, i may still return there as there are many of the other food there i havent tried.

Just sharing.

nono1973

09-02-2020, 11:24 PM

I went to grand batam mall on wed to look for it but they said out of stocks..

By my next trip to Batam, it would probably be sold out. This masks thing is going to be out of stock globally. :(

Btw your mask in pink look pinky when u wear...hahaha

Doesnt matter the color, so long it works well.

I dont see many people in the Singapore street wearing pink mask tho, so its sort of like one of a kind on its own....hehehe... :D

wait till u meet him for the 1st time, with his hello kitty pink color hanging bag. :cool:

those mask would be matching with that 'bag' around his neck. :D

I threw away that Hello Kitty bag somewhere last year (or was it the year before last?) due to wear and tear. I bought it in Batam few years ago when there was a stall just outside Nagoya Hill Mall back entrance that sell lots of Hello Kitty theme stuffs,hehehe... :D

Brought back some memories (Hello Kitty bag).

Nowaday rarely go shop within Nagoya Hill Mall, so not sure if that Hello Kitty theme shop still around.

A coronavirus suspect at Raffles med clinic at HARBOURFRONT CTR yesterday.

One pink color mask will be given free to uncle and auntie if they join me to my Batam trips,hehehe... :D

Black Page

10-02-2020, 02:41 AM

Once more: there is no point to wear a mask, if you think it protects you from viruses floating around you in the air...
The only usefulness is to avoid those sick spread around their micro-drops of water when they cough.
I want to be even more clear:
1) There is NO REASON to rush buying masks
2) Doing that is not only useless, but it also damages the community, because it subtracts resources to those who really need masks (including professional health care personnel and sick people, or people suspected to be sick)
3) You may legitimately doubt of what some Mr. Black Page writes on a forum, but this is what the US CDC Atlanta states in its FAQs:
CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory viruses, including 2019-nCoV. A facemask should be used by people who have been exposed to 2019-nCoV and are showing symptoms of 2019 novel coronavirus. This is to protect others from the risk of getting infected.

fde83

10-02-2020, 07:36 AM

See some crazy aunties hoard so much instant mee. KNN..before ur hit with coronavirus u die fm heart attack/stroke!:mad:

Indo mie got loads of variety even ayams too. :D Jgn marah2 om nanti cepat tua lo :D

Hurricane88

10-02-2020, 07:41 AM

I want to be even more clear:
1) There is NO REASON to rush buying masks
2) Doing that is not only useless, but it also damages the community, because it subtracts resources to those who really need masks (including professional health care personnel and sick people, or people suspected to be sick)
3) You may legitimately doubt of what some Mr. Black Page writes on a forum, but this is what the US CDC Atlanta states in its FAQs:
CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory viruses, including 2019-nCoV. A facemask should be used by people who have been exposed to 2019-nCoV and are showing symptoms of 2019 novel coronavirus. This is to protect others from the risk of getting infected.

Aye aye sir...fully agreed with you...wearing masks dun reduce the risks of contracting coronavirus...:)

Wear a mask when unwell to prevent passing to others...:)

My friends bought 20 boxes at $2 to $3 per box of 50 in hcm...now cost $20 to $50 per box...anywhere friends helped those who cannot buy masks now by giving out free to locals around him...:)

Black Page

10-02-2020, 07:45 AM

My friends bought 20 boxes at $2 to $3 per box of 50 in hcm...now cost $20 to $50 per box...
Now they have enough (Note added on 11/02/2020: I meant ENOUGH DOLLARS! not masks!) for a full week of booking at Bunga in Batam :cool:

Malaria55

10-02-2020, 02:14 PM

Nono in Batam now? Im at Hana hotel. Wanna meet up? I riding a bike from a Batam friend who loaned it to me.
Anyone in Batam can pm me for meet ups etc...

Naka_Timo

10-02-2020, 03:00 PM

Aye aye sir...fully agreed with you...wearing masks dun reduce the risks of contracting coronavirus...:)

Wear a mask when unwell to prevent passing to others...:)

My friends bought 20 boxes at $2 to $3 per box of 50 in hcm...now cost $20 to $50 per box...anywhere friends helped those who cannot buy masks now by giving out free to locals around him...:)

I put both hand and leg to agree. Wear only u are unwell to prevent passing to other.

However, some see other wear they themsleve scare go wear also. Monkey see monkey do.

Some will said all other country people all wear. Don't act hero dont wear.

Don't waste resource. If one day really need, nobody will help you.

Naka_Timo

10-02-2020, 03:04 PM

Naka_Timo

10-02-2020, 03:06 PM

I not so kiasi like typical sillyporean! Just eat at hawker centre lah. See some crazy aunties hoard so much instant mee. KNN..before ur hit with coronavirus u die fm heart attack/stroke!:mad:

They are only throwing singapore lang face only.

Such kind should be send to Wuhan and let them dead there.

Now when i go over to JB or Vietnam. They will smile and said you got rush to supermarket buy toilet paper a not.

From that they will think singapore lang very easy to tok cai tao

Hurricane88

10-02-2020, 03:14 PM

I put both hand and leg to agree. Wear only u are unwell to prevent passing to other.

However, some see other wear they themsleve scare go wear also. Monkey see monkey do.

Some will said all other country people all wear. Don't act hero dont wear.

Don't waste resource. If one day really need, nobody will help you.

the Wuhan hospital medical staff with full masks, gloves and hazmat suit also kena coronavirus becos just too many ppl dead with virus...:)

now best to avoid travel and crowded places...:)

nitecrawllerr

10-02-2020, 05:22 PM

One pink color mask will be given free to uncle and auntie if they join me to my Batam trips,hehehe... :D

Hehe...complementary fm Nono. U very good in PR ya. :D

nitecrawllerr

10-02-2020, 05:25 PM

Better let them eat the maggie mee until all hair drop. Eat so much better let them use the toilet paper to clean lao sai

Really kan bu ya. Thats why in JB i will always tell those WLs i am johorean. Malu identified as sillyporean. Car also Msia plate.:D

nitecrawllerr

10-02-2020, 05:30 PM

Indo mie got loads of variety even ayams too. :D Jgn marah2 om nanti cepat tua lo :D

I dont know abt Indon chinese. But always Sillyporean doing strange and kiasi things. U see Malays and Indians hoarding ration? No. But sooner or later sure join those kiasi aunties too. Herd mentality! Then short of supply thus pushing prices up. KNN..

nono1973

11-02-2020, 12:26 PM

Totally agree..stayed there last month for 1 night. Big rooms and OK breakfast. But not allowed online taxi to be called and picked up at their lobby!!! Which is ridiculous.

BCC already stated that no online taxi is allowed upon arrival of the hotel. Sign boards everywhere in the room and hotel premises. Closest place where one can get online is at Sushi Tei restaurant, 5 mins walk from the hotel. At least BCC still state on their signs where can get online taxi,hehehe...

Practically most hotels around BCS do not allow online taxi (except Swiss inn).

Nono in Batam now? Im at Hana hotel. Wanna meet up? I riding a bike from a Batam friend who loaned it to me.
Anyone in Batam can pm me for meet ups etc...

Sorry bro, just got back to Singapore yesterday.

nono1973

11-02-2020, 12:26 PM

batam chiongsters, pls advise the bro below. :o

In Batam , it would unlikely be about which booking joint has better girls or which booking joint has girls that offer better service/s (base on experience). But it is more on how to interact with the OKT , like telling them "your" needs, fetish , problem faced during past booking etc and the girl's interest in "you".

Nice video posted. Luckily none of the places i regularly visit is in it,hehehe...eg, Gold Bird aka Hai Lai. :D

The whole video tells any readers the almost same thing i said before. Go to Utama Hotel, walk one round (for about 25 mins),hehehe...thats Batam beginner 101. ;)

FYI.
"City Foodcourt" (beside i-hotel)
opening on this coming sat (8/2).

Yes, i heard about it from taxi drivers.

Its the i-Hotel at Nagoya Hill mall area.

Any further updates on face mask supplies and prices?

1 pack of 10s for 30k rupiah,hehehe...but 3 pack for 100k rupiah.

287239

Dont ask my why, because i also dont know. :D

(available in Batam)

I heard that mask price increased to 150rp per box.. not sure its ture anot...

True.

nono1973

11-02-2020, 12:51 PM

Aside to that,

It looks like everywhere has ran out of face mask(3ply 50s surgical) in batam, kimia, apotek, alphamart, top100, boston and guardian.

If you are looking into shops near tourist area, then 90% chance you wont be able to find any mask or would likely be looking at more expensive ones.

Manage to find one pharmacy opposite Da Vienna hotel still selling it at 150k rupiah for a box of 50s. The thing is, its at 2 ply. Saw an auntie took 2 boxes.

Wet market at around BCS area also selling too.

During my return on business class, saw a couple bring one carton back.

287251

Its a Monday, custom officers didnt do the X-Ray scanning for Business class passengers. But do note that i am not sure how that works. My ferry timing was 550pm but the guy outside allow business class boarding pass holder like myself to go in at about 445pm,hehehe...which is why i can loiter around the Business class lounge inside the waiting gate for a very long time (with free drinks and snacks,hehehe...).

Ferry was filled at 20% from Batam to Singapore.

?Huh? Really that bad? Mine still okay except that the waitress serving me didn't know whatt is in the menu that is still available.

Its actually not that all bad,bro. Just that when the waiter in Gadeno was taking my order, he was actually talking to someone else. Not focus enough, lack of concentration. And yet he could repeated twice that the fried rice and flying noodle is, "no spicy, no chilli",hehehe...and he wasnt facing me when he said that. He was facing his other colleagues, seems to be in a rush. :D

Did you notice that the plate of fried rice got chilli in it?

Not blaming that chap tho, as it could be the fault of the chef as well. :p

Worst experience was the duck king or something in grand Batam mall where me n my friend went. Ordered and waited for their super fresh food which never came as they might still be in the midst of harvesting after one hour of wait.

I think you are referring to the Duck Kitchen at the basement of Grand Batam Mall?

Tho food there was considerably good (nothing really fantastic or has any must-eat in it), my experience wasnt any fantastic either. I was with my parents and relatives, order half duck, came in 1/4 duck...hehehe...well, not that the waiter didnt repeat the order. He did and yet the order came in wrong. And during waiting time, there was one dish that came in wrong. It didnt belong to us but was meant for another table. :rolleyes:

I think many batam restaurants i visit seems to have this issue, even when i was there during non-peak hours,hehehe...

I have similar experience on waiting. My experience was at Roti-O at Harbour Bay few years ago, i have about 1.5 hours before the ferry gate open, hence i ordered a cup of takeaway coffee and waited. When the ferry terminal gate opens about an hour later, the coffee isnt ready. The thing about this Roti-O cafe is that i need to PAY FIRST and collect my coffee later.

I paid and didnt get my coffee. That was the last time i buy anything from them. And i was very pissed. Their excuse? They ran out of coffee powder and needs to have it brought over from another branch. Did i get my money back? No, i didnt as i need to rush to check in.

Lesson learned that day, AVOID getting anger-ed during a holiday. It might spoil the rest of the day,hehehe...thereafter, whenever i order an apple and it turns out to be pear or orange. I can still keep my cool and be genuinely smiling. :D

My objective/s in Batam, to have some peace of mind, to relax, to enjoy myself ,to have a good time....blah blah blah....hehehe....avoid allowing small setbacks/issues to spoil my day. Batam is NOT Singapore nor any other 1st or 2nd world country, i try to keep my expectation low. ;)

PS : Next time you are at Grand Batam Mall, try the Tiga Wonton Restaurant on the top floor near the theater. Good noodle served there. But keep expectation of waiter and waitress low. Reference link : https://sbf.net.nz/showpost.php?p=19728542&postcount=15797

A facemask should be used by people who have been exposed to 2019-nCoV and are showing symptoms of 2019 novel coronavirus. This is to protect others from the risk of getting infected.

...wearing masks dun reduce the risks of contracting coronavirus...

Wear a mask when unwell to prevent passing to others...

I put both hand and leg to agree. Wear only u are unwell to prevent passing to other.

