Batam Info / Interest / Help Thread [Archive] - Page 72

nono1973

01-10-2022, 03:00 PM

As we all know that massage at the joint is not as comfortable as having your massage done at your own hotel room.

Just a question if anybody can advise.
If stay in batam city hotel,can the massage cewek from venew spa go over to the hotel room for massage? Any extra charge for going to hotel room?

Yes, they do. Price change from time to time hence you need to check with them. Before covid time, pricing is same as per what they have on menu. Meaning you pay around 300k for 1.5 hour massage inside room (if i didn't remember wrong).

Just beside not far away from batam city hotel, there is a small building with a joint call favorite massage & spa. Look like a clean joint. Can the massage cewek there go over to batam city hotel? Thanks in advance

No, they don't. That is according to information i garner before covid time.

You see, your question is "Can the massage cewek there go over to batam city hotel?"

My answer is no, base on before covid time.

But if your question is, "Can the massage cewek there go over to hotel around the area?"

My answer is... YES!

Why yes, & why since Batam City Hotel also around that area why they do not go?

Batam City also has their own MP aka massage place. They won't go break their own rice bowl (since they have their own in-room massage service).

2ndly, favorite massage & spa girls can only go to one hotel in that area,hehehe... :D

(again, that is base on before covid time's info)

I know what's your next question.

Answer already here :

https://sbf.net.nz/showthread.php?p=21359470&highlight=#post21359470

Ultimately, it's your call, your choice.

But the price of the massage at venew spa is so much more expensive than the ex-king massage. 1 hour of massage can cost 400-500k (include VM) if not mistaken compare to king massage at 110k per hour nia.(exclude VM)

I think our mindset to visit Batam is quite similar,hehehe... (not same but similar)

On a personal scale, i do not like massage places, like Hello Kitty, Octopus, Delta etc etc which has some package deals.

I do not mean they are not good, just not suitable for me. Most if not all of my Batam good friends do not go there.

To me package deals has lots of hidden traps, & if you knew how much money the girls actually get from each package, you will understand why they kept asking for - "full naked",please top up xx rupiah, "full roaming", please top up xx rupiah, "touch pussy" please top up xx rupiah, etc etc....

(if you choose to believe what some otherS who shared the above mentioned don't or has never happen to them or their friends before, then by all means believe them instead,hehehe...)

I am also the kind to go for 100k to 120k per hour massage type,hehehe...& then negotiate base on quality service level, girl's age, their looks and then over how much rupiah to pay them,hehehe...at least i pay them enough to make them feel they are getting more than in those MP with package deal (they probably gets a higher sum of money from me instead of a just a small portion from the package).

End of my day, the girls are (very) happy , i also (very) happy. :p

Hopefully, there will be more hotels which offers in house massage for convenience and also charge very reasonable rate like king massage and most important of all is to have a handful of pretty massage cewek with good massage skill.

These MPs still exist bro. Just MOSTLY not in a hotel anymore.

Favorite MP/Spa also not cheap to bring girls to room hor... & 95% time, no special also.

507141
(photo taken on July 2022)

Every 3 to 4 of my Batam trip only allows me to explore 1 hotel almost thoroughly, therefore i only found 2 hotels so far worthy of my staying in.

I suggest a small solution for your issue.

Stay around Utama area, even tho hotels there isn't exactly fantastic since Utama Hotel closed down.

Get the girls in that area to come to your room.

Issue resolved. ;)

Otherwise, keep searching (& explore). Just like what i am constantly doing.

I know what i want to have in Batam clearly, i keep a look out for them. And if lucky, i will find them all. Otherwise, i just work around it to get them.

Formosa Hotel still the best (so far). :D

It is Oct 2022 now, time to plan & visit Batam soon.

Naka_Timo

02-10-2022, 01:40 PM

It is Oct 2022 now, time to plan & visit Batam soon.

Bro, long time no go liao. Now what the tickets price for 2 way batam fast and horizon? Price gone up too i believe.

miumiu6464

02-10-2022, 06:40 PM

2 way per pax $70.

If senior citizen, got discount by Sindo (IIRC).

Hitlerr

02-10-2022, 09:03 PM

Is happy and bunga closed?

OnlyLiveOnce

03-10-2022, 07:16 AM

Is happy and bunga closed?

Happy8 was still closed last month but Bunga is opened under new name Mawar.

Hitlerr

03-10-2022, 08:27 AM

Happy8 was still closed last month but Bunga is opened under new name Mawar.

Sorry ar bro just came out from the cave, did some other joint took over happy and open somewhere else? If not where did the girls go?

lincoln3010

03-10-2022, 06:37 PM

Pass by Memory KTV on 1st Oct

Entered
It's was so smoky and people already started drinking early.

So left the place.

OnlyLiveOnce

03-10-2022, 06:52 PM

Sorry ar bro just came out from the cave, did some other joint took over happy and open somewhere else? If not where did the girls go?

The last time I passed Happy8, the premises were still there but closed. With the remaining working girls in good demand at these times, they are able to change jobs and working places at ease. They know what to do.

Hitlerr

03-10-2022, 07:26 PM

Kupu kupu still open?

flex0rnaut

04-10-2022, 03:00 PM

don't they find it suspicious that you don't join them in the spa or even hair treatment.

My wife will be suspicious if I leave her alone...

My whole family and I (including wife, no children) frequent to Batam, Once every 2months ish.

Everyone goes there and has an end goal - everyone is independent in Batam.

Be it go massage, nails, shopping etc.

Everyone knows I do not go to massage. So when they're gone, I usually go cut hair at my barber's place and have some time to myself.

Evidently, it would be a bit hard if you're the family man and gotta follow everywhere lo.

airman

04-10-2022, 03:45 PM

so haircut with happy ending?

Dav88

05-10-2022, 01:08 AM

Anyone can update me if kampung bule at Batam still operate?

btmchiong

05-10-2022, 12:17 PM

Anyone can update me if kampung bule at Batam still operate?

kampung bule still operate now

blurblur2032

05-10-2022, 06:55 PM

Hi
Can check with bro here, is there day use hotel in batam? As I like to go morning meet my girl in hotel then go back at night. She ask go fave hotel, but I check online need to book 2 day if I want to go straight to hotel when arrive.

Try goggle but can't find like the day use in Singapore

Thanks in advance for the help

Naka_Timo

05-10-2022, 06:57 PM

2 way per pax $70.

If senior citizen, got discount by Sindo (IIRC).

Thanks, such a big increase. What about other operator?

retirebatam

05-10-2022, 10:47 PM

Yes, they do. Price change from time to time hence you need to check with them. Before covid time, pricing is same as per what they have on menu. Meaning you pay around 300k for 1.5 hour massage inside room (if i didn't remember wrong).

I understand that this 300k for venew spa cewek go to customer room is without handjob just purely massage. Normal market rate before covid for 1.5 hour is 150k, if 300k means probably the outcall service is another 150k. Slightly at the high side but if the cewek looks ok with good service then it is really worth.

There is another spa called first choice spa beside batam city hotel but the massage fee with outcall service of 1.5 hour at 250k. Slightly cheaper but have not yet view the cewek and try the service.
First Choice Spa name is change to Absolute Spa.

No, they don't. That is according to information i garner before covid time.

You see, your question is "Can the massage cewek there go over to batam city hotel?"

My answer is no, base on before covid time.

But if your question is, "Can the massage cewek there go over to hotel around the area?"

My answer is... YES!

Why yes, & why since Batam City Hotel also around that area why they do not go?

Batam City also has their own MP aka massage place. They won't go break their own rice bowl (since they have their own in-room massage service).

2ndly, favorite massage & spa girls can only go to one hotel in that area,hehehe... :D

Saw the google map photo of Debest Hotel, at the entrance of the glass door, there is a standing banner that display Favorite Massage & Spa, probably you are right, this massage spa maybe only serve this hotel only but not other hotel. Unless after covid time they expanded their outcall service to other hotels.

I think our mindset to visit Batam is quite similar,hehehe... (not same but similar)

On a personal scale, i do not like massage places, like Hello Kitty, Octopus, Delta etc etc which has some package deals.

I do not mean they are not good, just not suitable for me. Most if not all of my Batam good friends do not go there.

Yes, in a way similar, hehe we both want the best bang for the buck.

But for me in addition I do also enjoy the best for my butt meaning after handjob service is done, will normally ask the cewek whether she got do anal massage (aka anal masturbation).

Anal massage has many health benefits like lowered stress, better sleep, improve mood, strengthen little brother and maybe able to prevent prostate cancer. Beside, it is really very pleasurable which words not enough to describe and the enjoyment is different from having sex or handjob.

Last time use to frequent Johor Baru to get my urut batin (hj) + anal massage at the nasi lemak joints. After body massage, the nasi lemak girl will ask customer whether they want urut batin or anal massage or both. One of the popular joints is at Gold Point Massage at Taman Sentosa & Permas Jaya.

To me package deals has lots of hidden traps, & if you knew how much money the girls actually get from each package, you will understand why they kept asking for - "full naked",please top up xx rupiah, "full roaming", please top up xx rupiah, "touch pussy" please top up xx rupiah, etc etc....

Yes normally those package deal only include the massage + VM aka HJ.
Yes some of the cewek is playing hard to get so that they can raise the premium of their add-on service.
Strip top, strip bottom or strip all charge separately.
Touch top, touch bottom or touch all also need to top up.
BJ and FJ needless to say, some of them charge an exorbitant fee.

Before covid, in formosa, use to give king massage cewek the following market rate:
200k-250k for HJ+ strip top + top roaming only
300k for HJ + strip all + top roaming only
350k for HJ + strip all + all roaming
If service is good, will then give the cewek additional 20-30k

In fact the massage cewek earning are quite good as they get a commission from the massage + special service including the plus plus + tips

retirebatam

06-10-2022, 01:28 AM

I am also the kind to go for 100k to 120k per hour massage type,hehehe...& then negotiate base on quality service level, girl's age, their looks and then over how much rupiah to pay them,hehehe...at least i pay them enough to make them feel they are getting more than in those MP with package deal (they probably gets a higher sum of money from me instead of a just a small portion from the package).

End of my day, the girls are (very) happy , i also (very) happy. :p

Human have this mentality that if they manage to get a good deal, it will really make their day regardless whether they are rich or poor.
Therefore massage fee should start at 100+k per hour, so that the total cost including other additional plus plus service under unforeseen circumstances will not be shocking :D

Of course, we don't want a winner and a loser, both tamu and cewek should be happy with the service and the money respectively (双赢) :)

These MPs still exist bro. Just MOSTLY not in a hotel anymore.

Favorite MP/Spa also not cheap to bring girls to room hor... & 95% time, no special also.

It would be a great achievement if one can successfully manage to persuade a non-special service cewek to do special service. Some of the requirements are :

1) Money - in this practical world, No money is equals to No honey. 有钱万事能, 但没钱是万万不能

2) Sweet talk- praise the cewek, example can say she looks pretty even though she is not :eek:

3) A bit of luck - No luck means No fuck/suck.
Sometime you really need to meet "The right person in the right place at the right time" 天时，地利，人和

4) Sincerity - pretend that you care, for example give her a small gift or belanja her for makan.

Remember there is an old saying "Anything that comes easy isn't worth having" :D

Selecting a suitable hotel to stay
I would very much prefer to stay in a hotel (3 star) with an in house massage.
Below are some options during pre-covid time:

Nagoya Hill Mall areas - Ex-Formosa
Diamond City mall areas - Ex-Utama, Biz hotel
Batam City Mall areas - Batam City Hotel, Gideon Hotel.

These 3 Mall locations are almost equal distance from each other and the hotel (with in house massage) provide a good base for cheongster to plan their adventure. :p

This base locations will have access to money changing, plenty of nice hawker food, many massage shops nearby (clean or dirty also can), LT booking joints, etc

BCS mall area - got A2 food court
DC mall area - got Nagoya food court
Nagoya Hill mall area - got Windsor food court

BCS mall area - unfortunately no nearby LT booking joint
DC mall area - Mawar, Hello kitty, etc
Nagoya Hill mall area - Sekar, Memory KTV, Happy 8

If you notice, this 3 malls is about 2km away from one another making it easily accessible even by foot.

Under google map, estimated walkable distance as follows:

Nagoya mall to BCS mall is 2.3km with 29min walk

BCS mall to DC mall is 1.7km with 22min walk

DC mall to Nagoya mall is 1.8km with 23 min walk

If link this 3 mall together in a straight line form a triangle.

Near America - There is a Bermuda Triangle where ships and aeroplane disappear mysteriously
In Kuala Lumpur - There is a Golden Triangle where the shopping and nightlife is located
Therefore In Batam City - is this called Nagoya triangle?:D (since Nagoya is the city name)

Anyway, because of close proximity, no need to hire ojek, taxi or grab if you have ample time to walk and explore..

Every 3 to 4 of my Batam trip only allows me to explore 1 hotel almost thoroughly, therefore i only found 2 hotels so far worthy of my staying in.

Don't know whether I have the luck to know which 2 hotels with good in-house massage that is worth staying. :D

nono1973

06-10-2022, 04:54 PM

Indeed, WHO being a tourist non-Indo not regular to Batam may have data connection on the phone upon arrival?? The only solution would be expensive data roaming.

Hehehe...its really not so much on the price of roaming (more on the time).

Those checking on the apps outside the VOA counter will guide you through on how to tap on the wifi network available around Harbour Bay ferry terminal (thats according to my friends) but well...when already in Batam who has that kind of time for that when there are better option/s? :D

Bro, long time no go liao. Now what the tickets price for 2 way batam fast and horizon? Price gone up too i believe.

Mostly if not all ferry companies priced their tickets around S$70. Horizon ferry also at S$70...

But...once in Batam, can find alternative to get Horizon ferry ticket at 690k rupiah.

https://www.sbf.net.nz/showthread.php?p=21668259#post21668259

Which is less than S$69 depending on exchange rate.

Kupu kupu still open?

Did a Utama Hotel walkabout at least thrice in my last 2 trips & wasn't able to see Kupu Kupu.

Hence i just assume it is closed.

Thanks, such a big increase.

All operator about same price.

Therefore it is not exactly worthy to go for a 2D1N Batam trip nowaday.

Ferry price may have gone up, but hotel price seems to have come down a bit there.

I notice quite a handful of 250k rupiah per night hotel tho. Clean & good enough hotel.

Black Page

06-10-2022, 05:59 PM

Hehehe...its really not so much on the price of roaming (more on the time).

It depends on what operator and where you roam.
My operator charges 8.50 SGD (6 eur) per day for roaming in extra UE countries (including Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia), including ONLY 200 or 300 MB per day. Should I connect just once there, even just for scanning the QR on the app, zaaap 6 euro charged. I will look for a wifi... Hopefully.
That's why the first thing I do once I arrive to Malaysia or Indonesia is to buy a local SIM with plenty of data.

PrcLust

06-10-2022, 07:07 PM

It depends on what operator and where you roam.
My operator charges 8.50 SGD (6 eur) per day for roaming in extra UE countries (including Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia), including ONLY 200 or 300 MB per day. Should I connect just once there, even just for scanning the QR on the app, zaaap 6 euro charged. I will look for a wifi... Hopefully.
That's why the first thing I do once I arrive to Malaysia or Indonesia is to buy a local SIM with plenty of data.

To save all this trouble, just print out hard copy of your vaccination cert. Every trip I go, I have been showing them the hard copy. No issues and fast clearance.

retirebatam

07-10-2022, 12:27 AM

It depends on what operator and where you roam.
My operator charges 8.50 SGD (6 eur) per day for roaming in extra UE countries (including Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia), including ONLY 200 or 300 MB per day.
That's why the first thing I do once I arrive to Malaysia or Indonesia is to buy a local SIM with plenty of data.

On my previous trip to Batam, I did use the balance of my malaysia prepaid sim card to roam in indonesia by buying a 3 days prepaid roaming social pass which will deduct 20 ringgit from the prepaid card balance. :)

In malaysia there are a few telco like Maxis, Digi, Celcom, etc.
For Maxis hotlink prepaid card, dial *100#, select international roaming, select indonesia, select 3 days with unlimited twitter, whatapp, facebook + 200mb of mobile data. After confirmed, 20 ringgit will be deducted.
After that just go to mobile network and turn on data roaming to enjoy. :)

If 3 days not enough, can buy some more:
1-Day Social Pass – RM10/24 hours with FREE 50MB
3-Day Social Pass – RM20/72 hours with FREE 200MB
Comes with unlimited internet browsing on Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp

Alternatively can also get a spore prepaid sim to buy roaming pass too.

If not mistaken, all the red colour telco are roaming partners
singapore - singtel
malaysia - maxis
indonesia - telcomsel

retirebatam

07-10-2022, 12:35 AM

To save all this trouble, just print out hard copy of your vaccination cert. Every trip I go, I have been showing them the hard copy. No issues and fast clearance.

But sometime in addition to showing the physical vac cert, the traveller may be asked to use the Peduli Lindun app scanner to scan the QR code which may require mobile data or wifi... according to the ferry company staff..:)

retirebatam

07-10-2022, 01:24 AM

Hehehe...its really not so much on the price of roaming (more on the time).

Those checking on the apps outside the VOA counter will guide you through on how to tap on the wifi network available around Harbour Bay ferry terminal (thats according to my friends) but well...when already in Batam who has that kind of time for that when there are better option/s? :D

Actually in a way you are quite right.

When we plan say a 3 Days 2 nights stay in Batam, for example Monday ferry reach batam at 8.15am (first ferry) and travel back to singapore on Wednesday at 8.30pm (last ferry).

Then our total precious time in Batam is 24hr+24hr+12hr= 60 hours.

If we factor in the compulsory expenditure like hotel fee, ferry fee, VOA fee, transport fee (taxi/grab/ojek), every single hour wasted will cost some money. :)

For Example :
VOA is US$35= S$50
2 night stay in 3 star hotel at $45 per nite = S$90
Ferry 2 way = S$70
Transport around Batam = S$50
Transport from home to harbourfront ferry terminal = S$15
Transport from harbourfront back to home = S$15
Prepaid Sim card = S$10
Total compulsory expenditure = S$300

Therefore, if 1 hour of precious time is wasted in Batam doing nothing, it is like throwing away Sing $5.00 (300 divide 60)

Therefore stay longer in Batam will make your time less expensive :D

wanfulou

07-10-2022, 09:03 AM

But sometime in addition to showing the physical vac cert, the traveller may be asked to use the Peduli Lindun app scanner to scan the QR code which may require mobile data or wifi... according to the ferry company staff..:)

You can just scan without any internet connection and show them the error page. They are just "doing" their job.

Alternatively, you can let the passenger in your ferry to move first, then when they crowding the staff and the counter, you can just walk past everyone casually. <-This is what I did.
I have digital vacc cert in my phone digital wallet, so I can just show them if there is "responsible" staff that stop me.

nono1973

07-10-2022, 02:25 PM

I understand that this 300k for venew spa cewek go to customer room is without handjob just purely massage. Normal market rate before covid for 1.5 hour is 150k, if 300k means probably the outcall service is another 150k. Slightly at the high side but if the cewek looks ok with good service then it is really worth.

This place is getting too expensive to go to for me. But their girls is sure good enough in terms of look-wise (probably cannot find Elephant there,hehehe...). Most of them were used to be from Delta (before covid time) & recently i hear from friends who visited that they manage to dug some girls from Octopuss too,hehehe...

There is another spa called first choice spa beside batam city hotel but the massage fee with outcall service of 1.5 hour at 250k. Slightly cheaper but have not yet view the cewek and try the service.
First Choice Spa name is change to Absolute Spa.

When i 1st step into BCS area during my still-newbie trip, i have been scouting the area, trying out almost all the MPs there. It is like my trip mission, which i tried to accomplish every Batam trips. The only few MPs there worthy of my time were Aiko (closed down), Tui Na & Favorite. Oh, wait there's 1 more called Justme, hehehe... :p

a) Too expensive type, i cut off from my list.

b) Highly-priced package deal type, i cut off from my list.

c) No pretty-enough girls in it, i cut off from my list.

Therefore, it isn't very difficult to find what eventually suits me best in that area.

Saw the google map photo of Debest Hotel, at the entrance of the glass door, there is a standing banner that display Favorite Massage & Spa, probably you are right, this massage spa maybe only serve this hotel only but not other hotel. Unless after covid time they expanded their outcall service to other hotels.

Those were old photos. My info were based on before covid time.

I used to be staying there.

Photo you saw also was from before covid time.

But for me in addition I do also enjoy the best for my butt meaning after handjob service is done, will normally ask the cewek whether she got do anal massage (aka anal masturbation).

Hehehe...you reminded me in my last trips when the hot stone girls put the overly-hot stone on my butt which makes me jump from my bed.

I was later compensated with a BJ with CD-on. Actually she didn't want the CD on but i insisted to have it for some other reasons of my own, hehehe...

I turned my "compensation" into a "punishment" for her by carrying her small body up & have her "sit" on my then erected penis, hehehe.... :D

Yes normally those package deal only include the massage + VM aka HJ.
Yes some of the cewek is playing hard to get so that they can raise the premium of their add-on service.
Strip top, strip bottom or strip all charge separately.
Touch top, touch bottom or touch all also need to top up.
BJ and FJ needless to say, some of them charge an exorbitant fee.

Thats 1 of the thing i do not like. I do not like to be held ransom at the girl's mercy.

I do not like the idea of paying "exorbitant fee" & then later come to SBF to share that "Hey! I go Batam & pay a grand total of 1.5 to 3 juta for totally Mind-blowing, Out-of-this-World, Never-Before good pop",hehehe... on a personally scale, it feels just like what the Hokkiens frequently say it, "Gia Lao Kui lai Zo Say Been" (拿漏气来做光荣) aka "using shamefulness but claiming it like some honorable deeds". :p

Its easy to pay S$1 for a S$0.50 apple (little kids can do it too). But not as easy to pay S$0.45 (or less) for a S$0.50 apple, hehehe...

Anyway, just my personal feel.

Before covid, in formosa, use to give king massage cewek the following market rate:
200k-250k for HJ+ strip top + top roaming only
300k for HJ + strip all + top roaming only
350k for HJ + strip all + all roaming
If service is good, will then give the cewek additional 20-30k

In fact the massage cewek earning are quite good as they get a commission from the massage + special service including the plus plus + tips

Formosa already history,hehehe...move on, bro.

Formosa is good is becos of convenient. Just a call & they are already in my room after i hung up the phone for around 5 mins later, hehehe... and the hotel also allows girls from other MPs to come to the hotel too.

Last few trips i checked with the girls in MPs that charged 100k+ per hour & those MPs that has packages, they were earning very much quite similar in Batam (talking about dirty MPs only).

Human have this mentality that if they manage to get a good deal, it will really make their day regardless whether they are rich or poor.
Therefore massage fee should start at 100+k per hour, so that the total cost including other additional plus plus service under unforeseen circumstances will not be shocking :D

Of course, we don't want a winner and a loser, both tamu and cewek should be happy with the service and the money respectively (双赢)

Cannot agree more to what you have said above.

I also mention this before, to create a win-win situation for both party involved. Sex involved 2 party, & when the 2 were happy & willing, the sex at most time won't turn out ugly.

It would be a great achievement if one can successfully manage to persuade a non-special service cewek to do special service. Some of the requirements are :

This kind of thing takes time & patience.

The other thing one can do with our "similar mindset" is can also get the girls who can perform "special" to go the extra miles, hehehe... meaning while in a shop that is clean, convince them to do special. And in a shop that is "not-clean", convince the girls to do more.

As for the definition of "more", it really depends on individual as everyone is different. Every men has different fetish, hehehe... example, some "games" in the theater, going shopping with a remote control wearable dildo worn by the girls etc etc, hehehe....

Thats one of the reason why i say, Batam is fun. ;)

Selecting a suitable hotel to stay
I would very much prefer to stay in a hotel (3 star) with an in house massage.
Below are some options during pre-covid time:

After Formosa is gone, i sacrificed a bit.

