(Impromptu) Weekender
The benefit of having Indonesian islands close to Singapore? Impromptu weekend trips.
On the first January weekend, L's brothers and sister flew in to surprise him. It was quite entertaining seeing the normally calm L get startled. And since we didn't know they were coming, we had zero plans of where to take them.
Being the nearest and most convenient places, the choice was clearly between Batam and Bintan. Both places are about an hour (or less) away from Singapore by ferry. They decided to go for Batam, which I was fine with since I have already been to Bintan a couple of times.
So after packing rather quickly, we went straight to the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal and booked rooms online. Batam Island has two ferry terminals -- Batam Centre Ferry Terminal and Nongsapura Ferry Terminal. Because we booked rooms at Turi Beach Resort, we took the ferry to Nongsapura Ferry Terminal. When we got there, the ferry terminal was practically deserted. We breezed through immigration and rode the free shuttle to the resort. The resort was very close to the ferry terminal, it only took us less than ten minutes to get there.
Turi Beach Resort was nice enough, albeit a bit pricey. Our rooms were spacious and clean, with a huge bathroom and a beautiful view of the ocean. I love ocean views, so I may be a teensy bit biased. The pool area was lovely, and it had a pretty view of the beach. Some areas of the resort were undergoing renovations so there were definite eyesores, and one of the two swimming pools was closed. I wasn't too crazy about the beach either, but there was no love lost since I wasn't expecting much. All in all, it was a good place to relax and take a break from the hustle and bustle of Singapore
On the first January weekend, L's brothers and sister flew in to surprise him. It was quite entertaining seeing the normally calm L get startled. And since we didn't know they were coming, we had zero plans of where to take them.
Being the nearest and most convenient places, the choice was clearly between Batam and Bintan. Both places are about an hour (or less) away from Singapore by ferry. They decided to go for Batam, which I was fine with since I have already been to Bintan a couple of times.
So after packing rather quickly, we went straight to the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal and booked rooms online. Batam Island has two ferry terminals -- Batam Centre Ferry Terminal and Nongsapura Ferry Terminal. Because we booked rooms at Turi Beach Resort, we took the ferry to Nongsapura Ferry Terminal. When we got there, the ferry terminal was practically deserted. We breezed through immigration and rode the free shuttle to the resort. The resort was very close to the ferry terminal, it only took us less than ten minutes to get there.
Turi Beach Resort was nice enough, albeit a bit pricey. Our rooms were spacious and clean, with a huge bathroom and a beautiful view of the ocean. I love ocean views, so I may be a teensy bit biased. The pool area was lovely, and it had a pretty view of the beach. Some areas of the resort were undergoing renovations so there were definite eyesores, and one of the two swimming pools was closed. I wasn't too crazy about the beach either, but there was no love lost since I wasn't expecting much. All in all, it was a good place to relax and take a break from the hustle and bustle of Singapore
After checking out, we visited the Barelang Bridge which was apparently a tourist spot. A number of tourists can be spotted taking pictures, admiring the view and eating street food.
Not bad for an impromptu weekend trip! :) And a little tip -- if you visit Batam, don't miss Golden Prawn 933. It's a big seafood restaurant where you get to choose live seafood from tanks and they cook according to your preference. Service was kind of slow but the food was yumyum!
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