Agreed with all above quotes. :p

the Wuhan hospital medical staff with full masks, gloves and hazmat suit also kena coronavirus becos just too many ppl dead with virus...

now best to avoid travel and crowded places...

Fully covered from head to toe also cannot stop being infected by the corona virus, let alone just by wearing a mask.

Hehe...complementary fm Nono. U very good in PR ya.

More like a marketing strategy, they were with me for 3D2N in Batam. I gave them one each (since my cost is S$0.04 each), the next following day, if they need more...they will have to buy (not from me). :D

These group in my February 2020 trip were the more educated type who could speak English fluently (those eat potato version of Singaporean). Not those hawker center or coffee shop uncles and aunties, hence they do know well when to do what during this corona pandemic period. ;)

My mum just did the water and fire test last week on the S$0.10 mask, and they passed. Its water resistant and do NOT catch fire.

https://sbf.net.nz/showpost.php?p=19742183&postcount=15820

I am still puzzled why are people buying from Batam when Singapore is so obviously cheaper and more easily available. Average cost per mask in Singapore Guardian/Watson is about S$0.23 to S$0.27 each. Online about S$0.30 to S$0.35. Anything higher in price require some common sense before commitment.

Lowest price i found so far online are S$0.30 each for 3 ply. So its around S$30 for 100s. I arent buying it tho,hehehe...

fde83

11-02-2020, 02:30 PM

I dont know abt Indon chinese. But always Sillyporean doing strange and kiasi things. U see Malays and Indians hoarding ration? No. But sooner or later sure join those kiasi aunties too. Herd mentality!

Om kalo org melayu buy at batam and JB, lg marah :D

https://youtu.be/msrU2L90Cug

Malaria55

11-02-2020, 02:37 PM

BCC already stated that no online taxi is allowed upon arrival of the hotel. Sign boards everywhere in the room and hotel premises. Closest place where one can get online is at Sushi Tei restaurant, 5 mins walk from the hotel. At least BCC still state on their signs where can get online taxi,hehehe...

Practically most hotels around BCS do not allow online taxi (except Swiss inn).

Yeah agreed. Their signs r everywhere. I even took a pic of it in the room.
Yes true they even mentioned go to Sushi Tei there to call online taksi.
Now staying at Reddoorz Paragon. Such value for money and decent rooms. Just went to pertamina beside HBB mall to pump Pertalite at 8k per lit. Lol.

Last nite ate at the new Nagoya foodcourt opposite Biz hotel near Nagoya citywalk. Very affordable and crowded even on a Monday night. Took pics but cant upload here.

And changed rupiah at 9820 rate near Reborn massage.
Going to Maneya massage which is good in my opinion.

BFOMF5

11-02-2020, 04:42 PM

Don't forget to bring a pen
Now u need to fill in a yellow health declaration form for entering batam

PowerBenz

12-02-2020, 07:58 AM

Yeah agreed. Their signs r everywhere. I even took a pic of it in the room.
Yes true they even mentioned go to Sushi Tei there to call online taksi.
Now staying at Reddoorz Paragon. Such value for money and decent rooms. Just went to pertamina beside HBB mall to pump Pertalite at 8k per lit. Lol.

Last nite ate at the new Nagoya foodcourt opposite Biz hotel near Nagoya citywalk. Very affordable and crowded even on a Monday night. Took pics but cant upload here.

And changed rupiah at 9820 rate near Reborn massage.
Going to Maneya massage which is good in my opinion.

Redoorz paragon wifi sucks...Intermitent disconnect and hp network cant get in room...If a night should be fine..if stay longer days i suggest get a better wifi hotel...

iicycold

12-02-2020, 04:32 PM

No more frenching leow.

no french nvm, but mus hv bbbj....lol :D

Wear mask bonk and wear mask moan lo...

wear musker is third lvl safety lor....first lvl safety is is body temperature scan la....lol...but ger no pass by immigration gate 2 scan so how?!

use this one?

287637

can use 2 see wich ger inside bking joint temperature too high then no bking...lol

287638

287634

abv is first lvl safety la...of course i no so rich guy pay 4800 sin$ 2 buy the equipment & bring 2 btm but hor...i hv a upgrade version below...lol...so less troublesome....lol

onli cost 2 jt plus nia...lol...ai buay mai...lol :p

287648

287636

Lol...eng eng can still capture nice nice video inside rm & shw the btm ger ger i nvr take a pigture or video wit her face inside....lol

https://iili.io/H66UBV.gif

precautious (temperature scan) b4 prevention (musker)....lol....

i onli sharing 4 good laugh nia hor....no offence ya... :D

Leoric

13-02-2020, 11:01 AM

I know HY3 pregnant lady is back from maternity leave for 3 days already. Well, thats if you can convince her for some "milk". :D

since mus wear musker 4 prevention, my as well wear wit style, tio bo.... :D

https://i.pilo.ovh/images/tlyVT.gif

nono's motto...safety mus lumber one....lol...who knws, can impress the btm custom ger officers too. :D

Just returned from a 5d4n trip in Batam.

Test drive HY4 & service rendered...

Girl says : Koko, u want try put eye mask? or face mask?

not those coronavirus mask,it's something like below
287868

There i was thinking, hmm...something new? Since never try before,so tell the girl to go ahead to try eye mask (cucumber favor :p). No extra charge.

End up finishing off with a hj at 200k rp extra with full roaming. I know u guys going to tease me, what happen if it was a "guy" or ladyboy who is giving me that hj while i was blindfolded. That's why i say, it comes with full roaming inclusive fingering her dry pussy & turning it very wet later. :p

Good solid massage for 1hr 45mins cost 240k rp.

Total paid 200k+240k+50k(optional tips) = 490k rp

Book her for overnight in my hotel room at 800k rp for massage + HJ x2 (i say x2 bcs 3rd round can't cum)

..&..

Book her for overnight in my hotel room at 1 jt for massage + FJ x 3.

Total damage for 3d2n with her = 1.8 jt. :D

Optional tips 200k rp.

BFOMF5

14-02-2020, 12:26 AM

New hotel opposite Aston opening in 3 days(16/2)
https://img0.uploadhouse.com/fileuploads/28179/281790405741602e02b8c99233a12f927585f000.jpg

BFOMF5

14-02-2020, 01:00 AM

There is a Zi char restaurant near Windsor....

On a side note, the Thiam Huat place in the above map also serves one of the better ikan asam pedas in Batam, worth a try for anyone who’s into ikan asam pedas.
Today took a walk down Nagoya. Also tried look for the shop in Windsor. Found the Thiam Huat But not the ZhiChar shop...
asked around...
They said its hv move out.
If not wrong... shop name should be HongTi hv move to Pasir Putih.

nitecrawllerr

14-02-2020, 11:10 AM

These group in my February 2020 trip were the more educated type who could speak English fluently (those eat potato version of Singaporean). Not those hawker center or coffee shop uncles and aunties, hence they do know well when to do what during this corona pandemic period. ;)

I suppose those uncles stayed separate room ya? Nite time own time own target. Can kol Fls...:D

GTTTT

14-02-2020, 05:23 PM

Just returned from a 5d4n trip in Batam.

Test drive HY4 & service rendered...

Girl says : Koko, u want try put eye mask? or face mask?

not those coronavirus mask,it's something like below
287868

There i was thinking, hmm...something new? Since never try before,so tell the girl to go ahead to try eye mask (cucumber favor :p). No extra charge.

Great FR bro.
I'm in batam now and so tempted to do a good massage with specials. But I don't know these places you mention, "HY3" "HY4".
Can someone please give more info?

xSEXxFUN

15-02-2020, 10:41 AM

What is the price for massage? Prefer with special service.

vort3x

15-02-2020, 02:36 PM

Who is the girl in the pic below? Don't see her anymore

288425

nono1973

16-02-2020, 12:59 AM

Don't forget to bring a pen
Now u need to fill in a yellow health declaration form for entering batam

Yep, and they did the temperature checks too. Horizon ferry was heavily sanitized. I can smell strong alcohol scent in it.

I did bring a pen, in fact i do that in every Batam trip.

The problem is, it ran out of ink that day,hehehe... :D

Need to fill up the health alert card (as below) inside the ferry too.

286782

Whoever going to Batam, dont forget to bring a pen (to fill up the form above). :p

Enjoy Batam, be vigilant and stay healthy.

Batam (in fact the whole of indonesia) got no corona thingy, so i think its the better place to be in during this time. But please, wear a mask if anyone is not well. My sincere thanks.

Bring some mask along from Singapore as Batam's mask seems more expensive to me. (i am more kiasu, i bring everything, from Po Chai pills, to panadol to anti-biotic etc along,hehehe...i have some elderly friends with me)

Just sharing.

And changed rupiah at 9820 rate near Reborn massage.
Going to Maneya massage which is good in my opinion.

Exchange rate has been bad recently at Batam, over the last few weeks.

Last week when i was there on weekends, it was 9850/SGD opposite Formosa Hotel.

Guess it would be lowered further by now. :(

nono1973

16-02-2020, 01:00 AM

I cannot go eve CNY becos I need to pray and received God of Wealth to my home...:)

This is an important commitment. God of Wealth, blessing from him brings good fortune throughout the year.

287241

I visited God of Wealth temple during my Batam CNY 2020 trip. If there is a chance in future, do drop by it.

Its a small scale and lesser known temple in Batam.

287242

But whatever one needs, its all in it.

I ask many Singaporean, or any Singaporean (not in SBF) who has visited Batam before. Where is the God of Wealth temple? Or have you been to the God of Wealth temple in Batam? So far 10 out of 10 has said "no" to me. :D

Just sharing.

AkhiAustralia

16-02-2020, 11:54 PM

Hi guys,

Its probably not the best time for travelling through Asia... but i am in Malaysia for few weeks on business and hadnt been to Batam us 2 year so thinking of dropping down for a week...

I have tried to read the last few hundred posts since my FRs didnt find anything... but just in case i missed it ... any drastic changes or booking joints getting banned ??

Also planning in being in Batam from 20th onwards for a week if anyone wants to catchup.

PowerBenz

17-02-2020, 07:42 AM

iicycold

18-02-2020, 05:52 PM

Just returned from a 5d4n trip in Batam.

Test drive HY4 & service rendered...

Girl says : Koko, u want try put eye mask? or face mask?

no bad, no bad....time 4 me 2 go give a try on their new place....lol

https://i.site.pictures/vg4nD.gif

new gers + price is pretty fair 2.....lol :D

fde83

19-02-2020, 08:57 AM

There won't be horizon feri for timing 9.40am and 10.45 from today till this friday

siliconer

19-02-2020, 09:21 AM

Hi bros
Planning a solo trip 20-22 Feb.
If wanna meet up, pm or add telegram @siliconer (https://t.me/siliconer)

Rovert

19-02-2020, 03:20 PM

Will be in the shipyard at Tanjung Uncang. Taking ferry from Sekupang. Going to be just a day trip. Any recommendations for a place to drink early evening? Bonus is there's local eye candy to go with my drinks

AkhiAustralia

20-02-2020, 10:39 AM

Its been 2 years since you drop by..Lets arrange for a catch up in batam...

Lets do it... i Fly into Batam on 21st... currently in Jakarta ... will be staying batam for 7 days

siliconer

20-02-2020, 01:13 PM

just reach Batam, ferry not crowded.
Money changer at Batam Centre Ferry Terminal 9700 IDR.
Took the taxi from the taxi standard at a fixed rate 30K IDR to Biz hotel.

OnlyLiveOnce

20-02-2020, 04:47 PM

just reach Batam, ferry not crowded.
Money changer at Batam Centre Ferry Terminal 9700 IDR.
Took the taxi from the taxi standard at a fixed rate 30K IDR to Biz hotel.

Went to Batam on 18/19 Feb 2020 by Majestic Ferry to BCFT and ferry was 25% full. Changed money at last money changer manned by the 2 ladies at 983k per 100S$ and took taxi to Harmonic Suites Hotel at 70k. Even the popular yam fish soup in Eatern Food Court were waiting for customers. Went to Happy8, MM, Sri Kandy and Marwar after lunch for our ceweks. Selections were not too good with the older and beefcake types predominating. Friends booked two ceweks from MM at 1 juta each. We had dinner at the quite empty Windsor Foodcourt in the evening.

