Batam Info / Interest / Help Thread

[my53XY3Y3]

eat some shop some and even movies:

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[my53XY3Y3]

shop till u drop:

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[my53XY3Y3]

and last stop... TOP 100 Diamond City

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[Leoric]

and last stop...

+17 points for making drool all over now. :D

Good sharing & thanks for that.

[asiancigar]

So is Batam still happening or just a ghost town ?

[Hurricane88]

So is Batam still happening or just a ghost town ?

Batam will never be ghost town with the manufacturing and local population...:)

From the photos we can tell those tui na and massage all closed becos no tourists...:)

Also those hotels rely on tourists have only ghosts...:)

Local food court will always have patrons...:)

My okt friend told me most of the WL not back yet since not reopen...the current announcement of reopening the okt said skeptical...is wait and see type...:)

[kbt7046]

Batam will never be ghost town with the manufacturing and local population...:)

From the photos we can tell those tui na and massage all closed becos no tourists...:)

Also those hotels rely on tourists have only ghosts...:)

Local food court will always have patrons...:)

My okt friend told me most of the WL not back yet since not reopen...the current announcement of reopening the okt said skeptical...is wait and see type...:)

Batam is a city, won't become ghost town. There are many Singaporean and Malaysian holding Indonesia PR staying there. Lucky for them, can enjoy fucking girls at lower price now. Balai will be ghost town, not Batam.

[asiancigar]

Batam is a city, won't become ghost town. There are many Singaporean and Malaysian holding Indonesia PR staying there. Lucky for them, can enjoy fucking girls at lower price now. Balai will be ghost town, not Batam.

I would say fuck more and may the force be with them..... i would if i was there... hahaha

[yuanswang]

Ferry service start from Feb18 but sad no VTL. It will not change the current scenario.

[OnlyLiveOnce]

Ferry service start from Feb18 but sad no VTL. It will not change the current scenario.

It is still not worth going for the Batam trip at this time because of the many restrictions and unknowns. We also cannot do the things we usually do when in Batam during the pre-Covid19 days. The seven days SHN after the trip is most forbidding . It is better to wait for the Omicron wave to settle down with clearer information and less restrictions before making our trips.

[sohbuckkong]

Ferry service start from Feb18 but sad no VTL. It will not change the current scenario.
Yes, I saw this too


447577
447578

[kbt7046]

Batam is unlikely to be included in VTL because the main purpose of VTL is for foreigners coming here to spend or work, not for Singaporean going overseas to spend money. Most of the Covid cases in Indonesia are from Jakarta but Jakarta is one of the VTL destination, Batam is not. 7 days SHN at own home i still can tolerate provided i can really enjoy what i want while i'm overseas, but currently Singaporean going to Batam just like foreign tourists going to North Korea, movement restricted in resort area which may not has girls for booking. Indonesian not working in the resort may not be allow to enter the resort. So spending so much and may not be able to get girls for fucking, not worth at all.

[PrcLust]

VTL launched with Batam already. Although at Nongsa only, can get your ceweks to come in if you willing to pay for their pcr test to get into Nongsa.

[kbt7046]

VTL launched with Batam already. Although at Nongsa only, can get your ceweks to come in if you willing to pay for their pcr test to get into Nongsa.

Do you mean that any Indonesian can enter and stay with their customers as long as they take PCR test ?

[asiancigar]

.....can get your ceweks to come in if you willing to pay for their pcr test to get into Nongsa.

ARe there no ceweks in Nongsa ? Been a while since i was last there for golf....

[kbt7046]

So FLs from Batam and Bintan can VTL into sg? :confused:

They can come but will be quarantine in Indonesia when they go back. This sea VTL is not 2 ways VTL, people from Indonesia come here from Batam or Bintan can go anywhere in Singapore but people going from here can only go to the resort, can't leave the area and go elewhere. Just like going there to serve quarantine in resort, not holiday.

[Black Page]

I have asked one of my local friends about discos in Batam and she said all is open and "everything normal". No foreigners, but Indo live their life there.
Anyone knows?
It is a pain for me to imagine Newton packed, Square packed on Saturday, and no foreigners around...

[kbt7046]

VTL between Singapore and Batam take effect on this Friday, however nothing to be happy about it. I 've checked with Nongsa Sensation properties, Singaporean who go there on VTL must remain within the properties they book for the entire trip, can't go anywhere and can't bring any visitor including locals, in other words, ceweks not allow to stay with their customers. Also Singaporean who go there on VTL are also not allow to go to other properties within the Nongsa Sensation area. Cost also high, from $300+ on 1 night stay to $1700+ for 3 nights stay. Effectively it is just like paying to be quarantine in Batam, only different is you will be allowed to use all the facilities within the properties you booked.It is different for Indonesian who come to Singapore on VTL , they are allow to go anywhere and meet anyone in Singapore. So better going to Cambodia, you are allow to meet anyone, go anywhere within Cambodia once your ART test is negative at Cambodia airport.

[Mas Joki]

Just try logging it and found that it is still alive! I thought Batam Info thread has already been removed.

Come across bro my53xy3y3 post. Sad to see Formosa Hotel has closed down already.

It's use to be a very popular hotel in year 2000 to 2008 where I used to stay there regularly. The hotel is just like a one-stop entertainment center where you can have your nice foods, KTV, massage, girls, restaurant and cafe all in-house. With Lucky Plaza and Centre Point on both side. It is a very convenient place for new cheongsters. My very fond memories. Very sad to know that it is closed now.

Life is short. Enjoy while can!

Hotels:

[novitarr]

451611451612451613451614


my fav girl in batam :D
First 2 try before, very nice and tight
1.2 million rp

[Naka_Timo]

451611



Nice one bring back the memory of choosing gal in Pacific spa

[biostar]

451611

my fav girl in batam :D
First 2 try before, very nice and tight
1.2 million rp

Memorable photos! Upped!

[yuanswang]

Travel bubble VTL ferry started 10days. No chiongster travel in VTL till now? Able to get any cewek, or go to spa? worth to travel?

[PrcLust]

The vtl to nongsa and bintan is a waste of time to cheongsters. Benefit the residents there coming over to Singapore rather than Singaporean going over there. Cannot roam freely, no mixing with the locals, basically in a bubble. Better go Sentosa if you like beaches. 🤭

[kbt7046]

Travel bubble VTL ferry started 10days. No chiongster travel in VTL till now? Able to get any cewek, or go to spa? worth to travel?

Basically you are going there for Quarantine, not holiday. The only different is you're quaraintine in resort, not just inside your hotel room, your movement is restricted within the resort that you stay only. What the point of spending so much money, taking so much money going there ?

[yuanswang]

The vtl to nongsa and bintan is a waste of time to cheongsters. Benefit the residents there coming over to Singapore rather than Singaporean going over there. Cannot roam freely, no mixing with the locals, basically in a bubble. Better go Sentosa if you like beaches. 🤭

Haha agree. Atleast can see see look look some live bikini.

[asiancigar]

Haha agree. Atleast can see see look look some live bikini.

Reminds me of a song by the Eagles ..... " Desperado " :D:D:D

[paranoidspy]

Basically you are going there for Quarantine, not holiday. The only different is you're quaraintine in resort, not just inside your hotel room, your movement is restricted within the resort that you stay only. What the point of spending so much money, taking so much money going there ?

you think our gov really open VTL for us to go enjoy? they only want visitors to come in to spend here or steal jobs

[phaykan]

you think our gov really open VTL for us to go enjoy? they only want visitors to come in to spend here or steal jobs

Actually, it's Indo gov that doesn't want to open to us. SG gov also can't be bothered to push for it, the reason is as you given.

[kbt7046]

Actually, it's Indo gov that doesn't want to open to us. SG gov also can't be bothered to push for it, the reason is as you given.

That why Singapore has open up VTL to all cities with India but just a handful locations with Indonesia or Malaysia, the main purpose of quarantine free travel is to make the employers here easier to bring in my foreign workers here, not for Singaporean going overseas to spend. Hotels, casinos and other amenities until now are still mainly rely on Singaporean, not tourists. Government can only tolerate large number of Singaporean going overseas to spend money when there are large number of tourists arrival here which is not yet happen now.

[novitarr]

454213454214454215

[Black Page]

I just found that on Expedia it is still possible to book a room at Formosa.
I wonder the surprise of a foreign traveller (I know today there are NO foreign travellers) who books, pays, arrives, and finds the abandoned building...:eek:
Agoda still lists Formosa, but at least does not present available dates.

[siliconer]

this cewek looks yummy !

[naruwi]

In batam for a night. Thinking of going to Venus since it's just in front of the hotel. Recommended? Or should i venture somewhere else? Looking for a good massage with extra service. Thanks.

[OnlyLiveOnce]

In batam for a night. Thinking of going to Venus since it's just in front of the hotel. Recommended? Or should i venture somewhere else? Looking for a good massage with extra service. Thanks.


Kindly confirm whether you still need to enter Batam using Nongsapura Port and maybe stay a night in Nongsa? I presume you do not need to do that you are probably staying in Nagoya, going to Venus Spa.

ably

[Black Page]

Any update, as soon as there will be any news, about the changing rules for moving from Singapore to Batam and back to Singapore will be EXTREMELY WELL APPRECIATED.

Very soon, Malaysia will open its borders to foreign short time visitors. I did not check Indonesia yet, but probably they will follow.

Singapore is, as usual, the strictest and therefore I do not expect I will be able anytime soon :( to do again my SOP I have followed for many years: KL to Singapore by bus and arrival to HF, ferry to HB, 7 days of pure enjoyment, ferry to Singapore in the afternoon, flight back to Europe on the same night.
I wonder if before the end of this year I might be able to fly to KL, ferry/fly to Batam, return to Europe (but from where???) skipping Singapore... :confused:

Thanks :)

[H0pe1100]

Indonesia scraps COVID-19 quarantine for overseas arrivals

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/indonesia-scraps-covid-19-quarantine-overseas-arrivals-2577231

[PrcLust]

Time to start planning. 😍

[Black Page]

Indonesia scraps COVID-19 quarantine for overseas arrivals

Great news. Still impossible to do classic Singapore-Batam-Singapore weekend escapade...:D

[yuanswang]

Indonesia scraps COVID-19 quarantine for overseas arrivals

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/indonesia-scraps-covid-19-quarantine-overseas-arrivals-2577231

Effective Immediately :D. They have no choice. Surrounding counties all are open for visitors and tourism already started. No piont if he still tighten boarder measures. But news not clear. Is till need quarantine one day for negative result out with choose of any hotels? Need pre departure RT-PCR for entry? Should pick only VTL vessels? Like this still not fair for weekend chiongsters as Black page said. can consider if always only ART test. But good enough for people's totally nothing to do in SG

[kbt7046]

Fasting month is approaching, not good time to cheong there. Currently VTL only apply between Tenah Merah and Nongsapura, better to wait until ferry service between HFC and Batam center resume, probably after Hari Raya

[Black Page]

Fasting month is approaching, not good time to cheong there.

ROFLMAO. I wish fasting month would be the only problem to go to Batam...!:cool:

[maddog_mlvn]

Fasting month is approaching, not good time to cheong there. Currently VTL only apply between Tenah Merah and Nongsapura, better to wait until ferry service between HFC and Batam center resume, probably after Hari Raya

They had been fasting for the past 2 yrs, u think they still follow pre-covid,
those in kampung waiting for transfer to break fast and prepare celebration for Hari Raya.

[PrcLust]

Anyone has any latest updates for their quarantine requirements since they announce no need quarantine from March 22nd. Tried searching for answers and news but no further update. Tried calling embassy but no one answer except for machine which keep looping to voice recorded message.

[sohbuckkong]

Anyone has any latest updates for their quarantine requirements since they announce no need quarantine from March 22nd. ........

I saw this news today which said that from 1st april 2022 onwards, fully vaccinated can take ferry into spore, no need guarantine and no need apply.

As for going to batam, im not sure the procedures.

Looking at this live broadcast this morning, the Minister Ong is still in kuala lumpur discussing about the travel between spore and malaysia.
456707

[PrcLust]

I saw this news today which said that from 1st april 2022 onwards, fully vaccinated can take ferry into spore, no need guarantine and no need apply.

As for going to batam, im not sure the procedures.

Looking at this live broadcast this morning, the Minister Ong is still in kuala lumpur discussing about the travel between spore and malaysia.
456707

Indonesia did announce on 21st march also no need quarantine but til now no more further news. Check with batamfast ferry company they still says based on 3 times pcr test. Guess still need to wait for further updates but with Singapore now opening up, more S.E.A countries will follow through no need quarantine. Hopefully only need do 1 time ART test. 😃

[maddog_mlvn]

Indonesia did announce on 21st march also no need quarantine but til now no more further news. Check with batamfast ferry company they still says based on 3 times pcr test. Guess still need to wait for further updates but with Singapore now opening up, more S.E.A countries will follow through no need quarantine. Hopefully only need do 1 time ART test. 😃

After reading the latest announcements, since like u still need a pre departure test b4 u board ur return trip to Sg, and a supervise ART test after touch down Sg.

[PrcLust]

After reading the latest announcements, since like u still need a pre departure test b4 u board ur return trip to Sg, and a supervise ART test after touch down Sg.

From April 1st no need arrival test. Only pre departure test 48 hours in advance. Now still cover hospitalisation bills if infected .