Formosa used to have both MP with Special, KTVs & Booking joint all within 5 mins walking radius.

Formosa area is in the middle of BCS, Nagoya Hill Mall & Harbour Bay Mall triangle (my own triangle,hehehe...).

I aren't so much into KTV & pubs, hence i cut that part out (thats my sacrifice).

As for booking joint, most of my friends don't really visit booking joint much. The booking joint comes to them instead, hehehe... :D

In my last trip, saw one of friend has the mummy from a booking coming to him at the hotel we stayed in with a list of girls via video call. Instead of going to booking joint to see the girls inside a booking joint, the girls were line up & seen from video call instead while inside the booking joint, hehehe... then again, this has it pros & cons (not cheap).

My final priority for hotels to stay-in MUST have a MP in it that doesn't charges high price & must have in-room massage. Doesn't matter to me if its clean or dirty. In fact, i prefer clean ones more.

And hotel in house food must not be expensive.

So finally it really depends on what you are looking for in a hotel (everyone's priority different). If you are looking for hotels that has a bit of everything, eg KTV, MP & Booking joint, then try looking at hotels near Formosa. I recommend staying near Utama hotel tho.

The only 3 star hotel near that area is Biz. But this hotel's in house massage is VERY expensive. Food also not cheap. The good thing is, its nearby many "dirty" MPs, booking joints & Nagoya Food court just opposite the hotel, hehehe... hotel is locate in between Nagoya Hill Mall & DC mall. So going NED is not an issue at all.

lincoln3010

07-10-2022, 03:42 PM

Kampong Bule Operating Hours for this week
- Friday we can open from morning until 6pm
- Saturday we can open from 6.10pm until midnight
- Sunday we can open normal

Black Page

07-10-2022, 05:41 PM

Kampong Bule Operating Hours for this week
- Friday we can open from morning until 6pm
- Saturday we can open from 6.10pm until midnight
- Sunday we can open normal

EXCUSE ME?? :eek: :eek:
Is there a mistake, or what happened? Stricter than on Ramadan?

lincoln3010

07-10-2022, 09:38 PM

EXCUSE ME?? :eek: :eek:
Is there a mistake, or what happened? Stricter than on Ramadan?

It's a Muslim holiday so that's the rules for this fri till sun

Black Page

08-10-2022, 01:28 AM

It's a Muslim holiday so that's the rules for this fri till sun
Thanks.
Is there any holiday in the week 17-23 October? I am just checking the time table of Horizon, and I am very surprised to see many return rides from HB to HF in the afternoon full in Economy on 24 October! Why? I was used to ferries fully booked on weekends. Why on the afternoon of a Monday?:confused:

Checking better the Horizon booking web site, I have discovered that Sunday 23 Oct is a normal day, all available, but Monday 24 is not: they have added several departures and 5 rides in the afternoon are already full in Economy. What is happening on 24 October? Is it a special day? :confused: I searched in Google by I could not find anything.

miumiu6464

08-10-2022, 07:05 AM

Thanks.
Is there any holiday in the week 17-23 October? I am just checking the time table of Horizon, and I am very surprised to see many return rides from HB to HF in the afternoon full in Economy on 24 October! Why? I was used to ferries fully booked on weekends. Why on the afternoon of a Monday?:confused:

Checking better the Horizon booking web site, I have discovered that Sunday 23 Oct is a normal day, all available, but Monday 24 is not: they have added several departures and 5 rides in the afternoon are already full in Economy. What is happening on 24 October? Is it a special day? :confused: I searched in Google by I could not find anything.

24/10 is public holiday inn Singapore. Indians in Singapore celebrate Deepavali (or Diwali). As it's a long weekend, many are expected to go for short vacation, thus expect massive jam at woodland custom (for those going JB) and Harbourfront for those taking ferry.

Black Page

08-10-2022, 04:22 PM

24/10 is public holiday inn Singapore. Indians in Singapore celebrate Deepavali (or Diwali). As it's a long weekend, many are expected to go for short vacation, thus expect massive jam at woodland custom (for those going JB) and Harbourfront for those taking ferry.

Thank you for taking the time to respond me. In the meanwhile, I have found what you say digging with Google, but Deepavali is reported on 24 Nov and on 24 Oct on two different web sites :(
I am lucky I tought to check in advance. I really could not expect to have problems in finding a seat on a Monday!!
I hope there will be not huge lines at immigration at HF. I think most people coming back from Batam will be Singaporeans, right? I will be on the line for foreigners.

Thornhill

08-10-2022, 04:23 PM

Just some helpful tips

No one bothers about the Piduli app. Never ask anywhere.
No return ticket asked
They don't even spend 0.01 second glancing at your vaccination cert. Can bring your grandmother's no issues.
Don't buy local SIM won't work with your SG phone. Only tourist SIM.
All massage joints around Nagoya hill mall are strict ones. You see couples, aunties, yucks.
But girls are decent polite and strong hands, just no extras. Tried a few.
Personally instead of wasting money on useless massage just for extra, might as well enjoy proper massage then go elsewhere for proper fun 😊

Don28

08-10-2022, 07:17 PM

Have not step to Batam for many years , Hope senior here can advice .

1)At batam center ferry terminal , can i buy return ticket from Harbour bay ferry terminal to Harbour Front ? How much it cost for 1 way ? (intend to buy 1 way to batam and 1 way back to SG from batam maybe cheaper?)

2) For LT joint what time they start operating or best time to pickup cewek(11 to 12pm)?

3)Island hopping - Do i need to go back to batam if i go to Balai from Batam then from balai back to Singapore.

miumiu6464

09-10-2022, 12:40 AM

miumiu6464

09-10-2022, 12:52 AM

Thank you for taking the time to respond me. In the meanwhile, I have found what you say digging with Google, but Deepavali is reported on 24 Nov and on 24 Oct on two different web sites :(
I am lucky I tought to check in advance. I really could not expect to have problems in finding a seat on a Monday!!
I hope there will be not huge lines at immigration at HF. I think most people coming back from Batam will be Singaporeans, right? I will be on the line for foreigners.

https://www.mom.gov.sg/employment-practices/public-holidays

This website by our Manpower Ministry states Deepavali as falling on 24th Oct and isa gazetted Public Holiday in Singapore.

Regarding roaming plan, i'm using this travel sim (AirSim) when on my travel out of the country. Still using my simpati that's registered 4 years ago in Palembang when I'm in BATAM. But, I'll be in BATAM next week and will try to use this simcard when I'm there.

According to this website, SIR HANDPHONE SHOP in Harbourfront listed as an official retailer for this simcard.

https://www.airsim.com.sg/agent_list

You can use this card worldwide by just purchasing a cheap roaming plan for the country you're visiting. For Indonesia, it's just $2 a day of unlimited usage and you can connect to Telkomsel and Indosat. Of course, Fair Usage Policy applies.

I'm just a satisfied customer and not connected to AirSim in any way.

BFOMF5

09-10-2022, 07:02 AM

Not official for indonesia, but girl say some did celebrate especially hindo .
For Bali is a big event.
In batam that bali tample between Tiban and Baloi will be busy. Some singaporean did visi.

BFOMF5

09-10-2022, 07:10 AM

I use SIMBA (EX TPG)
For $10/mth (old man pay$5 only)
Can get 1G data with roaming in msia,indo, phil...

Kid1214

09-10-2022, 03:27 PM

OnlyLiveOnce

09-10-2022, 05:31 PM

Anybody tried twitter booking?
According to one samster info, I tried #availbatam (https://sbfsg.shop/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=availbatam) and #bobatam (https://sbfsg.shop/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=bobatam) and saw quite a few accounts like okt.
Not sure is it reliable, some ask for downpayment first.

Except price on higher range, as high as 7jt for 24 hours.
Some quoted 10jt.

I have been getting ceweks from DIA, TanTan, Tagged, WeChat and other social media. They always asked for sky-high prices. Recently, one DIA girl wanted LT rate of 3 to 5 Jt. These ceweks need to know that booking joints are only charging about 1 to 2 Jt for LT, not inclusive of minder fees, and they are pricing themselves above average market value. Ceweks in booking joints also need to share 50% of their fees with the joints.

DaTan

10-10-2022, 06:49 PM

lincoln3010

11-10-2022, 01:22 PM

A week before would be better

flex0rnaut

11-10-2022, 01:59 PM

Hello!!

If I am planning to book my trip in the middle of the week from Tuesday to Thursday during the school holiday period, do I have to book my ferry tickets and hotel accommodation well in advance? Or I can simply book the week before my trip?

It's best to book at least 3 days in advance if you are going during peak hours.
Hotel, better to get as early as you can.

flex0rnaut

11-10-2022, 02:12 PM

Anybody tried twitter booking?
According to one samster info, I tried #availbatam (https://sbfsg.shop/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=availbatam) and #bobatam (https://sbfsg.shop/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=bobatam)
Except price on higher range, as high as 7jt for 24 hours.
Some quoted 10jt.

I don't usually do overnight or long time so I don't really know the rates.
But most of them are quite legit and u'll need to find those with COD ( cash on delivery )
On twitter, its a bit more inflated, 60-70 for 1/2hours. But I guess you can find which you like more.

For Michat, usually it rates anywhere from 30-70. 30 is usually ugly and super new and the 50-70s are the SYTs. Usually try to ask for real photo which they will delete once shown.

My friend tried Twitter while i tried michat. Both worked for us but my meat your poison. Atleast half price of Dome 1 happy liao.

Goodluck!

flex0rnaut

11-10-2022, 02:15 PM

wanfulou

11-10-2022, 03:04 PM

Anybody tried twitter booking?
According to one samster info, I tried #availbatam (https://sbfsg.shop/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=availbatam) and #bobatam (https://sbfsg.shop/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=bobatam) and saw quite a few accounts like okt.
Not sure is it reliable, some ask for downpayment first.

Except price on higher range, as high as 7jt for 24 hours.
Some quoted 10jt.

I saw someone shared about the hashtag as well, and try browsing through both twitter and instagram. I'd say plenty of scammer from there, but plenty of legit one as well, and plenty of OKT disguise as the FL.

But honestly speaking, why would you want to engage them through these channel though? Not to mention the price is way higher than the normal channel. I mean, getting a girl at batam is as easy as getting a bak chor mee in SG.

I mean if you are willing to splash so much, can always visit the higher end KTV, you can choose them by looking at them f2f, rather than getting a surprise when engaging online one.

Chammy

11-10-2022, 03:38 PM

Anybody tried twitter booking?
According to one samster info, I tried #availbatam (https://sbfsg.shop/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=availbatam) and #bobatam (https://sbfsg.shop/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=bobatam) and saw quite a few accounts like okt.
Not sure is it reliable, some ask for downpayment first.

Except price on higher range, as high as 7jt for 24 hours.
Some quoted 10jt.

DO NOT ENGAGE THOSE SERVICE FROM TWITTER, They are fking scammer . I just got scam 2.2million rupiah, at the first told me to down payment 400k rupiah then afterwards ask me transfer 1.5 million rupiah for some kind of security bond which I was told I could get it back then afterwards they ask me to transfer another 800k to register Membership card LOL the picture they send me is a fking Starbucks card. I learn my lesson already not to engage those on twitter is just fking expensive and majority are all scammer. Just go Spa or Sintai to get sexual service. Those who request you for down payment is a fking scammer just that note the moment you transfer they will keep asking you to transfer more for other stuff

Chammy

11-10-2022, 03:40 PM

I saw someone shared about the hashtag as well, and try browsing through both twitter and instagram. I'd say plenty of scammer from there, but plenty of legit one as well, and plenty of OKT disguise as the FL.

But honestly speaking, why would you want to engage them through these channel though? Not to mention the price is way higher than the normal channel. I mean, getting a girl at batam is as easy as getting a bak chor mee in SG.

I mean if you are willing to splash so much, can always visit the higher end KTV, you can choose them by looking at them f2f, rather than getting a surprise when engaging online one.

If you have told us earlier I could avoid getting scam , fml 😭😭. Everyone take note of this to avoid getting scam!!

Chammy

11-10-2022, 03:42 PM

DO NOT ENGAGE THOSE SERVICE FROM TWITTER, They are fking scammer . I just got scam 2.2million rupiah, at the first told me to down payment 400k rupiah then afterwards ask me transfer 1.5 million rupiah for some kind of security bond which I was told I could get it back then afterwards they ask me to transfer another 800k to register Membership card LOL the picture they send me is a fking Starbucks card. I learn my lesson already not to engage those on twitter is just fking expensive and majority are all scammer. Just go Spa or Sintai to get sexual service. Those who request you for down payment is a fking scammer just that note the moment you transfer they will keep asking you to transfer more for other stuff

Luckily i didn’t transfer more because when they call me and I told them i don’t have any more money , they told me to sell the phone for cash that is when I found out I got scam 🤣

Chammy

11-10-2022, 03:43 PM

Luckily i didn’t transfer more because when they call me and I told them i don’t have any more money , they told me to sell the phone for cash that is when I found out I got scam 🤣

I’m just going to assume that the money I got scam used for sexual service in sg 🤣🤣.

miumiu6464

12-10-2022, 12:18 AM

I’m just going to assume that the money I got scam used for sexual service in sg 🤣🤣.

Should have told them no deal when they ask for transfer before the deed.

wanfulou

12-10-2022, 10:46 AM

If you have told us earlier I could avoid getting scam , fml 😭😭. Everyone take note of this to avoid getting scam!!

Aiyo bro why so gullible. smh

But I not going to laugh at you lar, just be more vigilant next time, not just in batam, and not just when engaging FL service, any other service also don't transfer money in advance, everything also opt for COD.

flex0rnaut

12-10-2022, 04:26 PM

I’m just going to assume that the money I got scam used for sexual service in sg 🤣🤣.

anywhere in the world lah bro never do 'deposit' for sex with anyone.. Must tahannn!! cant think with small brother bro.

On a serious note, there are plenty legit ones on twitter. me and friends tried them.

ps: It was easier as we spoke bahasa indo

sabre197

12-10-2022, 06:32 PM

Hi guys, sorry got noob question.

Anyone can recommend spa with pretty ML that provide BJ svc? First time gg Batam with family. Thanks!:D

Daesaster

12-10-2022, 09:18 PM

Hi Bros,

Long time lurker here. I will be going for 3 days 2 nights.
Solo trip. Will post my FRs here later.

Going to meet 1 cewek from tinder and meet her at a cafe/bar.
Other than that will go to joints and spa.

If any bros there want to meet up tmr, let me know.

Wish me luck :D

retirebatam

13-10-2022, 12:17 AM

When i 1st step into BCS area during my still-newbie trip, i have been scouting the area, trying out almost all the MPs there. It is like my trip mission, which i tried to accomplish every Batam trips. The only few MPs there worthy of my time were Aiko (closed down), Tui Na & Favorite. Oh, wait there's 1 more called Justme, hehehe... :p

a) Too expensive type, i cut off from my list.
b) Highly-priced package deal type, i cut off from my list.
c) No pretty-enough girls in it, i cut off from my list.

Therefore, it isn't very difficult to find what eventually suits me best in that area.

I just came back from Batam for a 3 days 2 night trip last night

I started to chiong batam almost about 10 over years ago, however most of the time I would stay in hotel near Nagoya hill mall area or DC mall area. This is the very first time I visited Batam City Square Mall area and stay at Batam City Hotel.

For the past 10 over years, I was too comfortable with formosa hotel back then that makes me would not even want to try exploring BCS area, as formosa hotel provide a one stop service for almost everything from food, KTV, booking cewek after midnight at alisan, in house massage as well as the good service provided to its customers. Its location is also at the city centre of batam and near to many booking joints in the past like queen 8933, dynasty, berlian, sekar, happy 8, permata indah at windsor, etc and also nearby to many massage joints

However, during February 2020 when Formosa hotel announced closure, i know I would have to find a substitute regular hotel to act as a base for my future trips.

DC Mall Area
Previously, I have considered Utama Hotel as a regular hotel if I intend to chiong at DC mall area.

The reasons for considering Utama hotel are that it was similiar to Formosa hotel in some ways like the old carpet in the room, the in-house massages at level 2, the room price range and most importantly it is the only 3 star hotel in the DC mall area vicinity before Biz hotel was built.

Hotel Romance, Hotel Pagoda and Golden Gate are all 1 or 2 star which is not my choice of a 3 star hotel.

However Hotel Utama has an added advantage over Formosa was that it was surrounded by more than 30 massage joints and spa as the area is known to be the "city of massage" in the whole of Batam as most massage joints are all concentrated at the shophouse area.

Now that Utama Hotel is temporarily closed (maybe due for a refurbishment?), the next alternative will be the 3 star Biz Hotel.

BCS Mall Area
As for BCS area, one of the best choice is none other than Batam City Hotel which will be my regular hotel since it really resemble Formosa hotel in many ways like:

1) In house massage venew spa at level 6 (Formosa - king massage)

2) BCH KTV at level 3 (Formosa - Alisan KTV)

3) Room with carpet & essential room amenities provided. (Formosa -Deluxe Room)

4) Moderate Breakfast for a 3 star standard (similiar to Formosa)

5) Good location near to almost everything supper, malls, massage joints

6) Deluxe room at very reasonable price 30 bucks per night include breakfast

The only thing lacking is the hospitality like what Formosa provided for its customers..

As this is my first time visiting BCS mall area, I felt that the locations of the buildings there are more concentrated in a way that places of food, massage, shopping, hotels are closer to each other in distance compared to Nagoya Hill areas.

For example, I stayed in Batam City Hotel and if I want to go to BCS mall, just walk through the small lane at the right side about 100m and if I wanted to buy supper, A2 Foodcourt is a stone throw away at less than 100m.

Massage shops like Tui Na, Naya Massage, Absolute Massage, Favourite Massage are all less than 50 metre from the hotel.

Alternatively, Gideon Hotel is another suitable choice for a 3 star hotel in case BCH is fully booked. :)

To be continued..

biostar

13-10-2022, 11:41 AM

Nice review of hotels retirebatam
Thanks!

biostar

13-10-2022, 11:53 AM

DO NOT ENGAGE THOSE SERVICE FROM TWITTER, They are fking scammer . I just got scam 2.2million rupiah, at the first told me to down payment 400k rupiah then afterwards ask me transfer 1.5 million rupiah for some kind of security bond which I was told I could get it back then afterwards they ask me to transfer another 800k to register Membership card LOL the picture they send me is a fking Starbucks card. I learn my lesson already not to engage those on twitter is just fking expensive and majority are all scammer. Just go Spa or Sintai to get sexual service. Those who request you for down payment is a fking scammer just that note the moment you transfer they will keep asking you to transfer more for other stuff

Sad to hear about your harrowing experience. As mentioned by others here, one of the golden rules to follow while chionging is to never give a deposit/money to anyone or any online source (esp with no credible reviews or track record) before the deed. Similar to those courier sms scam whereby scammer asks you to pay a fee to release your parcel but you are not expecting any courier shipment at all. Oh well, treat this as a lesson learnt.

nitecrawllerr

13-10-2022, 04:55 PM

For the past 10 over years, I was too comfortable with formosa hotel back then that makes me would not even want to try exploring BCS area, as formosa hotel provide a one stop service for almost everything from food, KTV, booking cewek after midnight at alisan, in house massage as well as the good service provided to its customers.

Good write up there.;)

Btw any idea is Little Chinatown makan place(behind Formosa Hotel) still around?:(

ilovetogobatam

13-10-2022, 08:20 PM

I just came back from Batam for a 3 days 2 night trip last night

I started to chiong batam almost about 10 over years ago, however most of the time I would stay in hotel near Nagoya hill mall area or DC mall area. This is the very first time I visited Batam City Square Mall area and stay at Batam City Hotel.

up you my 8 points, nice sharing.

nono1973

14-10-2022, 12:03 AM

I started to chiong batam almost about 10 over years ago,....

Kind of reminds me i have been visiting Batam over the last nearly 10 years & been debating over the saving of 10k to 20k rupiah since then with bro Blackpage on Taxi fare at Harbour Bay to hotel,hehehe...how time flies.

However, during February 2020 when Formosa hotel announced closure, i know I would have to find a substitute regular hotel to act as a base for my future trips.

I wasn't looking at hotel carpets, near shopping malls hotel nor good breakfast serving hotels.

1. So far i can't find a hotel that has 24 hours Room service restaurant.

2. So far i cannot find hotel in house massage with special service that closes at 1am (last order 12am tho).

510443

3. So far cannot find KTV in a hotel that has PRC girls, Thai Girls & Vietnam girls altogether. And yet doubles itself like a booking joint.

If anyone knows where Batam got the above mentioned 3 in a hotel, please share (or can PM me too) thank you,hehehe....more importantly, the above 3 points hopefully can be just 1 min or less away from my hotel room i am in. :D

Anyway, if you have pass the hotel by during your recent trip, you might have seen Formosa is being torn down...

510445

About time to have a closure with Formosa,bro. :o

It's been a very long time since i visit Nagoya Hill mall area (& i just did so few days ago tho).

My suggestion/s, be open to 2 star hotels, especially those new ones. Be open to 3 star hotels without carpeting, without close proximity to shopping malls, without good breakfast.

I slash them out of my list as they are all good to have but not exactly necessities in my trip/s & i "create" the things i truly need while in Batam (without knowing their language, without using whatsapp, wechat or the likes of it & using minimum resources, eg money...hehehe...).

There is always solution/s for every stumbling block.

Alternatively, Gideon Hotel is another suitable choice for a 3 star hotel in case BCH is fully booked. :)

Even tho i would recommend my closer friend/s BCH & Gideon but i am surprise you didn't pick Hotel 89....hmm....

Is it because i didn't mention it here? :D

Joking...

This is a hotel that used to be recommend by Formosa managers & staffs when they were full. ;)

retirebatam

14-10-2022, 12:36 AM

Good write up there.;)

Btw any idea is Little Chinatown makan place(behind Formosa Hotel) still around?:(

I presume maybe you are referring to Baba street food court area selling chinese food? Anyway this trip i did not walk past nagoya citywalk area or citra plaza. Maybe will re-visit during the next trip.

Walked past Formosa hotel area and noticed that the porridge street, the satay warung, zhi char shops and convenience store all were still around.

Also to my surprise, the formosa carpark area was barricaded with hoarding and stated something macham like Under Renovation at the hoarding.

There are 2 possibilities:

First the formosa carpark may be resurfaced to make it into many new parking lots for commercial hourly parking.

Second possibility could be the Owner of the Building that houses formosa hotel managed to rent out the hotel to a new hotel operator, and the new operator is doing some minor renovation to the facade and carpark area.
If the latter is true, then many ex-formosa customers will anticipate for the opening of Formosa 2..

Now that covid is over and economy of Batam is recovering, there is a great potential growth for hotel business.

Formosa Hotel was once the most popular hotel in Batam and that maybe the reason why the apartment behind the hotel was named after as Formosa Residence to gain popularity. :)

The Taiwanese boss of ex-formosa Jerry Wang has a good management system of the hotel operation. This was reflected by the following:

1) Well trained, good manners & good service delivered by his hotel staff

2) Hotel guest's need were well taken care of, even minor request can be acceded like safe box, luggage storage, etc.

3) Successfully created a very cosy and comfortable hotel environment

4) Continuously upgrade hotel room amenities to the latest technology like provide high speed wifi and many usb port, LED lighting, refurbish the rooms

5) Good quality breakfast, taiwanese boss will personally test the quality of the food before the breakfast ends at 10.30am. He will lecture the restaurant manager if it is not up to his standard.

All departments like Reception, Housekeeping, Room service(f&b), Logistics, Sales, Hotel Transport, etc were very well coordinated.

In fact, his success was also assisted by one of his capable manager. He was a local batam chinese named Steven who helped him oversee the day to day hotel operations (info according to king massage lady) :p

Therefore if this manager willing to work for the new hotel operator, Formosa 2 may function very closely like Formosa 1.:D

retirebatam

14-10-2022, 02:53 AM

Kind of reminds me i have been visiting Batam over the last nearly 10 years & been debating over the saving of 10k to 20k rupiah since then with bro Blackpage on Taxi fare at Harbour Bay to hotel,hehehe...how time flies.