Face masks from the supermarkets and pharmacies were all sold out unless you are willing to pay 75k for a N95 mask or 65k for 3 surgical type masks at the Pharmacy across the road from our hotel. Business all round was drastically down in Batam with lack of tourists and visitors from Singapore. The taxi drivers at BCFT complained that they were lucky to make two trips per day. Gojek and Grab drivers were aplenty charging about 14 to 15k per short trip.

We went back via the Megamall in Batam Centre by Gocar at 36k on the late morning on the second day. Megamall was pretty empty and we had lunch at the Moi Kitchen lunch before going home.

nitecrawllerr

20-02-2020, 08:57 PM

Went to Batam on 18/19 Feb 2020 by Majestic Ferry to BCFT and ferry was 25% full.

Face masks from the supermarkets and pharmacies were all sold out unless you are willing to pay 75k for a N95 mask or 65k for 3 surgical type masks at the Pharmacy across the road from our hotel.

Ferry operators should lower their fares by giving discounts. Hotels should slash down their prices too.:D

I tot no confirmed cases in Indon. How come they are buying facemasks?:rolleyes:

OnlyLiveOnce

21-02-2020, 12:04 AM

Ferry operators should lower their fares by giving discounts. Hotels should slash down their prices too.:D

I tot no confirmed cases in Indon. How come they are buying facemasks?:rolleyes:

From what I gathered, the face masks and sanitisers were largely purchased by our people for resale back home to reap enormous profits. The locals mentioned that there are two likely cases in Batam.

BFOMF5

21-02-2020, 12:19 AM

nitecrawllerr

21-02-2020, 09:52 AM

From what I gathered, the face masks and 19 sanitisers were largely purchased by our people for resale back home to reap enormous profits. The locals mentioned that there are two likely cases in Batam.

KNN. Sillyporean really opportunist. Kiasu and yeow kui. No wonder CCS never mince his words when he called sillyporean kiasi!:rolleyes::D

I was betting with my indon friend. She said Batam/Indon aman. Mantap. Go everywhere, market too, not many people wear masks. Very safe and no covid 19 cases in Indon. Hope she swallow my sperm... i mean her words.:D

iicycold

21-02-2020, 10:13 AM

I tot no confirmed cases in Indon. How come they are buying facemasks?:rolleyes:

They got other use 4 face musker ma, tht's y mus buy ma...lol...& what they wear it for? i guess hor...lol...got poof one hor. :D

https://moveyourshit.com/images/7488631112d93949314b8ff15587f0d0.gif

i guessin onli nia har....lol :p

I was betting with my indon friend. She said Batam/Indon aman. Mantap. Go everywhere, market too, not many people wear masks.

ai yo, brother...i got see ppl wking in hotel & sm driver got wear musker lei...lol...i tink they wear bcs of tourist's worried lor....lol :D

nono1973

21-02-2020, 10:15 AM

My friends bought 20 boxes at $2 to $3 per box of 50 in hcm...now cost $20 to $50 per box...

The 1st mask i bought in Batam cost about S$0.04 each during CNY period,hehehe...

https://sbf.net.nz/showthread.php?p=19704320#post19704320

Later on when i returned to Singapore, they cost about S$0.10 online.

https://sbf.net.nz/showthread.php?p=19742183#post19742183

About 2 weeks ago (after CNY 2020 trip), the price got inflated to about S$0.30 , the one last time i go to Batam.

https://sbf.net.nz/showthread.php?p=19751251#post19751251

That was the last time i bought any mask anywhere. :D

anywhere friends helped those who cannot buy masks now by giving out free to locals around him...:)

There are a very small group of good people online ,selling the necessities to keep one's hygiene well at a low cost. These group of good people were giving away mask and/or selling at very low price (in Singapore) to those who in need.

precautious (temperature scan) b4 prevention (musker)....lol....

i onli sharing 4 good laugh nia hor....no offence ya... :D

You bought those heat scanner in Batam? :confused:

The 2 million+ rupiah mobile phone heat scanner attachment looks cool,hehehe.... :D

I suppose those uncles stayed separate room ya? Nite time own time own target. Can kol Fls...:D

Most of them were coupled. Hence one uncle and one auntie sharing one room most of the time. Well, aunties/uncles wants some girl-together time inside a room,hehehe...

If any uncle shows any intention of "eating out", i would usually arrange for massage service in "clean" MPs whereby its usually part of the itinerary. Auntie in one room, uncle in another,hehehe...auntie's massage usually last an hour or 2 longer than uncle's massage.

"Special" arrangement can also be made for uncle and auntie who shares themselves in ONE massage room too. ;)

nono1973

21-02-2020, 10:16 AM

Better finish my CNY 2020 Batam trip post before making the following ones,hehehe...temple visits repeats during then.

289123

Notice its all quiet during this visit?

I lighted up the spiral incense (100k rupiah each roll or pack) in my parent's name. In hope they can live a longer good life...

289124

Took one of the above, to go to the altar to pray 1st...

289125

...before asking one of the caretaker guy light it up.

Note that money is NOT given to any person there but is slot-ed into the donation box meant for the respective temple.

https://s5.gifyu.com/images/Incense-Batam.gif

And then one of the the caretaker will hung it up.

289129

...it will look something like the photo below after its been hung.

289130

It will continue to burn for dont know how long. But well...i didnt ask becos i chose not to know.

This temple is a little under-visit. I have future plans to bring many more aunties and uncles to this temple.

And to the other one too.

289134

Not too far away from each other tho,hehehe...of course, i didnt forget the God of Wealth temple as well. Its also not far away.

https://sbf.net.nz/showthread.php?p=19770649#post19770649

Next year 2021 when i am in these temples again, they will yet have another fresher outlook (most were still under some sort of renovation/renewal currently).

I am cutting down my frequency on bringing people to Tiban Tua Pek Kong (水口大伯公), Windsor Tua Pek Kong and Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Buddhist temple becos they were "well-to-do" enough popular temples in Batam and most if not all people would know how to go there on their own already,hehehe...my donating rupiah, along with those from uncles and aunties would be of lesser value.

(Note : Its a free will donation without obligation to those respective temples)

Just a little tiny bits of "good" i am doing along with my Batam trips (and above were done during CNY2020).

AkhiAustralia

21-02-2020, 04:53 PM

In Batam now, its pretty dead.. went to my fav food stall it was closed... then went sri kendy .. mama wanted 1.3 mil so passed as no syt's

Will have another look around tomorrow... pretty tierd from my escapades in Jakarta... lots of Syt's there...

Found 2 decent spas ... 355k all tips included 2 shots plus useage of facilities..

fde83

21-02-2020, 09:32 PM

Friday night last feri not many people, hopefully pretty gals are available tmw Saturday :D

AkhiAustralia

21-02-2020, 11:04 PM

On the Upside ... really nice New food court opposite biz hotel ... very convenient.

Leoric

22-02-2020, 02:00 AM

They got other use 4 face musker ma, tht's y mus buy ma...lol...& what they wear it for? i guess hor...lol...got poof one hor. :D

https://moveyourshit.com/images/7488631112d93949314b8ff15587f0d0.gif

i guessin onli nia har....lol :p

No wonder i see some signboards in pharmacy/supermarket that tell customers that surgical mask 'kosong'. :D

Looks like there's a battle of the NEW food courts in Batam in the beginning of 2020... :D

Pacific Food court near Pacific Palace Hotel

290076

City Food court near I-Hotel Nagoya
(nearby to Nagoya Hill Mall).

290077

Nagoya Food court near Biz Hotel
(centralized area)

290078

Just part of my shares. ;)

nono1973

22-02-2020, 10:43 AM

No wonder i see some signboards in pharmacy/supermarket that tell customers that surgical mask 'kosong'. :D

Nice share on the food court.

No mask in Batam?

Hehehe...tell me about it.

(photo take yesterday in Batam BCS area)
290092

The green box you see above is 3ply mask going st 220k rupiah per box. Those in pink packing, consist of 10s per pack cost 10k rupiah a pack. ;)

The cloth type in between the 2 types, i never ask.

Aunties and uncles bought some. ;)

I didnt buy any, becos i just helped my neighbors who were in their 70s claiming that they couldnt find any mask, to buy 100s of 3 ply at S$40 in Singapore online market (they pay for it, not me) few days ago. Hehehe...per piece is S$0.40 in Singapore. Batam is at S$0.44 now (where i find it) or S$0.30 for 2 ply.

290100

The price of mask is really crazily high now. The elderlies dont believe in words like "wear a mask ONLY when you are sick" and wearing a mask DO NOT really prevent one from getting corona virus as much as one who is not wearing it. So i need to switch my approach with them,hehehe...wear 1ply or 2 ply mask when they are not sick but if they are SICK, wear the 3 ply one,hehehe...if they ran out of 3 ply, use 2 pieces or 3 pieces of 2 ply mask instead. :D

My experience.

AkhiAustralia

22-02-2020, 02:27 PM

Anyone done the rounds today? Just about to head out again to hunt.

nitecrawllerr

22-02-2020, 02:45 PM

ai yo, brother...i got see ppl wking in hotel & sm driver got wear musker lei...lol...i tink they wear bcs of tourist's worried lor....lol :D

I think they dont have confidence in their govt. U believe theres no confirm case of covid-19 to date?:D

Rovert

22-02-2020, 04:28 PM

If stay in Tg. unchan goSinTai

Kumxia kumxia bro but day trip for me. Next time will take note of your hot tip. Cheers

PrcLust

22-02-2020, 05:09 PM

Latest news from Batam. Formosa will cease operations wef 22/2/2020.

The boss Jerry Wang ran away without paying the wages of the staff apparently.

nono1973

22-02-2020, 06:32 PM

Formosa will cease operations wef 22/2/2020.

Finally...its gone (today). :(

https://sbf.net.nz/showpost.php?p=19707989&postcount=15774

Perhaps old one gone, new one will emerge. (Formosa Residence may be called Formosa Residence and Hotel,hehehe...)

Lots of staffs there will be out of job. :(

No more Alishan KTV, no more King MP anymore.

As a matter of fact, i knew quite a handful of 3 stars hotel were retrenching their staffs (due to lack of tourist becos of the corona virus thingy).

My Formosa Gold/Silver card would soon become antique,hehehe...i have 2 of it. :p

RIP Formosa Hotel.
(no one picks up my call in Formosa Hotel 5 mins ago before this post)

Thank you for sharing. Maybe i might go there to take a last look later.