[kbt7046]

After April 1, only need to do one supervised ART test within 48 before returning to Singapore. The test can be done via approve telemedic . Now the problem is at Indonesia side, search anywhere also can't find the details. Ferry service to Tg Balai has not yet resume, until now only a handful of ferry service between Singapore and Batam, so i presume quarantine free travel to Indonesia has not yet take effect. Maybe pay kopi money no quarantine, don't pay kopi money, tested negative also say tested positive and go for quarantine.

[asiancigar]

Wonder if Nagoya will be opened after April 1 ....

[kbt7046]

From April 1st no need arrival test. Only pre departure test 48 hours in advance. Now still cover hospitalisation bills if infected .

Only traveling between Singapore and Malaysia by land transport exempted all testing requirements, such move mainly benefit Malaysian workers, not Singaporean. They can resume daily commute between both sides, taking advantage of currency exchange rates and enjoying much higher living standard than average Singaporean. So basically government latest Covid measures is not means for Singaporean going overseas to spend money, it is for the sake of foreign workers, make it easier for them to come here to work. Just wait and see, Singaporean will see their income drop significantly soon due to large influx of foreign workers , mainly Malaysian. With high cost of overseas travel now plus fall in income, there won't be large number of Singaporean traveling overseas despite easing of Covid measures.

[PrcLust]

Why so pessimistic? Open also complain, don’t open also complain. Just look at the positive sides. Don’t always think negatively. Just be happy and do what you feel happy

[ahpui123123]

Batam visa for singaporeans how many days? Tiagong april onwards no need any on arrival test anymore. Pre depature test ART good enough.

[kbt7046]

Batam visa for singaporeans how many days? Tiagong april onwards no need any on arrival test anymore. Pre depature test ART good enough.

Tanah Merah to Harbour Bay
Foreigners must have all these document ;

Before departure :
- A valid passport
- Kitas/Kitap/E-visa (Not all types of visas are accepted in Batam. Only certain visas are permitted )
*Singapore passport holders and Singapore PRs do not need to apply for a VISA to stay in Batam for 14 days.
- Vaccination Certificate ( a hard copy is required )
- Travel Insurance
- PCR test within the last 48 hours ( a hard copy is required )
- Need to download 'PeduliLindungi' app before departure

Arrive in Harbour Bay :
- Vaccine 2 or 3 doses require 1x24 quarantine & will be required to undergo a swab test on 3rd day.
- Quarantine at hotel. *Home not allowed*


All costs are borne by passengers.

This is WhatsApp reply from Sindo Ferry

[PrcLust]

Batamfast says even though they have news regarding quarantine free travel from march 23rd, immigration department has not inform them of the new ruling so still remain as the old requirement. Ask to check back again on April 1st. That’s the wonder of Indonesia laws.?Even after the President announce the news, the ministry is slow to follow up. 😀

[Officeman]

I miss the seafood and abalone there.

[Scleropages]

Why so pessimistic? Open also complain, don’t open also complain. Just look at the positive sides. Don’t always think negatively. Just be happy and do what you feel happy

Don't think he is being pessimistic. More lamenting that the consideration to open is not based on putting Singaporean first. We are way behind in the scheme of things. Of course, the obvious argument is that if the economy is good, than Singaporean is good. Sorry, but I share his sentiment and don't buy this.

[H0pe1100]

https://www.indonesia.travel/sg/en/news/batam-bintan-travel-bubble-is-now-officially-open

:
8. Show proof of ownership of health insurance which includes financing for handling COVID-19 and medical evacuation to a referral hospital with a minimum coverage value as determined by the organizer, manager or local government authorities;
:

Anyone knows how to apply for this ?

TIA

[yuanswang]

If still need pre RTPCR and on arrival RTPCR and wait for result...
I prefer pick flight to Bangkok is more easier then pick ferry to batam. Just extra hour for airport waiting.

[Klone80]

I saw on below website that can enter batam from other ferry terminals beside nongsapura. Does this mean whole island open for travel?

https://www.indonesia.travel/sg/en/news/batam-bintan-travel-bubble-is-now-officially-open

[Black Page]

Anyone knows how to apply for this ?

You don't "apply" for it. You buy it, from any insurance company.

[Scalper]

https://batam.tribunnews.com/2022/03/23/the-new-visa-free-rules-singaporean-and-malaysian-tourists-can-enter-through-5-ports-in-batam

Article is in 2 parts.

[Black Page]

https://batam.tribunnews.com/2022/03/23/the-new-visa-free-rules-singaporean-and-malaysian-tourists-can-enter-through-5-ports-in-batam
Article is in 2 parts.
Do I understand correctly that tourist VoA is possible for citizens of the countries in that list, BUT ONLY if they are Singapore Permanent Residents?
If I interpret correctly the text, if I am a citizen of one of those European countries but I am not a Singapore PR, I am just a tourist in Singapore (my case), I cannot get the VoA. Anyone knows more about that?
Thanks.

[H0pe1100]

You don't "apply" for it. You buy it, from any insurance company.

For foreigners coming to singapore, i think they are required to purchase covid insurance from selected companies from ICA site (maybe as proof before arriving).

Any idea if overseas tourists similarly need to buy covid insurance from insurance companies in batam? Any idea of which are the approved companies and what is their website ?

[Klone80]

Batamfast 2 way ticket price increase to $114

[Black Page]

For foreigners coming to singapore, i think they are required to purchase covid insurance from selected companies from ICA site (maybe as proof before arriving).

Any idea if overseas tourists similarly need to buy covid insurance from insurance companies in batam? Any idea of which are the approved companies and what is their website ?
I have always bought a health insurance before any travel overseas. I think it is, or should be, a normal practice for any mindful traveller. Any global major insurance company is ok, if they cover emergencies including COVID assistance. It should not bought in Batam, but before travelling in the home country.

[Black Page]

What happened to Harbour Bay? Is it still active? But for what? No ferries to Singapore now, right?

[kbt7046]

Deluxe Plan from NTUC Income only cost $49.80, 8 days coverage for travelling to Indonesia excluding coverage of pre-existing conditions. This plan meet the entry requirement of any country.

[deca]

Is quarantine still required?

[H0pe1100]

So far, haven't read any official news from indonesia on relaxation of borders (e.g free quarantine, no covid test, etc.) like Malaysia and Singapore. Mostly only reported in Singapore and other foreign news outlet. Better wait.

[kbt7046]

Is quarantine still required?

Pay kopi money, no quarantine, not paying, sure kena quarantine. Prepare to pay at least RP1 million. They need to find money to celebrate Hari Raya. So better to go on May. Since ferry operators do not increase ferry service frequency until now, can't be quarantine free. Don't want to be quarantine, pay kopi money.

[deca]

Pay kopi money, no quarantine, not paying, sure kena quarantine. Prepare to pay at least RP1 million. They need to find money to celebrate Hari Raya. So better to go on May. Since ferry operators do not increase ferry service frequency until now, can't be quarantine free. Don't want to be quarantine, pay kopi money.

Not only that. Apparently 2 PCR tests required. One on our end, one on arrival. You are right. Best wait until May to see if they lift these requirements.

[Scalper]

I also ask this question. It seems that cita tritrunas is also Harbor Bay.

https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/679248204/pelabuhan-khusus-citra-tritunas-harbour-bay-batam-indonesia

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Indonesian+Immigration+Checkpoint+(Pelabuhan+Citra +Tritunas)/@1.1535766,103.9972818,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x844b58d896943bed!8m2!3d1.153 5767!4d103.9972818

[Scalper]

[QUOTE=Black Page;21185197]Do I understand correctly that tourist VoA is possible for citizens of the countries in that list, BUT ONLY if they are Singapore Permanent Residents?

That is also my understanding.

[Dazza4]

Black Page: Looks like it. VoA for Singapore citizens and Singapore PR's from listed countries. But looks like things are changing quickly. If you had VoA to Batam from your country prior to COVID, chances are the country will get added to the list soon.

[Scalper]

What happened to Harbour Bay? Is it still active? But for what? No ferries to Singapore now, right?

To answer your questions completely:
Harbour Bay is one of the 5 ports listed in the article I posted. It was called Citra Tritunas in the article.
https://batam.tribunnews.com/2022/03/23/the-new-visa-free-rules-singaporean-and-malaysian-tourists-can-enter-through-5-ports-in-batam

Harbour Bay seems to be active. Currently, there seems to be only 2 trips per day.
https://horizonfastferry.com.sg/

But things are picking up. Look at the article:
https://batam.tribunnews.com/2022/03/23/pelabuhan-harbour-bay-batam-hidup-lagi-penumpang-asal-singapura-catat-rekor-sejak-corona

After google translation-

BATAM, TRIBUNBATAM.id - Harbor Bay Batam Harbor is starting to stir again.

Had ' suspended animation ' due to being hit by Covid-19, today a number of porters and taxi drivers began to be seen around the port area which is located in downtown Batam .

Especially after a number of entrances in the Riau Islands (Kepri) began to be relaxed for Foreign Travel Actors (PPLN).

Port authority data recorded that 94 people came from Singapore on the Horizon Fast Ferry.

This ship carries passengers from the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, and arrives at Harbor Bay Harbor at around 14.30 WIB, Wednesday (23/3/2022).


Not all of these passengers are Singaporean citizens .

There were 26 foreign nationals who came, among them, 22 Singaporeans , 2 Indian nationals, 1 Canadian national, and 1 Australian national.

Meanwhile, the other 68 passengers were Indonesian citizens who had just returned from Singapore .

The manager of Harbor Bay Port, Welfizon, admitted that the arrival of passengers from Singapore this time was the highest since COVID-19.

Previously, the number of international passengers who came could be counted on the fingers.

He revealed that the opening of the Harbor Bay Harbor for foreign tourists has been in effect since March 21 yesterday.

However, there has been no significant increase in the arrival of foreign tourists, until today.

"It hasn't worked out significantly. Now, most of them are Indonesians who are returning from Singapore. Others are also going back and forth, but they work here," explained Welfizon, Wednesday (23/3/2022).


To date, cruises to and from Singapore through this port are only served once a day.

This cruise is also run every day with a boat capacity of about 232 people.

Facilities and officers for document checking and PCR inspection are available at Harbor Bay Harbor.

So, new arrivals can directly collect data.

Before undergoing PCR swab sampling, then moving on to immigration checks.

He hoped that the government would immediately enact rules for opening the entrance for foreign tourists (tourists).

Especially, he hopes the guest is not burdened with complicated conditions or procedures.


"We hope that the regulations that have been planned will be implemented soon. If we can just open them all, so that Batam will be bustling again," hoped Welfizon.

As a result of the arrival of dozens of people from Singapore , the atmosphere of the Harbor Bay Batam terminal was crowded, not only by passengers, but also by pickers.

A number of pickers, porters, and taxi drivers have arrived waiting for passengers to leave the arrival gate.

Some of the pickers are Batam residents who want to meet their family members, but there are also some hotel staff on duty.

These uniformed officers come from various hotels in Batam , such as Best Western Premier (BWP), Swiss Bell Inn, Pacific Hotel and other hotels.

They are assigned to pick up tourists who have already booked hotel rooms in their respective places.

"Indeed, the rule is that we are obliged to pick up at the hotel. Today we received 6 foreign tourists," said Bell Driver BWP Panbil, Perdi, when interviewed.

As a hotel worker, Perdi is very enthusiastic about the increasing number of people arriving from Singapore recently.

He revealed, towards the end of 2021, the occupancy of the hotel where he worked had started to increase.

Although, so far hotel guests are dominated by domestic tourists or foreign nationals who work in Batam .


Meanwhile, the presence of foreign tourists in Batam city hotels (city hotels) is still very rare.

"We are very enthusiastic, there is an increase. But for now there are no foreign tourists, only from workers," added Perdi.

The presence of ship passengers from Singapore is also good news for sustenance seekers around the port, such as porters and taxi drivers.

So far, too few passengers have come for them to reap the expected sustenance.

But now, since the ship docked, several porters and taxi drivers have come directly to the arrivals terminal to pick up passengers.

In front of the terminal door, dozens of suitcases and luggage had been collected and guarded by the porters.

"Now many people are coming, so we have more work to do," said one of the porters.

The Head of the Batam Special Port Sector Police (KKP) , AKP Yusriadi Yusuf, when met at the port location said that since the new 1x24 hour quarantine rules were put into effect, activities at the port began to look enthusiastic.

He revealed that currently there are three international ports in Batam that have been opened, namely Harborbay 1 trip, International Ferry Batam center 2 trips and Nongsapura 1 trip every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday only.

Currently, passengers are still dominated by Indonesian citizens and the rest are foreigners who come for work.

The number reaches an average of 85-90 passengers per day.

For the health protocol procedures, foreigners who enter Batam still show vaccine certificates 2 and 3 as well as negative PCR test results or are free from Covid-19 from their country of origin.

"Foreigners or Indonesian citizens who arrive in Batam will be re-PCRed, while waiting for the results and quarantine for 1 x 24 hours. For Indonesian citizens who live in Batam , quarantine at home," said Yusuf.

The Governor of the Riau Islands, Ansar Ahmad previously held a coordination meeting to determine the procedure for implementing the entry of foreign tourists through 8 port entrances in Batam , Bintan, Tanjungpinang and Karimun, one of which is the Harbor Bay Port.

In addition, the government is also seeking discretion on the entry and exit requirements of foreign tourists.

