Batam Info Thread

[Hurhurrahrah]

Posting report on my 1st day in Batam (Fri, 070815)

Took 1045am Horizon Ferry from Harbourfront, but thanks to a Gemini cruise passing by the ferry got delayed by 20 mins. Arrived in Harbour Bay at 11am local time, raining very hard...

As per Bro Nono's advice, went to the minimart right outside arrival, stock up on supplies and then went to find Horizon check-in counter to secure my trip back to SG.

The rain got stronger so decided to just grab a taxi from the lobby right outside Horizon counter. Asked the driver to bring me see girls.

First stop, New Berry (which right outside Hana Hotel where I'm staying). It was about 1130am, about 8-10 girls available. No early 20s as far as I see, best also 6/10, hence went out and went another place.

Driver brought me to MM Massage, according to bro's advice should avoid but I was like what the heck I'll just check it out. Went it and there was already a group of outher cheong bros, with the same number of girls like New Berry. Nothing to my liking until I saw one ger going in and out from the back room. Then the papi asked me if anything I like, asked him if got any more behind. He then went to check and showed me pic from his book. As I was looking at the pic, papi say the girl coming down and voila! It was the girl I was eyeing earlier. Nego a bit and settle for 1m.

After that driver brings me back to Hana Hotel to check-in. Reception was good and the room is adequate. Enough space for me, very clean including the shower. Wifi is stable enough (up to now).

Put down my stuff and then went to Nagoya Hill to eat and catch a movie. Ate bakso, watched Mission Impossible (for 4 bucks!!!), stock up on water and went back.

Girl arrived at 630pm. Start with TCSS, watch a movie, then round 1. After emptying shells then rest a bit before going dinner. Girl said she wanna come along so I brought her over to Citywalk. On the way found Happy 8, maybe can check out other day,

Walked over and decided to grab a bite at Brewsky & Co. A very nice bar with great ambience. Their homebrew tasted decent also. TCSS some more, learned more about the Batam scene from the girl.

Dinner finish then went back hotel for rd 2. Then finish the night with us cuddling and watching movie until fall asleep. Morning wake up the girl said she not feeling so well. Managed to tease me a bit but I told her to just go home and rest. Asked for a tip I gave her 100k. She went off and I sleep somemore until I wake up to write this newbie report.

I'll give the girl 8/10 rating coz very good GFE, talked to me alot, looks again to my liking and of course service hehehehehehehe

Maybe today I'll check around see if any gems hidden, or if not go Keyzha/Delta those kind to get my massage share

P.S. sorry if my report not good haha, don't know how to write a good one :P

[nono1973]

Originally Posted by Hurhurrahrah

Maybe today I'll check around see if any gems hidden, or if not go Keyzha/Delta those kind to get my massage share

Hehehe...not everyone likes MM (you only allow to bonk twice/thrice and they run),but am glad you got someone good enough.

At this hour most massage place not open yet. Its 930am sillypore time,830am Indo time. Most massage places opens at 10am,but most girls arrive around or after 11am.

If you still wish to book overnight,remember to gauge your timing between massage and "shopping" well. Its weekends cum public holiday,hehehe...Keyza is around the back of Utama Hotel,there are also a long stretch of massage parlour behind utama hotel.

Remember to bargain for special service. Other than Keyza,100k hj and 200k fj is entirely possible around that area (also must need good bargaining skill).Please dont let my benchmark of 100k hj and 200k fj restrict you from getting special from MP cos sometime i will also pay a bit more for VAS (value added service). Delta spa,hehehe..i no comment as its holiday cum weekend.

Enjoy yourself and thank you for sharing FR part 1.

* since you stay in Hana hotel ,try New Berry again around 1230pm to 1pm.

[Hurhurrahrah]

Originally Posted by nono1973

If you still wish to book overnight,remember to gauge your timing between massage and "shopping" well.

^ Yah bro, so many competition around

Originally Posted by nono1973

* since you stay in Hana hotel ,try New Berry around 1230pm to 1pm.

^ Oh? Coz it's busy weekend I was thinking of going at 11, I'll keep that advice in mind and thanks again

[nono1973]

Originally Posted by Hurhurrahrah

^ Yah bro, so many competition around

I say this becos you might over shot the massage timing and forget that its weekend,booking joint girls move off much faster than usual.

Behind Utama hotel stretch also got Bunga Massage,which is also a booking joint,but its on the high end side.

Originally Posted by Hurhurrahrah

^ Oh? Coz it's busy weekend I was thinking of going at 11, I'll keep that advice in mind and thanks again

You can still try both timing (11am and 1230pm) and you might be surprise.Cos some girls dont turn up so early. But most would be there by around 12pm but if so,you will be competing with other customers.

When it comes to girls,its really more about luck when on weekend and wish you good luck.

[blacktortoisezz]

Hi, I am a newbie here. Can any lao jiao tag me along for the next Batam trip? By the way, what is the damage? Thanks.