_________________________

In the news :

https://telisiknews.com/2020/02/21/benarkan-kadisnaker-batam-hitung-aset-paska-bos-formosa-hotel-kabur/

https://swarakepri.com/formosa-hotel-batam-berhenti-beroperasi/

https://www.batamnews.co.id/berita-59261-pemilik-kabur-nasib-karyawan-hotel-formosa-di-ujung-tanduk.html?__cf_chl_captcha_tk__=6b82a86cffbfa8ad 8134b2487332bf839aacbee3-1582368351-0-AZBfJpqKxTy8sYPmPwEQwvg71kiHuIJR1WsMrA7k9pbvAGUtW9 gBMijur3gJoJw-Gv36N17dkFqa4JSIHUVRNSzBvGRRo0yFKQ_pD8wuJGWrKO7PQp sFd52DFORJX4Gw19tmm8PUFsJ0RokimFhGomZxbZJzelZgD-RXbqnnp8PYpaym2J4QILbDU9X_sErvfKJrrb589BtqC4_RpFcv wefLHS2s7KBzspMv7tN1IQ3C44KJSNO2Um4ytuxOyvo1Ckb4p-ik5EolmOhoUjSpN6-mffs5n-yUEbELbzB2bR5VSVB5Zwg11RNCkzQ6LODbnhFObQ0CpxpnC0BC gMwgj9Q6RuZcjy39mRyh45P9l1Og8zGL7Xtka5MPuGFZvEKZH1 n44u_d1C7y9Rri8wRGUDonx1C35ciqLPRpn6-UWSWb956mN0WdSYryvqvkG5wjPgs2oju88vTeQmu696RYtWK8H hNEqfe2fUwoRcVE7Rfj

https://mediakepri.co.id/2020/02/tanpa-angin-dan-ombak-pengusaha-hotel-formosa-itu-pergi-dan-tinggalkan-karyawannya/?__cf_chl_captcha_tk__=5b41fc7ed8bd6b60f4baa4598d3 14ebfe9180918-1582368403-0-AVhTKsiHwr67hXSfxQ_jp16-KdKeJuPuvGQTuZIhhvpsgy3OCKESpBIE5I9x5asOxuXrQL3TBF eZgI9cb6uv-RAB1vANco40E1xwyf_yb-tO4ptrXcKz0HSoQZaIwJoJ_q86CIACX_RRP2RGiB6-mxYq2-yGIVeO1JfZoOg1dXcWEJFGBtDPESnlmvl8B9d_Gf6js_G5YOO3 vV2CMHdsxR8K7HyBUbTioMnfxhhr9_VxDItCmceuGe6vpGe91E TidhbJGBoXbraDDu0YHl-lL0vIOv_i3uwRVUyjKFa4p7htX-p3JYQNiRwAn-1v7NFKc9V2XYJ1Dwjlk3xjI0bhvqQBaJAh1LxRcyHRr0S4UyNJ 8c8ZKopcLDhW9Vaz03m3RnNHe_Rq6DpIxgwEI5ItXCkpccOCzZ 1e0Q6ymQqMX7xdMtF-FB9cN5nlCPWS-3fheSnmlsKMzBfuc3YTREwz2xBATw_FJ2s34bAWirXs7N_SP-kBPwbENH-ywCq993vJ2w

https://www.batamnews.co.id/berita-59262-kronologi-kaburnya-pemilik-hotel-formosa-versi-karyawan.html

https://www.batamnews.co.id/berita-59261-pemilik-kabur-nasib-karyawan-hotel-formosa-di-ujung-tanduk.html

AkhiAustralia

23-02-2020, 01:02 AM

Yeah a Girl was telling me there was big issue/fight at Alishan KTV .. and that it closed down a week ago and that the hotel was closing down as well

fde83

23-02-2020, 02:17 AM

U believe theres no confirm case of covid-19 to date?:D

100 percent believe om, whatever in the internet and forums said are mostly true. Now in one of the pubs watching the heavyweight fight with many gals accompany :D

nono1973

23-02-2020, 03:53 AM

got mani versi sm more...sm time he will change different style. :D

286548

Those you posted were mostly what you got from Vietnam.

Those i got from Batam looks like that :

287240

Again, its cheaper than your Vietnam version. Cost of 1 pack of 10s at 30k rupiah, 3 for 100k rupiah,hehehe... :D

nono1973

23-02-2020, 03:55 AM

Today took a walk down Nagoya. Also tried look for the shop in Windsor. Found the Thiam Huat But not the ZhiChar shop...
asked around...
They said its hv move out.
If not wrong... shop name should be HongTi hv move to Pasir Putih.

I went to that area to have a walk in my last trip too (during beginning of February, i think).

I couldnt find that Hong Ti shop around.

https://sbf.net.nz/showthread.php?p=19687577#post19687577

I wasnt planning for a meal there but more of just walk walk see see.

Anyway, i pass by the Vanilla Hotel's ground floor which sell Durian,hehehe...

288834

Learned something that day, in Indonesia Mao Shan Wang （猫山王）goes by the name Musang King,hehehe... :p

Further down towards Windsor Food court is a stall that sells coconut fruit which is at least 10% to 15% bigger than a basketball.

288838

When i reach Windsor food court, a temple well hidden away caught my attention...

288839

Hehehe...it has no front door.

288840

Recce that area several times, including Hai Hai 2 hotel but wasnt able to find that Hong Ti coffee shop. Its drizzling on that day, i thought i might have missed it, hence i walk another round using different route.

However i saw the changes in Permata Indah. Used to be Batam biggest overnight KTV booking joint with the most number of girls, but later after its closure, it became something else and eventually today left with nothing.

288841

Dust to dust, ashes to ashes.

nono1973

23-02-2020, 03:57 AM

Its a Monday, custom officers didnt do the X-Ray scanning for Business class passengers. But do note that i am not sure how that works. My ferry timing was 550pm but the guy outside allow business class boarding pass holder like myself to go in at about 445pm,hehehe...which is why i can loiter around the Business class lounge inside the waiting gate for a very long time (with free drinks and snacks,hehehe...).

Hehehe...i have the whole business lounge to myself (with those aunties and uncles) for a solid hour during my return to Singapore.

https://iili.io/H611xR.gif

So quiet in Batam. So quiet to the extend i can take this photo and no custom officer is screaming at me,hehehe... :D

287265

Those tourist/locals who disembark from ferry going into Batam will be stop there, to get their temperature scanned before being able to enter to get their passport chopped.

One of the card below will be collected inside the ferry by the ferry crew 1st or the health officers before stepping into the immigration booth to get passport chopped.

287266

The other portion to keep. No one collect it from me,hehehe... :p

HarumaJitsu

23-02-2020, 07:14 AM

Hi,

I'm not sure if this video has been posted here before or not. I've came across this on youtube and decided to share with everyone here, it will be a good guide for new bro's that seeking fun in batam.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8Un_WthHdk

simnon

23-02-2020, 08:29 AM

nitecrawllerr

23-02-2020, 10:51 AM

Finally...its gone (today). :(

https://sbf.net.nz/showpost.php?p=19707989&postcount=15774

Perhaps old one gone, new one will emerge. (Formosa Residence may be called Formosa Residence and Hotel,hehehe...)

Yes. Fond memories. Gonna miss Alisan too. I used to stay there early 2000. But cos teres no swimming pool i switched to Harmoni hotel:D:o

Now in one of the pubs watching the heavyweight fight with many gals accompany :D

Benar atau tidak, life still goes on. Glad to know u are enjoying urself. :D

decaptico

23-02-2020, 03:18 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8Un_WthHdk

100Yen

24-02-2020, 03:57 AM

Hi Batam Bros, can anyone share with me how does one get free ferry ticket that was sold in caurosell?

deepie

24-02-2020, 11:29 PM

Planned leave for 5th and 6th March to Batam..anyone heading there on thesedates? Pm me 😁

Black Page

25-02-2020, 03:00 AM

Finally...its gone (today). :(

https://sbf.net.nz/showpost.php?p=19707989&postcount=15774

Perhaps old one gone, new one will emerge. (Formosa Residence may be called Formosa Residence and Hotel,hehehe...)

Lots of staffs there will be out of job. :(

No more Alishan KTV, no more King MP anymore.

:eek: I stay a few days away from looking SB, and this is what I read?? :eek:
I am shocked.
How can I go back to Batam without feeling that atmosphere of the Formosa lobby? the smell in the corridors? the large bed and my room 265?
For me Batam is not Batam without all that :( :(

Now what?
Nono, maybe you will suggest me (PM pls :p) an alternative?
I am really confused...
Da Vienna? My friend was there, and he told me that his room was small and not so good as my 265 at Formosa.
More expensive places? Nagoya Hills?
Where can I find the atmosphere of Formosa??
I hope someone will buy the property and reopen... Today it is a sad day for me.

BFOMF5

25-02-2020, 04:17 AM

Finally...its gone (today). :(

Just hopped over to Balai yesterday.
Shock to learn it.
Can't imagine how those investors for Formosa Residence reacts...
Can't be sure that the building becoming another white elephant like the one at Perita.
Btw they both under TATA.

nitecrawllerr

25-02-2020, 03:13 PM

I miss Alisan and King massage the most.

Hope sm white knights come along and save her....

PowerBenz

25-02-2020, 04:33 PM

Naka_Timo

25-02-2020, 05:59 PM

Hi Batam Bros, can anyone share with me how does one get free ferry ticket that was sold in caurosell?

Got free meh? i know nothing is free in this world.

PervMonk

26-02-2020, 12:21 AM

Da Vienna? Nagoya Hills?

Hi blackpage, my apologies for citing the quote so much but just want to talk about the 2 hotels that you mentioned. Da Vienna is really small and especially the closet but it's is actually quite nice and clean. Though have not tried the breakfast but nono did tell me before that they serve the best. As for Nagoya hills, I rather you take da Vienna instead as hills is really old and the service is lacking. Personally prefer harmoni suites for the kitchen and one of the housekeeper who is very nice(maybe cos I kept tipping her daily during my long stays and she remembers me) but not the front desk( maybe cos I never tip them).

Hi Batam Bros, can anyone share with me how does one get free ferry ticket that was sold in caurosell?

I believe you are asking about how those sellers get those free tickets but if you did read the forum, you would have known that spending a certain amount of money(50 if I ain't wrong) at certain restaurant(haidilao if I didn't recall wrongly) will get you those tickets.

nono1973

26-02-2020, 12:50 AM

How can I go back to Batam without feeling that atmosphere of the Formosa lobby? the smell in the corridors? the large bed and my room 265?
For me Batam is not Batam without all that

Now what?
Nono, maybe you will suggest me (PM pls :p) an alternative?

Where can I find the atmosphere of Formosa??

Its gonna be a long story, and i will have to come to this post to make reply on a later time.

There is no best hotels (nor best girls) in Batam,hehehe...just the most suitable. And you arent looking for the best hotel (in Batam),hehehe... :p

As for Nagoya hills, I rather you take da Vienna instead as hills is really old and the service is lacking. Personally prefer harmoni suites for the kitchen and one of the housekeeper who is very nice(maybe cos I kept tipping her daily during my long stays and she remembers me) but not the front desk( maybe cos I never tip them).

Erm..Nagoya Hill Hotel is a very new hotel (just directly outside Nagoya Hill Mall front entrance), it's probably less than 3 year old. The Hill Hotel however is quite old.

Both are 2 different hotels. :D

Harmony suite and Swiss Inn penuin were good hotels.

For Da Vienna Hotel, their better rooms starts from their Grand Deluxe room type onward (which is much often out of stock). :(

You should try Trinity Hotel one day. Now they offered free drop off at some Batam major Mall and Harbour Bay ferry terminal (selected timing). No pick up tho. You will like their balcony (low price, clean room too). ;)

nono1973

26-02-2020, 12:51 AM

Hmm...its all so quiet in Batam, even on weekends,hehehe....about time to make yet another trip to Batam.

I dont like to be in a crowd...that cost me extra S$12.

https://s5.gifyu.com/images/Business-class-lounge-empty.gif

...especially so during a weekend. Thats when i am on my way back to Singapore. We practically own the Business Lounge on that Sunday,hehehe... :p

Even inside Grand Batam Mall on a weekend. No one's in the counter. Where did the staff/s go to?

289060

Oh wait, i spot her....hehehe....

https://s5.gifyu.com/images/Batam-riding.gif

Hopefully her boss dont see her "eating snake" (aka behaving lazily having fun while at work) like that. :D

nono1973

26-02-2020, 12:52 AM

Went over to the very quiet Grand Batam Mall in that particular weekend. An old friend recommend to try this nearly one feet long (about 30cm) fun fries. :p

289101

Each of this fries were so long that it can be use like a small "dagger".

In my later Batam trip during March, gonna try to impress my girls with this,hehehe...at the same time have some fun with it. :D

(aunties and uncles dont like junk food, but their sons and daughters love it!)

289102

It's meant to impress. As in its uniquely impressive type of snack and girls love snacking. ;)

Is it becos its a rainy day that even a2 food court is so quiet on a weekend? (my favourite noodle stall, Bei Long close AFTER CNY for more than a week already,hehehe..)

289103

Maybe, most people already gone to the new Nagoya Food court opposite Biz Hotel,hehehe... :D

289106

Not so impress for now, but well...gonna wait till its a little quieter before i pay this place a visit.

There is never a better time for me to visit the currently very quiet Batam,hehehe...

289107

Even those guys (and Batam nurses) taking tourist's temperature all went MIA,hehehe... :D

Places in Batam for my future visits,hehehe...