Such as adding visa-free countries to enter, cutting the flow of Covid-19 inspections.

As well as the proposed abolition of the entry quota rule in Singapore . (TRIBUNBATAM.id/Hening Sekar Utami)

[Black Page]

Black Page: Looks like it. VoA for Singapore citizens and Singapore PR's from listed countries. But looks like things are changing quickly. If you had VoA to Batam from your country prior to COVID, chances are the country will get added to the list soon.
That is my hope, and however I will not consider to travel to Malaysia, Singapore and Batam before, say, October. Things will change for sure by then, hopefully improve, unless Omega comes after Omicron.

My country, one of the EU countriues, had VoA for many years (I visited Batam for the first time some 10-12 years ago). That meant some 25 USD (USD!) to be paid, and one full page of my passport taken by the visa sticker.
Some years ago, they waived VoA to EU. Only one simple stamp at immigration. The only question was "why are you coming to Batam?" and my response has always been "to meet friends". I hope EU will be classified back to visa-free, sooner or later.

[Black Page]

To answer your questions completely:
(....)
Thank you so much for your very detailed response!! I really appreciate that.

I could not imagine that HB could be named "Citra Tritunas" :eek:
I have never heard that name before.

It was heart-taking to read that press article, reporting the people arriving to HB, the pickers,... I could really feel the atmosphere, like if I was there again after 2 years. I left HB for my last time on Jan 2020. On that day, leaving HB, I was thinking how to plan my schedules to be able to return in April or May :(

[kbt7046]

That is my hope, and however I will not consider to travel to Malaysia, Singapore and Batam before, say, October. Things will change for sure by then, hopefully improve, unless Omega comes after Omicron.

My country, one of the EU countriues, had VoA for many years (I visited Batam for the first time some 10-12 years ago). That meant some 25 USD (USD!) to be paid, and one full page of my passport taken by the visa sticker.
Some years ago, they waived VoA to EU. Only one simple stamp at immigration. The only question was "why are you coming to Batam?" and my response has always been "to meet friends". I hope EU will be classified back to visa-free, sooner or later.

Вы из ЕС, зачем ехать на Батам? Путин в Москве, а не на Батаме

[Scalper]

Thank you so much for your very detailed response!! I really appreciate that.

I could not imagine that HB could be named "Citra Tritunas" :eek:
I have never heard that name before.

It was heart-taking to read that press article, reporting the people arriving to HB, the pickers,... I could really feel the atmosphere, like if I was there again after 2 years. I left HB for my last time on Jan 2020. On that day, leaving HB, I was thinking how to plan my schedules to be able to return in April or May :(

I was puzzled too. . . even the locals don't use that name. It seems that PT Citra Tritunas is the company managing HB.

Yeah I hope Covid didn't change Batam too much. I do know businesses have been closing. Fyi, Bella Italia at HB is now closed.

[PrcLust]

Latest info I got for entry to Batam.

48 hrs pcr pre departure. Around $100
Insurance $30-$70 from AIG
Ferry return now @$80. Batamfast and horizon ferry.
Reach Batam another pcr test at port then go hotel wait for results before free roaming. Hotel arrange pickup at 50k rupiahs. Total outlay abit expensive now.

[PrcLust]

Should let their policy/system fail. :p No tourist go then will force them to open up more. :D

Best is cut the pre departure pcr and on arrival change to ART instead

[Black Page]

Yeah I hope Covid didn't change Batam too much. I do know businesses have been closing. Fyi, Bella Italia at HB is now closed.
Well, I hope it changed something. *MAYBE* the COVID pandemic will have / has had at least one positive impact:
zero tourism for 2 years, long time to recover the volume of tourism, less night attractions, BUT THEN
==> Batam brought back 10-20 years by a time machine, that is wilder, cheaper, harder to visit to non-experts.
More primitive to me is not a threat, but it means more interesting and with more opportunities.

In particular, to the very least, as a white European I may return to be considered as an "attraction", to grab before someone else got it.
I remember 10 years ago. There were really few bule around and I was getting smiles by any lady just walking around. In the last years, bule had been much more common and I did not feel anything special anymore.

Bella Italia?? I heard very good things about that place over the years!! I think it was owned by a true Italian. I am sorry for him. Disrupting the business has impacted in a tragic way people and families, besides companies.

Would you believe me that, in maybe 30 visits over 12 years (I should count the stamps on passports), all lasting from 4 to 7 days, I have NEVER visited it? I am Italian, and I do not need Italian food if I am abroad. In Batam, I have been used to eat only seafood, every night and often also at lunch. I miss that seafood routine so much.


PS: One thing that has changed and will never be back is FORMOSA. For me, Batam was Formosa. No Batam feeling, if I could not feel the smell in the corridors, pass the lobby, greet staff. My room 265 has been my home in Batam for many years, in all my visits. I cannot imagine Batam without entering the lobby of Formosa. The day I will return to Batam, the first thing I will do, right after having settled in my room (what hotel??), will be to walk to Formosa and look the door. I will be very emotional for me.

[kbt7046]

No need to do PCR test in Indonesia on 3rd day unpon arrival is the only thing that change on April 1, other requirements still remain. Wait until May, after Hari Raya, rules may be more relax after they discover tourists arrival rate fall well below their expectations.

[Dazza4]

That is my hope, and however I will not consider to travel to Malaysia, Singapore and Batam before, say, October. Things will change for sure by then, hopefully improve, unless Omega comes after Omicron.

My country, one of the EU countriues, had VoA for many years (I visited Batam for the first time some 10-12 years ago). That meant some 25 USD (USD!) to be paid, and one full page of my passport taken by the visa sticker.
Some years ago, they waived VoA to EU. Only one simple stamp at immigration. The only question was "why are you coming to Batam?" and my response has always been "to meet friends". I hope EU will be classified back to visa-free, sooner or later.

Well, I'm Singaporean but have been living down under for about 20 years, with sporadic trips back home to see friends and family. Have always tried to run away to Batam as much as possible whenever I visit but it has been a good 6 years since my last trip. Was due to go on March 2020 and then this happened!!

I'm coming to Singapore in May and am hoping to go to Batam for 3 days, 2 nights. But, I'm not sure if it's worth it if I have to take a PCR and quarantine for 24hrs.... that's like half my trip. My hope is that Batam drops the test requirements altogether for the fully vaccinated or at least move to ART test requirements. Makes more sense for short term/weekend travellers like most Singaporeans are.

[Scalper]

>Well, I hope it changed something. *MAYBE* the COVID pandemic will have / has had at least one positive impact:
>zero tourism for 2 years, long time to recover the volume of tourism, less night attractions, BUT THEN
>==> Batam brought back 10-20 years by a time machine, that is wilder, cheaper, harder to visit to non-experts.
>More primitive to me is not a threat, but it means more interesting and with more opportunities.

Oh I wouldn't mind going back to what BTM was 20 yrs ago. It was definitely less touristy compared to now.

>In particular, to the very least, as a white European I may return to be considered as an "attraction", to grab before someone else got it.
>I remember 10 years ago. There were really few bule around and I was getting smiles by any lady just walking around. In the last years,
>bule had been much more common and I did not feel anything special anymore.

Trust me, bule is still in demand. It's worth your while coming down. As you say, its off the beaten track and not many international tourists will
want to visit.

>Bella Italia?? I heard very good things about that place over the years!! I think it was owned by a true Italian. I am sorry for him.
>Disrupting the business has impacted in a tragic way people and families, besides companies.
>Would you believe me that, in maybe 30 visits over 12 years (I should count the stamps on passports), all lasting from 4 to 7 days,
>I have NEVER visited it? I am Italian, and I do not need Italian food if I am abroad.
>In Batam, I have been used to eat only seafood, every night and often also at lunch. I miss that seafood routine so much.

Lol. It makes perfect sense. I only ate there once - as I am on a budget - but it was good. They're mostly dependent on family tourists from S'pore
& local expats. . . 2 years is too long for them to sustain losses.

The authorities have to get rid of the PCR test and also the 1st day 24hr quaratine. Most of us here will not go to BTM based on existing requirements. It is much easier for us to cross into Malaysia than Indonesia. Omicron is more infectious but less serious than Delta. The requirements for Indonesians entering S'pore are less stringent. If anything, they probably get infected here and bring it back to Indonesia. As a result, infection rates may still soar in BTM, but businesses still fail because no tourists are coming in.

Let's see how it goes. . .

>PS: One thing that has changed and will never be back is FORMOSA. For me, Batam was Formosa. No Batam feeling, if I could not feel the smell in the corridors, pass the lobby, greet staff. My room 265 has been my home in Batam for many years, in all my visits.
>I cannot imagine Batam without entering the lobby of Formosa.

I was at Formosa about 6 weeks before it closed. The hotel gave me better pricing than Agoda. So when Agoda gave me better discounts, I grabbed it.
When I arrived, the bell boy told me: "Bang, sepi", meaning, very few hotel bookings. That was why they gave deeper discounts. Few weeks later I was at another hotel in Batam. One of the "supirs" (taxi drivers) told me Formosa was permanently closed. Formosa was owned by a Taiwanese but the trouble is he was renting the building from a "Towkay" (Boss) from Medan. When Covid struck, he couldn't pay the bills. So unlike other hotels which
maybe temporarily closed but may re-open once the tourists come back, Formosa is closed.

The ambience of the hotel & lobby is very comforting. It's too bad. Of all the hotels Formosa experience was the best & they treated me very well.

>The day I will return to Batam, the first thing I will do, right after having settled in my room (what hotel??), will be to walk to Formosa and look the door. I will be very emotional for me.

You may consider Harmoni Suites, which is diagonally to the right of Formosa, near the end of the road. I've never been at that hotel though.
Hotel Utama is another to consider but is temporarily closed due to Covid. The towels & bedsheets are clean but the room's carpeting is worn. It's located walking distance between DC Mall & Citywalk. But in my years there, I only saw 1 old bule couple. They seem to be happy though. It's more for Asian clientele and breakfast is nothing compared to Formosa. Plenty of seafood just outside Hotel Utama, even if it rains they are still accessible. Restaurant Liang Kee 888 is popular with locals. Besides seafood, it has "deer" meat - served black pepper or curry. And also, "bird's nest" soup.

You can try open-air dining at the tables placed outside. But sometimes there are buskers going around the tables. That is, there are roving musicians who play guitars & sing for you and then you may choose to "donate" some money.

Another hotel is Hans Inn. It is located at a road next to Citywalk. Nearby is Brewsky which is located at Citywalk. It serves beer and shows LIVE English Premiership League matches on large screens Sat night. Too bad Italy didn't qualify for this year's World Cup. I am sure they will be screening World cup matches. The food at Brewsky is nothing special and I wouldn't go there just for it. They have pork knuckles, schnitzel, pasta (not Bella Italia standard) etc. I like the pork satay though.

For seafood you can walk to Nagoya Food Court or even to the Hotel Utama area. Or back to the Siang Malam area near Formosa.
Imho Liang Kee 888 near Hotel Utama serves better seafood than the surrounding Formosa area.

The atmosphere of these hotels inside and outside surrounding areas is different. Depends on your preference & budget.
There are of course, cheaper hotels nearby. But some of the info here, you probably already know.

[Dazza4]

Black Page
Scalper
I have a contact in Batam who went back to his hometown in Surabaya when the pandemic hit. I understand he is now going to back to Batam because he has been getting requests from people in Singapore and Malaysia for his taxi and tour guide services. Hopefully, this is a good sign.
Current situation of PCR in Singapore and PCR in Batam is not a bad deal if you're going for a minimum of 3 night stay. I might consider that.
As for hotel, my contact recommends Aston Batam. I checked it out and it's not bad... Slightly on the expensive side (about $100 a night) compared to most other hotels but I guess all prices are going up now as the global economy tries to recover from the impact of COVID. Even my hotel room in Singapore has gone up. I used to pay $240 a night but now it's $300.
Another recommended hotel is iHotel. Haven't heard too much about this but I guess it should be ok. If anyone does need a contact in Batam, let me know and I am happy to share my contact's details.

[Scalper]

Thanks Dazza for your contact info. It may be some time before I go back to BTM.

>Current situation of PCR in Singapore and PCR in Batam is not a bad deal if you're going for a minimum of 3 night stay. I might consider that.

Yes, do go if you feel it is ok. Since you're coming from Australia, it can't be help with the timing.

I assume Aston and iHotel has been cleared to receive guests? I am not sure about the protocol there.

Assuming it is yes, I would recommend iHotel over Aston but for the branch at Baloi/Penuin only. [There are 2 iHotels]

Here's the website:
https://ihotelbaloi.com/

The reason being there is a hawker center right in front of the hotel called A2 Food court. And nearby is the BCS Mall. Along the side are many
kopitiam/coffee shops & massage etc. It is all walking distance, convenient and vibrant.

You may get a feel of the scene from this youtube video. See if its to your liking. Unfortunately iHotel is to the right of A2 Food Court and BCC hotel and can't be seen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2Y881JXiWo&t=0s

Here's a view of the outside from iHotel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vebF7m3PBc

I assume you are using your Surabaya driver?

If its the port driver, tell the taxi driver you want to go to iHotel Baloi. It is pronounced the Dutch way, e-hotel. When in doubt, show your hotel booking to the driver.

The other landmark is BCS Mall. Pronounced Bay-CHAY-S. It is a shopping mall with food, cinema called Studio 21, and other items.