The last time I came to Batam before covid was in January 2020. At that time, harbourbay ferry terminal taxi service actually came out with a promotion for tourist or local that the taxi fare to anywhere within Nagoya is charged a flat rate of 30,000 rupiah. Probably this is to compete with other transport operator.

However this trip I noticed there was no such promotion anymore.

In order to avoid kena charged extra, try to walk out to bank BCA or morning bakery area to catch an angkot van at 3000 rupiah to nagoya hill. While walking past harbourbay mall, notice that the bridge that link the ferry terminal to the mall has been removed. Harbourbay Mall was reduced to skeleton meaning that the walls and beams of the building removed except the structure and the foundation remains. Probably the architect going to re-design the New Harbourbay Mall.

After a 10mins walk and upon reaching morning bakery, waited the angkot van for 15 mins but to no avail, then decided to walk all the way to nagoya hill mall. Along the way, noticed that KAHA hotel booking office near the mosque is no longer there anymore, probably nowadays most hotel guest prefer to use agoda or traveloka app to book instead of taking the trouble to go KAHA.

Technology advancement and digitalisation has changed our way of life more or less liao ..

GRABCAR vs TAXI in Batam

After checking into Batam City Hotel, on the next day, I decided to go to Hotel golden gate to try the 90 min sexy massage with handjob at 285k. The taxi driver nearby BCH quoted like 60k to DC mall, but I think it is overpriced.
Therefore take out my phone and click the grab app. I have only taken grab once in my lifetime in Johor Bahru although grab has been around for many years already.

To my shocking surprise, the Grab transport fee from Batam City Hotel to Diamond city mall is only 10,000 rupiah under GrabCar Hemat. Immediately book the grabcar and waited within 2 minutes, the grabcar arrived. Was greeted by the supir very courteous man. After about less than 10 mins, I reach my destination at DC mall, pay 10,000 rupiah and left a happy man..This was my first batam grabcar ride.

The second grabcar ride was from Batam City Hotel back to harbour bay ferry terminal, the fee was 18,000 rupiah. Again within 3 minutes, grabcar arrive and send me to ferry terminal within 15 minutes. The ride was comfortable and cheap. If normal taxi little little will also charge at least 80k.

I have also check other popular journey from Batam Centre Ferry Terminal to Nagoya Hill Mall which is only 34k nia for grabcar compare to the fix price taxi at Batam ferrty Terminal at about 80k or more.

Therefore IMHO below are the advantages of taking Grabcar over Taxi :

1) Grabcar fare is very much cheaper than taxi fare.

2) The waiting time for grabcar is shorter than on call taxi, maybe because there are too many batam grab driver therefore when there is a job, the driver will fast hand fast leg take up the assignment..:D

3) Peace of mind as we know how much we are paying by taking Grabcar. Most Grabcar drivers has good altitude and service as the job is their rice bowl.

On the other hand, some crook taxi drivers can scam passengers and may charge higher fee (所谓先小人后君子)

4) Grabcar fare are fixed regardless of traffic jam. Taxi meter keep jumping when there is traffic congestion.

5) Further saving for booking grabcar as there are promotions and discount. Taxi meter fare over the years only increase price never heard become cheaper.

In my opinion, I felt that Grabcar services is suitable to be use in less developed countries like indonesia and malaysia but not singapore.

The reasons are listed below:

1) Developed countries normally have a high cost of living and stronger currency end up the fare is super expensive.

Take for example, if I take grabcar from geylang to chinatown during peak period will cost about S$22.

But if I take grabcar in JB or Batam, the fare is only a small fraction of the grab car fare in singapore

2) Singapore has a good public transport system like MRT stations and many buses are able to access most part of singapore. Therefore there was no need to engage for grabcar services unless it is in a hurry.

On the other hand, JB and Batam do not have a very well connected public transport system and those ulu place where cannot take bus of taxi will need grabcar service.

I remembered once in JB at Taman Pelangi after massage waited for taxi for half an hour to go back to JB kastam but there was no taxi roaming around the vicinity.

Then I just use grabcar and within few mins arrived and reach kastam at only 5 ringgit (unbelievable cheap) :p

to be continued ..

nono1973

14-10-2022, 01:44 PM

2) The waiting time for grabcar is shorter than on call taxi, maybe because there are too many batam grab driver therefore when there is a job, the driver will fast hand fast leg take up the assignment..:D

Just some extra info, a small handful Taxis at Harbour Bay ferry terminal has taken up my ideas base on the "10k , 20k & 50k" theory,hehehe... :p

Told them, the floor got 10k rupiah, 20k rupiah & 50 rupiah, which of the 3 notes will you pick up?

Almost all of the them choose to pick all 3 notes.

Meaning to say, the taxis at Harbour Bay Ferry terminal (some of the them, not all) were taxi drivers & were also Grabcar app user, as well as Gojek & Maxim app user.

Told some taxi drivers there that most if not all tourist prefer familiar faces when it comes to holiday travelling. They can always provide good service now & then later give their number & name to the tourist/s they fetch & ask them to call them when taxi is needed at cheaper than "regular-cut-throat price".

In this case, both tourist & taxi drivers all winners.

I notice such changes in Batam when i takes taxis at Harbour Bay recently.

Also, i make it a point to NEVER to take taxis at the queuing sign outside KFC, hehehe.... anywhere but there.

While walking past harbourbay mall, notice that the bridge that link the ferry terminal to the mall has been removed. Harbourbay Mall was reduced to skeleton meaning that the walls and beams of the building removed except the structure and the foundation remains. Probably the architect going to re-design the New Harbourbay Mall.

I think in Singapore, once building were about to be torn down for some major work. No shops or business/es will be allowed to be operating inside its premises, hehehe... but i see Gogo Supermarket still in operation.

And i'm loving it...hehehe...as i bought most of my regular hotel-stay necessities there.

If there is anything i learned in Batam, that is do not believe what my eyes can see in Batam,hehehe...

Below is a building called Harbour Bay Mall. The whole building is left only with skeleton structure.

500325

If i tell there are shops STILL in business in this buidling, will you believe me?

500326

Photos were taken last month on the same day.

Another thing you may wish to take note in future if you pass by there, is that there is a Money Changer near to the Wey Wey Bridal shop there closer to the car gantry area almost opposite Gogo supermarket.

510569

They offered as good rate as the money changer opposite ex Formosa Hotel. ;)

100% better rate than any Harbour Bay ferry terminal money changer.

By the way, i came back to Singapore one day after you....hehehe.... :D

Hard82

14-10-2022, 06:37 PM

Hey Guys!

Sharing my experience with Delta Spa which i visited a few weeks ago. There are a few package and i took the one that helps to eliminate so called FATS in me. Cost me around 875k. It comes with, full body scrub and HJ. I did not touch her or anything.

What they do is they try to sell you food items and if you said you are not hungry, they will either keep quiet or they might say they are. So be prepared as the food items can be costly. I got charged another 870k just for the food. Lesson learnt!

I then frequent the area where they call the massage district. There's only one that is 24 hours. First time being there, paid for about 250k for VVIP. You can choose which girl you like from a photo album. Massage is good and HJ is extra. I paid like 300k for it. Exchanged numbers with her and then the second visit in her massage shop, get to do full service with no charge.

Thats all.

Hard82

14-10-2022, 06:40 PM

Hi!

I was wondering if i can do bar hop in Batam? Which area will that be?

darts69

15-10-2022, 12:43 AM

Hi!

I was wondering if i can do bar hop in Batam? Which area will that be?

Best area kampung bule

retirebatam

15-10-2022, 02:14 AM

I wasn't looking at hotel carpets, near shopping malls hotel nor good breakfast serving hotels.

1. So far i can't find a hotel that has 24 hours Room service restaurant.

2. So far i cannot find hotel in house massage with special service that closes at 1am (last order 12am tho).

I miss formosa hotel carpet which gives a cosy home feel, though it is not a must have but it is enjoyable to have...hehe :p

Hotel that provide 24 hour room service can still be found but for 24 hours dining in the restaurant like formosa maybe hard to find.

Hotel in house massage with special service with last order at 11pm still exist in Batam City Hotel.

As for hotel golden gate in-house massage, last order should be at 10pm.:)

My suggestion/s, be open to 2 star hotels, especially those new ones. Be open to 3 star hotels without carpeting, without close proximity to shopping malls, without good breakfast.

Even tho i would recommend my closer friend/s BCH & Gideon but i am surprise you didn't pick Hotel 89....hmm....

Is it because i didn't mention it here? :D

Joking...

This is a hotel that used to be recommend by Formosa managers & staffs when they were full. ;)

Thanks for your suggestions.

I always go for 3 star hotels, anyway those newer 2 star hotel still can be acceptable like Hana, Paragon, City Central, De Best because most if not all Batam hotels were unlike spore hotels, there was very little or no maintenance let alone waiting for a refurbishment.

After 10 years, hotel building became run down with defects end up affecting the mood to enjoy the stay.:)

I did not pick hotel 89 because of its location which is more towards the main road.

To me, convenience is one important factor to consider in the choice of selecting a hotel. Near to mall is important to me because I can save traveling time and in the event nature suddenly call, I can rush back to do my big business:D sorry not comfortable to use the public toilet unless it is clean.

Another factor is near to source of food like kopitiam or food court so that I can buy back to hotel at the earliest time before the food turn cold..

Without good breakfast is not so important, but if the breakfast is satisfactory or moderate, will have a sense that money paid for the hotel stay is really worth every penny. :D

retirebatam

15-10-2022, 02:57 AM

Another thing you may wish to take note in future if you pass by there, is that there is a Money Changer near to the Wey Wey Bridal shop there closer to the car gantry area almost opposite Gogo supermarket.

They offered as good rate as the money changer opposite ex Formosa Hotel. ;)

100% better rate than any Harbour Bay ferry terminal money changer.

By the way, i came back to Singapore one day after you....hehehe.... :D

Thanks for the lobang.

On my arrival day at Batam, the XE rate was 10650 rupiah.
Formosa opposite money changer rate was not that good at 10500 on that day maybe because formosa no more so their customer reduced therefore no more promotion liao
Harbourbay ferry terminal offer 10450
BCS mall offer 10450
Nagoya hill 10500

Finally i managed to change my sing dollar S$300 at the money changer at the Orange building behind city central hotel at the best rate of 10620 rupiah. :p

This orange building is opposite Nagoya Plasa Hotel and houses 5 money changers. The unique thing is that the 5 money changer signboard are all different colours: starting from most right side :
Yellow, Blue, Orange White and Red. Their rate is good due to competition.

(i change at the 3rd money changer which was the orange signboard):)

What a coincidence we were at batam at the same period but at different triangle location :D

Hard82

15-10-2022, 09:41 AM

Thanks man!

nono1973

15-10-2022, 12:42 PM

1)At batam center ferry terminal , can i buy return ticket from Harbour bay ferry terminal to Harbour Front ? How much it cost for 1 way ? (intend to buy 1 way to batam and 1 way back to SG from batam maybe cheaper?)

Buying 1 way to Batam & later buy another 1 way back to Singapore will be a bit more expensive.

2) For LT joint what time they start operating or best time to pickup cewek(11 to 12pm)?

11am onward will be fine.

3rd question i don't know the answer.

nono1973

15-10-2022, 12:44 PM

I’m just going to assume that the money I got scam used for sexual service in sg 🤣🤣.

So long the mistakes made is not repeated again, it is worth making one.

Should have told them no deal when they ask for transfer before the deed.

Sg government & public ad has constantly remind people about online scams yet every year more & more people were scammed.

People has the tendency to be overly confident.

That kind of mentality that, "I'll never be the one a million who would get scammed".

.... just be more vigilant next time, not just in batam, and not just when engaging FL service, any other service also don't transfer money in advance, everything also opt for COD.

Reminders of such has been posted in SBF countless times too, yet we continue to see more got scammed each year.

I put myself in their shoe & would count myself lucky that i did not kena 仙人跳，where the girl from twitter, wechat or other mobile chat apps comes into my room & put some ecstasy pills under my room pillow, 5 - 10 mins later someone knock on my room door & they were the police. Ta da...

My entire trip would have been wasted if such happens.

Not that such cases has never happen before in Batam. ;)

I usually don't recommend those who are new to Batam to seek girls via wechat apps or its such. Its like asking an office boy to go to a mountain to try to hunt a tiger.

....one of the golden rules to follow while chionging is to never give a deposit/money to anyone or any online source (esp with no credible reviews or track record) before the deed. Similar to those courier sms scam whereby scammer asks you to pay a fee to release your parcel but you are not expecting any courier shipment at all. Oh well, treat this as a lesson learnt.

Well-said.

nono1973

15-10-2022, 12:45 PM

I miss formosa hotel carpet which gives a cosy home feel, though it is not a must have but it is enjoyable to have...hehe

True, true...the carpert thingy did gives a homey feel, & also the higher-class feel too,hehehe... but not a must-have.

May need to compromise a bit.

Hotel that provide 24 hour room service can still be found...

Where? Which hotel?

Hotels which has 24 hour room service (for food to be send up to my room) usually has a restaurant that serves food in the premises itself.

....but for 24 hours dining in the restaurant like formosa maybe hard to find.

Agreed.

Remember Tea Story in Formosa used to be 24 hours too but they later changed to operating until 3am. And it was usually crowded when nightfall as late as midnight.

Hotel in house massage with special service with last order at 11pm still exist in Batam City Hotel.

As for hotel golden gate in-house massage, last order should be at 10pm.

Now, this is good information for me to keep in record.

Gideon also has MP that closes around 11pm too. Likewise for Hotel 89.

All of the above mentioned hotels (on in-room massage) by both you & me has one thing in common, not cheap. Minimum at least 200k upward. Only Gideon was below 200k rupiah tho but i don't know if it changes after Indonesia Batam reopens.

I always go for 3 star hotels, anyway those newer 2 star hotel still can be acceptable like Hana, Paragon, City Central, De Best because most if not all Batam hotels were unlike spore hotels, there was very little or no maintenance let alone waiting for a refurbishment.

After 10 years, hotel building became run down with defects end up affecting the mood to enjoy the stay.

If you are looking to explore new 2 star hotels, i have some on my list.

Namii hotel. No in house KTV, restaurant nor MP. But food court is just downstairs, & can order massage service from their MP at Harbour Bay. Remember Namii MP? You would have pass by there if you walked to Morning Bakery. Note this hotel got no elevator, so if you want to try, ask for 2nd floor room,hehehe... (see, there's no all-good & no-bad hotel in Batam at all)

Next is Batam1 hotel ,almost directly behind Formosa Hotel. Little was known about this hotel as it is new. And it has a MP/Spa in it too (called Leban Spa or something). This is my next target to explore tho.

Nearby proximity i guess no need to say much on Batam1 hotel,hehehe...it is near Nagoya Spa, near Linda's. 1 min walk to ex Formosa Hotel etc etc. It's like a Formosa number 2 in terms of location.

I did not pick hotel 89 because of its location which is more towards the main road.

Why i share this hotel with you is because they have free shuttle service to almost all major malls in Batam,hehehe...thats already FREE RIDES!

They have in house massage, in-house Spa (hot pool, sauna etc) & about less than 10 mins walk to BCS which the distance from Formosa to Nagoya Hill Mall. Breakfast also above average.

Only few set back is, their shuttle service do not reach DC mall. And they drop you off, & don't pick you back up, hehehe... :D

Note, free shuttle service is a good option to travel in Batam too.

Another factor is near to source of food like kopitiam or food court so that I can buy back to hotel at the earliest time before the food turn cold..

As mentioned before, food not really a major factor for me hence most time, i forgo that part.

Without good breakfast is not so important, but if the breakfast is satisfactory or moderate, will have a sense that money paid for the hotel stay is really worth every penny. :D

Because i takes only porridge for breakfast, well... not going to repeat about my unimportant food factor,hehehe... why porridge only is because i have been taking tons of fried, grill BBQ food during lunch, dinner & sometime even supper, hence porridge breakfast is relatively important to me in Batam.

nono1973

15-10-2022, 12:50 PM

Thanks for the lobang.

That money changer i mentioned at Harbour Bay gives a 10550/SGD on 09/10.

Grand Batam Mall basement was 10600/SGD on 10/10

Formosa Hotel opp was at 10550/SGD on 11/10

Finally i managed to change my sing dollar S$300 at the money changer at the Orange building behind city central hotel at the best rate of 10620 rupiah. :p

This orange building is opposite Nagoya Plasa Hotel and houses 5 money changers. The unique thing is that the 5 money changer signboard are all different colours: starting from most right side :
Yellow, Blue, Orange White and Red. Their rate is good due to competition.

(i change at the 3rd money changer which was the orange signboard)

Another piece of good info above which i will keep in record.

Thank you.

When there is competition, rates usually better. Likewise for Massage, Spa, overnight girl bookings & all other activities in Batam too. ;)

What a coincidence we were at batam at the same period but at different triangle location :D

Was busy throughout my trip.

Actually i kind of like "at work" on 10/10,hehehe...a major shopping event online.

My 1st day (09/10) of my trip sucks big time. Got stalked by a gojek after rejecting him no less 10 times when he say he wants to help me find girls, which i later scolded him as he stalked me throughout Utama for almost an hour.

Hehehe...told him with sign language & a bit of Malay words, pointing my fingers at him & stroking my finger in my face, telling him, "you make batam Malu". Then i took a taxi back to my hotel "empty handed" for that night,hehehe...

See, i also have my failure too.

Not every Batam trip i have good luck. :p

Next day was better, next next day even better,hehehe....next next next day BEST which was the day you go back Singapore. Another one more day later, i am back to Singapore.

After a good hot stone massage followed by a good bonk in the early wake up morning hour, this is something good to have.

I stayed for 5D4N on this trip (burned lots of calories in this trip compared to my last one).

Lesson i learned on my Oct 2022 Batam trip. Need to keep my cool in Batam (i bring along my stress in Singapore to Batam on day 1, thats not good). Or it's going to spoil my mood for that day (require a bit of mood tuning). Day 1 mood down ok but never allow bad mood to affect the next day & the days after. ;)

Just sharing.

Don28

15-10-2022, 07:13 PM

Buying 1 way to Batam & later buy another 1 way back to Singapore will be a bit more expensive.

11am onward will be fine.

3rd question i don't know the answer.

Thanks for your kind advice , Guru. upped :)

flex0rnaut

15-10-2022, 07:55 PM

Thanks for the lobang.

On my arrival day at Batam, the XE rate was 10650 rupiah.
Formosa opposite money changer rate was not that good at 10500 on that day maybe because formosa no more so their customer reduced therefore no more promotion liao
Harbourbay ferry terminal offer 10450
BCS mall offer 10450

Do you have any FRs for the area around BCS? Would be greatly appreciated as I only patronise the BCC Hotel for my days in Batam.

Daesaster

17-10-2022, 11:04 AM

Finally fully rested from my 3 day 2 night stay from 13/10 - 15/10.

Stayed in Da Vienna, Junior Suite, about 80 sgd per day.
Not that worth it but it was spacious had a tub that can fit 2 people(my main reason). It was a little run down but i was okay with it. Breakfast was decent.

Was very lucky with Tinder. I met 2 girls who overnight with me. It was easy because i can speak bahasa. And i started swiping 1 week before my travel and filtered the girls I wanted.

Thing about girls from Tinder I feel, they always expect pocket money the next morning(so dont be an a$$ and abused them) I gave first girl about 800k and 2nd girl 1jt. Both were beautiful and vetted them on their Instagram before meeting them. First was 20 and second was 22. Both very gfe and accommodate all of my desires.

On this trip, I went to Hallo Kitty, Octopuss and Venew.

HK, 8/10
Price - 800k-ish all in.
Service - Good - you can call all the girls down to look if you cant see the pictures clearly

Octopuss, 6/10
Price-1.2m - I picked platinium
Service - Dropped. I used to come here before but the girl i was with very mechanical. No gfe.

Venew, 9/10
Price- 400k ish - Nuru Massage
Service - Good, very clean place and quiet area, best selection of girls IMO.
This is not a B2B nuru massage but it was fun as the girl i had was very chatty and giggling always.

My ratings are mostly based on the Girl's performance so your experience might differ in some places. But i am never going back to Octopuss lol. The quality of girls seems to have dropped.

Will plan another trip in November. :D :D :D Havent managed to book a girl from Joint yet. And try a cheaper hotel.

10003508

17-10-2022, 06:46 PM

Went to Delta yesterday. 900k two hours massage, 1 shot handjob. Must nego with lady foe more. Very expensive, will not rtf.

lincoln3010

17-10-2022, 07:28 PM

To NoNo
I have stayed at Batam1 Hotel on Oct 2022.
Really good hotel
Has buggy service
Room has windows
My room was beside the spa same level.
Too bad couldn't try cos was already with a girl.
She teased me maybe if I go the spa can get happy ending...I laughed shyly

Heil Hitler

17-10-2022, 07:31 PM

Bro retirebatam - you tried the in house massage at Golden Gate Hotel…what is the age range of the ladies? Are they open to full service in the room?

airman

17-10-2022, 08:55 PM

Went to Delta yesterday. 900k two hours massage, 1 shot handjob. Must nego with lady foe more. Very expensive, will not rtf.

What was that "more" and did you get it?

nitecrawllerr

17-10-2022, 09:01 PM

My 1st day (09/10) of my trip sucks big time. Got stalked by a gojek after rejecting him no less 10 times when he say he wants to help me find girls, which i later scolded him as he stalked me throughout Utama.

Thats wat i used to experience during precovid. The taxi i took fm harbourbay terminal to my regular hotel Swiss Inn. Kept pestering to get girls fm him even though i told him i already had one. Very irritating. Nowadays just bok Grab. So far so good. No such annoyance.

Laki

18-10-2022, 10:54 AM

Nice information to read here before heading to batam

Laki

18-10-2022, 10:57 AM

Any one know of any place in batam have lady do IPL and waxing service for man to share? Best if have other service too.

Laki

18-10-2022, 10:57 AM

Any saloon with indo chinese to share?

nono1973

18-10-2022, 12:52 PM

Thanks for your kind advice

Simple question/s, simple reply.

I am also learning as i move on in Batam.

We are all here learning from each other.

Stayed in Da Vienna, Junior Suite, about 80 sgd per day.
Not that worth it but it was spacious had a tub that can fit 2 people(my main reason). It was a little run down but i was okay with it. Breakfast was decent.

Wow! Didn't know the price for Da Vienna Junior Suite price went up that high now, i used to stayed there at around S$50. It's been a long time since i am there tho, also didn't know the room has become "run-down"-ed & breakfast standard dropped to only "decent" standard.

Lots of Singaporeans stayed in that hotel. Maybe thats the reason/s for the higher price, run-down & drop in standard.

Venew, 9/10
Price- 400k ish - Nuru Massage
Service - Good, very clean place and quiet area, best selection of girls IMO.
This is not a B2B nuru massage but it was fun as the girl i had was very chatty and giggling always.

Many girls has been dug away to this Spa, hehehe... :D

My ratings are mostly based on the Girl's performance so your experience might differ in some places. But i am never going back to Octopuss lol. The quality of girls seems to have dropped.

Sometime luck plays a very important role in Batam, hehehe...

Good sharing & i thank you for that.

Hope & wish you have an even better trip next month.

Went to Delta yesterday. 900k two hours massage, 1 shot handjob. Must nego with lady foe more. Very expensive, will not rtf.

A very long time ago, Delta has this "take 3 packages" & get a free HJ deal,hehehe....i didn't take that up, i took up the cheaper 2 packages & negotiate with the girl/s for HJ instead.

My small suggestion, in future if you wish to take any form of packages or go to any spa or MP that offers package deal, try taking the lowest available one they offered & try to negotiate the rest of the service with the girls. Taking the highest package do not equate best service or no need to negotiate. :p

I, who do not speak Indo Bahasa can negotiate (ignorantly with the girls), i am sure many who were similar as me or those who knew their language would be able to do much better. There is something called, "google translate".