289115

289116

In Batam, eat a lot (of goodies), digest them by walking a lot, before rest and relax. Then continue to "eat", "digest" and then "rest and relax". Cycle repeats. ;)

Enjoying myself, enjoying Batam.

fde83

26-02-2020, 08:50 AM

Hi,

I'm not sure if this video has been posted here before or not. I've came across this on youtube and decided to share with everyone here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8Un_WthHdk

Thanks very insightful video, a lot can be learn and finds in this video. Didn't know behind utama hotel all those are booking joints :D

siliconer

26-02-2020, 10:16 AM

For those interested you can download an app by GoJek that offer decent traditional massage to your apartment /hotel GoMassage {edited by mod}
Pretty good pricing - Last Sat, I ordered a 90 min massage to my room for IDR 120K
https://i.imgur.com/gfXypVp.jpg

XXLCat

26-02-2020, 10:29 AM

siliconer

26-02-2020, 11:34 AM

I use the Youtube video (Batam Red Light District: Guide to Weekend Getaway for Single Men ) and Bro NoNo guide lol

Harley_Fatboy

26-02-2020, 12:50 PM

Is there a joint like BKK with girls in the fish tank and the service is just like BKK?

Naka_Timo

26-02-2020, 06:59 PM

Black Page

26-02-2020, 08:00 PM

There is no best hotels (nor best girls) in Batam,hehehe...just the most suitable. And you arent looking for the best hotel (in Batam),hehehe... :p

Definitely. Actually I want FORMOSA back, I want Sinta, not the best hotel in Batam :p

Black Page

26-02-2020, 08:06 PM

Erm..Nagoya Hill Hotel is a very new hotel (just directly outside Nagoya Hill Mall front entrance), it's probably less than 3 year old. The Hill Hotel however is quite old.
Both are 2 different hotels. :D
Harmony suite and Swiss Inn penuin were good hotels.
For Da Vienna Hotel, their better rooms starts from their Grand Deluxe room type onward (which is much often out of stock). :(
You should try Trinity Hotel one day. Now they offered free drop off at some Batam major Mall and Harbour Bay ferry terminal (selected timing). No pick up tho. You will like their balcony (low price, clean room too). ;)
I am going to copy this text into my mailbox, to keep it for future reference. Thank you so much for your insight.
Nagoya Hill looks a very goood choice. I went there to attend a conference (ahaha!) years ago, but I did not see the sleeping rooms.
I would not stay in Penuin, because I like my routine of walking to Nagoya Hill in the morning for coffee.
I feel that it will be not easy to find an alternative to Formosa. The reason why I chose it the first time, was what I read in comments on a web site: most guests from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, zero chance to meet a bule. Indeed, in so many years I never saw any other Western tourist in Formosa.
The only other one, as far as I know, has been that idiot who secretely filmed the massage lady and my friend Rosa in his room and then sold the videos online on his web site.

Hi blackpage, my apologies for citing the quote so much but just want to talk about the 2 hotels that you mentioned.

Personally prefer harmoni suites for the kitchen and one of the housekeeper who is very nice(maybe cos I kept tipping her daily during my long stays and she remembers me).

Thank YOU for taking the time to respond!
I am curious about the housekeeper. Actually I was used to meet one of the housekeepers there, who during the day is nothing fancy or special to notice, but at night with the make up and all can really become a stunning lady. She is/was really a nice person, but as far as I know she has somee boyfriend now.
By PM, maybe you could tell me what is her name? :P

siliconer

26-02-2020, 09:20 PM

How the standard of GoMassaage? In term of massage skill and ladies lookable? any special?

the skills are good, looks - One man's meat is another man's poison.
No special.When you make the booking the app will have a "warning" page on any sexual services.
Gojek use to offer more services (car cleaning, buying grocery...) on this platform, lately they are scaling back and only offer GoMassage (spa and massage) and GoClean (house cleaning) services.

BFOMF5

27-02-2020, 12:56 AM

https://img2.uploadhouse.com/fileuploads/28210/282105220e51fb89cb2625f5e051ce458ae00e6d.jpg
all depends on luck...
As you can request for which gender of your masseur but there is no selection of individual masseur...Instead they choose you.

They did hv some SOP to follow.
Arrived with GoJet standard foldable mat that built-in with fix head rest, look clean.

blurblur2032

27-02-2020, 09:14 AM

iicycold

27-02-2020, 01:04 PM

Hi brother here, do you know where can get cheap flights ticket from Bandung to batam. As I try the standard search in Google. The price if bring friends from Bandung to batam is $800 per ticket. I just chat with one lady and thinking asking her to come batam.

$800? brother u bring hw mani gers ovr 2 btm? :eek:

i jus googled, cost 4 2-way trip no more than 3jt on beginnin of march flights 4 one person lei. :confused:

consider ur ger stay in sm faraway kampong, may b top up another 5ook rp will mre than enuff....lol...unless u r lookin @ first class seat or may b business class seat la....lol...u may wan 2 re-google agn. :D

iicycold

27-02-2020, 01:06 PM

The green box you see above is 3ply mask going st 220k rupiah per box. Those in pink packing, consist of 10s per pack cost 10k rupiah a pack.

The cloth type in between the 2 types, i never ask.

if u see hw tat seller handle tose mask, u aso wn't buy de. Price up so high in btm nw tat btm hotels aso cn't afford 2 let their ownself workers evryday chge 1 musker lei....lol

I think they dont have confidence in their govt. U believe theres no confirm case of covid-19 to date?:D

Lol...oh cos no belief la... but agn look @ korea, got mani ppl mati cos of corona lor...cos tere got cluster of ppl kena ma.

as 4 indo, until no cluster of ppl mati lei...shws wat? shws tat indo got no cluster of infection. :D

if u got go btm hor, u wil find out tat weather in btm actualli a bit hotter then sg. My fren tels me bcs tere less tree & plant 2 absorb the sunlight's hotness tat's y in sm way the virus kena control in sm way? i aso no sure....lol

No more Alishan KTV, no more King MP anymore.

knn, nw 1 of my 1.5 jt prc & wetnam ovrnite gers place bo ki liao.... :(

so sad...

Again, its cheaper than your Vietnam version. Cost of 1 pack of 10s at 30k rupiah, 3 for 100k rupiah,hehehe...

nw i follow ur method, no wear musker liao lor...but concentrate more on boosting my immune system....lol

btm got mani fruits wit high vit C de ma....lol...everyday i take a more tose fruits after my 3 meals a day in btm. :D

hope price of fruits no up the price in btm. :p

Now what?
Nono, maybe you will suggest me (PM pls :p) an alternative?
I am really confused...

Lol...nono & me been preparin 4 tis since the ad of formosa selling off cum out in the carolsell market...lol

let's jus wait 4 nono 2 post his lobang 4 a formosa replacement. :D

Hope sm white knights come along and save her....

Lol...if u hv spare 8.5 mil dollar sin$, will u buy dwn formosa hotel ?

i wn't lor.... :rolleyes:

Got free meh? i know nothing is free in this world.

ya, nthg free in tis world.

i got tose coupon thru buyin nono 2 teh botels wen he in btm....lol

alt can get tose coupon is buy me a 50 dollar sin$ meal in one of the cheena rest @ hf vivo city, aso can get free coupon....lol...1 brother here says b4, gain city spend 50 dollar aso will can get 2.

nono1973

27-02-2020, 01:10 PM

They got other use 4 face musker ma, tht's y mus buy ma...lol...& what they wear it for?

if u see hw tat seller handle tose mask, u aso wn't buy de. Price up so high in btm nw tat btm hotels aso cn't afford 2 let their ownself workers evryday chge 1 musker lei....lol

Hehehe...when corona virus 1st started, nearly every hotels in Batam are buying up mask. But over time, like a period of a month later, i notice practically most hotel staffs in Batam arent wearing mask anymore.

The reason?

Its getting too expensive to give every staff one piece a day. Some hotels tell me they couldnt afford such high pricing (just to please Singaporean). Thats even though they still have a few cartons as back up. Note here that one carton is about 40 boxes of 50s of face mask in it. They tell me it used to be 20k rupiah for a box of 50s too (which means i initially bought at the right price during CNY 2020 too).

So i suggest to them, only give face mask to those massage therapist instead as they were the ones who has direct body contact with their client. And as per Singapore government says it to the local public, wear a mask ONLY if they are unwell. :p

As for myself, i often believe prevention is better than cure. In order to prevent myself from getting, i went to some Batam backyard (or i can do it at home). Cut some of the below up.

290895

Dry it under sun for a day or 2.

290896

Squash them into powder or small bits and put them inside empty capsule to be consume at a later time.

290897

These herb are super bitter on its own hence i put them inside capsule to consume,hehehe...the herb didnt get their nickname "King of Bitterness" for nothing. Herb name is called Andrographis. Chinese call it Ku Chao (苦草).

Here's what it does :

290899

I dont actually use it for the above reason/s but more of helping myself to get rid of cold, flu, cough and mild fever. I use it like a more "natural anti-biotic", compared to those "actual antibiotic" from doctors. I have recommended people with diabetic to use it too,hehehe....and much often, it works like a charm.

Note here that it doesnt cure diabetes but more of it, is about getting rid of its symptom (diabetic isnt itself an illness anyway). Meaning to say,do not consume Andrographis a day before one goes to have their doctor's appointment. Or else the doctor might have a very high chance of not being able to detect you have diabetes,hehehe... tested by several patients before. (naughty patients fooling the doctors) :p

Its a Chinese herb, a very cheap one too. Which is one reason why not many shop sells it (i guess becos its just too cheap). In Singapore, i can only find 2 companies that sells them in capsule form. Alternatively, one can also easily find them in HDB void deck garden area but you will have to dry and cut the leaves yourself. ;)

Side effect? Hehehe...yes, it has the direct opposite effect of viagra if overdosed.

* reason for this post is because i brought aunties and uncles to Batam, the sudden change of temperature in the trips's enviroment (drastic change of hot/cold enviroment) has cause some of them to feel heavy-headed, headache and even minor flu. This herbs works well for them.

** Lasegar and cap kaki tiga drink works too but not as fast and not quite suitable for those who are diabetic.

iicycold

27-02-2020, 02:25 PM

Is there a joint like BKK with girls in the fish tank and the service is just like BKK?

yes, ovrnite bking joint is nearly like bangkock fish tank but btm one no hv a piece if glass blocking & the gers inside is mostly 4 ovrnite bking. ST wil b veri expensive @ abt avg 500k rp onward 4 tourist. More expensive than in sg 4 indo gers.

service wise is a bit far frm bein like bangkock...lol...compare avg lookin ger 2 bangkock avg ger inside their fish tank, most btm bking joint gers will lose 2 bangkock gers by 1 lamp post....lol....tere are of cos sm exception la.

if i rate avg bangkock servic lvl 8/10 (not the ger's looks), btm wil popably b smthg like 4/10 mostly....lol :D

ppl here frequent btm more than bangkock mostly cos they r 'skilfool' ,can get abv avg beter gers easier than in bangkock lor....lol...so the trick here is 2 read & learn & keep learnin as u r tere in btm.

like the sg garmen's skill future programme says...mus always upgrade own self skills 4 the rite relevant jobs...lol...except in btm, difference is cannot use the sg garmen skill future credit 2 do tat. :D

291088

so most impotent thg here is 2 read tis tread as much as possible frm page one, 2 learn the rite 'skills' tat leads u 2 the indo btm world of oppotunities....lol :D

once u muster the rite skills in tis tread, btm wil bcum like a wonderland. :p

fde83

27-02-2020, 03:42 PM

https://youtu.be/js5sKWHtD3A

Be careful gaes!! when u depart from batam centre. Watch out for this men wearing red shirt.

Naka_Timo

27-02-2020, 07:01 PM

Hehehe...when corona virus 1st started, nearly every hotels in Batam are buying up mask. But over time, like a period of a month later, i notice practically most hotel staffs in Batam arent wearing mask anymore.

The reason?

Its getting too expensive to give every staff one piece a day. Some hotels tell me they couldnt afford such high pricing (just to please Singaporean). Thats even though they still have a few cartons as back up. Note here that one carton is about 40 boxes of 50s of face mask in it. They tell me it used to be 20k rupiah for a box of 50s too (which means i initially bought at the right price during CNY 2020 too).

So i suggest to them, only give face mask to those massage therapist instead as they were the ones who has direct body contact with their client. And as per Singapore government says it to the local public, wear a mask ONLY if they are unwell. :p

That why sick then wear then make sense.