On the S'pore side, the ferry is now temporarily located at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal. Taxi drivers will know. But if you want to take public transport, go to Bedok Bus Interchange and take bus 35. It will bring you right to the TMFT, stop for awhile for passengers to alight, and will loop back towards Bedok. During peak office hours the journey will take about 45 minutes or so. Much less for off peak hours. I remember these when I used to frequent Tj Pinang in early 2000s and also used to working in the Changi Biz park there until mid 2014.

Hope this post is not to late to change hotel booking if necessary. Do let us know of your experience as its been 2 years since we've been there.

If you need other info let us know. I don't visit forums often. Hopefully someone can help.

[Sipapi]

Im going batam next week. I wonder how long the pcr result will take to come out before i lcsn leave the hotel.

[Hurricane88]

Unfortunately iHotel is not one of the approved quarantine hotel, so can't stay there on the 1st day of arrival. Hotel Aston Inn is one of them. For me, i prefer Planet Holiday which is unfortunately also not on the quarantine hotel list. 1st 24 hours must stay in approved quarantine hotel, also not allow to go there by yourself, must be pick up by hotel arrange vehicle.

Why do you need to quote the whole long post...:mad:

mod removed

[Dazza4]

Scalper
Thanks for the info bro... that's really good.
Yes, I will be using my Surabaya driver if I do end up making it.
It's been a good 5+ years since I came to Singapore and I believe a lot of things have changed. The plan is to take a cab from One Farrer hotel straight to the ferry terminal and get to Batam. I believe I'll get lost if I try taking the bus.:)
My contact reckons there is no more specific quarantine hotel requirements since they dropped all quarantine from 1st April. Yes, there is a 24hr isolation requirement while you're waiting for test results but apparently all hotels are allowed to accept guests so it should not matter if it is a quarantine approved hotel or not.
Also, rumours are that Batam is doing what it can to reduce testing requirements further to get tourism booming again and that post Ramadan, things will open up more. Things might get better after 3rd May.
I wish I do end up in Batam in about a month from now. Fingers crossed.
If anyone does go to Batam in the next couple of weeks, please share the experiences. It'll be good to know what's actually happening on the other side.

[Sipapi]

Now i only left to do PCR departure test and submitting the e-hac form via indonesia's version of tracetogether app. I have prepared all the other stuff already.
ferry tickets- settled
transport to hotel- settled
travel insurance- settled
hotel confirmation for 1 night- settled

will update how smooth or how long the PCR test results in batam will take

[Black Page]

I was at Formosa about 6 weeks before it closed.
My last stay was around the week Jan 12-19 2020, if I remember well.
Damn!

[qwerty1213]

Formosa closed down? Damn, most of my stay was in Formosa. Gonna miss the ambience there, friendly pak guard and the specky counter girl.

[Sipapi]

there is a lax in requirements, now there is no need to do PCR when u reach Batam, but still need the 48hr pre departure PCR test before going. and also need to show hotel confirmation.

[kbt7046]

there is a lax in requirements, now there is no need to do PCR when u reach Batam, but still need the 48hr pre departure PCR test before going. and also need to show hotel confirmation.

May i know that the hotel confirmation can be any hotel or must be one of the listed quarantine hotel ? I'm planning to stay in either Harmoni Suite or Planet Holiday.

[Dazza4]

It is confirmed... no more on arrival PCR tests from today when you enter Batam. See article below.
https://mainlymiles.com/2022/04/06/indonesia-drops-on-arrival-pcr-test-from-6-april-scraps-voa-for-asean-nationals/
Article also states the following:
This will also remove concerns some travellers may have about testing positive on arrival, which typically means being moved to an isolation hotel.
I believe this means you are free to stay in hotel of your choice.
Take a temperature screening and if you are below 37.5 degrees, you're free to go.

[sohbuckkong]

[QUOTE=Dazza4;21199455]It is confirmed... no more on arrival PCR tests from today when you enter Batam. See article below.
https://mainlymiles.com/2022/04/06/indonesia-drops-on-arrival-pcr-test-from-6-april-scraps-voa-for-asean-nationals/
Artic.
...460354

460355

[PrcLust]

Let’s hope for further relaxation on the pre departure pcr test.
Horizon fast ferry do provide trip to harbour bay from Tanah Merah too if not comfortable going through Batam center. Both same rate return @$80

[Dazza4]

Does anyone know when ferry tickets will open up?
Doesn't seem to be available for mid May and all.

[H0pe1100]

1. PCR Test SG for entry to batam ~ S$100
2. Compulsory Insurance to Batam ~ S$ 31 (min) for 1 day trip, S$ 40 (min) for 5 days, etc. (AIG from BatamFast site)
3. Ferry Trip (return) ~ S$80 (Batam Fast)
4. PCR Test (Batam) for entry to SG ~ S$40 (heard from a sg tourist in batam from youtube)
----------------------------------------
Total Trip cost (with return) ~ S$250

4. Hotel ~ $50/night

Seems a basic 1 day trip (with return) already costs ~ S$300/night (Min.)

It's more worth it for longer stays. 5 days works out to be ~ S$100/night (Min.)

The cost excl. meals and other expenses.

Personally, I think going to Johor is more worth it for the moment.

[kbt7046]

There may be significant drop in cost for travelling to Batam from May onwards. Ferry capacity may increase, Indonesia government may accept supervise ART test result as pre-departure Covid test requirement. Ferry service to Tg Balai may also resume and villa reopen. NTUC Income has the annual plan for Travel Insurance, cost around $300 but cover unlimited trips and multi destinations, maybe more worthwhile than single trip plan.
Better to wait until May, after Hari Raya to make the plan. Many restrictions in Indonesia except Bali during Fasting Month, not ideal to go there now.

[maddog_mlvn]

4. PCR Test (Batam) for entry to SG ~ S$40 (heard from a sg tourist in batam from youtube)


PDT test is ART test not PCR, and cost ard $8.50, remember to tell them to print out in English.
There is no more 24 hrs quarantine requirement.
PS: ALL regular to Btm holding Indo sim, if u buy a new hp in Sg during CB till now, u can't use the new hp with Indo sim card. Indo gov block all new ime fm Sg using Indo line. U can pay to unblock it but costly and have to wait 2.5days to get for the unblock to be effective.

If u have plan to visit Btm, make sure to print out hard copy of ur PDT PCR result, Vaccination Certificate and Insurance Certificate which u r Covid-19 was covered.

[Dazza4]

At this stage, it is still PCR to enter Batam.
PDT = Pre Departure Test
This is according to the travel advice website from where I'm from at least.
https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/indonesia
I have not been able to find any information so far that says we can take ART to get into Batam.
Indonesia does accept RT-PCR but it is just another form of PCR testing and still costs about the same amount.
Let's hope they soon downgrade it to ART at least if they're not going to drop PDT altogether.

And to come back to Sg, it looks like you can do a tele supervised ART test from any country you're coming back from.
https://mainlymiles.com/2022/03/28/cheapest-overseas-video-pre-departure-art-tests-for-travel-from-51-countries-to-singapore/

[Black Page]

PS: ALL regular to Btm holding Indo sim, if u buy a new hp in Sg during CB till now, u can't use the new hp with Indo sim card. Indo gov block all new ime fm Sg using Indo line. U can pay to unblock it but costly and have to wait 2.5days to get for the unblock to be effective.
I wonder if my Indo SIM is still working... After 2 years, it should be expired and dead.
I hope there will be no problem with my old mobile Wifi device, which was regularly working every time with a new Indo SIM at any trip. I had to register it.
Two years are a long time... and more time has still to pass. :(

[Reezabcd]

Hi guys

Any malaysian here?

Waiting 2 years to cheong back to batam

Will be going there after puasa

[nono1973]

PS: ALL regular to Btm holding Indo sim, if u buy a new hp in Sg during CB till now, u can't use the new hp with Indo sim card. Indo gov block all new ime fm Sg using Indo line. U can pay to unblock it but costly and have to wait 2.5days to get for the unblock to be effective.

Hi bro,i read what you mentioned above in the news before. Hmm...actually i just bought a new Vivo HP during Singapore Covid time (in 2021) to replace my (very old) Sony Erricson phone with telkomsel sim card. It works pretty well.

I think it has something to do with the 3G/4G thing that is affecting the sim card & phone connection (for my case). I chose a phone that is able to support both 3G as well as 4G.

However having said that, my other Telkomsel sim card number whereby most who knew me in this forum has it when switch to my Samsung J2 which i bought from Batam 2-3 years before 2019 December (the month when covid officially starts), i have intermittent connection issue when i use it to make a phone call my Vivo's number (sometime works,sometime it just doesn't). But my new Vivo phone has no problem calling my J2 phone.

I still maintained my Indo line to date tho. Just too bad i don't use multi media apps like whatsapp, wechat, facebook, etc. :D

If u have plan to visit Btm, make sure to print out hard copy of ur PDT PCR result, Vaccination Certificate and Insurance Certificate which u r Covid-19 was covered.

Thank you for sharing this, well noted on this one. :)

My 1st step now is to get a new passport (old one expires already). :o

I wonder if my Indo SIM is still working... After 2 years, it should be expired and dead.


Here's a small joke to share, in order to maintain my 2 Telkomsel phone line (for more than 2 years by now), i have already chalk up more than 1 juta pulsa over the last 2 years to prevent it from "expiring". :D

I looked forward to go Batam too. This time it'll be be via Tanah Merah to Harbour Bay. I will have to get in touch with my favorite hotel's manager to see if it has reboot its operation first tho.

Followed by "bringing" my favorite girls back to Batam from other parts of Indonesia. Very sad to know few of them actually passes on (couldn't get vaccinated on time). :(

[Black Page]

Here's a small joke to share, in order to maintain my 2 Telkomsel phone line (for more than 2 years by now), i have already chalk up more than 1 juta pulsa over the last 2 years to prevent it from "expiring". :D
Knowing how penny-wise you are, how detailed were your guidelines and travel tips in order to not pay full price and save 10k here and here, I think that burning 1 juta on that must have costed more on your heart than on your personal finances!

I will have to get in touch with my favorite hotel's manager to see if it has reboot its operation first tho.
Are you planning to refound Formosa and take it to its old glory?
If you succeed to give us back Formosa, you will deserve a monument at Harbour Bay. In case, do not forget to try to have back Sinta, besides all others.

[Sipapi]

i am jus back from Batam. Quite simple document checking procedures at Batam Center Ferry Terminal. Just ensure u have all the documents ready. Also please have 2 copies of ur PCR PDT result as they will take 1. In case any where u go they want to see.
If you want to go please go in the morning becos not so much people. When I was returning I saw the queue to batam customs at 5pm it was quite bad.

[Hurricane88]

tits

mod removed your post for trying to do business without been a sponsor...:)

pls pm GreenTea if you keen to be sponsor...:)

[Mas Joki]

1. PCR Test SG for entry to batam ~ S$100
2. Compulsory Insurance to Batam ~ S$ 31 (min) for 1 day trip, S$ 40 (min) for 5 days, etc. (AIG from BatamFast site)
3. Ferry Trip (return) ~ S$80 (Batam Fast)
4. PCR Test (Batam) for entry to SG ~ S$40 (heard from a sg tourist in batam from youtube)
----------------------------------------
Total Trip cost (with return) ~ S$250

4. Hotel ~ $50/night

Seems a basic 1 day trip (with return) already costs ~ S$300/night (Min.)

It's more worth it for longer stays. 5 days works out to be ~ S$100/night (Min.)

The cost excl. meals and other expenses.

Personally, I think going to Johor is more worth it for the moment.

Yes agree. For now I think it is more expensive and not worth the trouble to visit Batam. I rather visit Johor for the time being. If you really like Indonesian gals, you can still find some Indonesian massage parlour near to JB City Square, Sentosa, etc. But I am not sure whether the Indonesian ceweks have go back to JB. Will be going over to explore.

Life is short. Enjoy while you can.

[maddog_mlvn]

https://ibb.co/DMk5NYN
https://ibb.co/F4ddjH2
Guys who r regular in Formosa, don't think it will be reopen, this new hotel open just behind Center Poin Mall. For those who r regular to that area, there r this row of small shops behind Center Poin Mall just at the side of the canal, the new Batam 1 Hotel is on top that row of shops. Sorry the 2 photo was taken at different time of the day. The photo show the name, and other photo show other end of the hotel at night.

[kbt7046]

https://ibb.co/DMk5NYN
https://ibb.co/F4ddjH2
Guys who r regular in Formosa, don't think it will be reopen, this new hotel open just behind Center Poin Mall. For those who r regular to that area, there r this row of small shops behind Center Poin Mall just at the side of the canal, the new Batam 1 Hotel is on top that row of shops. Sorry the 2 photo was taken at different time of the day. The photo show the name, and other photo show other end of the hotel at night.

Doesn't looks like decent hotel, better stay at Harmoni Suites which is also around that area.

[Hurricane88]

Doesn't looks like decent hotel, better stay at Harmoni Suites which is also around that area.

mod seriously think you have a big attitude problem...why do you need to quote entire long post just to reply...why can't you edit away the big fonts and irrelevant sentences...:)

[PrcLust]

i am jus back from Batam. Quite simple document checking procedures at Batam Center Ferry Terminal. Just ensure u have all the documents ready. Also please have 2 copies of ur PCR PDT result as they will take 1. In case any where u go they want to see.
If you want to go .