In a saloon where there are people all around me & their customers (& other salon girls) just no more than 2 meter away from me, i feel it is good that i didn't know their language & uses google translate instead. My conversation with the girl who cut/wash my hair is "blocked away" from the passerby. :D

Just sharing.

My room was beside the spa same level.
Too bad couldn't try cos was already with a girl.
She teased me maybe if I go the spa can get happy ending...I laughed shyly

Hehehe...i was drooling all over my keyboard while read this above part of your post.

You do not know what you are missing out there. If i am in your shoe i will surely try that spa. And i will bring the girl which i already have into the spa to do massage TOGETHER & hopeful in the same room too. This type of extra cost/damage, i am willing to fork out (likely another about 1 juta more for you & her).

Just to try if i would get happy ending. And a happy ending in the presence of the girl i brought in can be a lot of fun now & later.

1. The massage lady won't ask for too much for happy ending since you already have a girl.

2. Your girl's expression would be fun to see,hehehe...

3. Who knows, you may end up with 2 or more girls serving you at one time. :D

Above were the Spa in-same-room scenario.

Below were message your action may bring to your girl.

1. The happy ending brings this "man" (which is you) 100% satisfaction. Or the other way around 0% satisfaction.

2. The girl you brought in will work on how to make you happier from those experience.

Side note : The massage lady who massage you also learning too,hehehe...

Later back in the room, who knows your girl/s may "cosplay" the massage action with you too. :rolleyes:

Like that at least you have a topic to talk about with your girl/s too.

Above all stated were based on what i have experienced before in Batam, hehehe... human nature usually like to compete against one another, especially so among young girls. ;)

What i tried before was to have the massage ladies come to my room. I used the word massage "ladies" & not "lady" because 2 massage ladies arrived, one for my girl in my room, another for myself. End day, i got one happy ending by the 2 massage ladies. And on other days, i got 3 ladies to serve me like a King.

There so many possibilities & many unexpected good surprises. Above mentioned were only a few (& i haven't even go into details yet, hehehe...).

Just sharing a little bit of my experiences since you shared something on what i have often been doing in Batam. :cool:

nono1973

18-10-2022, 01:45 PM

Above all stated were based on what i have experienced before in Batam, hehehe... human nature usually like to compete against one another, especially so among young girls. ;)

Just an add-on :

Whether you cum or not & how well you cum. Plus the amount of time you took to cum would suddenly becomes their priority as they become a challenge among the girls too.

(same guy but different girls why A girl makes you cum in 10 mins & why B girl took more than half hour?)

My experience.

Thats wat i used to experience during precovid. The taxi i took fm harbourbay terminal to my regular hotel Swiss Inn. Kept pestering to get girls fm him even though i told him i already had one. Very irritating.

Transportation in Batam has often been one of my weakest link.

I don't have those Grab/Maxim/Gojek apps.

I don't use wechat,whatsapp or the likes of it.

I don't speak Indo Bahasa.

I devised my own imperfect solution/s by choosing hotels i stayed in that DO NOT have taxis outside waiting for customers and/or with shuttle service.

Hotel without taxi outside will often help guest to book taxis via Grab/Maxim/Gojek apps. They will have their own in-house taxi too, & not those "gangster taxi" outside ferry terminal.

Much often, hotel/s will pick me up from ferry terminal & send me to their place too, hehehe... so all i need is to walk out of Arrival Hall in the ferry terminal, i will see taxi driver holding a signboard with my name on it to come pick me up. :D

My method/s here a bit risky hence i also don't recommend much to others.
(risky cos choice of hotels become limited & sometime a bit highly priced)

wanfulou

18-10-2022, 03:05 PM

Transportation in Batam has often been one of my weakest link.

I don't have those Grab/Maxim/Gojek apps.

But why though?

flex0rnaut

18-10-2022, 04:41 PM

Was very lucky with Tinder. I met 2 girls who overnight with me. It was easy because i can speak bahasa. And i started swiping 1 week before my travel and filtered the girls I wanted.

Thing about girls from Tinder I feel, they always expect pocket money the next morning(so dont be an a$$ and abused them) I gave first girl about 800k and 2nd girl 1jt. Both were beautiful and vetted them on their Instagram before meeting them. First was 20 and second was 22. Both very gfe and accommodate all of my desires.

Amazing bro. How the hell do you get them on Tinder? Even on my fake GPS app, my tinder is filled with those influencer/fake profiles from SG and barely see any Batam girls...

lincoln3010

18-10-2022, 05:52 PM

Any one know of any place in batam have lady do IPL and waxing service for man to share? Best if have other service too.

Try spacentral batam

Heil Hitler

18-10-2022, 11:41 PM

511931

Anybody tried before?

retirebatam

19-10-2022, 01:10 AM

Where? Which hotel?

Hotels which has 24 hour room service (for food to be send up to my room) usually has a restaurant that serves food in the premises itself.

Agreed.

Remember Tea Story in Formosa used to be 24 hours too but they later changed to operating until 3am. And it was usually crowded when nightfall as late as midnight.

Previously da vienna hotel is able to order food to room service close to midnight but not sure whether it is open 24 hours.

This hotel land space is quite small so it is built to high floor. It is the first boutique hotel in batam and heresay that the boss was from Padang sumatra. No wonder their design and renovation look like minangkabau architecture.

One of famous Batam Padang food is Restoran Sederhana opposite da vienna hotel, more than 20 plates will be served on the table for you to choose. Customer will only pay for those dish that the food was consumed

Gideon also has MP that closes around 11pm too. Likewise for Hotel 89.

All of the above mentioned hotels (on in-room massage) by both you & me has one thing in common, not cheap. Minimum at least 200k upward. Only Gideon was below 200k rupiah tho but i don't know if it changes after Indonesia Batam reopens.

I went to Gideon hotel martha tilaar spa on sunday 9 October but was closed. Not sure whether is it temporary closed ?

Ya nowadays hotel in-room massage is no more cheap like 100+k per hour where last time used to be.

If outcall massage service lagi more expensive. Absolute massage beside Batam City Hotel charged 290k for 1.5 hour for outcall to hotel.

If you are looking to explore new 2 star hotels, i have some on my list.

Namii hotel. No in house KTV, restaurant nor MP. But food court is just downstairs, & can order massage service from their MP at Harbour Bay. Remember Namii MP? You would have pass by there if you walked to Morning Bakery. Note this hotel got no elevator, so if you want to try, ask for 2nd floor room,hehehe... (see, there's no all-good & no-bad hotel in Batam at all)

Next is Batam1 hotel ,almost directly behind Formosa Hotel. Little was known about this hotel as it is new. And it has a MP/Spa in it too (called Leban Spa or something). This is my next target to explore tho.

Nearby proximity i guess no need to say much on Batam1 hotel,hehehe...it is near Nagoya Spa, near Linda's. 1 min walk to ex Formosa Hotel etc etc. It's like a Formosa number 2 in terms of location.

Seems like Batam1 hotel location is superb since it is near Formosa. As advertised online, their spa now have 30% discount for their traditional massage which is discounted from 220k to 154k for 60 min. At tower B 3rd floor.

Whatapp number +62 821 66826000 for booking (last call at 9pm)

Nowadays, many hotels and massage place beside having telephone number, they also have whatapps number for customer to contact/booking.

Like hotel golden gate massage spa lagi more creativity, not only can book massage using whatapps, their massage cewek photos were also uploaded into the whatapps profile for customer to view. Other spa like halo kitty, Venew spa, absolute massage, etc all can be booked by whatapps too.

Another 2 star hotel looks not bad is Nagoya One hotel near lailai hotel, golden bird booking joint and sundanese food ibu joko. But the location a bit isolated and does not house a massage shop in the hotel. :)

retirebatam

19-10-2022, 02:16 AM

Transportation in Batam has often been one of my weakest link.

I don't have those Grab/Maxim/Gojek apps.

I don't use wechat,whatsapp or the likes of it.

I don't speak Indo Bahasa.

I devised my own imperfect solution/s by choosing hotels i stayed in that DO NOT have taxis outside waiting for customers and/or with shuttle service.

Hotel without taxi outside will often help guest to book taxis via Grab/Maxim/Gojek apps. They will have their own in-house taxi too, & not those "gangster taxi" outside ferry terminal.

Much often, hotel/s will pick me up from ferry terminal & send me to their place too, hehehe... so all i need is to walk out of Arrival Hall in the ferry terminal, i will see taxi driver holding a signboard with my name on it to come pick me up. :D

My method/s here a bit risky hence i also don't recommend much to others.
(risky cos choice of hotels become limited & sometime a bit highly priced)

Getting free transport from hotel really is value for money and have an exclusive vip feel. No need worry about transport to anywhere as it is well taken care by the hotel.

But for my situation, I am a bit thrifty type, so maybe will not be willing to bear the extra cost charge by hotel for transport or any other services. Unless hotel transport provided free, like the ex-formosa, if not then will not use hotel transport.

Last time, whenever i reach harbourbay terminal, I will only take the 30k taxi to anywhere in nagoya. But since the promotion ended during covid time, I will not take those harbourbay taxi because I know they will charged at least 60k and above for a short trip to nagoya area.

Another solution to avoid those "gangster taxi" is to order Grabcar where the pick up point is away from harbourbay ferry terminal. Some location like GGI Hotel, morning bakery, etc :p

Now that I have experience the use of GrabCar in Batam was so efficient, fast, cheap, flexible and comfortable, I could not find a reason to take taxi anymore.

For short distance in Batam i will walk and for longer distance or in a hurry, GrabCar Hemat is the best choice. :D

Grab fare from Batam City Square to DC mall is 10k (cheaper than Grab bike at 11k)

Grab fare from Batam City Square to Harbourbay Ferry Terminal is 18k

Grab fare from Batam City Square to Nagoya Hill Mall is 12k

Grab fare from Batam City Square to Batam Centre Ferry Terminal is 29k

Grab fare from Batam City Square to Batam Airport is 76k

Previously, I ever walked from DC mall all the way to Batam City Hotel by cutting through those residential estate. exploring the lifestyle of Batam residents. It can be considered a form of exercise and save transport fee too.:)

Laki

19-10-2022, 05:46 PM

Try spacentral batam

Thanks will goggle this place.

lincoln3010

19-10-2022, 06:22 PM

I think this long weekend batam will be very crowded
The hotels online are 3 times more than the usual price
Please plan safely guys

nitecrawllerr

19-10-2022, 09:06 PM

The hotels online are 3 times more than the usual price

True. I tried Holiday Planet. Quoted S$200++:eek:

retirebatam

19-10-2022, 10:13 PM

Hallo sbf bros,
Wanna share fr
Yesterday just go to hallo kitty massage (near dcmall area)
The place already renovated and many wp inside
Damage 870k + 100k tips
Massage : 7
BJ : 8.5
FJ : 8
Ro : yes
I choose new comer recommendations from cashier (also can request call all wp come down)
there also have pick up driver to hallo kitty massage(need book by wa)
Thats all my fr, thanks you

The old hallo kitty massage shop pre-covid has been refurbished and changed name to Hallo Kitty Spa & Massage. ;)

Nowadays massage shop like to add the word spa to the massage shop to sound more atas. The price of massage had also been revised and there are basically 4 types of package:

Type 1 - Massage with handjob in normal room 270k

Type 2 - Massage with handjob in VIP room with shower at 300k

Type 3 - Full sex package in normal room 550k

Type 4 - Full sex package in VIP room with shower at 600k

(I could not remember the duration for the above 4 packages, can anyone advise thanks) I went there but did not try the package as I had just finished my massage session at new home spa at golden gate hotel. :D

As you entered into the shop, you will be shown a mobile phone for the photos of the massage cewek.

Alternatively, if you are not there yet and wish to book for a later appointment time, you may book the cewek through whatsapp or mobile number.

In my opinion, cewek number 17, 77 & 100 look quite nice. :)

Remember last time those massage shop dear DC mall area were mostly quite run down. Even their super VVIP room also so-so 不过如此. The standard cannot compare to venew spa, delta spa or octopus

But nowadays, as inflation hit the world, many of the massage operator also take this opportunity to so-call upgrade their massage room to a higher standard so that they got reason to charge higher massage package fee.

As the old saying says "Wool Comes from the Sheep’s Back" 羊毛出在羊身上. Whatever nice thing we enjoy extra had been paid in the price, nothing comes for free... hehe:p

retirebatam

19-10-2022, 10:52 PM

I think this long weekend batam will be very crowded
The hotels online are 3 times more than the usual price
Please plan safely guys

For me, I will never go Batam again during public holiday season, weekend was still acceptable. Few years ago, ever went to Batam during new year eve period and the crowd was almost everywhere, malls, massage place, etc

Not only that, makan at restaurant also got to wait damn long. :eek:

Another disappointment was that massage cewek were fully booked, this was the nightmare that i had experienced before.:p

Ya another important thing is that in general never book hotel in the last minute, especially eve of public holiday. Rugi double or triple. :eek:

Booking hotel in advance using hotel booking platform like agoda and traveloka gave us the advantage of booking hotel room at super cheap promotion price.:)

Promotion period could be also during bank card promotion for example previously I booked a room using my debit mastercard which offers 18% off the price.

Book in advance few months is okay as generally those rooms with free cancellation that I have booked, can be cancelled should I last minute not able to make it. :D

nono1973

20-10-2022, 12:41 AM

But why though?

Didn't like the idea of having too many apps on my phone.

I am more of a computer user, not so much a mobile apps user.

A phone to me, is mainly for making calls or messaging (google translate in Batam too,hehehe...).

I often ask my friends using mobile apps on their phone, how many phone user today has anti-virus software, anti-spyware, anti-whatever-ware & etc install in them?

I see practically none, and thats including myself.

(i can easily crack a a friend's mobile phone log-in with finger print security with just a empty coco cola can, a lighter & a roll of adhesive tape)

Therefore i chose not to have too many personal stuffs on my phone.

Previously da vienna hotel is able to order food to room service close to midnight but not sure whether it is open 24 hours.

Mainly a few 4 star hotels has 24 hour restaurants & room service in Batam.

One of them is Harmoni group of hotels (eg, Harmony Suite)... ;)

Da Vienna doesn't. And their restaurant food very expensive. Not at Singapore Zhi Char stall pricing type.

nono1973

20-10-2022, 12:42 AM

I went to Gideon hotel martha tilaar spa on sunday 9 October but was closed. Not sure whether is it temporary closed ?

Hehehe...bro, you went to wrong side. Not talking about outside the hotel, it's inside the hotel where the in-house massage is.

They have an in house massage with sauna & steam room too.

The last i was there, it went under renovation as Aston just took over. That was before covid time tho. It used to be call Just Me, now i don't know, hehehe...

Seems like Batam1 hotel location is superb since it is near Formosa. As advertised online, their spa now have 30% discount for their traditional massage which is discounted from 220k to 154k for 60 min. At tower B 3rd floor.

Room price also not expensive.

Around S$35 can get fairly good room.

Now that this place is being mentioned here, i am unlikely to be heading there anytime soon,hehehe...in fact i don't visit most places mentioned in this thread. However, i will still keep them on my listings tho. Might just ask some friends to test water 1st, hehehe...

Nowaday, being CLEAR of what i am looking for in Batam, most of the places mentioned in this thread doesn't seems to fit in to me. Perhaps i am aging...hehehe...cannot keep up with new blood anymore. :p

Another 2 star hotel looks not bad is Nagoya One hotel near lailai hotel, golden bird booking joint and sundanese food ibu joko. But the location a bit isolated and does not house a massage shop in the hotel.

Lai Lai is not bad, but i think its closed down (i think only, i could be wrong). Gold Bird also no more too (confirmed). I still like that area tho. Because...hmm...nevermind... :p

Getting free transport from hotel really is value for money and have an exclusive vip feel. No need worry about transport to anywhere as it is well taken care by the hotel.

But for my situation, I am a bit thrifty type, so maybe will not be willing to bear the extra cost charge by hotel for transport or any other services. Unless hotel transport provided free, like the ex-formosa, if not then will not use hotel transport.

Perhaps over my time in Batam, i have often got free transport from Hotels, including Formosa. Otherwise i am reliant on hotel staffs to help me book Grab/Maxim/Gojek cab.

While i may not have those mentioned apps on my phone, my friends who are with me has it. Otherwise my girls has them too. Nonetheless, i am also not against the idea of paying 50k rupiah to shopping mall/ hotel taxis to come back to hotel (on rare case only).

Example, i take a taxi from my hotel to Mall around Nagoya/BCS area when hotel staffs booked for me. Cost 14k plus minus. I pay 20k even if i have small change. Comes back to hotel, i pay 50k rupiah. Total cost 70k divide by 2 way = 35k per trip.

I'm still fine with that.

2 trips ago, i took a Blue Bird taxi back to hotel at 20k rupiah,hehehe...from Grand Batam Mall. Hence it also quite rare that i need to pay 50k rupiah for taxis nowaday.

https://sbf.net.nz/showpost.php?p=21668282&postcount=17611

Last time, whenever i reach harbourbay terminal, I will only take the 30k taxi to anywhere in nagoya. But since the promotion ended during covid time, I will not take those harbourbay taxi because I know they will charged at least 60k and above for a short trip to nagoya area.

There are actually still 30k rupiah taxi at Harbour Bay ferry terminal but you need to walk to old Arrival Hall area where the old Horizon ferry office is situated. That side usually still got 1 or 2 taxi waiting there & if you ask them, they will quote you 50k rupiah but you can bargain for 30k rupiah (depend on bargaining skill tho).

Have often been debating with bro Blackpage on this over the last 9 odd years regarding trying to save the 10k to 20k rupiah on taxi. I think back today,...i would have done what he has done if i am in his position too. By not bargaining (if you see how big size & heavy his luggage is).

Now that I have experience the use of GrabCar in Batam was so efficient, fast, cheap, flexible and comfortable, I could not find a reason to take taxi anymore.

Great!

It is becos i do not have those apps, thats probably why i am still constantly seeking the best (& cheapest) method to move around Batam on taxi. Yep, even after more than 9 years later, hehehe...because i needed to.

For short distance in Batam i will walk ....

Same for me too.

Grab fare from Batam City Square to DC mall is 10k (cheaper than Grab bike at 11k)

Grab fare from Batam City Square to Harbourbay Ferry Terminal is 18k

Grab fare from Batam City Square to Nagoya Hill Mall is 12k

Grab fare from Batam City Square to Batam Centre Ferry Terminal is 29k

Grab fare from Batam City Square to Batam Airport is 76k

I remember 2 trips ago i used a Maxim taxi, made that driver bring me from Harbour Bay to around Holiday hotel (change money), then to around Da Vienna Hotel (Pharmacy), then to around Paragon Hotel (to fetch a girl), then finally reach BCS mall. He got worried that i would just pay him only 14k rupiah (stated on the apps),hehehe...but at the end of my trip, i paid him 50k rupiah & he is happy with it.

Previously, I ever walked from DC mall all the way to Batam City Hotel by cutting through those residential estate. exploring the lifestyle of Batam residents. It can be considered a form of exercise and save transport fee too.:)

Walking is good. I see more when i walk around Batam. But the taxi pestering is not good.

I walked from Harbour Bay to Formosa countless times,hehehe...talk about time, 1 hour in Batam doing nothing cost S$5 nowaday,hehehe... (joking).

For me, I will never go Batam again during public holiday season, weekend was still acceptable. Few years ago, ever went to Batam during new year eve period and the crowd was almost everywhere, malls, massage place, etc

Made a mistake going to Batam on the last Sept school holiday, chose the wrong date to come back (back on the last day of school holiday) end up all 4 of us got hit with covid on the ferry.

I knew i got it from Horizon ferry while heading back to Singapore because we all did a negative ART test a day before & on the following morning before i head to board ferry during late noon.

More than half the ferry is coughing, around 75% of the people in the ferry not masking up. Ferry is full, including Business class. A really bad move made on Sept 2022's trip.

Other than CNY, for other peak time like public holiday's long weekend or school holiday peak. I would choose not to go to Batam (even if someone pays for my trip).

I made a mistake, i try to make sure i won't repeat them again.

Another disappointment was that massage cewek were fully booked, this was the nightmare that i had experienced before.:p

I will be competing with Indians from India & Bangladeshi Bangladesh (mostly foreign workers from Singapore). But i learned to book girls in advance tho (if i need to be there), hehehe... :D

Another point, i usually get lousier service because most girls will be overworked (& tired). They didn't like those red dates in Singapore & Malaysia either (hearsay from them).

retirebatam

20-10-2022, 01:01 AM

Why i share this hotel with you is because they have free shuttle service to almost all major malls in Batam,hehehe...thats already FREE RIDES!

They have in house massage, in-house Spa (hot pool, sauna etc) & about less than 10 mins walk to BCS which the distance from Formosa to Nagoya Hill Mall. Breakfast also above average.

Only few set back is, their shuttle service do not reach DC mall. And they drop you off, & don't pick you back up, hehehe... :D

Note, free shuttle service is a good option to travel in Batam too.

Thanks for recommendation of hotel 89, I will give it a try if I am able to stay longer in Batam the next trip.

The exciting part not so much on the free shuttle service hehe, but more about the in-house massage service and the above average breakfast..:)

Location still acceptable although not as near to the BCS mall but at least within walking distance.

In fact hotel 89 location is even nearer to DC mall area and is accessible by walking. From hotel 89 cross the road walk the small lane pass the residential area directly leads to DC mall in 750m by 10 minutes walk according to goggle map.

Like one samster ever said before, could not remember who liao :D

There is no all lousy and no all good situation.

Everything sure have pros and cons

事情往往很難兩全其美,有一好就没有二好...

As mentioned before, food not really a major factor for me hence most time, i forgo that part.

Because i takes only porridge for breakfast, well... not going to repeat about my unimportant food factor,hehehe... why porridge only is because i have been taking tons of fried, grill BBQ food during lunch, dinner & sometime even supper, hence porridge breakfast is relatively important to me in Batam.

Yes, I encountered most of the 3 star hotel or above will serve porridge during breakfast time but not 2 star hotel like city central, hana, paragon, etc.

Agreed, breakfast with porridge is a must for me too...:p

retirebatam

20-10-2022, 01:51 AM

That money changer i mentioned at Harbour Bay gives a 10550/SGD on 09/10.

Grand Batam Mall basement was 10600/SGD on 10/10

Formosa Hotel opp was at 10550/SGD on 11/10
.

If did not remember wrongly, I came back to spore from batam on 11 Oct 2022 while you came back from batam on 12 Oct 2022. :p

MAS tightens monetary policy for the fifth time in a year to dampen inflation on the 14 Oct 2022 and the sing dollar on that day appreciate from 10650 to 10850 rupiah. And today 20 Oct 2022 the exchange rate for sing dollar has further appreciate to 10930 rupiah. :D

As reported in the news that USA is going to raise interest rate 2 more times by 0.75% each time, one time in november and another time in december to control their inflation. :eek:

The expected result will be the world currency will devalue again against US dollar. Then if spore tighten policy or raise interest rate again, Sing dollar will again appreciate against the rupiah and expected that the exchange rate of sing dollar probably by then will be more than 11500 rupiah or worst liao.:)

Strong sing dollar reduce our overseas spending in our neighbouring countries due to stronger buying power...

Hurricane88

20-10-2022, 05:33 AM

The expected result will be the world currency will devalue again against US dollar. Then if spore tighten policy or raise interest rate again, Sing dollar will again appreciate against the rupiah and expected that the exchange rate of sing dollar probably by then will be more than 11500 rupiah or worst liao.:)

Strong sing dollar reduce our overseas spending in our neighbouring countries due to stronger buying power...