Naka_Timo

27-02-2020, 07:03 PM

the skills are good, looks - One man's meat is another man's poison.
No special.When you make the booking the app will have a "warning" page on any sexual services.
Gojek use to offer more services (car cleaning, buying grocery...) on this platform, lately they are scaling back and only offer GoMassage (spa and massage) and GoClean (house cleaning) services.

Thanks for sharing. Up u when recover

seabass

27-02-2020, 08:01 PM

Hehehe...when corona virus 1st started, nearly every hotels in Batam are buying up mask. But over time, like a period of a month later, i notice practically most hotel staffs in Batam arent wearing mask anymore.

The reason?

Its getting too expensive to give every staff one piece a day.....

As for myself, i often believe prevention is better than cure. In order to prevent myself from getting, i went to some Batam backyard (or i can do it at home). Cut some of the below up.

290895

.......Note here that it doesnt cure diabetes but more of it, is about getting rid of its symptom (diabetic isnt itself an illness anyway). Meaning to say,do not consume Andrographis ......

Bro Nono

Picture of herb is actually Sabah snake grass aka Belalai Gajah. Popular beliefs include cure for cancer and kidney failure alleviation. Tiagong can treat snake bites.

My personal preference:
1. Chicken Sop
2. Ginger Tea with madu and limau
3. Anything that can strengthen the body immunity

By the way, Singaporean old man died from pneumonia last week in Batam. Authorities there don’t think it is covid-19

Hurricane88

28-02-2020, 09:37 AM

That why sick then wear then make sense.

haha...Batam can still say negative after testing covid-19...reason any confirmed cases Batam will be ghost town liao...:)

nitecrawllerr

28-02-2020, 10:20 AM

if u got go btm hor, u wil find out tat weather in btm actualli a bit hotter then sg. My fren tels me bcs tere less tree & plant 2 absorb the sunlight's hotness tat's y in sm way the virus kena control in sm way? i aso no sure....lol

Desert counries like Iran, Bahrain, Kuwait also not spared. Can Btm beat ME? Dont listen to fake news. :D

https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/features/coronavirus-affected-countries-middle-east-covid-19/

keiizumi

28-02-2020, 08:50 PM

Desert counries like Iran, Bahrain, Kuwait also not spared. Can Btm beat ME? Dont listen to fake news. :D

https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/features/coronavirus-affected-countries-middle-east-covid-19/

Yar loh. If the temperature in Indonesia can control the virus, then might as well send all the patient tested positive on corona virus to there. Because the virus don't spread there. :rolleyes:

OnlyLiveOnce

28-02-2020, 09:15 PM

Yar loh. If the temperature in Indonesia can control the virus, then might as well send all the patient tested positive on corona virus to there. Because the virus don't spread there. :rolleyes:

Hahaha, you must be kidding?
I believe that were already several cases in Batam but not reported in the Indonesian media. Business in Batam are presently badly affected and any such news will bring the tourism business down the drain. Visitors are expected to practise good hygiene and exercise care when in Batam.

cougar666

28-02-2020, 10:23 PM

SGD appreciated against IDR
291392

nitecrawllerr

29-02-2020, 08:38 AM

SGD appreciated against IDR

But depreciated badly against greenback:D

Hurricane88

29-02-2020, 08:51 AM

But depreciated badly against greenback:D

what goes up will come down and vice-versa...:)

MAS did a monetary easing in other country it means cutting rates...:)

US is due for rate cut and forex just factor in the rate cuts...so in one session USD to SGD dropped from 1.4 to 1.39...:)

Is the gahmens playing which we cannot do anything....:)

watch the DOJ index and Gold...then you have a clue what is coming....:)

When Gold reached USD 1690,...some sold billions of Gold...and who knows what the money used for...:)

Nulgath

29-02-2020, 12:29 PM

291478

Hotel Boss Without News

From sources kepripedia the same, he said if the shareholders of the hotel is actually named Robert Chan, while the responsible person named Jerry Wang. Both are Taiwanese citizens.

Formosa management indeed controls all hotel assets. While the building that is used as a hotel is known to have a rental status.

However, from the news circulating that the person in charge of the hotel called the hotel boss, Jerry Wang was not in Batam City before his lodging business stopped operating.

This news is known based on reports addressed to the Batam City Manpower Office (Disnaker). Jerry Wang allegedly left Batam with all his documents.

Batam City Head of Labor Office. Rudi Sakyakirti explained that the report had been received some time ago. From the report, he revealed that Jerry left Batam on February 13 and then went to Singapore.

"On the 14th, Steven (Manager) delivered Jerry's belongings to Singapore. The information was a check of Rp. 300 million for the payment of employee salaries which were deposited," said Rudi.

Billions of Assets

After Jerry was left, the employee who was a Kepripedia resource person claimed he could not confirm whether the boss had escaped or not, before fulfilling the employee's rights.

"So we are still guarding the assets, the value is billions of rupiahs. Now if you say that the boss is running away, we don't dare to mention them, because we have all the assets," he said, an employee who claimed to have worked for a dozen years at the Formosa Hotel in Batam.

In addition to the assets delivered by the employee, it was also known from the union meeting and hotel management that there was a bank account of around Rp977 million.

Regarding the money, Head of Batam Office, Rudi Sakyakirti, previously stated that the money cannot be taken to pay for employee rights.
"The problem is, all accounts are in Jerry's name," said Rudi.

291479

The Fate of Employees

Regarding the fate of employees who are now unclear, Batam City Head of Office, Rudi Sakyakirti also went down to participate in providing a solution.

"We have come and collected all the information. We have also come to ask about the problem," said Rudi, Monday (24/2).

According to Rudi, there are at least 105 workers at the hotel. Nearly 80 percent of employees are permanent and work long enough.

After gathering information including hotel assets that still exist and buildings that have a rental status, the Batam Head of Labor Office also suggested that employees can coordinate with the building owner.

Employees are given the option to take over the hotel, both management so that the hotel continues to operate and employees work.

"So that employee rights can be fulfilled," he said.

Previously, Rudi also provided another option, namely selling existing assets and the proceeds from the sale were distributed. But considering the option is very sensitive and it is feared that the distribution will be unfair and there will be suspicion or other matters. So the option was chosen to take over the hotel.

Formosa Hotels Still Monitored

Although the agreement in the consultation results was to take the option to take over the hotel, Batam City Manpower Office said it would continue to monitor Formosa Hotels.

"We will continue to monitor how employee rights can be given," said Rudi.
When asked further about whether Rudi had ever communicated with the Formosa Hotel Boss. He said until now there had been no communication as well as with the owner of the Formosa Hotel building.

"I have no communication with them, only with new employees," he concluded.

Status of Formosa Hotels on the Online Booking Platform

Formosa Hotel Batam is more popular on the online booking platform with the name Formosa Hotel is a member of tripadvisor.

kepripedia then traces the status of the hotel in several online booking platforms . Found the name of the hotel still exists.

However, since it was declared to stop operating, the hotel room reservation has the status of No rooms available or no rooms available.

In addition, in a number of platforms the room price range has turned empty, indicating the hotel is inactive.

https://kumparan.com/kepripedia/hotel-formosa-batam-berhenti-operasi-bos-pergi-1su98L6oyHg

______________________________

Can't imagine how those investors for Formosa Residence reacts...
Can't be sure that the building becoming another white elephant like the one at Perita.
Btw they both under TATA.

It's not always the fault of the developer. Most time, the fault lies with the country's governing body which may deter foreign investors.

Izin Apartemen 36 Lantai Formosa Residence Batam Diperintahkan Dicabut, Ini Kata Manajemen

https://suryakepri.com/2019/09/29/izin-apartemen-36-lantai-formosa-residence-batam-diperintahkan-dicabut-ini-kata-manajemen/

...................

As a result, the change in the location of access to the apartment building is deemed to have harmed the interests of the Plaintiff.

The Panel of Judges in their consideration also considered that the construction of a bridge passing over the primary draenese as the main access to the Formosa Residence Apartment violated the Batam City Regulation No.4 of 2016 concerning Environmental Protection and Management which prohibits the construction of buildings inside protected areas in the form of river banks.

nitecrawllerr

29-02-2020, 01:06 PM

what goes up will come down and vice-versa...:)

I am waiting for gold to come down.:o

nono1973

29-02-2020, 01:23 PM

The boss Jerry Wang ran away without paying the wages of the staff apparently.

Yea, he ran away. And it also leave nearly everyone puzzled.

290904

Its one of the most money-making hotel in Batam.

Many may ask, since making money, how come runaway?

There are many guesses among some of my friends.

Some of which are, that old man Jerry (in his 70s or coming to that age already) is thinking of retirement since a year ago (which is why the advertisement to sell away Formosa is over one year ago) and he wasnt able to sells it. Son no plans to take over his father. Running away seems like not a bad choice and especially so it was done after CNY 2020.

Paying his workers is really nothing but paying up to the governing body can be a major issue. Let's not forget, when he runs, he also leaves behind more than 111 LCD TVs, more than 111 beds, and other equipment like gym set, CCTV cameras, computers etc. Which after selling away should be sufficient to pay his workers. I pity those staffs who has worked in Formosa for many years. They are really hardworkers (and loyal) under a super strict boss.

The only problem left there like what bro BFOMF5 say is Formosa Residence.

How is it gonna affect the stake holders? The tenants, apartment buyers who is due to collect their apartment keys soon etc etc. The good news here is, Formosa Residence is almost 100% done up, hence it shouldnt pose any big issue.

Whats left is, the future maintenance of Formosa Residence and how to keep it operational.

I will be keeping a close look out for now tho,hehehe... :D

Yes. Fond memories. Gonna miss Alisan too. I used to stay there early 2000. But cos teres no swimming pool i switched to Harmoni hotel

You mean you go to Batam to swim? :D

Ok, jokes aside...Formosa Hotel is my 1st hotel in my 1st Batam trip. Thereafter few years down the road in my Batam trips, i used to stay there. I use that hotel as a base to guide Batam newbies, to show them directions where to go and how to reach some certain places. Its like a school of cheonging Batam to many. And there are many "graduates" from there,hehehe...put it in a more friendlier term, i make many good friends there. Even this CNY 2020, i have met up with at least half a dozen in Tea Story for some chit chat and sharing of cheonging notes.

Many good times there, and some bad times too.

If only someone could just keep it operational for some time, paying up the workers should be the least of its problem.

Naka_Timo

29-02-2020, 05:04 PM

Oysterpay

29-02-2020, 05:28 PM

Formosa is my favorite and most stay hotel in batam over the years. Great location, have a 24hrs restaurant and cafe. Also not to mention King massage 4 lvl. It's really sad to hear its shut down. I was still staying there just few weeks ago and planning to be there again next month. King massage is useful for quick fix as a first or last stop before coming back to sg.guess that's the last time I enjoy the masseur there:(

Oysterpay

29-02-2020, 10:17 PM

Yes, check favorite massage and De Best Hotel. Eyes open big big...hehehe...they are linked to each other.

273997

I guess no need me to spell it all out to you right? :p

If i dont remember wrong, Bali Thai closed down and now change to Batam Spa. Can go and take a look too. Lots of new massage shops pop up at BCS area, its now worth going there to take a look at them.

Enjoy!

*One more thing, please go try the Kama Sutra package (not the one on this photo above) if your read my other post with eyes opened,hehehe...

Bro nono & other batam expert can please share some info about this favourite massage?

Pass by couple of time on the way to batam city hotel spa but never had the chance to check it out. Now that King massage formosa is gone. Need to look for another alternative for quick fix lol.

Does this join offer special, vitalitas/hj or full service avaliable? Can choose therapist from album etc?

Thanks in advance

Renzoku

01-03-2020, 01:18 PM

Will be at batam tml and tues, any happening ktv to share?

YummyBear

01-03-2020, 02:29 PM

Heading over solo to Batam on 2nd Mar for a night till Tue noon. Will probably arrive in the morning and doing some exploring on the booking joints and maybe massage places. Idea is to keep myself up to date on the scene. Lodging around BCS mall area. Will be on Dutch and could throw in a few drinks. PM if keen to join me. Cheers!