Guess you miss out the most important info that chiongsters more interested in? Most of the places still closed or back to normal? Ceweks quality and pricing any changes? 😀

[maddog_mlvn]

Guess you miss out the most important info that chiongsters more interested in? Most of the places still closed or back to normal? Ceweks quality and pricing any changes? 😀
Majority of the farms r close maybe due to the Puasa Month, but they don't seen to open in the late evening, and many KTV also closed down. Many stall in the shopping mall also closed down, and even Windsor Foodcourt also closed down, Utama 98 Foodcourt very low head count of customers, only Nagoya Foodcourt doing well.

[PrcLust]

Thanks for the info @ maddog

[Black Page]

Many stall in the shopping mall also closed down, and even Windsor Foodcourt also closed down, Utama 98 Foodcourt very low head count of customers, only Nagoya Foodcourt doing well.
What a sad desolation :(

[kbt7046]

Anyone know the situation in Tanjung Uncang now ?

[HeatguyAlvin]

What a sad desolation :(

saw on google that octopuss actually entered the hotel biz.

https://g$$$$$l/maps/NGk5jp2z2XBMZp7e6 :confused::D

[HeatguyAlvin]

What a sad desolation :(

saw on google that octopuss actually entered the hotel biz.
:confused::D

[deepie]

Im in btm since yesterday.

A2 Foodxourt opposite Biz Hotel where im staying is super crowded.

Will go Penuin area today to checkout the food and massage spots

[sohbuckkong]

Im in btm since yesterday.......
Will go Penuin area today to checkout the food and massage spots

Hi care to share with us the procedures to enter batam.

[HeatguyAlvin]

Im in btm since yesterday.

A2 Foodxourt opposite Biz Hotel where im staying is super crowded.

Will go Penuin area today to checkout the food and massage spots

thanks broooo. :)

[maddog_mlvn]

Im in btm since yesterday.

A2 Foodxourt opposite Biz Hotel where im staying is super crowded.

Will go Penuin area today to checkout the food and massage spots

Can anybody clarify,
if I am not wrong BIZ hotel( behind City Walk Mall ) is opposite of Nagoya Foodcourt and not A2 Foodcourt, A2 is in Penuin. A2 is opposite Lovina Inn Penuin.

[OnlyLiveOnce]

Can anybody clarify,
if I am not wrong BIZ hotel( behind City Walk Mall ) is opposite of Nagoya Foodcourt and not A2 Foodcourt, A2 is in Penuin. A2 is opposite Lovina Inn Penuin.

Bro, you are absolutely right. The A2 Foodcourt is directly opposite the Gideon Hotel and next to the BCS Mall. The Nagoya Foodcourt is not far from the Biz Hotel. Another popular foodcourt, the Windsor Foodcourt nearer to the Harmoni Suites is closed for renovation.

[OnlyLiveOnce]

Can anybody clarify,
if I am not wrong BIZ hotel( behind City Walk Mall ) is opposite of Nagoya Foodcourt and not A2 Foodcourt, A2 is in Penuin. A2 is opposite Lovina Inn Penuin.

Bro, you are absolutely right. The A2 Foodcourt is directly opposite the Aston Gideon Hotel in Penuin and next to the BCS Mall. The Nagoya Foodcourt is not far from the Biz Hotel and is in Nagoya. Another popular foodcourt, the Windsor Foodcourt, near to the Harmoni Suites Hotel, is closed for renovation.

[BFOMF5]

Can anybody clarify....
.. Nagoya Foodcourt ..
Aiyo MD how could it be wrong..
Nagoya FC just below my ex-appartment in Utama
:D

[OnlyLiveOnce]

Can any brothers confirm that from today
onwards only an ART test is needed for the predeparture test for travel by ferry from Singapore to any of the five ports on Batam.

[PrcLust]

Can any brothers confirm that from today
onwards only an ART test is needed for the predeparture test for travel by ferry from Singapore to any of the five ports on Batam.

On horizonfastferry website it says ART pre departure test but batamfast website still not updated and still says PCR. Will call them tomorrow to confirm what’s the latest. Will be good news if ART. 🤣

[Hurhurrahrah]

Yes, seems like it, if you have spent at least the 14 days in Singapore and got your 2nd or 3rd vaccine, ART within 24 hrs is fine.

Can check link below.

LINK (https://covid19.go.id/artikel/2022/04/19/addendum-surat-edaran-kasatgas-nomor-17-tahun-2022)

[deepie]

Can anybody clarify,
if I am not wrong BIZ hotel( behind City Walk Mall ) is
opposite of Nagoya Foodcourt and not A2 Foodcourt, A2 is in Penuin. A2 is opposite Lovina Inn Penuin.

Penuin is A1 foodcourt. Correct me if im wrong.

Just contributing my humble short trip. Ran out of sperm count after my 4th gal..3rd day i couldn't even cum.

P/s: upon collecting your returning bording pass, you need to get an ART test done at the ferry terminal which cost 10sgd and also need to go ICA site to register
. Google sg arrival card.
⁴

[deepie]

Hi care to share with us the procedures to enter batam.

Horizon ferry 2 way $80
Biz hotel room $35/nite
PCR test $88
Travel + covid coverage - fwd insurance ard $28 for 4 days
Pussies- no comment
Massage- 2 hours 188k rp
ART test upon returning- 99k rp (SGD10)

15/4 rate 10500rp

[kbt7046]

Do you still require to show proof of hotel booking with full payment made at Indonesia immigration check point ? Can you book for open ticket (no fixed date, can use anytime) for returning to Singapore ? Can anyone clearify ?

[kbt7046]

Just make hotel booking at Agoda.com. base on the infro provided on the site, ART also accepted but must be taken within 24 hours before departure while PCR has 48 hours.

[PervMonk]

Oooo!!! So lucky!!! Just called horizon to check if my previous tickets can still be used and they said can! Just that previous ticket will be valued at 40 and so need to top up or use 2 precovid to exchange for 1 new one!

[YummyBear]

Anyone keen to explore Batam from 3rd May till 5th May?
This will be a recce trip to check out the changes.
Drop a PM if keen to join or chill for drinks)

Horizon ferry (TMFT to HBFT) 2 way $80
Gideon (Baloi) room $44/nite
ART test (Heartland Health) $30
fwd insurance $20 for 3 days

YB

[m0shi]

any fun now in Batam. and bros have contact of pimp that can bring kampung girls. friend asking me. or any joint that is still open or FL

[yuanswang]

After the new update from both side...take ART test and insurance to entry batam and just walk-in from batam to sg with declaration. Right?

[YummyBear]

After the new update from both side...take ART test and insurance to entry batam and just walk-in from batam to sg with declaration. Right?

It would appear as what you mentioned. As for the scene in Batam, i was told the malls and restaurants are generally open with mask mandates. I'm hoping to explore few of the usual joints during my upcoming trip and see what's left / still opened.

[kbt7046]

I've booked for 6 nights stay at Harmoni Suites from May 11 to May 16. Room rates has drop significantly, under $300 on Agoda. Wish i can enjoy to fullest on this trip.

[deepie]

Anyone keen to explore Batam from 3rd May till 5th May?
This will be a recce trip to check out the changes.
Drop a PM if keen to join or chill for drinks)

Horizon ferry (TMFT to HBFT) 2 way $80
Gideon (Baloi) room $44/nite
ART test (Heartland
Health) $30
fwd insurance $20 for 3 days

YB

Fwd insurance $20? Don't forget to add the covid coverage

[H0pe1100]

any fun now in Batam. and bros have contact of pimp that can bring kampung girls. friend asking me. or any joint that is still open or FL

There are still some FL in Batam. They do travel from city to city. Make sure you catch them before they leave for other cities.

[Dazza4]

Going to Batam from 13th to 15th May.
As of now, PCR test if you've not been in Sg for more than 14 days, so PCR for me.
Booked room at Aston Batam, $120 a night, pay when you arrive.
My contact in Batam has told me that almost everything is open in Batam now, but still slow. He believes things will pick up after fasting month is over, which is perfect timing for me.
No test required to return to Sg, just proof of vax and SG arrival card declaration.
If anyone needs a good contact in Batam, PM me.

[subidowa]

Nowadays what is the procedure to go batam???

Do we need PCR to go???

I think coming back sg no need to do anything already right since we are vaccinated?

[YummyBear]

Nowadays what is the procedure to go batam???

Do we need PCR to go???

I think coming back sg no need to do anything already right since we are vaccinated?

From what I gathered, following is needed.
- ART (within 24 hrs of departure) / PCR (within 48 hrs of departure) - SGD 30 / SGD 88
- Download peduLiLindungi app
- vaccination records from https://www.notarise.gov.sg/
- book ferry (online available) - SGD 80
- get travel insurance + covid coverage - SGD 28+
- book hotel - amount varies
- own activities- amount varies
- from 26th Apr, no PDT needed returning to SG.

Information gathered from following.
Read at own leisure.

https://horizonfastferry.com.sg/blog/batam-travel-requirement-cheat-sheet-2022-in-the-post-covid-19-world/

[OnlyLiveOnce]

From what I gathered, following is needed.
- ART (within 24 hrs of departure) / PCR (within 48 hrs of departure) - SGD 30 / SGD 88

https://horizonfastferry.com.sg/blog/batam-travel-requirement-cheat-sheet-2022-in-the-post-covid-19-world/

Please note that if you are using ART for the pre-departure testing, you must be in Singapore for at least 14 days before the test.

[Victorytankuku]

Hope the ferry tixs will come down.

[kbt7046]

Cost of traveling to Batam won't come down soon and ferry service will still be limited since Harbour Front Center remain close and fuel price is more likely to rise further because of madman Putin.

[subidowa]

Please note that if you are using ART for the pre-departure testing, you must be in Singapore for at least 14 days before the test.

I go jb and come back within a day how ah.....

[subidowa]

From what I gathered, following is needed.
- ART (within 24 hrs of departure) / PCR (within 48 hrs of departure) - SGD 30 / SGD 88
- Download peduLiLindungi app
- vaccination records from https://www.notarise.gov.sg/
- book ferry (online available) - SGD 80
- get travel insurance + covid coverage - SGD 28+
- book hotel - amount varies
- own activities- amount varies
- from 26th Apr, no PDT needed returning to SG.

Information gathered from following.
Read at own leisure.

https://horizonfastferry.com.sg/blog/batam-travel-requirement-cheat-sheet-2022-in-the-post-covid-19-world/

OMG need to dl app again knn mafan. Is it compulsory to dl???

[Cougar21]

I go jb and come back within a day how ah.....

Haha same boat as me. I go Jb every few days recently.

[YummyBear]

I go jb and come back within a day how ah.....

If I had to guess, your case will likely fall under the "PCR required" group for PDT.
Since you are not in SG for 14 days.

Those recovered from memo seem to no need PDT, but will kana PCR upon arrival.

Online mentioned to be Rp 300k, which is cheaper than SG. Just saw one of the clinics around me is charging SG 125 for PCR test.

[Dazza4]

Check out this link:
https://www.swabstation.sg/?gclid=CjwKCAjwxZqSBhAHEiwASr9n9LbTQIkCq1SROjdF_zQ Vn-AuoISJbCJAYvuuHUP8IX36a7jHJ3MxSxoCUuEQAvD_BwE

PCR tests for $88 and results by 3pm next day if test is taken before 5pm.

[OnlyLiveOnce]

Haha same boat as me. I go Jb every few days recently.

Yes, looks like you need a PCR PDT for your coming trip to Batam. Well, let's hope the Indonesian Authorities lift the PDT testing following the examples of other countries in the region soon. Cheers.

[subidowa]

Check out this link:
https://www.swabstation.sg/?gclid=CjwKCAjwxZqSBhAHEiwASr9n9LbTQIkCq1SROjdF_zQ Vn-AuoISJbCJAYvuuHUP8IX36a7jHJ3MxSxoCUuEQAvD_BwE

PCR tests for $88 and results by 3pm next day if test is taken before 5pm.

Thank you. MUch cheaper. I feel those test centers are scams. How can they charge so much? The government control so many things how come never control their pricing.

[subidowa]

Yes, looks like you need a PCR PDT for your coming trip to Batam. Well, let's hope the Indonesian Authorities lift the PDT testing following the examples of other countries in the region soon. Cheers.

Yes just remove la. What for they set a high standard for those people coming in and give them money when their own people got no standard at all. We should be more afraid of them than they are afraid of us. A long time ago, my friend who owns a nightlife establishment and cafe there said what covid? Nah, they don't even bother to wear masks and can sing live band and live performance. No control of seatings and selling alcohol anytime. In front of the shop dim the lights nia but inside happening one. The best is the authorities allow them cause they are the bodyguards.

[H0pe1100]

Haha same boat as me. I go Jb every few days recently.

I'm waiting for more Buses operating into JB

[nitecrawllerr]

I'm waiting for more Buses operating into JB

Akan datang. 3 days time. 1 May.

https://mustsharenews.com/public-buses-jb-resume/

[Hurricane88]

Pls post relevant to topic.

JB not in Batam thread.

[deepie]

Pls post relevant to topic.


JB not in Batam thread.

Agree..i don't care if jb disappears

[kbt7046]

Indonesia government is likely to ease the rule further next week. Base on feedback from ferry operators, number of Singaporean going there for leisure are below expectation.