This is economics...when rupiah is down but Indon paid more to buy in USD...so the goods will be more expensive including raw materials and fertilizers...consumers will pay more in rupiah to buy same goods...all these just matter of times...:)

sohbuckkong

20-10-2022, 06:52 AM

......
The expected result will be the world currency will devalue again against US dollar. Then if spore tighten policy or raise interest rate again, Sing dollar will again appreciate iah and expected that the exchange rate of sing dollar probably by then will be more than 11500 rupiah or worst l.....r...
International currencies is very complex

LurkerLurks

20-10-2022, 03:41 PM

hey bros, newbie here checking, my CO want to go batam next weekend, got any areas i can book near those shopping mall with those legit looking shop that provide special? must look legit enough otherwise my CO wont want to go lol.

lincoln3010

20-10-2022, 04:35 PM

nono1973

20-10-2022, 04:39 PM

Just keeping tab here on the 5 Money Changers just opposite Hotel Nagoya Plasa (one O'clock from Hotel Nagoya Plasa) shared by bro retirebatam for my future money changer listings.

512537

And their respective money changer shops in one single (orange) building.

512538

Good information for those who needs it.

cougar666

20-10-2022, 08:15 PM

OnlyLiveOnce

20-10-2022, 09:34 PM

Dear bro, can someone advise where can I take Grab at Batam Center as I used to take from Tenah Merah terminal to Harbor Bay where Grab is allowed but there is no ferry from Tenah Merah to Harbor nowadays and need to go to Batam Center

Just use the connecting overhead bridge at Level 1 linking the Batam Centre Ferry Terminal to MegaMall and order your Grab, Gojek or Maxim from the ground level of MegaMall.

miumiu6464

20-10-2022, 10:23 PM

Dear bro, can someone advise where can I take Grab at Batam Center as I used to take from Tenah Merah terminal to Harbor Bay where Grab is allowed but there is no ferry from Tenah Merah to Harbor nowadays and need to go to Batam Center

Don't know if pick up inside Mega Mall is allowed. I used to walk in the direction of the roundabout and board Grab/Gojek there.

DDAMn

20-10-2022, 10:29 PM

Dear bro, can someone advise where can I take Grab at Batam Center as I used to take from Tenah Merah terminal to Harbor Bay where Grab is allowed but there is no ferry from Tenah Merah to Harbor nowadays and need to go to Batam Center

Cross over to Mega Mall using the overhead bridge.Go to starbucks on ground floor.The grab pickup point is just in front starbucks facing the roundabout.If no wifi no issue can use starbucks free wifi

ironsteelexpat

20-10-2022, 11:06 PM

First timer Expat here from the states going to Batam in November to help service some of the Mod Yards. I am looking for advice for the the fwe nights i am there. Was thinking of booking at room at the Planet Holiday since its close to the pubs, what would be your bros suggestion on a good Spa with good looking ladies that offer FS, KTV and Pub? Please be detailed on where to go and what to expect and what to look for, newbie to Batam scene.
Cheers!

ironsteelexpat

20-10-2022, 11:10 PM

Hey bros, expat here from the states, first time going to Batam, only there a few days on one of the mod yards. Was thinking if staying at the Planet Holiday Hotel, looking for suggestions on the best Spa (good looking girls FS experience) and if i should hit up a KTV or Pub? please be detailed in response as a newbie to the Batam Scene.

Cheers!

DaTan

21-10-2022, 12:22 AM

A week before would be better

It's best to book at least 3 days in advance if you are going during peak hours.
Hotel, better to get as early as you can.

Thanks bros!

I read that if I book a two way ticket, it will be cheaper right?

Also, if departing from Batam back to Singapore, I need to revalidate the ticket at the check-in counter on the day of departure correct? As in I cannot confirm/ book the time if I am doing the online booking now?

wanfulou

21-10-2022, 09:13 AM

Thanks bros!

I read that if I book a two way ticket, it will be cheaper right?

Also, if departing from Batam back to Singapore, I need to revalidate the ticket at the check-in counter on the day of departure correct? As in I cannot confirm/ book the time if I am doing the online booking now?

If you book online, then yes you need to go to the counter to exchange for a boarding pass. You don't have to do it on the day itself, you can do it few days earlier, or on the day you reach batam.

cougar666

22-10-2022, 09:56 AM

Thank you to the 3 Bros. Appreciate your advice.

Cross over to Mega Mall using the overhead bridge.Go to starbucks on ground floor.The grab pickup point is just in front starbucks facing the roundabout.If no wifi no issue can use starbucks free wifi

lincoln3010

22-10-2022, 01:14 PM

Currently in batam since yesterday

There was lots of police presence last night

Because Foreplay 7th Anniversary

Minimum spending 3juta

container2018

22-10-2022, 06:21 PM

In Batam these few days, today asked a local grab driver and heard the RLD in southern Batam is still open, but it’s a bit far from downtown about 10+ km, if any bro wanna have a try could pm me

Jas28

22-10-2022, 07:57 PM

If you book online, then yes you need to go to the counter to exchange for a boarding pass. You don't have to do it on the day itself, you can do it few days earlier, or on the day you reach batam.

If i book online from Sindo round trip.
Does all hotel do confirmation/validate the ticket(timing) for return to SG or can only do at the Sindo ferry counter?
Does they check the pedulilingi app, don`t feel like registering.
Thanks

kahalo99

22-10-2022, 09:21 PM

Nice review of hotels

HeatguyAlvin

23-10-2022, 02:56 PM

Just tried pheonix spa, good selection of ceweks. Pick from TV your girl and then a full proper massage i had which was fairly good, like not just piano kind then pop the question or like octopuss only for the deed. Paid 1m for the extras to the therapist which I didn't have enough cash for.. awkward cause i thought everything was settled at the counter which came with a good B2B massage and the action.

Another 800k downstairs to the cashier. One thing is that no need to tell the cashier you want B2B cause it comes with the 1m you secretly paid the therapist for to avoid double charging for same service. Left a happy man.

khairolnizam

23-10-2022, 05:16 PM

In Batam these few days, today asked a local grab driver and heard the RLD in southern Batam is still open, but it’s a bit far from downtown about 10+ km, if any bro wanna have a try could pm me

Must be talking about Sintai.
I'm currently in Batam.
If u looking for bro's to join.
I am in.

Let me pm u.

lincoln3010

23-10-2022, 07:06 PM

Hi all,

Just a reminder that to avoid Newton at all costs if anyone invites you for a drink.

Cos it's dealing with hard stuff that you will regret.
So better to be careful than be sorry.

qwerty1213

23-10-2022, 09:34 PM

HeatguyAlvin

24-10-2022, 01:03 PM

Total dmg 1.8m includes B2B + VM or full? Price tag more than LT sia

1 hr massage + B2B and full lor. Can't deny i overpaid just that when she teased me by touching me during the message but she young, slim and looked good my main brain stop functioning so when she asked for 1m i never thought to negotiate

Elnino11

24-10-2022, 01:08 PM

Any good lobang in Batam?

btmchiong

24-10-2022, 03:52 PM

BFOMF5

24-10-2022, 08:55 PM

Thanks for recommendation of hotel 89, I will give it a try if I am able to stay longer in Batam the next trip.

H89 hv been heavily used by sg tour operators as one of their packages tour hotel...
And even if the package tour tourists don't stay at H89. They also bring them there for massage. At time if over capacity they would use IndoThai just few steps away.

In fact, there are very high chance for one to see many sg tourists in whole Penuin area.

That one of the reason for me to visit Bailong early in the morning.
Also another reason is I got to get my pig kidney and blood before it sold out.

In fact hotel 89 location is even nearer to DC mall area and is accessible by walking. From hotel 89 cross the road walk the small lane pass the residential area directly leads to DC mall in 750m by 10 minutes walk according to goggle map.

Sorry is not that short already... the road beside the smelly "longkang" is blocked at the RM Budi Mulia end..
(GG MAP not updated)
One need to go one round via the Hawaii ktv side.

Like one samster ever said before, could not remember who liao :D

Are you talking about me or BP ;)

BFOMF5

24-10-2022, 09:05 PM

Just keeping tab here on the 5 Money Changers just opposite Hotel Nagoya Plasa (one O'clock from Hotel Nagoya Plasa) shared by bro retirebatam for my future money changer listings.

And their respective money changer shops in one single (orange) building.
Good information for those who needs it.
Never notices the 5 color before.. so now more easily to identify. :)

BFOMF5

24-10-2022, 09:55 PM

Weeks ago took a walk at Sintai.
Now no more entry ticket but guards still there.
surprise to see quite a good line up
Unfortunately can take photos/video :(

Can't "tahpao" unless you want to leave some personal ID doc there.
ST 200k1s, 300K 2s

Some update on the road trip..
The Barelang T junction has become a roundabout. All stalls, include the row of RM Batak(dogs meat) all gone.

The cross junction lead to SKP aslo become roundabout.

Road wider and condition good.:)

Extra Advice
This area meanly cater for shipyard workers. Batter to hv a local to guide you in.

PrcLust

24-10-2022, 11:05 PM

Anyone on the 7pm horizon ferry trip today from harbour front? Ferry delayed for 25mins but luckily when reach harbor bay, there was no check on vaccination status.

HeatguyAlvin

25-10-2022, 12:16 AM

Anyone on the 7pm horizon ferry trip today from harbour front? Ferry delayed for 25mins but luckily when reach harbor bay, there was no check on vaccination status.

there was no check on vaccination status at all nor the app when i entered on friday either.

HeatguyAlvin

25-10-2022, 12:25 AM

tried octopuss this round and there were sooooo many Singaporean men in the spa. Same style, mami parade but significantly lesser girls or maybe cause i went through peak hour. Maybe some of you have even seen my face.

only paraded 3 girls when i was there, none to my liking, soaked in sauna awhile and then the told me they added one more from plat, looks 30ish but relatively good figure. lazy to go elsewhere so took it for 1.2m. did give me a short bj when in the tub but half of time svc level like sian. not sure if too many customers or what.

rendezvous with colleagues for meal and then they wanted to do shopping. said not my style and went to hallo kitty, 800k+ can call them down to parade and boom, left a happier man after doing the deed with a relatively fair 25+ cewek.

nono1973

25-10-2022, 02:37 AM

Thanks for recommendation of hotel 89, I will give it a try if I am able to stay longer in Batam the next trip.

No obligation bro.

If you are there just for a night or 2, better to stay at hotel/s you feel familiar with. Cos one may feel used to the surrounding area, hence might face lesser error & unforeseen surprises.

My familiar place were near NED,hehehe...a 2 star hotel. Where breakfast only bread & butter (coffee & tea as well). :(

Good thing is straightaway can ask random lady receptionists to come to my room during night shift,hehehe...alternatively, can ask male receptionist to recommend me girls in the area too. Over there, i actually feel like a king,hehehe... :p

Just too bad hotel closed down due to covid (not Formosa Hotel).

The exciting part not so much on the free shuttle service hehe, but more about the in-house massage service and the above average breakfast..

Ha! To me, the exciting part is often the free shuttle service.

A lot of shuttle drivers in Batam knew many things better than a lot of taxi drivers & cheonging tourists.

One of the thing i did was bribe them to bring me anywhere i wish to go to on the hotel's expenses. ;)

Like i often say, you win, i win, everybody wins (ah kong lose tho,hehehe...).

Location still acceptable although not as near to the BCS mall but at least within walking distance.

In fact hotel 89 location is even nearer to DC mall area and is accessible by walking. From hotel 89 cross the road walk the small lane pass the residential area directly leads to DC mall in 750m by 10 minutes walk according to goggle map.

Wow! This is what i didn't know.

(see, sharing is caring & knowledge is King)

Thank you for sharing.

Like one samster ever said before, could not remember who liao

There is no all lousy and no all good situation.

Everything sure have pros and cons

事情往往很難兩全其美,有一好就没有二好...

Was i the one who said that? Hehehe...nevermind, cannot remember also, but what i knew is there is no such as all good & no bad, or all the bad & no good.

I often try to work towards 兩全其美 tho.

My perspective in Batam on girls is either i get a robot girl or i can get a passionate girl,hehehe...a robot girl can become a passionate girl. But a passionate girl will try to beat the other passionate girls. :p

I choose not to bulldoze my kind of fun with money.

If i do that, i won't choose Batam. Stay In Singapore better, since gonna spend the same. ;)

Yes, I encountered most of the 3 star hotel or above will serve porridge during breakfast time but not 2 star hotel like city central, hana, paragon, etc.

Agreed, breakfast with porridge is a must for me too...

Heaty, fried & grill BBQ food usually taste nice.

Some time we need to allow our stomach to get some rest with some lesser oil food.

Fruit & porridge were some of them.

If did not remember wrongly, I came back to spore from batam on 11 Oct 2022 while you came back from batam on 12 Oct 2022.

Opps! I calculated the date wrong, i came back to Singapore in 13th Oct, Thursday.

MAS tightens monetary policy for the fifth time in a year to dampen inflation on the 14 Oct 2022 and the sing dollar on that day appreciate from 10650 to 10850 rupiah. And today 20 Oct 2022 the exchange rate for sing dollar has further appreciate to 10930 rupiah.

This also makes most Singaporean feel rich in other 3rd world countries. ;)

Price of stuffs in Batam also gonna go upway too.

Easiest way to get things done in any part of the world is just to dump & throw out money.

用钱砸你。。问你服不服。。哈哈哈。。。
(general illustration only & not referring to you)

Thats base on my experience :

My mum pays S$3000+ for her wet-dry vacumn cleaner endorsed by Mark Lee,hehehe...i told her she anyhow spend money. I spend nearly S$9000 for a 128mb ram laptop, she also say i anyhow spend money. Notice the different perspective on whats important to her & whats to me?

Whether it is 8000 rupiah/SGD or 10650 rupiah/SGD, i will still visit Batam. Just like the current price for ferry ticket, hehehe... from before covid's S$28 to S$70 today.

All-humans has basically one main aim in life (yes, i used a strong word "all-humans").

That is To-Be-Happy.

What is money when it can buy happiness.

So long my mum & myself happy will do.

_________________________________________

To bro nitecrawllerr , most fixed deposit in Singapore now all up until above 2.8% & more. Time to put some spare money inside for some free money (if you haven't already do so), hehehe... :p

To bro Hurricane, silver prices is at crazier than before high price recently compare to few years ago too.

To bro Cash, buy low, sell high. And keep buying low for expandable. Inflation isn't as scary (pay S$87 for S$100 NTUC voucher), hehehe... to date, i haven't really feel the inflation in Singapore...yet. ;)

Hurricane88

25-10-2022, 04:56 AM

To bro Hurricane, silver prices is at crazier than before high price recently compare to few years ago too.

Silver prices not high in fact spot price was USD 19 but premium is 100% of pot...:)

Physical silver is spot plus 100% of spot..very limited supply...most vault empty...:)

Black Page

25-10-2022, 10:21 PM

there was no check on vaccination status at all nor the app when i entered on friday either.
Neither for me, arrived on 16 October.
Just a QR code sign for scanning on arrival. I was the only one scanning, then I got a red alarm on the app (because offline).
At immigration, please take note that VoA costs 500k IDR but also payable as 50 SGD. Some PRC girls behind me did not have IDR, but had SGD.
This was one of the questions I had asked here before travelling.

Black Page

25-10-2022, 10:28 PM

If you book online, then yes you need to go to the counter to exchange for a boarding pass. You don't have to do it on the day itself, you can do it few days earlier, or on the day you reach batam.
This is highly recommended!
I always get my boarding pass after arrival, then on my return I can simply go straight to the boarding gate 30 mins before departure time.

Black Page

25-10-2022, 10:32 PM

Just a reminder that to avoid Newton at all costs if anyone invites you for a drink.
Cos it's dealing with hard stuff that you will regret.
So better to be careful than be sorry.
Batam is full of scammers, but inviting for a drink, and try to be invited to drink at a table by a group of girls is what I regularly do in a disco. In this latter case, the risk is that they drink but leave you the bill to pay, in change of nothing. :D
Instinct and awareness are a must.
However, to catch a good fish one has to accept also to waste time and get small ugly fishes.

Black Page

25-10-2022, 10:44 PM

Have often been debating with bro Blackpage on this over the last 9 odd years regarding trying to save the 10k to 20k rupiah on taxi. I think back today,...i would have done what he has done if i am in his position too. By not bargaining (if you see how big size & heavy his luggage is).
LOL
I took nearly 10 years, but finally I have convinced you.
Now let me tell you this.
This time I paid 50k taxi from HB to hotel, with 1 laptop office bag and one big piece of luggage.
On my return, free shuttle was offered spontaneously by the hotel manager, and I had 1 bag and THREE heavy pieces of luggage.

Example, i take a taxi from my hotel to Mall around Nagoya/BCS area when hotel staffs booked for me. Cost 14k plus minus. I pay 20k even if i have small change. Comes back to hotel, i pay 50k rupiah. Total cost 70k divide by 2 way = 35k per trip.
There is something you should learn from me. Forget taxies. Take OJEK.
I paid all ojek 15k each ride (tipping included). Money saved and faster trips.

retirebatam

26-10-2022, 01:51 AM

H89 hv been heavily used by sg tour operators as one of their packages tour hotel...
And even if the package tour tourists don't stay at H89. They also bring them there for massage. At time if over capacity they would use IndoThai just few steps away.

In fact, there are very high chance for one to see many sg tourists in whole Penuin area.

That one of the reason for me to visit Bailong early in the morning.
Also another reason is I got to get my pig kidney and blood before it sold out.

Since hotel 89 is spore tourist standard, furthermore with the hotel in-house massage, think is worth to try.

Notice that Bak Kut Teh in Batam is rather similiar to JB where the soup is dark base (added dark soy sauce) Mixed part of the pork gives a different texture and taste. The broth was tasty too. :p

In Batam, there is also dry bak kut teh with ginger which was delicious too.

IMO, the "pork rib tea" in singapore is different in taste. :)

Yes tend to see more singapore tourist in Penuin / BCS area than in Nagoya hill area, especially at A2 foodcourt and nearby massage shops, also at the 3 & 4 star hotels like BCC, BCH, Gideon, I hotel, etc

Sorry is not that short already... the road beside the smelly "longkang" is blocked at the RM Budi Mulia end..
(GG MAP not updated)
One need to go one round via the Hawaii ktv side.

Yes i noticed that the road about 100m before reaching Budi Mulia Padang food is blocked

Because the last trip when I walked from Halo Kitty back to BCS need to walk past Budi Mulia beside the smelly drain, I was surprised that the road was blocked and therefore no choice had to make a detour / alternative route back.

Therefore for next trip if I were to walk from Hotel 89 to DC mall, the following will be :

1) I will cross the road, walk to okela garden seafood restoran at about 80m
2) Next I will walk all the way straight for 250m until reach the blocked area.
3) After that, make a left turn at Jalan Marina Park for another 170m until reach the nasi campur marina park.
4) From there, turn right and walk for another 350m straight to reach DC mall.

All in I will walk about 80+250+170+350=about 850m which is slightly longer than 750m if it is not blocked. :eek:

I think this is the most direct and fastest walking route to DC mall liao. :)

But then again if tired or lazy to walk, alternatively can just get on a Grabcar Hemat at 10k to DC mall with a push of a button, so convenient and easy hehe :D

Are you talking about me or BP ;)

Hehehe nope, it is none other than our sifu :D

retirebatam

26-10-2022, 02:39 AM

Weeks ago took a walk at Sintai.
Now no more entry ticket but guards still there.
surprise to see quite a good line up
Unfortunately can take photos/video :(

Can't "tahpao" unless you want to leave some personal ID doc there.
ST 200k1s, 300K 2s.:)

Extra Advice
This area meanly cater for shipyard workers. Batter to hv a local to guide you in.

Sintai location was very far from town at Tanjung Uncang, about 30km from nagoya, unless you have your own transport (drive car) or hired a supir with car for half a day.

The cewek malam there charge only 200k for half an hour for one shot which was very much cheaper than in nagoya by at least 2 or 3 times for a shot.

Heresay the cewek there used to be working in Jakarta, when they became not so laku in the capital city, they will fly to Batam to cari makan.

But the negative aspect are will incur transport charges to and fro, time wasted for the journey as it was far and the risk of going there (ulu place) while the positive is that you can have plenty of selection at cheap price for a shot.

However the cons outweigh the pros therefore IMHO not suitable for tourists but more for locals (Batam penduduk) with own transport or the nearby shipyard worker which bro BFOMF5 mentioned. :)

nitecrawllerr

26-10-2022, 09:03 AM

To bro nitecrawllerr , most fixed deposit in Singapore now all up until above 2.8% & more. Time to put some spare money inside for some free money (if you haven't already do so), hehehe...

Last week was at JB. The bank manager was so persistent and keep asking me to invest Rm70K and recd 4.5% interest yearly. Told her i would be making losses instead if i convert back to S$. So invest in S$ still the best. Btw Bro, SSB would be a better choice, imo. Can withdraw anytime and yet recd interest pro-rated.:D

retirebatam

26-10-2022, 09:49 PM

No obligation bro.
If you are there just for a night or 2, better to stay at hotel/s you feel familiar with. Cos one may feel used to the surrounding area, hence might face lesser error & unforeseen surprises.

Given that hotel 89 is a singaporean tourist popular/friendly hotel and awarded certificate of excellence by trip advisor, with in-house massage at level 3 and a decent restaurant in the hotel (see from website).

With all these, is worth a stay, anyway thanks for highlighting this hidden gem to me...:D

My familiar place were near NED,hehehe...a 2 star hotel. Where breakfast only bread & butter (coffee & tea as well). :(

Good thing is straightaway can ask random lady receptionists to come to my room during night shift,hehehe...alternatively, can ask male receptionist to recommend me girls in the area too. Over there, i actually feel like a king,hehehe... :p

Just too bad hotel closed down due to covid (not Formosa Hotel).

Wah good idea, NED has many places with freelancer, can explore...

Something fresh, unlike the very SOP booking joint ladies.

I believe you have got many honey there with your money :D

Ha! To me, the exciting part is often the free shuttle service.

A lot of shuttle drivers in Batam knew many things better than a lot of taxi drivers & cheonging tourists.

One of the thing i did was bribe them to bring me anywhere i wish to go to on the hotel's expenses. ;)

Like i often say, you win, i win, everybody wins (ah kong lose tho,hehehe...).

Free shuttle service provided by the hotel is indeed convenient with good hospitality.

But the sacrifice is that have to book through their website to enjoy hotel free shuttle service and not available if book through hotel booking company like agoda, booking.com, is it true?

Wow! This is what i didn't know.

(see, sharing is caring & knowledge is King)

Thank you for sharing.

Would like to add another phrase often mentioned by bossku (纳吉):

CASH IS KING :D

Was i the one who said that? Hehehe...nevermind, cannot remember also, but what i knew is there is no such as all good & no bad, or all the bad & no good.

I often try to work towards 兩全其美 tho.

Yes, you are rite, don't get disheartened when something turn out to be bad.

There is no always bad luck, good fortune will come too.

Important is stay positive thinking and naturally you will become happy, hehe :D

(get rid of negative thing from the mind)

retirebatam

26-10-2022, 10:22 PM

Thats base on my experience :
I spend nearly S$9000 for a 128mb ram laptop, she also say i anyhow spend money. Notice the different perspective on whats important to her & whats to me?

Whether it is 8000 rupiah/SGD or 10650 rupiah/SGD, i will still visit Batam. Just like the current price for ferry ticket, hehehe... from before covid's S$28 to S$70 today.

All-humans has basically one main aim in life (yes, i used a strong word "all-humans").

That is To-Be-Happy.

What is money when it can buy happiness.

So long my mum & myself happy will do.

Is your laptop 128gb ram equipped with intel core i9 processor and 2TB SSD for $9000 ? Must be one of the best laptop in singapore ;)

My desktop only 4gb ram with intel core i3 processor and 1TB harddisk bought 8 years ago for $800 :D

I concur with you that money can buy happiness and sometimes health too:)

(supplement, tonic, good healthcare, frequent medical check-up, tongkat ali, etc)

Ya same here, Batam has been a unique place for anyone who wants to escape from the stressful city life of singapore.

Being the most important factor is the availability of cheap, good, clean and dirty massage and the great variety of batam food (like javanese, sundanese, padang, balinese, etc)

Just that now the ferry ticket has become slightly more expensive so we can actually made less trip but longer stay each trip unless one don't mind to pay for the ferry ticket.