BFOMF5

02-03-2020, 01:14 PM

Indo first case
FYI :(
https://img3.uploadhouse.com/fileuploads/28221/282213632ed52a521ef566550fc81c4754cca41d.jpg :(

Indonesian President Joko Widodo said on Monday two Indonesians had tested positive for coronavirus, marking the first confirmed cases in the world's fourth most populous country. The two had been hospitalised, Widodo told reporters at the presidential palace in Jakarta.3 mins ago

nono1973

02-03-2020, 04:48 PM

That why sick then wear then make sense.

Hehehe.. wearing a mask dont really protect one from the corona virus, if so the Wuhan hospital wont have so many medical staffs infected cases. I am sure they were more well-suited up than 99% of people in public. :p

Bro Nono

Picture of herb is actually Sabah snake grass aka Belalai Gajah. Popular beliefs include cure for cancer and kidney failure alleviation. Tiagong can treat snake bites.

I see, that i didnt know. I learned something.

Is this herb the same as what people call it snake grass in Singapore, zhua chao (in Hokkien pronunciation) aka 蛇草?

I know this herbs is call 穿心莲 in Chinese. The herb itself were way under-rated most of the time due to its ultra low price in the market. But its an effective herbs for most flu, cough, fever and body-heatiness related illness. Works perfectly with fruits with high vitamin C,hehehe...and especially well for guys.

My personal preference:
1. Chicken Sop
2. Ginger Tea with madu and limau
3. Anything that can strengthen the body immunity

No wonder all those aunties and uncles are buying up turmeric/ginger powder,hehehe...but it get too heaty for the body?

291526

...hehehe...and those fruits they bought.

291527

According to them, fruits in Batam were cheaper and of better quality as compare to Singapore.

And the fruits i eat in Batam.

291912

S$1 can buy such big variety of fruits in Batam,hehehe...and its part of my daily diet there to combat dehydration due to the hot weather during my walk-about.

By the way, Singaporean old man died from pneumonia last week in Batam. Authorities there don’t think it is covid-19

What i see is that Batam's hospital bed hasnt been filled with locals or tourist with corona virus-alike symptoms, (like those currently happening in Korea, Japan, Italy, China, Iran etc) nor any parts of Indonesia cities having a surge in death count or critically ill cases that are NOT related to the corona virus epidemic.....YET.

The body of that Singaporean should have been send to Singapore for autopsy by now to tell if Batam's hospital is telling the truth. Rumors been flying around in Batam among locals each claiming they got the virus,hehehe....

Time will eventually tell.

SGD appreciated against IDR

Thank you for sharing. It is good news for Batam touring dwellers from Singapore,hehehe... :D

By the way, virus and bacteria has the tendency to stay on bank notes (and coins) too. And most would not even think of disinfecting them,hehehe...

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/cnainsider/how-dirty-money-bacteria-banknotes-singapore-9503352

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/02/17/coronavirus-china-disinfects-cash-in-a-bid-to-stop-virus-spreading.html

https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/news-blog/dirty-money-can-the-flu-be-passed-o-2009-01-05/

https://interestingengineering.com/dirty-money-banknotes-become-contaminated-with-covid-19

Take care, practice good personal hygiene.

It's not always the fault of the developer. Most time, the fault lies with the country's governing body which may deter foreign investors.

Izin Apartemen 36 Lantai Formosa Residence Batam Diperintahkan Dicabut, Ini Kata Manajemen

https://suryakepri.com/2019/09/29/izin-apartemen-36-lantai-formosa-residence-batam-diperintahkan-dicabut-ini-kata-manajemen/

I agreed, this is my current hesitation over buying a pre-built property in Batam. I prefer to choose those which has already been build rather than those still building half-way.

I have hear cases of buildings after being built to a said-number of floors, the relevant "money-hungry authorities" can tell the developer, they have not lay the building foundation properly (or can be other reason/excuse). And they (the developer) can either tear down "x" storey of building and RE-DO its foundation or they can employ their so-called "expert$" to solve the problem.

Something which i observe in almost every new apartment project except the Pollux Meisterstadt Habibie one,hehehe...they are going to build a 100 storey office building that oversee Singapore. Hopefully by the time their developer reaches 99 storey, the next local government taking over the current wont come and say, "hey, your piling on the 2nd floor wasnt done properly, need to tear down 97 floor to redo"....hehehe.... :D

The very people i feared most, the local authorities.
("most" is a strong word)

fde83

02-03-2020, 05:03 PM

Indo first case
FYI

Does this means not safe to go batam??

siliconer

02-03-2020, 09:30 PM

Does this means not safe to go batam??
I am planning to go in late March to celebrate my birthday 🙈

PervMonk

02-03-2020, 10:58 PM

Anyway guys, just FYI, batam has quarantined 15 people due to Singaporeans being tested positive after coming back from batam
https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2020/03/02/batam-quarantines-15-people-who-had-close-contact-with-singaporean-covid-19-patients.html

Sorry, using mobile and don't can't seem to post it as link

Naka_Timo

03-03-2020, 09:31 AM

I am planning to go in late March to celebrate my birthday 🙈

System show that i have upped you before so cannot up u again. Anyway advance happy birthday to you

Naka_Timo

03-03-2020, 09:33 AM

Hehehe.. wearing a mask dont really protect one from the corona virus, if so the Wuhan hospital wont have so many medical staffs infected cases. I am sure they were more well-suited up than 99% of people in public. :p
("most" is a strong word)

Yes, i agreed. That y dont waste it. Need then use it.

sentientdream

03-03-2020, 11:14 AM

Heading in this weekend to grand dragon.

Heard its quite ex not much review here tho. Price have since increased from the rate in this thread back in 2018.

Any tips as its the first time going.

Leoric

03-03-2020, 11:59 AM

By the way, virus and bacteria has the tendency to stay on bank notes (and coins) too. And most would not even think of disinfecting them,hehehe...

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/cnainsider/how-dirty-money-bacteria-banknotes-singapore-9503352

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/02/17/coronavirus-china-disinfects-cash-in-a-bid-to-stop-virus-spreading.html

https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/news-blog/dirty-money-can-the-flu-be-passed-o-2009-01-05/

https://interestingengineering.com/dirty-money-banknotes-become-contaminated-with-covid-19

Take care, practice good personal hygiene.

U shld try this next time. :D

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Or u can bring me yr money when u are in btm & i'll help u go through every rupiah note/coin 1 piece a time. :D

Not returning u those sterilized money btw. :p

nono1973

03-03-2020, 11:59 AM

:eek: I stay a few days away from looking SB, and this is what I read?? :eek:
I am shocked.
How can I go back to Batam without feeling that atmosphere of the Formosa lobby? the smell in the corridors? the large bed and my room 265?
For me Batam is not Batam without all that

Believe me, the news came as much as a shock to you as it is to me too.

Now what?
Nono, maybe you will suggest me (PM pls :p) an alternative?
I am really confused...
Da Vienna? My friend was there, and he told me that his room was small and not so good as my 265 at Formosa.
More expensive places? Nagoya Hills?

When you are about to hit Batam, drop me a PM. I can arrange to bring you (or make arrangement) over to one of those hotel/s i regularly stayed in nowaday. :D

Too early to talk about it now.

As for Da Vienna, your friend stayed in the wrong room. Your friend should be staying in at least in their Grand Deluxe room and/or above. Price-wise should be close to 265. In future, AVOID staying in their basic room, if you are looking for space (da vienna hotel).

Nagoya Hill Hotel? Its a new hotel, ok...fairly new hotel and over-priced too. Its not in my to-stay listing tho.

Where can I find the atmosphere of Formosa??
I hope someone will buy the property and reopen... Today it is a sad day for me.

The number one ranking in Batam hotel listing that has the Formosa ambiance is Utama Hotel. Its almost like the mirror image of Formosa hotel 7 years or more ago,hehehe...before formosa start its renovation.

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Been around looking for Formosa Hotel alternative since few years ago, and nothing comes close to Utama Hotel. But it has its similar flaws like Formosa hotel 7 odd years ago. Cigarette scents!

I am a smoker myself, if i cannot take the scent w/o complaining, let alone someone who dont smoke. :(

But i did work out something to counter this issue over time.

Note here that only their deluxe room is similar to 265. And there is a bathtub in it like the 265 before being renovated,hehehe...and there are carpet in most rooms too (except their superior double room), even their standard room.

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I usually stay in their bigger deluxe room which is about similar to 265 sizing. Standard and Superior double is about 24 m² and Deluxe is 32 m².

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265 is a 28 m² if i didnt remember wrong.

Price wise for Utama Deluxe room is about 15% cheaper than 265 tho.

Ask for a no-smoking Deluxe room (even tho thats not gonna help much with the cigarette scent). 265 is a smoking room, just for your info.

Utama Hotel's aircon is not centralize-control, like those i see in Formosa. One room one air-con but i believe its a split unit type. Hence if they dont clean the filter, non-smoking room will also get those "scent" eventually too.

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I am guessing you arent a breakfast person, hence you do not need to take the hotel's breakfast. I said this becos during breakfast time, its a smoker's paradise there, just like Formosa Hotel 7 odd years ago whereby they also allows smoking through out the whole breakfast hours.

Formosa during its later years change its rules to allow a small part of breakfast table to be cater for smokers. But during lunch/dinner hours and all other time, smoking is allowed in Vienna Restaurant.

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Which is why i say, Utama Hotel is like Formosa Hotel 7 over years ago. Carpetted room, carpetted corridor , hotel room service Food menu almost similar to Formosa hotel, with convenient store just directly at its lobby and a massage parlor that closes about the same time as King massage. There is also a KTV at the ground floor of Utama hotel too.

In my previous few stays, i notice more Malay families and old Chinese uncles there. Hardly spot any youngsters between the age of 20s to 30s tho.

Utama Hotel is in the same generation when Formosa was 1st build about 20 odd years ago.

....continue in below post....

nono1973

03-03-2020, 12:04 PM

How can I go back to Batam without feeling that atmosphere of the Formosa lobby? the smell in the corridors? the large bed and my room 265?
For me Batam is not Batam without all that :(
...
Where can I find the atmosphere of Formosa??

I am looking into how close it is in terms of ambiance similarities to Formosa hotel and as well as if it has a fridge/kettle, a proper work table (which you might probably need to have) and as well as room/bed size. Location isnt a priority in this listing but is still being factor in a little.

2nd place, under Utama Hotel (90%) number one ranking that holds similar ambiance like Formosa Hotel were :

1. Planet Holiday Hotel (75%)

You can get the same size basic deluxe room (28 m²) in Planet Holiday hotel as like in 265 (w/o breakfast) at similar price.

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The reason why its only 75% similar like Formosa is becos its hotel exterior and design is quite different. But every other thing in-room is like 265. If you opt for breakfast, it is likely to cost more than 265. Plus point is, it comes with a balcony.

This hotel's exterior is closer to Goodway Hotel than Formosa hotel tho.

2. Biz Hotel (70%)

Moderate room and its superior room were way too small compare to 265. Only their Deluxe room comes close to 265 but still quite small compare at 24 m². 265 is at 28 m².

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Reason why it is at 70% and not 75% is due to its room shape and size. And as for why it is even in my listing is becos of the reception's customer service level, the location and the convenient store downstairs. I feel like its Formosa Hotel on those few points.

Opposite this hotel is Nagoya Food court. Nice place to loiter around in the evening.

3. Harmony Hotel (70%)

Same as Biz, i rated it 70% similarity due to the bigger room size (32 m²) than 265 and shaped almost similar too.

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Exterior of hotel is nothing similar to Formosa Hotel tho. Its a chain hotel, hence frontline customer service level is pretty much robotic. But for the similar price of 265, i can get a room there. And you will love its King sized bed,hehehe...

4. Harmoni Suite (70%)

Similar to Harmoni Hotel above, but their rooms all come with a Kitchenette which you probably dont need,hehehe...the reason why its in the 70% category is more becos of its room shape and size that are pretty quite similar to that of 265.

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But like its sister hotel, Harmoni Hotel opposite Goodway, its exterior is far from Formosa Hotel. As like in other chain hotels service, front desk were more or less pretty much robotic.

5. Swiss Bel Harbour Bay (70%)

I guess you probably were quite familiar with this hotel. It fell under the same rating as Harmoni's chain of hotel due to its exterior. But basic room were rather similar.