[Dazza4]

Almost there...
Ferry booked - $80 (Horizon Ferry)
Insurance taken - $23 (NTUC)
Vax certificate on hand
Hotel booked - $120 per night (Aston Batam)

Now just waiting to see if Indonesia drops PDT requirements... fingers crossed.
Oh... Is there anything else?

[OnlyLiveOnce]

Almost there...
Ferry booked - $80 (Horizon Ferry)
Insurance taken - $23 (NTUC)
Vax certificate on hand
Hotel booked - $120 per night (Aston Batam)

Now just waiting to see if Indonesia drops PDT requirements... fingers crossed.
Oh... Is there anything else?

Hope so, good luck. We are also waiting...

[yuanswang]

Sorry, deleted. Wrong post.

[yuanswang]

Please note that if you are using ART for the pre-departure testing, you must be in Singapore for at least 14 days before the test.

Is there any ART test station near ferry counter to predepature test within 2hrs before boarding?

[OnlyLiveOnce]

Is there any ART test station near ferry counter to predepature test within 2hrs before boarding?

It really depends on where you stay before you go to the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal for your departure. There are definitely several clinics or swap centres in the East near the ferry terminal but you need to check their operational schedules to book a test in good time before your departure. The Swapstation opposite Bedok Point Mall only do ART test in the afternoon on prearranged basis at $38.

[kbt7046]

Going on May 6, return on May 12. Just insurance, ferry ticket, ART test and going to TMFT by cab alone cost me $200. This one week trip to Batam may cost me $3000+ in total. A bit expensive but doesn't matter, who know how long the borders will remain open. Border closure can happen suddenly if Covid has mutate into another form of virus or another China Virus evolve. Better to enjoy first once got chance, don't wait, too much uncertainty in life.

[sexysex78d4]

Going on May 6, return on May 12. Just insurance, ferry ticket, ART test and going to TMFT by cab alone cost me $200. This one week trip to Batam may cost me $3000+ in total. A bit expensive but doesn't matter, who know how long the borders will remain open. Border closure can happen suddenly if Covid has mutate into another form of virus or another China Virus evolve. Better to enjoy first once got chance, don't wait, too much uncertainty in life.

Hi kbt7046,

Is ART accepted for entry into Batam? No need PCR test?

Sexysex78d4

[Dazza4]

Hi kbt7046,

Is ART accepted for entry into Batam? No need PCR test?

Sexysex78d4

ART only if you have been in Singapore for 14 consecutive days or more. If not, it's PCR 48hrs before departure.

[kbt7046]

I've booked for ART test on May 5 at one of the Healthway Medical clinic as i don't know is test result via Remote Supervised ART accepted or not, better play safe, anyway not much different in cost.

[sexysex78d4]

ART only if you have been in Singapore for 14 consecutive days or more. If not, it's PCR 48hrs before departure.

Hi Dazza4,

Many Thanks for the info.

Any idea is it same for taking flight to Indonesia?

[Dazza4]

Hi Dazza4,

Many Thanks for the info.

Any idea is it same for taking flight to Indonesia?

Hey mate.

From what I have seen, the ART option seems to be only available for Singapore to Batam. But I'm not sure.

Doesn't make any difference to me as I am now in Melbourne and will be flying down to Singapore on Saturday before leaving for Batam the following Friday. I'm hoping Indonesia follows Singapore and Thailand and drops all PDT requirements in the next few days. If not, it's PCR test for me 48hrs before I board the ferry.

[tookara]

any happening in batam? what options are there for action at present

[Naka_Timo]

any happening in batam? what options are there for action at present

Long time no see, upped you again +150.

[kbt7046]

Hey mate.

From what I have seen, the ART option seems to be only available for Singapore to Batam. But I'm not sure.

Doesn't make any difference to me as I am now in Melbourne and will be flying down to Singapore on Saturday before leaving for Batam the following Friday. I'm hoping Indonesia follows Singapore and Thailand and drops all PDT requirements in the next few days. If not, it's PCR test for me 48hrs before I board the ferry.

I also hope that Indonesia government will drop the PDT requirements by May 5 so I don't need to pay $30+ for the test and risk my travel plan get affected by the test result

[yuanswang]

I also hope that Indonesia government will drop the PDT requirements by May 5 so I don't need to pay $30+ for the test and risk my travel plan get affected by the test result
I hope so. Waiting for they lift PDT and compulsory insurance. Almost near 60$ die here. Already ferry cost increase by 30$. Most of Indonesian still not vaccinated so them govt scared.

[kbt7046]

I hope so. Waiting for they lift PDT and compulsory insurance. Almost near 60$ die here. Already ferry cost increase by 30$. Most of Indonesian still not vaccinated so them govt scared.

Because of the PDT requirement, i must buy the ferry ticket in advance, to eliminate the risk of ticket void if tested positive, paid extra $16, total $96 for ferry ticket alone. Another $37 paid on travel insurance to Income. Not yet leave Singapore already spend $170 ($30+ on ART test). If no PDT, i can book for ferry on the day of departure ( ferry highly unlikely to be full on weekdays). Now can't just buy one way ticket also open ticket for return ferry not allowed. Sindo also not allowed to change the date if don't pay extra $8 for each way ticket. Traveling now is costly , but at least can travel. Who know how long the borders will remain open ? If another Covid variant emerge, border closure can happen overnight. So better to grab the chance, pay more and go to enjoy. Especially those who are over 50 who do not have much more good years to enjoy.

[OnlyLiveOnce]

Is there any ART test station near ferry counter to predepature test within 2hrs before boarding?

Bro,

Some new developments beneficial to Batam travellers. Majestic Fast Ferry is conducting PDT swap tests at their Tanah Merah counter - tele-ART $15, ART $ 22 & PCR $95. This service is timely and suitable for those people taking Majestic Fast Ferry to the Batam Centre Ferry Terminal.

[yuanswang]

Bro,

Some new develipments beneficial to Batam travellers. Majestic Fast Ferry is conducting PDT swap tests at their Tanah Merah counter - tele-ART $15, ART $ 22 & PCR $95. This service is timely and suitable for those people taking Majestic Fast Ferry to the Batam Centre Ferry Terminal.

Like that good bro. Just can book ticket with insurance then walk to ferry counter.tks for info.

[kbt7046]

Bro,

Some new develipments beneficial to Batam travellers. Majestic Fast Ferry is conducting PDT swap tests at their Tanah Merah counter - tele-ART $15, ART $ 22 & PCR $95. This service is timely and suitable for those people taking Majestic Fast Ferry to the Batam Centre Ferry Terminal.

I don't know about this, so i've book for Sindo Ferry, end up paying more for ferry and ART.

[dromad68]

Planning to go Batam in Jun. The last time I went was in Mar 2019 before covid. I went from Tanah Merah to HarbourBay. I stayed at Planet Holiday Hotel & Residence which was near to the ferry terminal. I used wechat to hook up WLs. Also went to the (dead) NED and Harmoni Hotel area. Anyway, I guess I was in the wrong zone. Not much happening.

Any bros got better recommendations where to stay now, with better access to all the action, whatever is available? Thanks.

[deepie]

Planning to go Batam in Jun. The last time I went was in Mar 2019 before covid. I went from Tanah Merah to HarbourBay. I stayed at Planet Holiday Hotel & Residence which was near to the ferry terminal. I used wechat to hook up WLs. Also went to the (dead) NED and Harmoni Hotel area. Anyway, I guess I was in the wrong zone. Not much happening.

Any bros got better recommendations where to stay now, with better access to all the action, whatever is available? Thanks.

Just got today from a 2 night trip.
.
Horizon ferry- $80 2 way
Supervised ART- $15
Travel + covid insurance- $28
Hotel- Biz hotel $35/night
Pussy damage- for me to know
ART from ferry- Not required

Next trip 13/5 to 15/5

[yuanswang]

Planning to go Batam in Jun. The last time I went was in Mar 2019 before covid. I went from Tanah Merah to HarbourBay. I stayed at Planet Holiday Hotel & Residence which was near to the ferry terminal. I used wechat to hook up WLs. Also went to the (dead) NED and Harmoni Hotel area. Anyway, I guess I was in the wrong zone. Not much happening.

Any bros got better recommendations where to stay now, with better access to all the action, whatever is available? Thanks.

Haha. Not only you bro. Almos we all before COVID. Normally my Hunting forest is FB but of course you must search too much time in this ground but sure you can find very good quality more then booking joint or wechat but it's not easy. Now some jems waiting for me in FB. I just need go there.

[dromad68]

Sorry what’s FB?

Haha. Not only you bro. Almos we all before COVID. Normally my Hunting forest is FB but of course you must search too much time in this ground but sure you can find very good quality more then booking joint or wechat but it's not easy. Now some jems waiting for me in FB. I just need go there.

[dromad68]

Thanks for the update. Useful info. Let me check out Biz Hotel. What’s nearby for fun and action? Massage, wh***house?

Just got today from a 2 night trip.
.
Horizon ferry- $80 2 way
Supervised ART- $15
Travel + covid insurance- $28
Hotel- Biz hotel $35/night
Pussy damage- for me to know
ART from ferry- Not required

Next trip 13/5 to 15/5

[YummyBear]

Just got today from a 2 night trip.
.
Horizon ferry- $80 2 way
Supervised ART- $15
Travel + covid insurance- $28
Hotel- Biz hotel $35/night
Pussy damage- for me to know
ART from ferry- Not required

Next trip 13/5 to 15/5

Hi there bro,

Any chance you are able to share the scene and activities that are opened there? I will exploring the nagoya and baloi area, checking to see if any joints are open.
As a backup plan I'm relying on old contacts I had for 2 nights, but hopefully that won't turn out to be the only main event I experience.

Cheers!

YB

[miumiu6464]

Just got today from a 2 night trip.
.
Horizon ferry- $80 2 way
Supervised ART- $15
Travel + covid insurance- $28
Hotel- Biz hotel $35/night
Pussy damage- for me to know
ART from ferry- Not required

Next trip 13/5 to 15/5

Bro

Can you the source for the Supervised ART? Is it MHC Remote ART? I asked the HFF counter staff and they say not allowed?

[deepie]

Thanks for the update. Useful info. Let me check out Biz Hotel. What’s nearby for fun and action? Massage, wh***house?

Michat the answer.

As i hv my personal list of young pussies i don't patronise whxxe houses.

[yuanswang]

Sorry what’s FB?

If you all no understand, sorry. It's Facebook.

[tookara]

Thank you sir , nakatimo, much appreciated.

[deepie]

I hope so. Waiting for they lift PDT and compulsory insurance. Almost near 60$ die here. Already ferry cost increase by 30
$. Most of Indonesian still not vaccinated so them govt scared.

Imo if u wana save money just use five bully one.

Just pay and make youself happy

[YummyBear]

Bro

Can you the source for the Supervised ART? Is it MHC Remote ART? I asked the HFF counter staff and they say not allowed?

Don't think HFF staff care how you get the results as long as you present it to them, although I'm wondering how they do ART at the counter.
I think there is alot of remote ART test available. I do it at clinic (heartland health) because I wanted them to print a copy for me since I no printer.

If not you can try Google "tele ART". Lowest I saw was $12 for remote ART. Just make sure it's for PDT and not for events.

Enjoy your adventure and share FR.


Just one question, I going for 2 nights, then how to do the ICA health declaration since it requires 3 days in advance? Upon arriving in Batam have to declare to ICA regarding the return?

Cheers!

YB

[dromad68]

FB, michat and wechat. I’ve not hunted with michat or FB. The last time I was there, I did find some on wechat. Had a couple of bookings. I remember walking around the island (yup literally walk to a number of different malls) and I reached this hotel which was quite well known (but I can’t remember the name now). Next to it was a wh***house and behind the hotel was a street with a few MPs. I remember doing some research back then and bros say this is a good location for action. I just can’t remember the name. Not sure if it is still central to the action.

[kbt7046]

Want to find girls easily in Batam ? Go to Tanjung Uncang. Used to have many girls there available for booking before 2020, don't know the situation there now. Finding girls in Batam is easy, just hop onto any taxi there, the taxi driver is happy to bring you to find girls as they want to earn commissions.

[BotakBunny]

Just one question, I going for 2 nights, then how to do the ICA health declaration since it requires 3 days in advance? Upon arriving in Batam have to declare to ICA regarding the return?

Cheers!

YB

I believe you are referring to the SG Arrival Card, which has the health declaration.

You can submit on the date of arrival also.

It should be the same thing if you are going into JB for day trip and hence, it ain't possible to submit 3 days in advance.

Unless you absolutely made up your mind that you are traveling.

Hope this helps and enjoy your trip!

[YummyBear]

I believe you are referring to the SG Arrival Card, which has the health declaration.

You can submit on the date of arrival also.

It should be the same thing if you are going into JB for day trip and hence, it ain't possible to submit 3 days in advance.

Unless you absolutely made up your mind that you are traveling.

Hope this helps and enjoy your trip!

Cheers bro!
Will try it out during my trip.

+17 chocolate bar

[YummyBear]

Some updates as of today (6th May)

1) Majestic fast ferry no longer carries out the onsite ART test wef 5th May. Need to either do a tele ART (1 to 2 hours lead time) or do it before you arrive at terminal with your documents (vaccine records, insurance, ART/PCR results).
2) SG arrival declaration needs to be done within 3 days prior to arrival. For my case of 3D2N, I need to do it upon arrival in Batam.
3) If you are not in SG for 14 days prior, PCR test is needed. Which in my case for the next trip before the 14 days is met, a PCR test is needed instead of an ART test.