Human only live once, why not enjoy to the fullest...hehe :p

nitecrawllerr

27-10-2022, 06:51 AM

Just that now the ferry ticket has become slightly more expensive so we can actually made less trip but longer stay each trip unless one don't mind to pay for the ferry ticket.

Human only live once, why not enjoy to the fullest...hehe :p

Ferry fare from $40 to $70. I dont think is slightly more, imo. Almost double in price.

nono1973

27-10-2022, 12:13 PM

Silver prices not high in fact spot price was USD 19 but premium is 100% of pot...

Base on March to March , year to year from 2021 to 2022, it almost doubled,hehehe...

Put S$1000, went up to almost S$2000 (profit almost S$1000), that's a pretty sweet deal. :p

Thanks for those heads up from the previous years.

Last week was at JB. The bank manager was so persistent and keep asking me to invest Rm70K and recd 4.5% interest yearly. Told her i would be making losses instead if i convert back to S$. So invest in S$ still the best.

Maybe he thought you're Malaysian?

Btw Bro, SSB would be a better choice, imo. Can withdraw anytime and yet recd interest pro-rated.

Hasn't look much onto SSB but when i look at OCBC & UOB yesterday, both went up as high as 3.1% for 12 months. 3% for 10 months on UOB tho.

I took up UOB's 10 months. :p

Next year today (August 2023), may have more money to spend in Batam. I mean since Batam's everyday necessities price keep increasing over time.

gongon

27-10-2022, 12:35 PM

For those bros who likes ktv, search but couldn't find or I blur, abt this K2 karaoke. It is located at K hotel - big and clean abt $25/nite.
(Link bridge to the ktv)
Add: Komplek Nagoya Garden Phase II, Kampung Seraya, Batu Ampar, Batam City, Riau Islands 29444,
Beer price (room included) - 10 cans Heineken foc 2 cans: $56.70
Gals price - $50 or $80
They will ask for xtra outside the bill but see u want give or not.
FJ - no ask.
2pm - 8pm : Family concept
8.30pm onwards: heehee
You may book room with {personal contact not allowed in sbf - edited by mod}
Sat fully booked twice I go there.

nono1973

27-10-2022, 12:42 PM

Never notices the 5 color before.. so now more easily to identify.

I didn't know there are 5 colors either, it was identified by bro retirebatam.

If i didn't remember wrong, there is suppose to be more than 5 money changer there, hmm...maybe 1 or 2 closed down?

Hehehe...probably in the past, it adds up to a "rainbow colour", hehehe...

Batam is full of scammers, but inviting for a drink, and try to be invited to drink at a table by a group of girls is what I regularly do in a disco. In this latter case, the risk is that they drink but leave you the bill to pay, in change of nothing.

When it comes to scamming, the same can happen in any part of Batam, which includes KTVs & at its bar area too. In fact, it can also happen to other NED area discotheques & some massage places (rare on MP tho, as i haven't hear about it before) too,hehehe...

I think the dangerous part is more on drink-spiking. :rolleyes:

LOL
I took nearly 10 years, but finally I have convinced you.

I still bargain tho, just not as much as i used to be, hehehe...bargaining in Batam no need pay money & if lucky help me save a dollar or more,hehehe...& won't takes up too much time too.

Now let me tell you this.
This time I paid 50k taxi from HB to hotel, with 1 laptop office bag and one big piece of luggage.
On my return, free shuttle was offered spontaneously by the hotel manager, and I had 1 bag and THREE heavy pieces of luggage.

Huh? Reach Batam in one big luggage bag & went home with 3?

Wtf, did you just kidnapped 2 SYT ceweks from Batam, squeezed them inside 1 bag each & then secret transport them out? :eek:

There is something you should learn from me. Forget taxies. Take OJEK.
I paid all ojek 15k each ride (tipping included). Money saved and faster trips.

Not a bad choice. I guess i just need to get used to it.

It often sounds so amazing to me when you said you often travel via Ojek in Batam. I think the girls with you in Batam may have that same thought too.

How was your Batam trip this time round. Any good "kills" from NED or Newton? Changes compare to pre-covid? Hehehe... :D

HeatguyAlvin

27-10-2022, 12:55 PM

nono1973

27-10-2022, 02:29 PM

Given that hotel 89 is a singaporean tourist popular/friendly hotel and awarded certificate of excellence by trip advisor, with in-house massage at level 3 and a decent restaurant in the hotel (see from website).

If this place is as what bro BFOMF5 says is a Singaporean tourist-populated hotel. Then it means can only go on weekdays (Mon-Thu), hehehe...

Actually i like hotels with sauna room where there are practically no one visiting, hehehe...can bonk the girls inside too.

Tried the above experience in both Formosa & Gideon hotel before. Really sweat it out. Good for detox of the my body's sweat glands. :D

With all these, is worth a stay, anyway thanks for highlighting this hidden gem to me...

The most suitable for oneself is the best.

Give me one of the most beautiful cewek in Batam but my little bro cannot stand when i see her also no use, right? :p

Wah good idea, NED has many places with freelancer, can explore...

Something fresh, unlike the very SOP booking joint ladies.

I believe you have got many honey there with your money

Honey needs money, something i chose not to splurge too much on, hehehe...

But the sacrifice is that have to book through their website to enjoy hotel free shuttle service and not available if book through hotel booking company like agoda, booking.com, is it true?

Err...bro, there is another communication tools, called "email". :p

Yes, you are rite, don't get disheartened when something turn out to be bad.

There is no always bad luck, good fortune will come too.

Important is stay positive thinking and naturally you will become happy, hehe :D

(get rid of negative thing from the mind)

Thank you, this is something which i am learning as i move on in Batam.

Is your laptop 128gb ram equipped with intel core i9 processor and 2TB SSD for $9000 ? Must be one of the best laptop in singapore

Probably one of the highest in-built specification laptop in the market. Cos i haven't add-on external dumb-drive to builds up the ram strength yet. SSD runs at a faster speed than the regular HDD but the life span is shorter. SSD is however less fragile tho.

In-built 17.3 inch screen is more suitable for home user like me with aging-eyesight ; & with a higher specs, attaching to the much bigger TV screen lets it runs smoother too (higher specs laptop usually comes with some crazy powerful graphic card too).

A big chunk of my part time job income comes from "click click here, click click there" of my laptop, hehehe....hence i wouldn't mind investing in a more powerful piece.

Just like if you are a regular jogger, i am sure you won't mind investing in a good pair of running shoes too.

My desktop only 4gb ram with intel core i3 processor and 1TB harddisk bought 8 years ago for $800

The laptop i carried to Batam is a i-7, 32GB ram Lenovo laptop with 16 inch screen. I bought it at S$1739.00 during the 1st year of covid from my profits selling mask to elderlies in Singapore, hehehe... comes with 3 years on-site warranty too. :D

I have HDMi cable in my baggage all the time when i visit Batam, so if there is a need, i will connect my lappy to the hotel's LCD TV for better viewing.

I concur with you that money can buy happiness and sometimes health too

Agree & disagree with the above. Not all happiness can be bought, same for health too. My previous post was referring to if i can buy a certain level of stuffs/entertainment or things which can make me happy, & i can afford to, so why not spend to make myself happy, if not happier?

Everybody's level & type of "happy" is different, hehehe...some on girls, some like me on tech stuffs (but NOT on phone or phone apps tho).

At our age, we probably see many people pass on (aka passaway) before us. And my parents often tell me, 年轻时，没太多钱可以花。老年时又舍不得花。过世后就让别人帮你花咯。。translate to, young time often got not much money to spend, when old time i spend thriftily, left over so much money when i am dead time, other people will help me spend instead.

Of course, must spend wisely. Spending wisely is another long story....hehehe....and different for everyone.

I often say, there are no poor Singaporean in Batam, but cannot say the same for Singaporean in Singapore. Median income for individual in Singapore around S$4600+, mean (mid) income is S$7000+. If earn below that amount (S$4600+), considered as poor Singaporean in Singapore or not? :p

Above were just my own perspective on me & myself.
(please do not mix up between poverty & poor i use in this post)

Ya same here, Batam has been a unique place for anyone who wants to escape from the stressful city life of singapore.

Hehehe...in simple words, i use lesser of my brain (big head) in Batam than in Singapore.

Being the most important factor is the availability of cheap, good, clean and dirty massage and the great variety of batam food (like javanese, sundanese, padang, balinese, etc)

Thats where i usually spend without the need to think.

EXCEPT for the overly-inflated girl's pricing & maybe the taxi fare.

Just that now the ferry ticket has become slightly more expensive so we can actually made less trip but longer stay each trip unless one don't mind to pay for the ferry ticket.

Thats why i find it quite surprising why you only visit Batam for 2 nights (or was it 3?) ? I notice bro nitecrawllerr only go for a night.

Ferry ticket price is crazily high to me now (comparing Horizon to Horizon via pre-covid time & today). But you & i still go, right? :p

Believe or not, even if ferry ticket S$100 for 2 way, you & me will still go Batam.

Human only live once, why not enjoy to the fullest...hehe

You reminds me of bro onlyliveonce. He probably has the similar thoughts as you when he created that nick, hehehe....

Wondering of he still visits the nice fish soup stall at near Eatern Food court & wonder if there are price up for the food there?

I cannot have the answer of the question asked above cos i can't take most of the sea food there. And it takes a regular to know the price changes since that fish soup stall do not have a price tag for the food they sold & served.

cashprice

27-10-2022, 07:39 PM

To bro Cash, buy low, sell high. And keep buying low for expandable. Inflation isn't as scary (pay S$87 for S$100 NTUC voucher), hehehe... to date, i haven't really feel the inflation in Singapore...yet. ;)

Glad u got the hang of it from the platform.

Don't forget there's Sheng Song, Cold Storage & Giant too.

Then again, price has gone up to $90 for $100 now.

Next mth before 11/11, going btm to beat inflation in Singapore. If u are there, drop me a tinkle.

Black Page

27-10-2022, 07:45 PM

Huh? Reach Batam in one big luggage bag & went home with 3?
Wtf, did you just kidnapped 2 SYT ceweks from Batam, squeezed them inside 1 bag each & then secret transport them out? :eek:
I arrived with my big Samsonite full of my original stuff from my country (22 kg) + gifts from KL + several boxes of Chicken Essence bought in KL and at Eu Yan Sang in Singapore).
In Batam I bought 15 kg of fruits, which I cannot find in Europe so good as here (mangoes, manggis, jambu air, papaya, dragon fruit).
Then I distributed all this stuff in my big bag (32 kg), one backpack (14 kg) and 1 shopping bag (8 kg), filled up to reach physical limits.
I smuggled a durian years ago from Batam to Singapore to Changi via MRT years ago, but I could not smuggle a cewek in my bag.

It often sounds so amazing to me when you said you often travel via Ojek in Batam. I think the girls with you in Batam may have that same thought too.
I don't understand what is amazing. :confused:
Ojek is readily available everywhere. No need to Grab, if one does not mind paying 5k more in change of prompt availability (50c S$!).
Just say the price (lima belas), say the destination and sit on the bike. What is difficult? :confused:

How was your Batam trip this time round. Any good "kills" from NED or Newton? Changes compare to pre-covid? Hehehe... :D
I was bored often, with some special highlights to remember. I never went to NED, but I went to pubs/clubs as Square, F1, HolyWings and Planet 3 (Warning! No more a disco!! it is a pub now!), and to discos Newton and Pacific (Pacific reopened the disco again! Hurrah!!)

Normal office girls at pubs: nearly nobody. Much less than before Covid. I guess that economy crisis hit hard. Normal people has less to spend, and therefore do not go to pubs, which are really expensive. This is my main sorry about this visit to Batam. I missed this type of meetings.
Discos: this is still the best place to go and hunt. Newton and Pacific have different styles, so different people will be there.

Best encounters:
- A girl in Newton, which later I found to be one of the dancers. A really sweet good girl. We did not play sex, but had nice time together also next days. Yes, I enjoy meeting nice people even without bed time.
- A golf caddy in Pacific. Really new and clean. Her friend was worried and left her to me but recommending "HEY YOU MUST GIVE HER MONEY OK???"
- Old friends
- A girl from Hallo Kitty (go there! expensive, but probably the best place to relax). I found myself in Pacific with a group of those girls partying after the work place was closed.

In the past, I was used to get a new girl every day or even 2 a day. Things are more quiet now in Batam.
Still I am happy I spent my time in Batam, and I cannot wait to be back again.

retirebatam

28-10-2022, 12:59 AM

Last week was at JB. The bank manager was so persistent and keep asking me to invest Rm70K and recd 4.5% interest yearly. Told her i would be making losses instead if i convert back to S$. So invest in S$ still the best. Btw Bro, SSB would be a better choice, imo. Can withdraw anytime and yet recd interest pro-rated.:D

Currently, Maybank Singapore is offering fix deposit interest of 3.2% per year and RHB Singapore is paying one of the highest fix deposit interest rate of 3.4% per year.

Given that malaysia fix deposit is only offering 4.5-3.4= 1.1% per annum higher interest than singapore fix deposit, but the exchange rate loss per year is (3.35-3.06)divide by 3.06 X 100% = 9.5% (see below sing to ringgit exchange rate history)

In other words, the exchange rate loss is very much more than the extra interest that you earn in putting fix deposit malaysia.

As shown below, for the past one year period, ringgit has devalued from RM3.06 to now RM3.35 per sing dollar.

Therefore it will be better to place money in foreign currency fix deposit in those currency that is stable and offer high interest rate, so that when it matured after 6 months or a year, you get double earnings from the interest as well as the exchange rate. :)

But till date none of the foreign currency provide the above yet :D

Some of the reasons of the depreciation of the Ringgit may be due to:

1) Political instability - now no garmen :p

2) Drop in oil export revenue thus affecting the currency

3) US raised its interest rate and affected global currency

4) Msia do not want to raise country interest rate too many times afraid that the people may not be able to pay the loan.

5) Many foreign investor is selling off their ringgit and investment in ringgit.

6) Many malaysian also trying to place their money savings in foreign currency

7) Malaysia exporter who earn US dollar refuse to convert back their money profit back to ringgit afraid that it will devalue

8) Many malaysian worker who work in singapore who earn sing dollar would not want to convert their saving into ringgit. They will only change when they need to use ringgit.

Therefore, when US raised its interest rate again, the ringgit will be badly hit again given that bolehland has no strong reserve to back up the currency.

Singapore economy has a strong fundamental and MAS may continue to tighten monetary policy to strengthen the sing dollar..

514717

retirebatam

28-10-2022, 02:02 AM

Ferry fare from $40 to $70. I dont think is slightly more, imo. Almost double in price.

Real sad, they increase cause they say not enough passengers. Now demand back, price not down.

Gone are the days you can find $38 ferry tickets on Qoo10 two ways

Indo garmen previously has advised the ferry operator to reduce ticket price due to very little tourist arrive at Batam. Thereafter the ticket price was then reduced from $80 to $70 for two way. ;)

The price increase is from (pre-covid) $48 to (post-covid) $70 which is $22

The percentage increase of the two way ticket price is 22/48 x 100% = 46%

46% is very much higher than the inflation rate in singapore that's why the increase does not make sense.

While walking at level 1 of BCS mall, accidentally saw one shop selling two way ferry ticket (singapore - batam) at 690k rupiah = 690000/11030 = S$62.50. Therefore cost saving for two way ticket is S$7.50.

But not sure whether it is an open ticket or ticket with expiry date

Generally anything that goes up, must come down.

However, this global inflation has defy the law of physics :D

retirebatam

28-10-2022, 02:41 AM

Thats why i find it quite surprising why you only visit Batam for 2 nights (or was it 3?) ? I notice bro nitecrawllerr only go for a night.

Ferry ticket price is crazily high to me now (comparing Horizon to Horizon via pre-covid time & today). But you & i still go, right? :p

Believe or not, even if ferry ticket S$100 for 2 way, you & me will still go Batam.

Sorry was a typo, went for a 4 days 3 nights stay :)

Last time when ferry ticket was $48, used to go to Batam quarterly (3 months once)

Now the ferry ticket is $70, will plan to go (4 months once) but with longer stay. :p

If increase again to $100 two way, then maybe further reduce to twice a year (6 months once) with even longer stay :D

There is only two way you can buy ferry ticket at a cheaper price.

1) Source for tour agency in batam or those ferry ticket shop that offers two way ferry ticket at a cheaper price, currently the one I encountered was 690k (two way)

2) Wait for the rupiah to devalue to say maybe 12000 per sing dollar and quickly convert to buy the ticket.

As seen from rupiah exchange rate chart below, rupiah has devalue from 10519 to 11056 which is 537 rupiah per sing dollar for the past one month period. :eek:

% devalued of rupiah for past one month = 537/10519 x 100% = 5.1%

I will not be surprise to see the rupiah depreciate further when US increase their interest rate again and MAS further strengthening of the sing dollar in the near future. :D

514726

athrunzala86

28-10-2022, 09:40 AM

Best encounters:
- A girl in Newton, which later I found to be one of the dancers. A really sweet good girl. We did not play sex, but had nice time together also next days. Yes, I enjoy meeting nice people even without bed time.
- A golf caddy in Pacific. Really new and clean. Her friend was worried and left her to me but recommending "HEY YOU MUST GIVE HER MONEY OK???"
- Old friends
- A girl from Hallo Kitty (go there! expensive, but probably the best place to relax). I found myself in Pacific with a group of those girls partying after the work place was closed.

In the past, I was used to get a new girl every day or even 2 a day. Things are more quiet now in Batam.
Still I am happy I spent my time in Batam, and I cannot wait to be back again.

Hi bro its been many years since i go Batam.. used to frequent pacific disco.. will be heading there tonight.. was wondering Newton would be better or Pacific to find a company for the night?

Hurricane88

28-10-2022, 09:59 AM

In the past, I was used to get a new girl every day or even 2 a day. Things are more quiet now in Batam.
Still I am happy I spent my time in Batam, and I cannot wait to be back again.

Welcome to Singapore and Batam...agreed with you that Batam is much slower than usual...give Batam some time will return to full glory...:)

HeatguyAlvin

28-10-2022, 10:35 AM

. was wondering Newton would be better or Pacific to find a company for the night?

Pacific seems to have plenty when i hopped by.

HeatguyAlvin

28-10-2022, 10:40 AM

Indo garmen previously has advised the ferry operator to reduce.
However, this global inflation has defy the law of physics :D

Tour agency normally get bulk pricing for open tickets but price they sell online be same as booking direct with ferry operator. Confused 😒

Interesting that you shared the xe rates and noted that when i was there Google showed 10,800+ but money changer only give 10,600+

Hotels be keeping deposits on credit cards in USD instead of rupiah because of that also.

athrunzala86

28-10-2022, 10:44 AM

Pacific seems to have plenty when i hopped by.

Thank u! Will drop by there maybe tonight haha

penyet

28-10-2022, 11:54 AM

The price increase is from (pre-covid) $48 to (post-covid) $70 which is $22

The percentage increase of the two way ticket price is 22/48 x 100% = 46%

46% is very much higher than the inflation rate in singapore that's why the increase does not make sense.

514823

Notice every time oil price goes from about USD50 to 100+, ferry ticket almost doubles. Oil price comes down, ferry ticket price remains the same. Next time oil price goes up again, ferry ticket almost doubles again. Price is sticky upwards and the increase definitely does NOT make sense (to the passengers, make sense only for the ferry operators). The ferry operators oligopoly is gouging the passengers. Don't know why the authorities not breaking up this collusion by the oligopoly.

While walking at level 1 of BCS mall, accidentally saw one shop selling two way ferry ticket (singapore - batam) at 690k rupiah = 690000/11030 = S$62.50. Therefore cost saving for two way ticket is S$7.50.

But not sure whether it is an open ticket or ticket with expiry date

Generally anything that goes up, must come down.

However, this global inflation has defy the law of physics :D

Years ago, Wavemaster offered a big discount on tickets sold in Batam. I bought a bunch. Shortly after, they moved from Batam Center to Harbour Bay (which just open) and Wavemaster either changed name or taken over. The discount tickets no longer valid and can only be redeemed with a big hair cut! So be careful about buying discount tickets in Batam. The ferry operators are very mercenary! :mad:

Hurricane88

28-10-2022, 12:07 PM

Notice every time oil price goes from about USD50 to 100+, ferry ticket almost doubles. Oil price comes down, ferry ticket price remains the same. Next time oil price goes up again, ferry ticket almost doubles again. Price is sticky upwards and the increase definitely does NOT make sense (to the passengers, make sense only for the ferry operators). The ferry operators oligopoly is gouging the passengers. Don't know why the authorities not breaking up this collusion by the oligopoly.

Is all about economics...supply and demand...making sense of business and risks...ROI or return on investment...:)

During the 2 years Covid-19 lockdown the ferry operators may had lost huge money...continue to service loans and maintenance of vessels...so when Batam reopened the ferry operators need to hedge if they had enough profits to continue...and what price to sustain patrons price ratio...:)

What many patrons saw were huge crowds during weekends and public holidays...the ferry operators continue to sail even during off-peak with very few patrons...:)

If patrons were down and demand low during weekends then we may see a price discount but may cut frequency to consolidate number of patrons...:)

The above is just IMO...:)

nono1973

28-10-2022, 12:34 PM

Stumble onto this site while browsing the internet. Thinking it may be interesting for bros who has reach 55 (& above),hehehe...for me, i am still "underage". :D

https://www.msn.com/en-sg/lifestyle/other/indonesia-officially-launches-second-home-visa-allowing-holders-10-year-stay-including-in-bali/ar-AA13nHWK?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=28f4027970eb493bbe9f7fb945499dae

Above is upcoming (retirement visa to stay in Indonesia for around 10 years), below is current situation (which is only for 1 year).

514855

https://www.imigrasi.go.id/en/permohonan-visa-republik-indonesia-wisatawan-lanjut-usia-pensiunan/

For those who are interested only.

nono1973

28-10-2022, 02:50 PM

Don't forget there's Sheng Song, Cold Storage & Giant too.

Then again, price has gone up to $90 for $100 now.

Hehehe...when one can buy many stuffs for S$0.10 each & better things for no more than a S$1 in Singapore. Shopping in Batam no longer as cheap anymore (there are still things whereby it is still cheaper to buy from Indonesia Batam tho).

Not forgetting there are fairly good things thats going at 90% to 95% discount.

All the bluetooth earphone i am using now (almost a dozen of them), each cost no more than S$1 (most of it cost no more than S$0.50).

Next mth before 11/11, going btm to beat inflation in Singapore. If u are there, drop me a tinkle.

Will sure do so.

Let us all beat inflation together.

In Batam I bought 15 kg of fruits, which I cannot find in Europe so good as here (mangoes, manggis, jambu air, papaya, dragon fruit).

According to my parents, their friends told them that it was mango season last month, hence that's 1 reason why you are getting all the fresher fruits now.

Next month when i am there, i am likely to see thick mango juice, freshly squeezed from 100% actual mango without any ice or add-on to be on sale at 10000 rupiah (less than S$1) at DC Mall, hehehe... ;)

....but I could not smuggle a cewek in my bag.

Ok, ok...maybe you stole the heartS of many SYT cewek in this trip instead,hehehe... i'm sure they're going to miss you much.

I don't understand what is amazing. :confused:

A long time ago, i brought along my neighbor, a Portugal man with his wife (father from US, mother from Philippine) from the US to Batam. They didn't quite like the idea of taking ojek. Reason given was the helmet was shared by many. And bikes were swiveling at dangerous turns on high speed.

Another time ago, i brought another Italian friend with his Pinoy girl friend to Batam, the couple shared about the same reason with me too.

Therefore i was amazed when you so strongly recommend to take ojek to move around Batam.

(Pacific reopened the disco again! Hurrah!!)

That's good news for many.

I think you just got yourself 1st hand information as i notice no one has shared about this before.