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Oh, and not forgetting almost everything in it, from room service food menu to laundry, massage etc were at least 50% more expensive than Formosa hotel of the same service. Quite surprising however, were that its not easy to get a room there. They must have done something right in their hotel marketing strategy to have kept their room occupancy rate relatively high, just like Formosa Hotel (often fully booked during Friday,Saturday and Sunday).

6. Swiss Inn Penuin (75%)

This is Swissbel's sister hotel. Nice cozy hotel but well, its in Penuin area, hence i suppose i do not need to elaborate much except the part why i gave this hotel 75% , an extra 5% more compare to its sister, Swissbel.

<no photo attachment>

Its a 3 star hotel,meaing to say the upscale level were closer to formosa than to her 4 star sister in their exterior. Basic rooms were pretty much similar and due to its key customer being mainly from Singapore (57% of them,if i didnt remember wrong), hence tho the frontline were robotically programmed to their sisters level, i see more human touch here than there.

7. Nagoya One (75%)

This is another hotel that has the image of Formosa Hotel, just like Utama Hotel. At least this is what their 1st impression has given me when i walk through its front door.

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I would have easily given this hotel an 80% similarity if their corridors and room were carpet-ed. Location was quite odd, tho one can still walk to Nagoya Hill Mall (about 8 min plus minus) or take their shuttle service there. What i didnt like about it and key thing its only at 75% were becos there was no in-house massage and KTV/Lounge.

The front desk staffs has given me the Formosa feel tho. ;)

8. Holiday Hotel (75%)

This is another 75% hotel. But unlike Utama hotel, this hotel gives me the Formosa after-renovation, instead of Utama Hotel's before-Formosa was being renovated. If it werent renovated, it will be closer to Formosa Hotel 7-8 years ago.

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Photo above were taken from their Deluxe room and not their basic room.

One of the reason why this hotel is still standing tall was becos of its front desk staffs (especially after they renovated). People feel attached to the hotel during their stay (meaning they got many regulars). Technically, it used to be a 2 starred hotel, now a 3 star after its renovation and attaching an elevator (yes, they used to have no lift,hehehe...).

9. Grand I-Hotel (70%)

This one is 4 star hotel. Another chain hotel but when it was 1st started, the room were build more or less similar to that of Formosa's room and was pretty close to 265. I can say this hotel is not any younger nor older than Formosa.

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Between Nagoya Hill Hotel and Grand I-Hotel ,having both relative close pricing in terms of basic room rate, i will pick Grand i-Hotel anytime. Another reason why i pick this hotel rather than Nagoya Hill Hotel was becos they have smoking rooms,hehehe...

Note here that i am comparing 4 star versus 4 star and solely my walk in and staying feel. Price wise is about 25% to 35% higher on both hotel's basic room comparing with 265.

10. Ggi Hotel (75%)

This Ggi Hotel is directly outside Harbour Bay ferry terminal. And it holds the potential of being another Formosa-look-alike. BUT! You arent gonna like it becos of its bed size. Its mainly queen sized.

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The whole entire structure of the hotel were like Formosa, from its appearance to the corridor to its front desk etc. Their basic room is already the size of 265.

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Massage parlor, KTV/Lounge, provision shop etc were all in it. But why only 75% instead of more? Its becos of their location...and the inconvenient to head to places i wish to go to. Everywhere and anywhere i wish to go to, i will need to get a taxi. And taxi price there is 50k rupiah upward, not 30k/35k rupiah as in like Harbour Bay (and its just across the road).

It makes me feel like taking the online taxi's punishment of walking into Harbour Bay Taxi stand which takes about 5 to 6 mins (heavy traffic across the road) and still need to pay higher than online taxi fare.

Not everything is all bad tho, Ggi Hotel is technically a 4 star hotel cos of their swimming pool but has downgraded to 3.5 star for some reason. But the price for a night stay in their deluxe room with balcony is only around S$30,hehehe...their lower graded superior room-type cost even lesser.

A pretty good deal as i may have to pay more for certain things, but i do save in the room cost. But i have a feeling that if this Ggi hotel do not start getting innovative (eg, provide shuttling service,drop their taxi charges etc), it might just end up like their neigboring Amir Hotel, which has already close down for good.

Its other neighboring 4 starred hotels, like Travelodge and Pacific Palace hotel were already start providing shuttling service or be building food court/attractions/offers in the same area.

_____________________________________

As i wrote about the hotel reviews above, i also get a better idea what types of hotel i am looking for in Batam. And the hotel i stayed in Batam regularly were none of the above,hehehe...they were just back-up hotels,alternative to my favorite Formosa Hotel in events where my favourite hotels ran out of room/s.

I have chosen NOT to name those hotels i stayed regularly in, otherwise i might just end up with no more rooms whenever i visit Batam. Remember i said before, there is only 5 favorite rooms in WHOLE of Batam that best suits me. And they were mainly in Formosa Hotel. Room 265 being one of it,hehehe...and i already have many more than just Blackpage vying for that very same room. :p

I guess the similar can be said for overnight booking joint, and as well as massage place too.

The keyword to bro Blackpage here is still :

When you are about to hit Batam, drop me a PM. I can arrange to bring you (or make arrangement) over to one of those hotel/s i regularly stayed in nowaday. :D

Too early to talk about it now.

Above said hotel, is NOT Utama hotel nor any hotel i mention here.

Currently, i am STILL working on trying to make Utama a hotel which i can regularly stayed in whenever i visit Batam. But i will have to work on its air quality 1st and later see if i can one day i can turn myself into a "prince" in that hotel, just like i am already one in Formosa Hotel, hehehe... changing the environment to suit me? Where else but Batam.

Thats all the sharing i have for today.

* please do NOT quote the whole post if anyone is replying to it, thank you.

fde83

03-03-2020, 08:20 PM

I am planning to go in late March to celebrate my birthday 🙈

Wish u happy birthday in advance and have a great time in batam

Lingo

03-03-2020, 09:39 PM

The above hotel rooms seem to be comfortable and classy...but are they occupied or empty most of the time....hope they will slash the ferry prices...the 3 infected singaporeans help to reduce the prices for chonging in Batam...LT booking may be 30% down...hehe!!

Lingo

03-03-2020, 09:47 PM

Even ah Kong , ah mah, dares not come...the penguin market is not congested any more....

biostar

03-03-2020, 09:57 PM

Always wondered why Utama hotel was not a popular choice among the punters here even though it's so near the numerous booking joints and MPs.

After bro nono's explanation and photos, i could understand why. it feels like it's still stuck in the late 80s era and ciggie smoke can be smelt everywhere. Carpets do trap smoke smells too and over the years the accidental ciggie butt drops have increased the intensity of the odour and stain the carpets more.

BFOMF5

04-03-2020, 12:05 AM

Used Utama during Newberry time until Hotel 18 comes up. To me I hv no complaints about the location, the king size bed, the bath tub, and Breakfast lay out.
FYI there are some old man still like the hotel.

Black Page

04-03-2020, 12:46 AM

As for Da Vienna, your friend stayed in the wrong room. Your friend should be staying in at least in their Grand Deluxe room and/or above. Price-wise should be close to 265.

Outstanding review of Batam hotels. I am going to bookmark your report for future reference.
I have only one remark: I tried to check prices of Da Vienna for a random week, and I found that for a rate on the order of the membership rate at Formosa (say, 600k) I could book the Junior Suite. This looks definitely interesting.

The main problem now is the coronavirus. I am in Europe, and now we are the main "infector" of the world: we are in full exponential growth phase, and nobody knows when the increase exponential rate will start to lower (currently around x2 (doubling) every 4 days). This will stop, I hope, in few months.
But in Batam, I bet that the virus is silently spreading. Simply, nobody may notice it, since nobody without money goes to hospital for a check unless very serious, and people is used to be sick and recover or not. Imagine ONE sick person who goes to Newton: how many are infected that night?
So, once spread, it cannot be put back in the box. One day this virus will be endemic in many countries, but before then just moving to a different country is extremely risky, for who travels and for those who welcome. I will wait some months to see how all this will settle.

retirebatam

04-03-2020, 02:00 AM

Yea, he ran away. And it also leave nearly everyone puzzled.

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Its one of the most money-making hotel in Batam.

Many may ask, since making money, how come runaway?

There are many guesses among some of my friends.

Some of which are, that old man Jerry (in his 70s or coming to that age already) is thinking of retirement since a year ago (which is why the advertisement to sell away Formosa is over one year ago) and he wasnt able to sells it. Son no plans to take over his father. Running away seems like not a bad choice and especially so it was done after CNY 2020.

Paying his workers is really nothing but paying up to the governing body can be a major issue. Let's not forget, when he runs, he also leaves behind more than 111 LCD TVs, more than 111 beds, and other equipment like gym set, CCTV cameras, computers etc. Which after selling away should be sufficient to pay his workers. I pity those staffs who has worked in Formosa for many years. They are really hardworkers (and loyal) under a super strict boss.

.

Formosa hotel has been around since the 90s and bring back alot of old memories when queen9833 and dynasty99 booking joints were still around.
The hotel was the number one choice for most cheongsters because it provided all the services (KTV,massage,alishan booking,24hr restaurant,etc) under one roof and its superb location, personalise service, affordable price and warm hospitality. No hotel come close to it.

I have been staying in Formosa Hotel for the past 10 over years.

I used to book formosa hotel using traveloka hotel booking previously at average about $30 per night for year 2017 & 2018 compare to using my member card at 480,000rp.

But when traveloka stop offering good promotion, I book formosa hotel through agoda at average about $40 to $42 per night still cheaper than using my member card at 480,000rp. (S$48)

The Taiwanese boss of Formosa Hotel was well respected by all his employees, although he tends to be very strict on the hotel rules.

Example, any masseuse came late for work or absent will have to pay penalty to king massage, and any masseuse fail to complete 40 hours of massage per month, her service will be terminated. According to the staff, he is a good pay master, never late to pay employee salary.

Over the years, he has transformed Formosa Hotel from a girl friendly hotel into a one station enjoy all service type of hotel. He has kept up with technology from time to time by providing the hotel rooms with many improvements, examples were:

1) Remember there was a period when the room was provided with many different brand/type of handphone charging cables from the wall socket like nokia, sony ericson, samsung, iphone,etc (this was during the period when touch screen phone not yet popular)

2) Change all the lights in the room and toilet to LED lights

3) Refurbish the toilets from old bath tub to standing shower.

4) Install wifi booster along corridor to improve signal

5) Renovate some rooms and change old furniture

6) Provide a safe for customers to keep their things in their office

7) Provide seats at level 2 & 3 lobby for hotel guest to sit while waiting for lift.

8) Installed a foam bath/shampoo dispenser in the toilet in year 2019. Previously was given 1 bottle of foam bath & shampoo.

9) The opening of tea story for people to relax and the sale of kue lapis.

10) The introduction of membership cards to reward loyal customers.

After having invested so much in the hotel, nobody will ever guess that he will abandon his business empire. Very sad to have lost such a nice place on earth. According to source, the occupancy rate of the hotel has fallen to 20% before the corona virus. And after the virus has taken place, the business became worst

But I doubt the information is accurate as my last stay was in late January 2020 and I always have to wait till noon time for rooms to check in because reception told me all rooms taken up the previous day.

News also reported that there are 3 options for the hotel management to consider:
1) Try to contact Jerry and persuade him to take over the hotel. So that the hotel continues to operate and employees can still work. It was known that this option cannot work as it was reported that Jerry had tried to borrow money from his taiwanese friend in Taiwan but was being rejected.

2) Propose to sell all existing hotel assets and the money to pay the employees salary based on years of service.

3) Since Jerry has already establish a standard system of hotel operation, in fact the employee can follow the SOP to continue to run the hotel. Just need a company or individual who is willing to take over the business, everything can still run as per normal.

I was told by the Formosa staff that Jerry has appointed a local indonesian chinese from kalimantan to help him manage the business operation in Formosa hotel which means that he is the 2nd man incharge. So if this person manage to find a investor to take over the business, with his experience can help run the hotel business.

Alternatively if another hotel willing to take over the operation, Formosa can still operate..