[CoCK ShoCk]

Any pubs to intro besides no-name

[blacktortoisezz]

Originally Posted by CoCK ShoCk

Any pubs to intro besides no-name

Hi, I am a newbie here. Can any Lao Jiao tag me along on the next Batam trip? By the way, what is the damage? Thanks.

[MiG27]

Originally Posted by newyorker88

Good way hotel used to be very haunted. The former name is mandarin hotel. They called a lot of bomohs, n others, no use. Until finally, one of the bomoh or fengshui master ask them to change the name, n problems are solved. That's more than 14 years ago...

Thanks for the info. Quite an interesting way to solve the issue.

Originally Posted by nono1973

Any follow up on this case,bro?

Thanks and hope all's well.

I didnt give them my bank account number mainly is I think the bank exchange will incur a cost since different currency.
I feedback to Kaha and their reply seemed to imply they will offer a "complimentary 01 night stay at hotel in batam". instead.
Didnt specify which hotel and I assume complimentary means FOC?
I had replied them and Im thinking how will this work out.
If is any hotel of my choosing then I'll definitely choose a more atas one. LOL.
Still waiting reply n see how it works out.
My next trip should be end Aug. Cant wait to go back again to enjoy the relaxation.

[micmac888]

Originally Posted by johnkhb

Bo jio...! Hehehe....

LOOOOL~~~~~! Although you weren't there, but you were the subject of discussion. Brought her sister/bro-in-law, who are seasoned batam visitors (and planning on living in Batam permanently with their kids in a few years' time), and they were floored with the quality (no MSG and fresh) and price* in downtown batam. Asked how on earth we knew this joint, had Denny chit chat - and that's where you came in LOL!



price* : RP650K ~ SG67

- Drunken Prawns (300g). Not in photo. Was already completely devoured (even soup) by the time pic was taken LOOOOL!

- 3 x Flower Crabs (my personal favorite over sri-lankan crabs in Marine Live since can't get bigger sri lankan ones and the flower crabs' shells were much easier to crack and peel-off with meat as sweet.

- Pakis ~~~ (slurpppp)

- Big Clams - the sauce was WONDERFUL. Exactly like SG's East Coast Red House Chilicrab's chili sauce.

- HongKong Style Braised Garoupa (no need to say further.. .those who tried have already given 2 thumbs up including local friends )

- Scallops - Friday fresh replenishment - we picked the scallops off the supplier's truck (coincidental) LOL!

- 4 plates of rice + 2 plum juice + 1 Tea-o-beng



Major note : Really must mention that one knows Marine Live Seafood thru "John" a forum member. Else your bill will be different. It was still value-for-money, but I saw my bill to be ~4% higher than usual - and it was Denny's wife behind the counter who was processing the bill and she doesn't/can't bother who is who - until Denny tells her (and make sure one sees Denny actually telling her too LOL). So my bill was rectified.

Trivia : Sent them off at ferry terminal. Heard over the Sindo-ferry counter that return-trips on Sunday/Monday no more. Take note.

[nono1973]

Originally Posted by tigershark123

God's willing

Thank you for translating.

Originally Posted by micmac888

As Tigershark mentioned, it means "By God's Will", or "If God allows it"

Thank you for verifying.

Originally Posted by micmac888

It was nice meeting and chatting for us too. And to be frank - you're a great organiser. The uninitiated, or infrequent-visiting boys to tagging along with yourself is their good fortune.

Thank you.

If you read my towards end of last year's very 1st group trip. I had only 1 bro joining me as i didnt have confident to move around (also shy to meet up with stranger) yet,gradually after few group trips,things starts to loosen up as i gain more experience. i was able to anticipate better what are the upfront problems that i will be facing in a group trip (hence i have the terms and conditions) and how to keep myself from straying away from my main objective. I am able to share what i learned with those in the group too.

As witness by many bros in so many of my group trips since last year 2014,monetary gain is definitely not one of my main objective (i am sure they have the intelligent to do the maths),in fact i lose some small change all the time in every trip. If newbies can play the "same game" (doing the exact same thing on their own) in Batam at a lower price going to the same places stated on my previous summaries,by all means they need not choose to join me.

To date, i owe nobody,hehehe...but got many people owe me teh botol,hehehe...

By far the lowest budget trip deal i seen so far is a bro who traveled solo via Sekupang Harbour,took a bus (4k rupiah) to Nagoya area,check in to a 1 or 2 star aging hotel and then walk around Batam to look for girls. Cost around S$400 for 4D3N (it includes ultra low cost ferry ticket and everything in). It can be done,however does the bros in the group REALLY wants that?

Today,since my last 4 to 5 group trips ago,most participants of the group trips gets to learn at least 1 thing they never would have learned in Batam,goes to places they themselves would never venture into when on their own for the 1st time. Also gets to know the "right button" to press at the right joints,hehehe...so as to be able to see the "incredible" (direct words from a bro in the last group),hehehe...most importantly,they MUST become more confident to venture to Batam on their own at a later time.