Normal office girls at pubs: nearly nobody. Much less than before Covid. I guess that economy crisis hit hard. Normal people has less to spend, and therefore do not go to pubs, which are really expensive. This is my main sorry about this visit to Batam. I missed this type of meetings.

Most likely could be busy making babies during lockdown, hehehe...& probably taking of them now. :p

I notice a handful of ladies who has just given birth for no more than a year in my last 3 trips.

- A girl from Hallo Kitty (go there! expensive, but probably the best place to relax). I found myself in Pacific with a group of those girls partying after the work place was closed.

Thats why i only visit this place once.

One reason is that the girls there can be found in other shops at a lower entrance fee, hehehe...

In the past, I was used to get a new girl every day or even 2 a day. Things are more quiet now in Batam.
Still I am happy I spent my time in Batam, and I cannot wait to be back again.

That would be until next year... :)

Last time when ferry ticket was $48, used to go to Batam quarterly (3 months once)

Now the ferry ticket is $70, will plan to go (4 months once) but with longer stay.

Here we are just talking about ferry ticket, let's not forget about the other essentials like hotel rooms & food which we all will need.

Food wise not much of an issue as it isn't going to go up too high (compare with Singapore's necessity's increases).

Example : Singapore food court's chicken rice cost S$5 today, Batam's chicken rice cannot forever stay at S$1.60, right? (Budi Siang Malam's chicken rice at Grand Batam Mall is at S$2.50 & with bigger share)

____________________

Ferry tickets may have gone rocketing high (almost double), but hotel room appears to be coming down (in case you haven't already noticed). During pre-covid time, my hotel room was about $45 to S$55 on average (ex Formosa when i 1st visited Batam was about S$62). Today...S$35 & i am talking about same hotel, same type of room (i usually try to make comparison with apple to apple & not apple with orange).

Want to have free hotel stays? Hehehe...try looking at credit card offers in Singapore. I recommended some friends to apply HSBC credit cards around 2-3 months ago in Singapore & they got 1.5 night free stay at Marriot Hotel and/or almost 10 nights at 4 season hotel near NED (4 season is under Marriot group, fyi), hehehe...

If increase again to $100 two way, then maybe further reduce to twice a year (6 months once) with even longer stay

Used to visit Batam once a month during my 1st trips to Batam almost 10 years ago when ferry ticket was S$48. Followed by 3 times a month when ferry tickets dropped to S$28 or so (same ferry company). Now i just switch to once a month with a longer than usual stay.

Comparing the 2 essentials between hotel rooms to ferry tickets, i would rather ferry tickets price goes up than hotel room price up (both comes down would be best,hehehe...).

There is only two way you can buy ferry ticket at a cheaper price.

1) Source for tour agency in batam or those ferry ticket shop that offers two way ferry ticket at a cheaper price, currently the one I encountered was 690k (two way)

This was mentioned last month, i think.

https://www.sbf.net.nz/showthread.php?p=21668259#post21668259

I think some money changer sells it. All one needs is just to open mouth ask. Takes about 20 seconds for me to open mouth, another min or so to transact if needed to. All in less than 2 mins.

2) Wait for the rupiah to devalue to say maybe 12000 per sing dollar and quickly convert to buy the ticket.

2 sides of a blade in this case.

There is an expiry date in every ferry ticket. If one isn't capability to use them up before the expiry date, then he/she needs to have to capability to sell it off his/her hand when the needs are no more.

Remember i bought a lot of orange tickets at S$28 each before covid time?

Refer to below link :

https://www.sbf.net.nz/showpost.php?p=19907534&postcount=16051

2 of the above Horizon ferry ticket which is S$56.00 = today's S$70 Horizon ferry ticket (thats what Horizon says 3-4 months ago). When i sold them off hand that time, Horizon was still selling their new ticket at S$80. Made some tiny profit out of it & use them to cover for my August's S$70 ticket (to be exact, i paid for 1 way at about S$40).

When i reached Batam, i buy a 2 way 690k rupiah tour group ticket in Batam, use half of it to come back home sweet home.

Not many will be like stingy me who'd try to save 10k, 20k or if not more (this 10k-20k saving keeps reminding me of my debate with bro Blackpage in thsi forum,hehehe...). But what happens if we go in groups? The saving can be quite substantial. The number just adds up from essentials like Hotels, to ferry tickets to everyday food & then to massage, booking joints, transport etc etc.

Never underestimate the power of "small money" aka 10k to 20k rupiah.

I'm saving, yet not compromising my enjoyment in Batam.

If ferry ticket goes up to S$100 per trip, then i just have to play, "eat the pig to pay the dog" game better.

Solution/s: Organize group trips or go with friends, share the burden (cost). Eg, better bargain in overnight-girls booking joints, MPs & hotel room too.

Above were how i play my game in Batam, hehehe...

Sex Kid

28-10-2022, 03:59 PM

Hello brudders,
I go Batam for holiday because have deepavali. So I go 22/10 and come back 24/10.

I changing money in Singapore get 10,857. I hear in Nagoya have one place change 10,950.

I booking ferry ticket online for Horizon and pay $70. Brudders, luckily I booking online for the time also. If not, KNN, I collect boarding pass on 24/10, I see long queue but only last ferry balance leh. Good luck to them.

I go on night ferry because day time I busy in Singapore. My hotel is Planet Holiday booking Agoda. Actually I want to try Woda Villa & Spa because have private swimming pool. I want to try swimming naked with cewek lah, but no luck cos no room. Christmas & New Year also no room.

At ferry terminal, my cewek come fetch me. Last time I got post her picture. My cewek body very firm because she got go gym and exercise. I like, and she give me fuck many style, many place in the room, like chair, sofa, bathtub, shower.

First night dinner, I eating at Nomad Bar & Resto. This have live band and music not bad. Can sit here, have drinks & listen to music.

Second night dinner, I eating at Love Seafood. Second time go here. Still no fresh oyster but got crabs, prawns, fish, scallop, Gong Gong.

I no take breakfast because always wake up late because of fucking lah.

So lunch I go to eat Ayam Penyet Ria at Lovina Inn because Internet say, best Ayam penyet in Batam. Lunch I got also eat at Sup Ikan 963 ( sorry, number maybe wrong). This shop opposite BCS mall. Very good, must try brudders. They also have fried prawns and fried fish.

This trip, I free time got go massage at Mustika Ratu Spa because Internet recommend as best massage. I have tried other massage like Reborn, etc before.

Massage menu have many types of massage, like sport, rub this or scrub this, but because holiday season, can only do traditional massage. Also because fully booking, can only do one and half hours.

Brudders, for the price and places, you can check Internet. Because no point I post how much I spend cos surely will have some brudders say he can get cheaper and some brudders say my spending ok.

I only say as long as you "happy satisfied".

Thank you brudders

nitecrawllerr

28-10-2022, 05:21 PM

Singapore economy has a strong fundamental and MAS may continue to tighten monetary policy to strengthen the sing dollar..

514717

Recently ringgit badly hit can be due to strength of S$. Even strengthen against US$ couple of days. Rup was hit too. But wat goes up must cm down. MAS intervened cos of high inflation in Sillypore. It may loosen the monetary policy once inflation stabilise..

nitecrawllerr

28-10-2022, 05:26 PM

Next year today (August 2023), may have more money to spend in Batam. I mean since Batam's everyday necessities price keep increasing over time.

Everyday necessities increases practically everywhere. Not just Batam bro. Everywhere. Be it sillypore or Msia. But safe bet still S$.

nitecrawllerr

28-10-2022, 05:29 PM

Real sad, they increase cause they say not enough passengers. Now demand back, price not down.

$38 or even $48. They are history leow. Even if oil down below US$50, they will still stick to $70 ferry tkt.

retirebatam

28-10-2022, 11:31 PM

Recently ringgit badly hit can be due to strength of S$. Even strengthen against US$ couple of days. Rup was hit too. But wat goes up must cm down. MAS intervened cos of high inflation in Sillypore. It may loosen the monetary policy once inflation stabilise..

Monetary policies to control inflation include:

1) Raising the interest rate - Higher interest rate increases the cost of borrowing and discourage spending and thus will lead to lower inflation.
Increased interest rates also make it more attractive to save money and reduce the disposable income of those with mortgages.

2) Appreciation of the exchange rate - so that imported goods into the country will be cheaoer and thus reduces inflation.

Let us do our part to control inflation by saving money :D

Share two good news for money savers:

1) Today 28/10/22, CIMB Bank Singapore raised its fix deposit interest rate to 3.85% per annum, the highest in singapore at the moment...:eek:

2) Singapore's 6-month treasury bill hits 4.19% yield, highest since Year 1988.

T-bills are short-term securities issued and backed by the Spore Government, with maturities of one year or less. :)

lbcben

29-10-2022, 10:20 PM

Just a quick question, I browsing thru Twitter #availbatam (https://sbfsg.fun/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=availbatam)
May I know what is massage + BO(what is BO?)
And what is DP?
Thanks

qwerty1213

30-10-2022, 02:05 AM

Just a quick question, I browsing thru Twitter #availbatam (https://sbfsg.fun/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=availbatam)
May I know what is massage + BO(what is BO?)
And what is DP?
Thanks

Booking Out and deposit if I'm not mistaken.

lbcben

30-10-2022, 09:35 AM

Booking Out and deposit if I'm not mistaken.

Booking out?? meaning?

don understand again.

Thanks for replying, up your points

nono1973

30-10-2022, 12:59 PM

Glad u got the hang of it from the platform.

Bro bro...new discovery, your recommended platform works fabulously.

Online digital ferry ticket (2 way) for Batamfast from Harbourfront to Harbour Bay can be purchase at S$59 after using coins. :D

515389
(like you,i have got tons of coins)

And i haven't even include voucher/s yet!!!

Ha! Ha! Ha....!!!! (so happy now...hehehe...)

Thanks man!

* constantly in search for better & cheaper stuffs for & in Batam (my habit in this thread).

** share share only, no need too serious,hehehe... :p

*** bros who with me in the last few trips, you guys should know where to find this deal. Readers can find clues on the photo attached. (don't wish to spell out too clearly for fear of bleaching forum's advertising guidelines/regulations)

nono1973

30-10-2022, 01:36 PM

Online digital ferry ticket (2 way) for Batamfast from Harbourfront to Harbour Bay can be purchase at S$59 after using coins. :D

But i will not be buying this deal above.
(got lower price, i am sure most will not like to pay higher)

Why so?

Because noticed an even cheaper deal,hehehe... :p

515395
This is a one way deal, previous one is for 2 way.

How is that any cheaper? Simple, 2 way as per what i posted previously :

https://sbf.net.nz/showpost.php?p=21780274&postcount=17848

...is S$59 for 2 way.

The photo shows above is 1 way at S$39, after cutting off coins = S$29.

I take extra 5 mins to buy the same deal TWICE for One time to go and then One more time to come back, total cost becomes S$29+S$29 = S$58.

Meaning it will be S$1 cheaper, WA...HA...HA...HA...HA...

Of course, i can still add-on vouchers to cut the S$58 further (by between S$20 to S$50 but thats for my case only so not going to elaborate here).

One can be like me, apply for new credit card in that platform, eg. UOB, Citibank to get those vouchers.

Alternative, one can also wait for their "digital purchase" promotion voucher on sales during certain 1 day date of the month to get further offer via those vouchers (usually is between S$1 to S$5 extra off).

I still may not buy this deal yet as i am camping for Horizonfast ferry digital voucher (not out yet tho), hehehe... Batamfast ferry still go via Harbourfront to Harbour Bay ferry terminal (4 slot only tho).

Sorry, i am getting a bit greedier. :D

Black Page

30-10-2022, 04:27 PM

Hi bro its been many years since i go Batam.. used to frequent pacific disco.. will be heading there tonight.. was wondering Newton would be better or Pacific to find a company for the night?

Sorry, I did not open SBF for a few days. My response come late for you. However, they have different styles.

NEWTON
Hard Indo techno music, dark (as it has been used to be before COVID), but much less people as before. This also means that there are working girls, but less pretty and less in number than before.

PACIFIC
Lighter electronic music, less dark, conversation is even possible, nice beer girls going around taking orders.
Tables are the same as in the old glorious times, but the area of the hall is about half. There is not the balcon for the "light engineer" girl ovelooking the hall anymore.
More people than in Newton, less drugs (no drug, I'd say), nicer people, nicer girls.

PLANET 3 (HH CLUB)
Forget it. It is not a disco anymore, but a club with a bunch of PR girls available (I think for drinking, not for booking, at least that is the starting menu).

Black Page

30-10-2022, 04:32 PM

Interesting that you shared the xe rates and noted that when i was there Google showed 10,800+ but money changer only give 10,600+
:confused: That is less than 2% fee! Very good.
They are not a charity. They run a business, which is applying a markup on currency conversion.
From our perspective, what we should do is to find the best seller, that is the agent applying the smallest markup.
Still agents applying 20% markup exist and run a successful business, because they cater lazy people, or those who have no other choice (e.g., last minute changes in airports).

qwerty1213

30-10-2022, 04:40 PM

Booking out?? meaning?

don understand again.

Thanks for replying, up your points

Think of it as outcall. Twitter a lot of scammers and landmines I feel but if you ever want to try I'll give you some tips. Learnt this the hard way.

1. Never pay in advance or bank xfer

2. Video chat for 1st visual confirmation

3. Meet in lobby or outside for 2nd visual confirmation, sometimes what you see is not what you get. Some folks find it harder to reject once the girl is at the doorstep.

Of course once in the room, things can go south too. So it all boils down to your luck. 🤞

lbcben

30-10-2022, 07:47 PM

Think of it as outcall. Twitter a lot of scammers and landmines I feel but if you ever want to try I'll give you some tips. Learnt this the hard way.

1. Never pay in advance or bank xfer

2. Video chat for 1st visual confirmation

3. Meet in lobby or outside for 2nd visual confirmation, sometimes what you see is not what you get. Some folks find it harder to reject once the girl is at the doorstep.

Of course once in the room, things can go south too. So it all boils down to your luck. 🤞

1. I don know how ot pay in advance or xfer - so no issue
2. My friend also tell me this - will do
3. Let say i reject, do we need to give "reject fee", like how much the market rate?

Kaboon

31-10-2022, 01:05 AM

Hehehe...when one can buy many stuffs for S$0.10 each & better things for no more than a S$1 in Singapore. Shopping in Batam no longer as cheap anymore (there are still things whereby it is still cheaper to buy from Indonesia Batam tho).

Not forgetting there are fairly good things thats going at 90% to 95% discount.

All the bluetooth earphone i am using now (almost a dozen of them), each cost no more than S$1 (most of it cost no more than S$0.50).

Nobody here will believe what u said.

Just as much as u tell ppl can still use 10 cent to buy things in Sg. Maybe go p toilet still can.

U may wish to bring your discussion here -

https://sbf.net.nz/showthread.php?p=21781725#post21781725

for an easier talk. But get ready a few nice chinese songs to share. ;)

HeatguyAlvin

31-10-2022, 09:38 AM

But i will not be buying this deal above.
(got lower price, i am sure most will not like to pay higher
Sorry, i am getting a bit greedier. :D

Interesting spot! Just when i was mentioning that the old qoo10 days are gone. Also saw a cheaper deal at $36++ for 2 ways for sindo with a minimum order quantity of 20pcs. only gripe is the sellers are all pretty new without any previous reviews for the cheaper ones. Shall wait to see the credibility

HeatguyAlvin

31-10-2022, 11:28 AM

:confused: That is less than 2% fee! Very good.
They are not a charity. They run a business, which is applying a markup on currency conversion.

Ah, i noticed I've framed that wrongly. I'm definitely not complaining about 200 rupiah variance but how in a matter of a day or two the XE rate rose to 11,000++. Its no wonder why hotels don't collect deposits in their local currency any longer, noticed that on my XE card throughout my three nights i had a 1% to 2% markup on several days. Thought it was weird but it could be just currency fluctuations.

HeatguyAlvin

31-10-2022, 11:32 AM

1. I don know how ot pay in advance or xfer - so no issue
2. My friend also tell me this - will do
3. Let say i reject, do we need to give "reject fee", like how much the market rate?

I think in general for batam, its better to go down and seee then book for overnight.

Btw Hallo Kitty massage now got telegram to view and book ST, comes with free ride to the place 😂

lincoln3010

31-10-2022, 01:12 PM

Hopefully Fame Spa does the same as hello kitty
Show a catalog of beauties

Cougar21

31-10-2022, 01:52 PM

Anyone in batam now? Can ask for help to provide sgd cash while i transfer to u? Am at nagoya area now. Pls reply or PM me. Thanks

Ninja_Assassin

31-10-2022, 01:54 PM

514823

Years ago, Wavemaster offered a big discount on tickets sold in Batam. I bought a bunch. Shortly after, they moved from Batam Center to Harbour Bay (which just open) and Wavemaster either changed name or taken over. The discount tickets no longer valid and can only be redeemed with a big hair cut! So be careful about buying discount tickets in Batam. The ferry operators are very mercenary! :mad:

Muahaha..... now then you say.
I had oredi bought 10 sets of 2-way tickets for S$56 each on my last trip to Batam. Validity is until 31.03.2023..... hope they dun chut pattern and void the tickets.

As my usual habit..... I like to kpo and tcss alot even with strangers. I was taking a rest at the ferry agent office in Harbourfront and managed to tcss with the staff there.
During the tcss.... I learnt that they sell discounted tickets to tour groups.... S$63 each for below 5pax and S$56 each for more than 5pax..... managed to psycho them to sell me 10 sets of 2-way tickets at the discounted price.... 😀

Ninja_Assassin

31-10-2022, 02:04 PM

Moredhel

31-10-2022, 05:41 PM

Heading to batam on 8th or 9th for a week. Any bros going there during that period?

nitecrawllerr

31-10-2022, 07:25 PM

I have a BNI bank account in Singapore..... I can use their bankcard to make withdrawals in Batam bypassing the need for moneychangers.

Not bad idea. Worth considering especially for regular cheongsters. But ferry fare is the killer.

maddog_mlvn

31-10-2022, 08:25 PM

Not bad idea. Worth considering especially for regular cheongsters. But ferry fare is the killer.
Use OCBC bank can withdraw in Btm Penuin area OCBC Indo ATM, .200 below at the time u withdraw on bank trading market rate.

Black Page

31-10-2022, 08:35 PM

Ah, i noticed I've framed that wrongly. I'm definitely not complaining about 200 rupiah variance but how in a matter of a day or two the XE rate rose to 11,000++. Its no wonder why hotels don't collect deposits in their local currency any longer, noticed that on my XE card throughout my three nights i had a 1% to 2% markup on several days. Thought it was weird but it could be just currency fluctuations.
Noted your explanations with thanks.

I think it is worth to provide some explanations on how MasterCard/VISA cards work. I assume also other international circuits work in the same way, even with some slight variations, because the business is the same.

When you purchase a good with a credit card out of your country (in local currency!! ALWAYS opt for the local currency!!), or you withdraw money abroad in local currency, you will be charged using the current interbank buying rate at the time the transaction is finalized, the one we see on XE.COM (there are two exchange rates at any time: one for buying, one for selling a currency) PLUS a +2% fee (that goes to MasterCard/VISA).

When you do several withdrawals in a day, it is possible, but not likely, that the exchange rates are different.
When you use a credit card to withdraw money from ATM, that is cash advance. They lend you money. Then, on top of that +2%, you also pay +4%. ==> ALWAYS USE DEBIT CARDS to withdraw money from ATMs.
On top of that, for debit or credit cards, it is possible that the local bank and your bank also apply their fees (my bank charges ~3 SGD flat fee on each withdrawal I do abroad).

Said all this, the cheapest way to convert our home currency to a local currency is most of the times one of the following two:
1) Use a debit card on an ATM (at best, we pay %2 + some 2 SGD flat fee). This is also the easiest and less time consuming. I do this.
2) Search an exchange office that applies best conversion rates. This takes time, but it may be profitable, because some offices apply a fee that is less than 2%, for example if you give new 100 USD notes, that have a special market in Indonesia (I think they are good for unofficial business transactions). I do this when I have some USD cash, which I want to spend in Batam :p

I have a BNI bank account in Singapore..... I can use their bankcard to make withdrawals in Batam bypassing the need for moneychangers. No overseas service charge and exchange rate on par with the market rates. Very convenient.
I do the same with my bank card, but do not be too optimistic.
As I have explained above, you will pay a +2% fee applied on the XE rate, not because BNI bank is bad, but because that is how international circuits change currency. Even if your card is does not pass via VISA or MAsterCard (do you see their logos on your BNI card?), then you have to pay some 2% (ok, 1.5%?) to the international circuit that makes the conversion.
What I write is not valid, only if your BNI bank account in Singapore is denominated in IDR, which I doubt.

Black Page

31-10-2022, 08:39 PM

Use OCBC bank can withdraw in Btm Penuin area OCBC Indo ATM, .200 below at the time u withdraw on bank trading market rate.
It depends on when the transaction is finalized. Rates fluctuate up and down. I am sure you do not think that OCBC systematically loses money on ATM withdrawals...

Black Page

31-10-2022, 08:42 PM

And what is DP?

I know "Double Penetration", but I doubt this is on their menu :D:D

qwerty1213

31-10-2022, 09:09 PM

1. I don know how ot pay in advance or xfer - so no issue
2. My friend also tell me this - will do
3. Let say i reject, do we need to give "reject fee", like how much the market rate?

Never once I paid a reject fee. Although most of the time I sit in the lobby and observe from a distance when she comes in. Lol

Like the other poster mentioned, now spas advertise their girls in ig, TikTok or telegram. See what you like, head down and proceed from there. Some of them able to come to your hotel for ST or overnight.

nitecrawllerr

31-10-2022, 09:28 PM

Use OCBC bank can withdraw in Btm Penuin area OCBC Indo ATM, .200 below at the time u withdraw on bank trading market rate.

Oh, ocbc too. Tks. I suppose CIMB too. One day go try try.:D

penyet

01-11-2022, 12:14 AM

When you purchase a good with a credit card out of your country (in local currency!! ALWAYS opt for the local currency!!), or you withdraw money abroad in local currency, you will be charged using the current interbank buying rate at the time the transaction is finalized, the one we see on XE.COM (there are two exchange rates at any time: one for buying, one for selling a currency) PLUS a +2% fee (that goes to MasterCard/VISA).
Good advice to opt for local currency! To significantly reduce forex conversion fee, consider also using a multicurrency card which uses wholesale market rates and a very small fee. Eg Youtrip, Wise, Revolut, etc. These cards need prior funding into eWallet. To avoid having to pre-fund, use Instarem Amaze card which can be linked to a Mastercard. Cash is drawn as needed directly from linked Mastercard, with Instarem doing the currency conversion at a very competitive rate.

A very neat way to pay for Grab transport charges in Batam is to link Grab payment to Instarem Amaze card. The Indo rupiah payment is charged direct to our Mastercard but the currency conversion is done by Instarem at a very competitive rate.

Said all this, the cheapest way to convert our home currency to a local currency is most of the times one of the following two:
1) Use a debit card on an ATM (at best, we pay %2 + some 2 SGD flat fee). This is also the easiest and less time consuming. I do this.
2) Search an exchange office that applies best conversion rates. This takes time, but it may be profitable, because some offices apply a fee that is less than 2%, for example if you give new 100 USD notes, that have a special market in Indonesia (I think they are good for unofficial business transactions). I do this when I have some USD cash, which I want to spend in Batam :p
An alternative is to use one of the multicurrency cards mentioned earlier to get the best conversion rate. Note though that diff cards have diff withdrawal limits and (low) base fees, and the local ATM charges also not bypassed. Main benefit is very competitive conversion rate.

penyet

01-11-2022, 12:22 AM

Muahaha..... now then you say.
I had oredi bought 10 sets of 2-way tickets for S$56 each on my last trip to Batam. Validity is until 31.03.2023..... hope they dun chut pattern and void the tickets.