[subidowa]

Some updates as of today (6th May)

1) Majestic fast ferry no longer carries out the onsite ART test wef 5th May. Need to either do a tele ART (1 to 2 hours lead time) or do it before you arrive at terminal with your documents (vaccine records, insurance, ART/PCR results).
2) SG arrival declaration needs to be done within 3 days prior to arrival. For my case of 3D2N, I need to do it upon arrival in Batam.
3) If you are not in SG for 14 days prior, PCR test is needed. Which in my case for the next trip before the 14 days is met, a PCR test is needed instead of an ART test.

Thanks for the update. Do help to update us if PDT (ART/PCR) is no longer required.

[kbt7046]

SG arrival health declaration must be submitted WITHIN 3 days before departure for Singapore, not 3 days in advance, so can be done several minutes before you board the airplane or ferry leaving for Singapore.

[Cougar21]

SG arrival health declaration must be submitted WITHIN 3 days before departure for Singapore, not 3 days in advance, so can be done several minutes before you board the airplane or ferry leaving for Singapore.

Exactly.i don't understand why some ppl dunno read simple instructions. When i went to jb for day trips, just submit before come back to sg within same day.

[kbt7046]

Have been in Batam since Friday, staying at Planet Holiday, due to return to SG on Thursday, 4 more nights here. Very pack at Tanah Merah when leaving on May 6 despite it was not a public holiday, luckily i've bought the ferry ticket and paid online in advance, otherwise may not be able to board the ferry. Many people weŕe forced to take the 2:30 ferry when they tried to buy the ferry ticket at around 11 am that day. Clearing at Batam Center check- point was much quicker than expected, only took around 15 minutes. The staffs there only checked my printed Vaccines Cert and ART test report, don't even bother to check my Travel Insurance, Hotel Booking and Return Ferry Ticket. Most shops are Batam Center remain closed, many shops near to Planet Holiday also not open, don't know why. Staying in hotel room most of the time, want to eat just place orders on Grab Food or Go Food.

[DDAMn]

I reached this hotel which was quite well known (but I can’t remember the name now). Next to it was a wh***house and behind the hotel was a street with a few MPs. I remember doing some research back then and bros say this is a good location for action. I just can’t remember the name. Not sure if it is still central to the action.[/QUOTE]

Should be DC Mall bro in front of Bunga if i not wrong behind have rows of massage parlours.

[DDAMn]

Clearing at Batam Center check- point was much quicker than expected, only took around 15 minutes. The staffs there only checked my printed Vaccines Cert and ART test report, don't even bother to check my Travel Insurance, Hotel Booking and Return Ferry Ticket.[/QUOTE]

Indo custom got check your passport whether have stayed 14 days in spore PDT requirement?thanks bro just checking for next week trip.

[OnlyLiveOnce]

[QUOTEShould be DC Mall bro in front of Bunga if i not wrong behind have rows of massage parlours.[/QUOTE]

I understand that most of the booking joints have closed down during the 2 or more years of active Covid19 period. We used to do a loop around the booking joints during our visits, doing Happy8, MM, Sri Kandy, Bunga and a few other joints to get of our ceweks at 1 to 2 juta for LT. New joints will reappear with increasing visitors to Batam soon when all forms of testing and other hindrances are being removed.

[Hurhurrahrah]

I understand that most of the booking joints have closed down during the 2 or more years of active Covid19 period. We used to do a loop around the booking joints during our visits, doing Happy8, MM, Sri Kandy, Bunga and a few other joints to get of our ceweks at 1 to 2 juta for LT. New joints will reappear with increasing visitors to Batam soon when all forms of testing and other hindrances are being removed.

Yeah, checking the local Indonesian forums, most of them play Hello Kitty, Good1, Octopus, Venew, Phoenix and the kind

More of the massages rather than day booking, to be expected but mean cannot get info on aquariums

[kbt7046]

Clearing at Batam Center check- point was much quicker than expected, only took around 15 minutes. The staffs there only checked my printed Vaccines Cert and ART test report, don't even bother to check my Travel Insurance, Hotel Booking and Return Ferry Ticket.

Indo custom got check your passport whether have stayed 14 days in spore PDT requirement?thanks bro just checking for next week trip.[/QUOTE]

The staff who check on me only see the first page of my passport, just to ensure the name on my passport tele with the name printed on my ART report and Vaccines Cert, she did not flip through my passport and check the stamps. However, there are many staffs do the checking, a row of tables for checking these documents specifically set for for this purpose. So whether other staffs got check in more details or not, i don't know. Ferry passengers must go through this station before going to immigration check point.

[kbt7046]

Went to the area around Lucky Plaza this afternoon, beside handphone shops, many shops remain closed. Formosa Hotel also closed. Batam seems half dead, most shops at Batam Center not opened, many shops near Planet Holiday also closed, even Harmoni Hotel front entrance has sealed up by plywood. The booking joints i used to took girls from also not open. However getting girls in Batam is not difficult, if you are a man travel without female companion, once you board the taxi at Batam Center going on the way to your hotel, the driver will try hard to bring you to find girls. Otherwise just go to Tg Uncang.

[kbt7046]

So do you enjoy going there? :confused:

Certainly. That why i'm staying here for 6 nights, until May 12. I've paid for a girl who previously worked at Villa 16 in Tg Balai come to stay with me here. Batam is half dead, but not as bad as Tg Balai.

[Mill]

I going batam next month. Most of the places still closed or back to normal right now? Ceweks booking joint and pricing any changes?

[Bobducks]

I going batam next month. Most of the places still closed or back to normal right now? Ceweks booking joint and pricing any changes?

Going for a last minute trip there this weekend too for 3 nights, staying at planet holiday. Would really be interested in know what the pricing is like now and if any of the old booking joints (or new ones) are open

[OnlyLiveOnce]

if convenient, can share how much you paid for the girl companionship for how many days. :)

Normal girls you picked up from joints or social media are about 400k IDR for ST and 1 to 2 jutas IDR for long time. Enjoy.

[yuanswang]

Normal girls you picked up from joints or social media are about 400k IDR for ST and 1 to 2 jutas IDR for long time. Enjoy.

still they asking same 400 ST and 1.2 LT after COVID?

[kbt7046]

I've been in Batam since May 6, not seeing any booking joint open. Disco at Planet Holiday has already reopen, but i did not go despite i'm staying in this hotel which cost me around $36 a night for booking on Agoda. Price do change frequently, but not much, i only book 2 nights a a time, extend for another 2 while still staying here. Swimming pool at this hotel has close for repair, so choose other hotel if you want to swim. Gym is still open. Many restaurants that i usec to go have already closed down as well, some have change boss. I also heard that Formosa Hotel is going to reopen under new management, the new owner is a Indonesian who bought the hotel from the previous Taiwanese owner. Price of everything seems getting more expensive than before 2020, one hour traditional massage cost RP150,000 ( below Star Hotel) Ride on Gojek here has also gone up. Taxi fare from Batam Center to Planet Holiday now cost RP150,000. They claim because of high fuel cost.

[DDAMn]

What is the exchange rate like at batam?Money changers at front of formosa hotel & jln imam bonjol still operating.Just getting a heads up info for this weekend trip.thanks

[kbt7046]

What is the exchange rate like at batam?Money changers at front of formosa hotel & jln imam bonjol still operating.Just getting a heads up info for this weekend trip.thanks

RP10,200 to S$1, I changed at Batam Center. Some money changers around Formosa Hotel area still open, but i didn't check the rate there.

[DDAMn]

RP10,200 to S$1, I changed at Batam Center. Some money changers around Formosa Hotel area still open, but i didn't check the rate there.

thank u bro

[Black Page]

I've been in Batam since May 6, not seeing any booking joint open. Disco at Planet Holiday has already reopen,

Many restaurants that i usec to go have already closed down as well, some have change boss. I also heard that Formosa Hotel is going to reopen under new management, the new owner is a Indonesian who bought the hotel from the previous Taiwanese owner.

Price of everything seems getting more expensive than before 2020, one hour traditional massage cost RP150,000 ( below Star Hotel) Ride on Gojek here has also gone up. Taxi fare from Batam Center to Planet Holiday now cost RP150,000. They claim because of high fuel cost.

I really love to read your reports from field. Please be as much specific as you can. I cannot go there for a while, I am trying to imagine the place through your words.

What discos are open? Did you check P2 and P3? Same as before?

The news that Formosa is going to reopen sounds as a myth. Good luck to the new Indo owner, if he dares! However, I read here that they dismantled and sold all reusable furniture... I guess that, whatever will be the new Formosa, if there will be, we lost forever its old atmosphere, even the smell of corridors.
Imagine walking there now, in lonely corridors. It sounds like walking in a ghost building in a movie.

Price up?? :eek: Jeez... A girl should jump on the first tourist she sees, considering the rarity, not ask for more money!

[kbt7046]

F1 Batam Club which is located at level 1 of Planet Holiday is the only disco i know is open. I no longer interested to frequent at disco at my age, so don't look around and explore. I know F1 club is open as I've already been staying in Planet Holiday for a week. Went to Lucky Plaza and Nagoya Hill again yesterday. All shops at Nagoya Hill seem business as usual, the mall doesn't look any different as i last went there in 2019. However, Lucky Plaza and Center Point which used to be vibrant 20 years ago are half dead. Especially Center Point, only shops at the external part of the building seem occupied, like ghost building. While Lucky Plaza, seem that only hp shops are doing well, no more food court,Matahari also no longer there. Most shops opposite there are closed. Beside some shops space at the ground floor of Formosa Hotel, the entire building is in darkness at night. Covid has killed several well known popular hotels such as Formosa and Harmoni at Batam. Businesses here don't get the level of government support as their counterparts in Singapore. Some of the Gojek drivers have tell me that many ceweks are now staying at Reddoorz awaiting for booking, some are staying at Pacific but those staying there charge RP2 to RP3 million for overnight booking. Many Gojek drivers have offer me to find ceweks.

[Sochaipom]

I really love to read your reports from field. Please be as much specific as you can. I cannot go there for a while, I am trying to imagine the place through your words.

What discos are open? Did you check P2 and P3? Same as before?

The news that Formosa is going to reopen sounds as a myth. Good luck to the new Indo owner, if he dares! However, I read here that they dismantled and sold all reusable furniture... I guess that, whatever will be the new Formosa, if there will be, we lost forever its old atmosphere, even the smell of corridors.
Imagine walking there now, in lonely corridors. It sounds like walking in a ghost building in a movie.

Price up?? :eek: Jeez... A girl should jump on the first tourist she sees, considering the rarity, not ask for more money!
Both P2 & P3 are open but like dead town very quiet even on a Saturday night. P3 hall/pub at level 1 is currently under renovation..

[Cougar21]

Indo custom got check your passport whether have stayed 14 days in spore PDT requirement?thanks bro just checking for next week trip.

Basket Horizon Fast counter checked my passport to see if i have at least 14 days stayed in Sinkieland zzzz

[Cougar21]

Going for a last minute trip there this weekend too for 3 nights, staying at planet holiday. Would really be interested in know what the pricing is like now and if any of the old booking joints (or new ones) are open

R u here in batam? Im here for 3 nights too. Seeing someone changed at Rp10200 for $1 is a terrible rate at Batam Center. And i can still find St rates for Rp 300k to 400k. I see if i can get a better rate at Nagoya Citywalk area.

[DDAMn]

R u here in batam? Im here for 3 nights too. Seeing someone changed at Rp10200 for $1 is a terrible rate at Batam Center. And i can still find St rates for Rp 300k to 400k. I see if i can get a better rate at Nagoya Citywalk area.

How about the money changers facing Nagoya Plasa Hotel along Jalan Imam Bonjol what their exchange rate? Taking Horizon this sunday.

[Cougar21]

How about the money changers facing Nagoya Plasa Hotel along Jalan Imam Bonjol what their exchange rate? Taking Horizon this sunday.

I didnt go there.i walked from my hotel at Hana to Formosa there n changed at the money changer opposite formosa and got Rp10400. 10200 is rubbish. Tu penukaran uang asing di pelabuhan tipu, kata kasir nya.

So on with my fr for today. Walked around plaza avava there. Flea market is crowded n bustling. Saw Dragon massage open. New hotel really happening with loud karaoke. Across New hotel is a brand new looking Morena Hotel! Then abt 7pm got blackout till abt 11pm. Everywhere was dark lol. Went eat sate sapi padang near avava mall at Rp15k 1 porsi.(8 sticks) what price increase man? Same as 2 years ago no change unlike Sinkieland. Den tried the sate kambing madura 1 porsi near Hotel Gajah Mada also Rp15k. Same price as 2 yrs ago. Shop at Top100 supermarket behind plaza Avava. The Ramayana beside it is still open and alive and well. Den bought the serabi pisang coklat near 777 hotel for rp4k each. Passed by Biz hotel and saw Swees curry puff still opened. Later on bungkus indo mie goreng at my fav stall near the big longkang opposite Hans Inn at Rp14k. No change of price since 2 years ago. The stall owner still recognize me & had a good chat. Kta ngomong lma juga. Den back to room.

Btw managed to retrieve my indon Dana & OVO account after getting a new sim card Telkomsel when my old sim got terminated due to forgot to extend validity. So frustrating.