As my usual habit..... I like to kpo and tcss alot even with strangers. I was taking a rest at the ferry agent office in Harbourfront and managed to tcss with the staff there.
During the tcss.... I learnt that they sell discounted tickets to tour groups.... S$63 each for below 5pax and S$56 each for more than 5pax..... managed to psycho them to sell me 10 sets of 2-way tickets at the discounted price.... 😀
Good disclosure of way to get cheap tickets! :) And proof that $70 is gouging the passengers. Now curious which ferry operator u're referring to.

The Wavemaster tickets i referred to did not have an expiry date IIRC. They sold tickets at a big discount then knowing they would become defunct shortly after (change name or taken over with move from Batam Center to Harbour Bay?), with tickets becoming invalid even without an expiry date. Think your bargain is a different situation.

maddog_mlvn

01-11-2022, 02:14 AM

Oh, ocbc too. Tks. I suppose CIMB too. One day go try try.:D

Actually the best rate is still cash, I hv a vendor who told me their rate r base on Subscription Rate, meaning was giving to them in morning by a Supplier, they start the day biz with that rate till end of the day. Most of the time I get at Xe rate and twice above Xe rate. Did ask y I get above Xe rate was told the supplier need Sgd so they willing to pay out higher for cash Sgd. Pm me for the location in Nagoya, only for Senior Bro, no need lobang or kangtao or info or ctc to exchange, it's free then we call sharing.

PS : 1 more info to share those who hv already bought ferry ticket or tickets, with effect fm 1st Nov, when u checkin for the boarding pass, u hv to pay additional Sgd 3.

BFOMF5

01-11-2022, 03:44 AM

$3? Which ferry ? Which way?

BFOMF5

01-11-2022, 03:45 AM

I mean btm>sgp also?

BFOMF5

01-11-2022, 04:01 AM

Last weeks passed by Chahaya garden

https://img1.uploadhouse.com/fileuploads/29622/296229311e90d09211784e3d7ee474fa4a0cb298.jpg

After 3 year...
The KonZhi temple still in same state.

BFOMF5

01-11-2022, 04:52 AM

Last weeks, too bore in btm,
Craving for Makao-Hei
https://img6.uploadhouse.com/fileuploads/29622/296229368d52d467f633e4e3a24e3bc898a3e80c.jpg

Attempted an adventure trip to go Batu Pahat via selat Panjang.

Ferry fare
btm -> SLP 270k +10ktax
SLP-> Btm 270k + 5ktax

Too bad
Ferry btw SLP n Batu Pahat still not resume. :(

For BroNono
Man height candle
https://img2.uploadhouse.com/fileuploads/29622/296229326765d30bcb21c6ea377fbce4594a6336.jpg

Traditional wooden house
https://img5.uploadhouse.com/fileuploads/29622/296229357f55746678396cba36dff7943c6c1107.jpg

HeatguyAlvin

01-11-2022, 11:46 AM

When you do several withdrawals in a day, it is possible, but not likely, that the exchange rates are different.

Btw it may be also good to note that bayfront mall has a UOB Branch and ATM and overseas withdraws are free subject to the bank's conversion rates for those who has a UOB account. And yes, I used Instarem during my stay which cuts off the 2% credit card charge and the conversion varience from XE was 1 to 2% from spot rate, likely due to currency fluctuations.

HeatguyAlvin

01-11-2022, 11:52 AM

Price for ferry increase again due to passenger fees :(

Cougar21

01-11-2022, 03:27 PM

Riding a motorbike now in Batam. Going to Tg Piayu seafood there to try out. Exchange at a rate of 10980 rp. Sekar Massage have wide varieties of cewek for 1.4 to 1.8 juta. Very expensive.

miumiu6464

01-11-2022, 04:21 PM

Riding a motorbike now in Batam. Going to Tg Piayu seafood there to try out. Exchange at a rate of 10980 rp. Sekar Massage have wide varieties of cewek for 1.4 to 1.8 juta. Very expensive.

Eat seafood at Piayu where?

Recently we have been frequenting Kelong BaBa since it'sa short 20 mind drive from where I stay..

nitecrawllerr

01-11-2022, 05:45 PM

Actually the best rate is still cash,

Did ask y I get above Xe rate was told the supplier need Sgd so they willing to pay out higher for cash Sgd. Pm me for the location in Nagoya, only for Senior Bro, no need lobang or kangtao or info or ctc to exchange, it's free then we call sharing.

Cash is king. S$ is in demand in Batam. I still remember like 20 yrs ago Formosa used to base their Rp charges against S$. So no matter how wide rates fluctuate, i can still pay same rate i.e. in S$ for my room.

deepie

01-11-2022, 07:36 PM

Anyone heading to btm 4th Nov for 2 nites?

PM my with your contact example whatsapp/wechat /telgram etc

Staying Da Vienna Boutique Hotel.

Cougar21

02-11-2022, 01:15 AM

Eat seafood at Piayu where?

Recently we have been frequenting Kelong BaBa since it'sa short 20 mind drive from where I stay..

We just went to eat at Rumah Makan Seafood Jawa Melayu which is right after Love Seafood Reataurant. Very cheap indeed it's so worth it. 15k for kangkung belacan! 30k for gong gong. 65k for 500g of chilli crab.Its really unbelievable. You must try it. Highly recommended.

leong26

02-11-2022, 03:37 AM

Black Page

02-11-2022, 04:35 AM

Riding in batam need 2b to rent a bike or doesn't?
I don't know what is a "2b", but my personal advice is to be extremely wary before deciding to drive a bike or car in Batam.
First thing to do: have a good insurance, which covers you besides your damage against damage you may cause to others.
Consider that, in case of accident, police will come and keep you in custody, until responsibilities are not clarified. Imagine you kill someone or you just cause injuries to someone. Who will pay the damage? Until you don't pay, you will be kept in custody.
Many people in Indonesia is not insured. Good luck...
This explains why I have nearly never driven a bike or car in Batam (only a couple of times, because the girl was too drunk to do it and I wanted to go back to my hotel with her). Retrospectively, it was a risk I should have not taken.

Hurricane88

02-11-2022, 06:33 AM

I don't know what is a "2b", but my personal advice is to be extremely wary before deciding to drive a bike or car in Batam.
First thing to do: have a good insurance, which covers you besides your damage against damage you may cause to others.

Class 1 is reserved for drivers with physical disabilities. Class 2, 2A and 2B are for motorcycle riders. Class 3 license in Singapore along with 3A, 3C and 3CA are given to car owners. Class 4A is given for driving buses. Classes 4 and 5 are reserved for heavy motor drivers like trucks and vans.

Agreed with you on the insurance and make sure hv legal license to ride

Scsa84

02-11-2022, 08:15 AM

DO NOT ENGAGE THOSE SERVICE FROM TWITTER, They are fking scammer . I just got scam 2.2million rupiah, at the first told me to down payment 400k rupiah then afterwards ask me transfer 1.5 million rupiah for some kind of security bond which I was told I could get it back then afterwards they ask me to transfer another 800k to register Membership card LOL the picture they send me is a fking Starbucks card. I learn my lesson already not to engage those on twitter is just fking expensive and majority are all scammer. Just go Spa or Sintai to get sexual service. Those who request you for down payment is a fking scammer just that note the moment you transfer they will keep asking you to transfer more for other stuff

I just kena this. They keep asking for more money then I chanced upon this post. Proper head start thinking to search SBF. Haiz regret not doing so earlier.

I immediately blocked the girl contact and the up line contacts and didn’t want to transfer anymore money

But they still harass me with other mobile numbers, they already screenshot my conversation and found my company in singapore (yes stupid me used work phone to WA them haizzzz)

They said if I don’t pay the cancellation charges, they will shame me and viral my conversations

What should I do?

Scsa84

02-11-2022, 08:21 AM

DO NOT ENGAGE THOSE SERVICE FROM TWITTER, They are fking scammer . I just got scam 2.2million rupiah, at the first told me to down payment 400k rupiah then afterwards ask me transfer 1.5 million rupiah for some kind of security bond which I was told I could get it back then afterwards they ask me to transfer another 800k to register Membership card LOL the picture they send me is a fking Starbucks card. I learn my lesson already not to engage those on twitter is just fking expensive and majority are all scammer. Just go Spa or Sintai to get sexual service. Those who request you for down payment is a fking scammer just that note the moment you transfer they will keep asking you to transfer more for other stuff

I just kena this. They keep asking for more money then I just blocked the girl contact and all her up line contacts

But they keep harassing me for final payment cos I didn’t follow through on the transaction. They use other mobile numbers even tho much I have blocked.

They screenshot my convos, found my work place and threaten to shame me if they don’t get paid. Stupid me used my work phone to WA the girl.

Really regret my actions

What should I do?

nitecrawllerr

02-11-2022, 08:35 AM

We just went to eat at Rumah Makan Seafood Jawa Melayu which is right after Love Seafood Reataurant. Very cheap indeed it's so worth it.

Wow. Very far. Macam ke barelang bridge. Better be cheap.:D Worth trying. Tks for sharing.:)

miumiu6464

02-11-2022, 12:55 PM

Riding in batam need 2b to rent a bike or doesn't?

I applied for International Driving Permit from AAS and confirmed with Polresta Barelang (where the local apply their driving/riding licence) that it is valid for driving and riding in Indonesia.

Moredhel

02-11-2022, 05:19 PM

They screenshot my convos, found my work place and threaten to shame me if they don’t get paid. Stupid me used my work phone to WA the girl.

Really regret my actions

What should I do?

Ignore them. Never get in passive position with these sobs. Will never end.

Report phone stolen. Remember to backdate time of loss. Call back company ask them cancel the line as it may be compromised due to the loss.

Act blur. Change your style of messaging to typing out full words if you usually use abbreviations or vice versa.

Scsa84

02-11-2022, 11:46 PM

Ignore them. Never get in passive position with these sobs. Will never end.

Report phone stolen. Remember to backdate time of loss. Call back company ask them cancel the line as it may be compromised due to the loss.

Act blur. Change your style of messaging to typing out full words if you usually use abbreviations or vice versa.

I had transferred some money from DBS to their Indo bank account. Not sure if they can still track me down.

The stupid thing is I never follow through and paid for nothing

But looks like they prey on intent.

I hope others out there pls be careful.

Cougar21

03-11-2022, 12:43 AM

Riding in batam need 2b to rent a bike or doesn't?

Yes need. They just asked me to fotoin my license n passport and WhatsApp them. They send bike to me. Already 3 days riding to many places in Batam. Isi benzin hanya 20ribu aje untuk 2 liter. Pertalite! Its really worth to travel to Tanjung Piayu Seafood area. Definitely cheaper than Golden Prawn 933.

Cougar21

03-11-2022, 12:48 AM

Wow. Very far. Macam ke barelang bridge. Better be cheap.:D Worth trying. Tks for sharing.:)

Yes really worth it. I try upload the receipt here.
516484

Cougar21

03-11-2022, 12:51 AM

Wow. Very far. Macam ke barelang bridge. Better be cheap.:D Worth trying. Tks for sharing.:)

Try again. Receipt of meal.
Edit: upload fail.

Cougar21

03-11-2022, 01:00 AM

Try again. Receipt of meal.
Edit: upload fail.

Last try..
516486

retirebatam

03-11-2022, 01:13 AM

Ferry tickets may have gone rocketing high (almost double), but hotel room appears to be coming down (in case you haven't already noticed). During pre-covid time, my hotel room was about $45 to S$55 on average (ex Formosa when i 1st visited Batam was about S$62). Today...S$35 & i am talking about same hotel, same type of room (i usually try to make comparison with apple to apple & not apple with orange).

I remembered even earlier than pre-covid time say maybe about 8-10 years ago, formosa hotel room pricing was adjusted when rupiah devalued.

They charged deluxe room equivalent to sing $65 be it paid in rupiah or dollar irregardless of the exchange rate I think probably the reason was because formosa had undergone a refurbishment of the hotel rooms.

However after few more years when the building became older (2016-2019), the hotel room pricing dropped progressively. Then there were also many hotel booking platform to further bring down the pricing due to competition. :eek:

One of the popular booking platform in indonesia was traveloka (indo company). At that period, I had ever booked formosa deluxe room at S$23 per night which is 50% off the room rate of S$46. (even cheaper than agoda)

Therefore agree with you that as the hotel aged, the room rate also dropped concurrently. Another factor was also due to the growing number of booking hotel platform which made the pricing more competitive.

Used to visit Batam once a month during my 1st trips to Batam almost 10 years ago when ferry ticket was S$48. Followed by 3 times a month when ferry tickets dropped to S$28 or so (same ferry company). Now i just switch to once a month with a longer than usual stay.

Comparing the 2 essentials between hotel rooms to ferry tickets, i would rather ferry tickets price goes up than hotel room price up (both comes down would be best,hehehe...).

If ferry ticket too expensive indon garmen may blacklist or warn the ferry company bcos it will deter tourist from coming to batam, therefore they should have the foresignt (先见之明) not to overcharge by too much.

But unfortunately, from 1 Nov 2022, horizon ferry charged a tax of $3 for departure from harbourfront terminal. Hopefully there will not be any more increase in ferry price again when GST hike next year. :(

Yes agree because return ferry ticket only need to be paid once whereas hotel room rate has to be paid according to number of night stay.

This was mentioned last month, i think.

https://www.sbf.net.nz/showthread.php?p=21668259#post21668259

I think some money changer sells it. All one needs is just to open mouth ask. Takes about 20 seconds for me to open mouth, another min or so to transact if needed to. All in less than 2 mins.

There is an expiry date in every ferry ticket. If one isn't capability to use them up before the expiry date, then he/she needs to have to capability to sell it off his/her hand when the needs are no more.

Remember i bought a lot of orange tickets at S$28 each before covid time?

Ok thanks for the info, so 690k return ticket was also more widely available at money changer shop.

But noticed that the expiry date of the ticket was usually end June or end December. The validity of a normal ticket will usually be more than 6 months whereas a cheaper ticket had a shorter validity period between 1-3 months :)

For those batam regular traveller who travel to batam say 2-3 times a week can consider buying a monthly ferry season pass.

Previously Horizon ferry got sell monthly ferry pass but now they don't sell anymore. (confirmed with horizon staff yesterday)

But the price of the monthly Pass exclude taxes and departure fees at the respective terminals.

Therefore each trip, the departure and terminal fees are payable at Majestic Fast Ferry Counters in Harbourfront Centre at S$7.00 and IDR 65,000 at departing Batam Terminal (Batam Center) upon collection of their boarding pass.

Current monthly ferry season pass price is $180 (Majesty Fast Ferry)

When i reached Batam, i buy a 2 way 690k rupiah tour group ticket in Batam, use half of it to come back home sweet home.

Not many will be like stingy me who'd try to save 10k, 20k or if not more (this 10k-20k saving keeps reminding me of my debate with bro Blackpage in thsi forum,hehehe...). But what happens if we go in groups? The saving can be quite substantial. The number just adds up from essentials like Hotels, to ferry tickets to everyday food & then to massage, booking joints, transport etc etc.

Never underestimate the power of "small money" aka 10k to 20k rupiah.

I'm saving, yet not compromising my enjoyment in Batam.

Yes you are rite, don’t underestimate the power of small money.

The coin inside the piggy bank can buy us a ferry ticket too :p

Many small savings can be compounded to become a big saving.

所谓积少成多

Pound wise but penny must also not be foolish, rite hehe :D

retirebatam

03-11-2022, 02:33 AM

I wasn't looking at hotel carpets, near shopping malls hotel nor good breakfast serving hotels.

1. So far i can't find a hotel that has 24 hours Room service restaurant.

2. So far i cannot find hotel in house massage with special service that closes at 1am (last order 12am tho).

3. So far cannot find KTV in a hotel that has PRC girls, Thai Girls & Vietnam girls altogether. And yet doubles itself like a booking joint.

If anyone knows where Batam got the above mentioned 3 in a hotel, please share (or can PM me too) thank you,hehehe....more importantly, the above 3 points hopefully can be just 1 min or less away from my hotel room i am in. :D

Anyway, if you have pass the hotel by during your recent trip, you might have seen Formosa is being torn down...

510445

About time to have a closure with Formosa,bro. :o

Walked past Formosa hotel area and noticed that the porridge street, the satay warung, zhi char shops and convenience store all were still around.

Also to my surprise, the formosa carpark area was barricaded with hoarding and stated something macham like Under Renovation at the hoarding.

There are 2 possibilities:

First the formosa carpark may be resurfaced to make it into many new parking lots for commercial hourly parking.

Second possibility could be the Owner of the Building that houses formosa hotel managed to rent out the hotel to a new hotel operator, and the new operator is doing some minor renovation to the facade and carpark area.
If the latter is true, then many ex-formosa customers will anticipate for the opening of Formosa 2..

Formosa Hotel was once the most popular hotel in Batam

Breaking news

Today so happen to have an opportunity to speak to the ex front desk manager of formosa hotel. :)

When I called him through whatapp, was so surprise he could even recognised my voice and remembered my name and greeted me politely, very professional I should say.

He told me that the building owner had leased out the ex-formosa hotel building to a new hotel operator. :eek:

However, the name of the hotel will not be called Formosa anymore and now the building was in the midst of renovation. The hotel will not be ready until early next year till late of next year. :)

As for what facilities or entertainment will be available in the new hotel like KTV, massage,restaurant, etc he said the new boss of the hotel had not finalise the decision yet.

Therefore my prediction of the second possibility really came true hehe..:p

He said he will return to the new hotel to work once the hotel is ready to be opened next year.

I was thinking that ex-formosa hotel has such a good location which is vertically opposite of nagoya hill mall, it will be a waste to just leave it vacant. Its prime location definitely can attract tourist to the vicinity.

Hope that the new hotel can be as comfortable, entertaining and lively as Formosa if not better...:D

Also hopefully most of the ex-formosa staff can return to work in the new hotel including the massage cewek and KTV cewek and bring back the past glory of formosa to the new hotel...;)

retirebatam

03-11-2022, 03:43 AM

MAS tightens monetary policy for the fifth time in a year to dampen inflation on the 14 Oct 2022 and the sing dollar on that day appreciate from 10650 to 10850 rupiah. And today 20 Oct 2022 the exchange rate for sing dollar has further appreciate to 10930 rupiah. :D

As reported in the news that USA is going to raise interest rate 2 more times by 0.75% each time, one time in november and another time in december to control their inflation. :eek:

The expected result will be the world currency will devalue again against US dollar. Then if spore tighten policy or raise interest rate again, Sing dollar will again appreciate against the rupiah and expected that the exchange rate of sing dollar probably by then will be more than 11500 rupiah or worst liao.:)

Strong sing dollar reduce our overseas spending in our neighbouring countries due to stronger buying power...

As seen from rupiah exchange rate chart below, rupiah has devalue from 10519 to 11056 which is 537 rupiah per sing dollar for the past one month period. :eek:

% devalued of rupiah for past one month = 537/10519 x 100% = 5.1%

I will not be surprise to see the rupiah depreciate further when US increase their interest rate again and MAS further strengthening of the sing dollar in the near future. :D

Breaking news

Economists anticipate that this week the US central bank going to raise interest rate again by 0.75% to control inflation in their country.

This in turn will strengthened the US dollar and exchange rate of all other currencies are expected to fall.

The ringgit will be the worst hit because of two main reasons:

1) Bolehland manage monetary policy through interest rate and it could not afford keep raising its interest rate, therefore end up causing the currency to devalue. Financial analyst predicted it could fall to RM3.45 in worst situation.

2) Bolehland is an oil exporting country which depends heavily on oil export for revenue. The recent decline in oil prices has reduced the revenue and caused the ringgit to depreciate.

Whereas for the indonesian rupiah may devalue too but not as much as the ringgit, because last week bank indonesia has raise interest rate by 0.5% to support the rupiah.

Worst scenario is that rupiah may drop by few hundred rupiah per sing dollar.

On the other hand, spore central bank uses exchange rate as its main policy tool to counter imported inflation unlike bolehland. :)

516513

nitecrawllerr

03-11-2022, 11:47 AM

Last try..

Ok. Price quite reasonable.:)

nono1973

03-11-2022, 12:37 PM

Everyday necessities increases practically everywhere. Not just Batam bro. Everywhere.

True.

Price of everything every year also increase, with or without inflation. I remember last time you say before, once upon a time booking in Batam only 250k - 300k or so. Look at today's pricing now...hehehe...compare with 1.4 to 1.8 juta. My salary + market inflation also never increase 4 to 6 times.

What i am trying to say is the interest i earned next year will be use to at least subsidize the amount of spending which i will be doing in Batam, & even more so when Batam increased its price.

Next year is just 2 months or so away. Very fast can collect interest (better than put inside ordinary saving account in Singapore, right?).

1) Today 28/10/22, CIMB Bank Singapore raised its fix deposit interest rate to 3.85% per annum, the highest in singapore at the moment...

Hehehe...thank you.

Lucky i didn't put all "eggs" inside one basket. :D

Therefore every other month through out the year 2023, can collect interest month by month (to spend in Batam).

Thank you for this information.

U may wish to bring your discussion here -

https://sbf.net.nz/showthread.php?p=21781725#post21781725

for an easier talk. But get ready a few nice chinese songs to share. ;)

Shall reply them later,hehehe...need to post songs in order NOT to go out of topic there. :p

Need go find some good songs to share there too.

Interesting spot! Just when i was mentioning that the old qoo10 days are gone.

Hi bro, good deals still around. Just need to use a bit of trick & effort.

The S$39 1-way deal i posted earlier has gone up to S$41 now (damn the ferry operator).

Nevertheless, i learned that during 11/11, the "S$2 off S$25 spend voucher" can be used. Therefore after taking out 1000 coins which is equivalent of S$10, amount is S$29.00 nett.

S$41 - S$10 (coins) - S$2 = S$29 nett. (2 way = S$58)

Just have to keep trying, & i hope credit card voucher can use as citi-bank credit card giving S$200 voucher (just applied) & UOB giving S$100. If it can be use, ferry ticket can go as low as S$11 for 1 way (S$41 - S$10 - S$20 credit card voucher = S$11).

* S$20 credit card voucher is base on denomination of S$100 UOB's 5 pieces of S$20 = S$100.

Just sharing.

PS: 11/11, platform can use up to 2000 coins = S$20, hence making a S$41 digital one-way ferry voucher becoming S$21 (hasn't include other vouchers from credit card nor its platform yet). Just mix & match to one's preference.

nono1973

03-11-2022, 01:18 PM

After 3 year...
The KonZhi temple still in same state.

Including covid period, it is already more than 5 years. :(

Maybe i should find time to bring people from Singapore there to help them build their temple.

For BroNono
Man height candle
https://img2.uploadhouse.com/fileuploads/29622/296229326765d30bcb21c6ea377fbce4594a6336.jpg

Where is this temple? In Batam?

Those candles, they can burn as long as 1 to 2 years.

My mum ask the temples with human height candle before & temple caretaker says they blew off the fire on the candle every night when they close for fire safety reason/s. Meaning those candle suppose to be able to burn for 1 year but due to being blown off during night time, can last even longer.

But they still harass me with other mobile numbers, they already screenshot my conversation and found my company in singapore (yes stupid me used work phone to WA them haizzzz)

They said if I don’t pay the cancellation charges, they will shame me and viral my conversations

Thank you for sharing.

Good advise from bro Moredhel's posted link below too.

https://www.sbf.net.nz/showpost.php?p=21789191&postcount=17891

Hope all's well for you.

I had transferred some money from DBS to their Indo bank account. Not sure if they can still track me down.

The stupid thing is I never follow through and paid for nothing

But looks like they prey on intent.

I hope others out there pls be careful.

I am sure there are others who got hit by such or encounter something similar before, but were too shy or feel shameful to share them here. Most only willing to post their good & honorable reports here (& not fails).

Even tho i guess this isn't your original SBF account, but your bravery to share your experience here deserve my thumbs up.

I have no whatsapp, wechat, facebook, twitter or other mobile communication apps (i don't speak Indo) but still i have learned something from your post. Once again, i thank you & at the same time apologize for not being able to provide any better solution/s (other than those from bro Moredhel).

Hope you can ride through this well & safe.