Sape2 masih di daerah Nagoya bisa chat dgn sya nanti bleh temu makan ka?

[Cougar21]

Forgot to add was at Utama area and saw the Hallo Kitty Massage have a huge bright neon signboard on display! Seems they have upgraded and looks very grand & bling2!

And the food court opposite Biz hotel was very lively & crowded during dinner time.

[kbt7046]

I didnt go there.i walked from my hotel at Hana to Formosa there n changed at the money changer opposite formosa and got Rp10400. 10200 is rubbish. Tu penukaran uang asing di pelabuhan tipu, kata kasir nya.

So on with my fr for today. Walked around plaza avava there. Flea market is crowded n bustling. Saw Dragon massage open. New hotel really happening with loud karaoke. Across New hotel is a brand new looking Morena Hotel! Then abt 7pm got blackout till abt 11pm. Everywhere was dark lol. Went eat sate sapi padang near avava mall at Rp15k 1 porsi.(8 sticks) what price increase man? Same as 2 years ago no change unlike Sinkieland. Den tried the sate kambing madura 1 porsi near Hotel Gajah Mada also Rp15k. Same price as 2 yrs ago. Shop at Top100 supermarket behind plaza Avava. The Ramayana beside it is still open and alive and well. Den bought the serabi pisang coklat near 777 hotel for rp4k each. Passed by Biz hotel and saw Swees curry puff still opened. Later on bungkus indo mie goreng at my fav stall near the big longkang opposite Hans Inn at Rp14k. No change of price since 2 years ago. The stall owner still recognize me & had a good chat. Kta ngomong lma juga. Den back to room.

Btw managed to retrieve my indon Dana & OVO account after getting a new sim card Telkomsel when my old sim got terminated due to forgot to extend validity. So frustrating.

Sape2 masih di daerah Nagoya bisa chat dgn sya nanti bleh temu makan ka?

I didn't go to that area despite staying here since May 6, going back to SG this afternoon. I eat almost every meal in hotel room, order from GoFood or Grab Food. Also if i need to go out, calling either GoCar or Grab Car, never walk around a few blocks away from Planet Holiday. Food and transport do cost more than 2020 March.This trip cost me $3000 in total for 8 nights, still acceptable with $300+ a day. Actual spending is just around $1500 (i gave the cewek RP15 million ) So overall still worthwhile, $3K is not enough to go elsewhere for 8 days anyway

[Cougar21]

I didn't go to that area despite staying here since May 6, going back to SG this afternoon. I eat almost every meal in hotel room, order from GoFood or Grab Food. Also if i need to go out, calling either GoCar or Grab Car, never walk around a few blocks away from Planet Holiday. Food and transport do cost more than 2020 March.This trip cost me $3000 in total for 8 nights, still acceptable with $300+ a day. Actual spending is just around $1500 (i gave the cewek RP15 million ) So overall still worthwhile, $3K is not enough to go elsewhere for 8 days anyway

What? Thats like over spending man. Crazy. Just go out n walk down u have burger king, kfc and McDonald's in 1 cluster. I walked all the way to BK and went inside to look see and saw a group Middle-eastern men/bule. There r so much food around your area. If u walk behind to plaza jodoh area u can find many street stalls selling tons of local food. And i only take Grab or Gojek and the prices r still very low. Like for grabbike less than 2km is rp10k, rp17k for grabcar. Similar rates for Gojek.

Example for now, from planet holiday hotel to Batam Center ferry terminal it cost Rp34k for Grabcar economy. Where got price increase? Unless u taking those clapping hands tak si tak si mafias?

[Bobducks]

R u here in batam? Im here for 3 nights too. Seeing someone changed at Rp10200 for $1 is a terrible rate at Batam Center. And i can still find St rates for Rp 300k to 400k. I see if i can get a better rate at Nagoya Citywalk area.

Yup I'm here! Changed money at grand Batam mall. 10400. Was wondering, what do people think is better, octopuss or fame Spa?

[Cougar21]

Yup I'm here! Changed money at grand Batam mall. 10400. Was wondering, what do people think is better, octopuss or fame Spa?

Nice. Same rate as me. Would u like to eat the japanese buffet at Grand batam mall? I miss that place. It was raining heavily here in Jodoh area. Rain just stopped.

[Bobducks]

Nice. Same rate as me. Would u like to eat the japanese buffet at Grand batam mall? I miss that place. It was raining heavily here in Jodoh area. Rain just stopped.

Kintan? Really wanna try that place actually. Heard great things about it from my indo friends. Let's do it. Dinner? Pm me

[Cougar21]

Kintan? Really wanna try that place actually. Heard great things about it from my indo friends. Let's do it. Dinner? Pm me

Yes that's the place! At ground floor. Their shabu2 buffet is great, ate there twice. Hope price didn't increase too much.

[kbt7046]

any reason why you not eating outside? :confused:

2 reasons, first my cewek doesn't like to go out, prefer to dine in room. So, if going out to eat, I'm alone. 2nd, I'm like owl, stay awake for whole night by sleeping throughout the day, I'm hestitate to leave the hotel at night because I heard there are many unemployed people there target to rob Singaporean .

[kbt7046]

If you're going for massage, I mean real massage, go to Komp, Nogoya Paradise Centre Block B, No. 57 or Star Massage, 2 hours only cost RP280,000. I went there every evening for 8 nights day. Good massage

[miumiu6464]

Yes that's the place! At ground floor. Their shabu2 buffet is great, ate there twice. Hope price didn't increase too much.

Almost 600ribu for their all you can east buffet, including tax, for both hot pot n grill option. Just ate last Saturday.

[DDAMn]

Kintan? Really wanna try that place actually. Heard great things about it from my indo friends. Let's do it. Dinner? Pm me

Do FR on this place cos tomorow i arriving first target to go makan since 2 years ago..Ddamn...do i miss gorging on the food over there pls do update price if its still 260,000 IDR per pax buffet.

[Cougar21]

2 reasons, first my cewek doesn't like to go out, prefer to dine in room. So, if going out to eat, I'm alone. 2nd, I'm like owl, stay awake for whole night by sleeping throughout the day, I'm hestitate to leave the hotel at night because I heard there are many unemployed people there target to rob Singaporean .

Wow what fake news. HEARD from where? I walk alone at night along dark areas all ok. Maybe u mean target singaporean chinese who likes to flaunt and talk loudly in English saying here cheep there cheep?

I'm now at Megamall timezone hanging out with indon friends.

[Cougar21]

=BobDucks

I pmed u but no response. Im now at megamall and riding a motorbike borrowed from my fren. Will return it later tonite. So i may go to kintan tmr with the other guy who's arriving tmr. Pm replied.

[Bobducks]

I pmed u but no response. Im now at megamall and riding a motorbike borrowed from my fren. Will return it later tonite. So i may go to kintan tmr with the other guy who's arriving tmr. Pm replied.

I replied! Was waiting for your reply man. On wsapp

[DreamMaster1985]

Guys, I just read online that upon arrival to Batam, we need to undergo their PCR test. Is it true? If yes, roughly how long do we need to wait for the results?

[kbt7046]

Guys, I just read online that upon arrival to Batam, we need to undergo their PCR test. Is it true? If yes, roughly how long do we need to wait for the results?

No PCR or ART require at Batam unless you're taking ferry to Tg Balai from there or you're having upon arrival. PCR or ART only require in Singapore before you go.

[DreamMaster1985]

No PCR or ART require at Batam unless you're taking ferry to Tg Balai from there or you're having upon arrival. PCR or ART only require in Singapore before you go.

Good. Makes my planning easier. Thanks.

[kbt7046]

Wow what fake news. HEARD from where? I walk alone at night along dark areas all ok. Maybe u mean target singaporean chinese who likes to flaunt and talk loudly in English saying here cheep there cheep?

I'm now at Megamall timezone hanging out with indon friends.

Taxi driver from Batam Center and some Gojek drivers have advised me avoid walking alone in Batam streets at night due to rampant robbery, they have gave me their personal hp no., told me if i want to go out after dark, better to call them. However all the time i call Go Car or Grab Car via app. Go Car is slightly cheaper but it is easier to get Grab Car. Cost on Go Car from Planet Holiday to Nagoya Hill is RP15K on Go Car but RP20K on Grab Car, RP3K more than 2019. Taxi from Nagoya Hill to Planet cost RP50K (RP40K in 2019) as can't use Go Car and Grab Car are not allowed to pick up passengers from there. Taxi fare from Batam Center to Harbour Bay and then to Planet Holiday cost RP150K (RP110K in 2019 if i'm not wrong). Minimum delivery charges on GO Food now is RP9K (RP7K in 2019). So cost in Batam does getting more expensive now. Even cost of Marlboro and Heineken also cost a lot more than 2019. Of course if you compare the price there and Singapore, it is still a lot cheaper there. Probably i don't walk around ( as i hate to walk)and don't take ojek ( as i fear to travel on motorcycle)never go to explore the areas well enough, many places in Batam i still don't know despite i've been there for countless of times over 30 years. I mainly rely on drivers recommendations while i'm there.

[Naka_Timo]

Almost 600ribu for their all you can east buffet, including tax, for both hot pot n grill option. Just ate last Saturday.

welcome back, long time no see

[miumiu6464]

welcome back, long time no see

:)

Thanks. It's been a long 2 years since I last step in Batam... Nice to be back. Especially for my wife, she's been craving for Indonesian food.

There indeed has been rise in robbery and snatch theft cases, especially around residential (perumahan) area, not sure about Nagoya/Penuin area though.

Few days ago, i was riding home to my rental housein Sekupang, encounter snatch theft happening before my eyes. I wasn't the victim though..

[PervMonk]

Just FYI, am Nagoya food court now when I saw the post on the robbery. From what my GF says, it's true and mainly around Nagoya and Jodoh area. So please stay safe guys!

[kbt7046]

Transport cost is generally cheap in Batam, why bother to walk ? For me, I either take GoCar, Grab Car or taxi wherever I go in Batam , no matter how near is the distance. I don't even want to walk for 400m in SG, let alone walking in foreign country which is a lot more risky.

[miumiu6464]

Good morning bros, I need some advice pertaining to bringing bigger sum of sgd to Batam, eg SGD10,000. What is the most hassle-free way to bring $10,000 into Batam? Will I face problem trying to change to rupiah at money changer?

Normally, I use TransferWise for sending fund to Indonesia, but never as much as $10,000. Highest I have send before is only couple of thousand.

Advice appreciated...

[kbt7046]

Good morning bros, I need some advice pertaining to bringing bigger sum of sgd to Batam, eg SGD10,000. What is the most hassle-free way to bring $10,000 into Batam? Will I face problem trying to change to rupiah at money changer?

Normally, I use TransferWise for sending fund to Indonesia, but never as much as $10,000. Highest I have send before is only couple of thousand.

Advice appreciated...

There is no ceiling on the amount of foreign currency that can carry into Indonesia, however if you bring in over RP100 million, you need to declare, a lot of questions asked. You may encounter problems if you're bring in large amount of cash into Indonesia but traveling there without business permit. They may accuse you for doing business there illegally and demand "kopi" money. S$5000 is alright, i've bought such amount of cash into Tg Balai and Batam almost every time i go to these places, no problem. However i alway keep the cash separately onto my body, just keep a couple thousand in my messenger bag as i don't want all my cash undergo X-ray scan at Indonesia custom. Changing large amount of cash at money changer also no problem, however i normally go to several money changers on different day and change in smaller amount, not large amount at one go at one money changer as I don't want to attract the attention from others. Indonesia is not as safe as Singapore, i alway remove all my gold jewelry and Rolex gold watch before i go. Unlike in Singapore i can wear my $30,000 Rolex gold watch and $15,000 gold necklace and gold bracelet daily wherever i go.

[miumiu6464]

There is no ceiling on the amount of foreign currency that can carry into Indonesia, however if you bring in over RP100 million, you need to declare, a lot of questions asked. You may encounter problems if you're bring in large amount of cash into Indonesia but traveling there without business permit. They may accuse you for doing business there illegally and demand "kopi" money. S$5000 is alright, i've bought such amount of cash into Tg Balai and Batam almost every time i go to these places, no problem. However i alway keep the cash separately onto my body, just keep a couple thousand in my messenger bag as i don't want all my cash undergo X-ray scan at Indonesia custom. Changing large amount of cash at money changer also no problem, however i normally go to several money changers on different day and change in smaller amount, not large amount at one go at one money changer as I don't want to attract the attention from others. Indonesia is not as safe as Singapore, i alway remove all my gold jewelry and Rolex gold watch before i go. Unlike in Singapore i can wear my $30,000 Rolex gold watch and $15,000 gold necklace and gold bracelet daily wherever i go.

Thanks. As I need the money in Batam to make payment, I overlook that today is PH in Singapore, hence bank no open. I just tried to send the fund through, and it went through with issue. Initially it was telling the fund will arrived tomorrow (17/5) hence I was contemplating bring cash in large denomination. But, all is settled now. Thanks for your reply.

[Naka_Timo]

:)

Thanks. It's been a long 2 years since I last step in Batam... Nice to be back. Especially for my wife, she's been craving for Indonesian food.

There indeed has been rise in robbery and snatch theft cases, especially around residential (perumahan) area, not sure about Nagoya/Penuin area though.

Few days ago, i was riding home to my rental housein Sekupang, encounter snatch theft happening before my eyes. I wasn't the victim though..


Thanks for the info.