Originally Posted by micmac888

Hope this (group organising) doesn't become a chore that it takes the fun out of enjoying batam for your ownself

It used to be very stressful for me (it still is today at times),hehehe...cos everyone wants different thing,and i have my own schedule to meet,so today i only bring them around for the 1st half of the day,the other half belongs to myself. If they wish to join me in the 2nd half,by all means do so. If they dont,i wouldnt mind becos i count my duty completed after the 1st half. My next to fulfill duty will be on the next morning from breakfast onward. Their ability to pick up whats been shared and their safety is one of my main concern. And not forgetting,i dont charge a dime. They just pay for what they wish to "play",nothing was compulsory.

1st half : Change money,check in hotel,know the places to get the necessities,brunch and then shopping in booking joints.

2nd half : Massage,overnight booking girl collection (with OTOT) and then dinner time.

3rd part would be up to the boys,it can be Movies,shopping,disco,KTV,pubs,supper...or whatever,but those are not within my itinerary. I can give some pointer but rarely joining in unless its a personal group trip.

Bros coming together and sharing similar frequency and yet can cheong together are where the most FUN comes from. Agree?

Originally Posted by Intltuk

Think the pop corns/hotdogs and drinks are part of cinema operator's strategy to earn higher margins. I always find it amusing...soft drinks cost more than cigs and beers

Popcorns,hotdogs,drink for 4 pax costing more than 200k plus tickets for another 100k (for 4) is really crazy. For lesser than the amount of money,i would be able to build a home theatre in my own hotel room with a theatre atmosphere watching unlimited movies,hehehe...

[S.B.Y.1]

The Eagle has landed in Batam.

[hawkeye007]

Originally Posted by micmac888

Major note : Really must mention that one knows Marine Live Seafood thru "John" a forum member. Else your bill will be different. It was still value-for-money, but I saw my bill to be ~4% higher than usual - and it was Denny's wife behind the counter who was processing the bill and she doesn't/can't bother who is who - until Denny tells her (and make sure one sees Denny actually telling her too LOL). So my bill was rectified.

Must insert in a disclaimer at this stage; bro Micmac and I don't make any commissions off this hor..

We're sharing partly because we like to share good things, and also because of selfish reasons.

What selfish reasons...? Simple; we hope that more ppl will patronize Denny's restaurant (don't be intimidated by restaurant, it's actually more like a zi-char coffeeshop) so that his business will keep going on. If not, his business close, where on earth am I gonna find such ridiculously cheap & good tasting seafood in 'downtown' Batam...??? Certainly not in tourist-traps such as Wey-Wey, etc.. Even those seafood places in supposedly iconic foodcourts like Windsor, A2 etc does not come anywhere CLOSE to Marine Live Seafood's price point & good quality...

So, help bro micmac and me because we wanna continue to enjoy the awesome offerings of Marine Live Seafood... Hehe...

[micmac888]

BaiLong Mee Pangsit (Penuin Wet Market)
================================


Pic courtesy of Nono
Operating Hours : mornings until 1200hrs (better to be on the safe side - assume it closes at 1100hrs - LOL)


Conclusion : Avoid the ketchup version. Sambal chili version very nice and alot less oily than INSTAR's. Environment/surrounding will put one off.

Night before, set mobile alarm clock and named it "BAILONG" (LOL KNS!). It had eluded me several times - pek chek. Woke up, picked her sis/bro-in-law (staying at Gideon) - walked straight to Bailong. Again, must be because I had that focused-look on my face (like on a mission) - the boss saw and asked immediately what we wanted, and we haven't walked into the seating area past the stall yet.



Boss


All 3 ordered - myself non-chilly (ketchup), other 2 - chilly (sambal).



RP20K.

The ketchup sauce was just too tomatoey-strong. Couldn't taste the charsiew, mushroom, noodles, beansprouts. It felt like eating "Tomato/salt and dunno-what-others" kind of feeling. Noodles were "Q" - same as INSTAR. But the ketchup base - I just couldn't take anymore than 3 mouthfuls. her sis let me sample a strand of the chili sambal - (mmmmm... much nicer !) - so ordered another bowl - chili version.


The chili sambal version was really much nicer. The noodles weren't (as) oily (as Instar's). Can taste its noodles and other ingredients, dun feel greasy (for me). If not spicy enough for some - just add more sambal/chili to suit.

As Nescafegold mentioned - the surrounding was chaotic, claustrophobic, and "messy". People walking fast, eating fast, talking loud (it's bcs the wet market is noisy to begin with). LOL. It gave off a vibe : eat fast, move off - dun linger. None of us 3 wished to leisurely sip one's tea/coffee and relax/chat. Much like HK/SG's brisky coffeeshops/stalls. Dun like the environment.


Next stop will be BeiLong. If BeiLong is as good as BaiLong as Nono/LaoErGer mentioned - BeiLong would be my choice in the twin-Dragons shootout only because of environment factor. Will see soon. Happy to try !!!

Cheers!

[micmac888]

Originally Posted by micmac888

At instar . Just finished the noodles. I want to FR a 3 way "fight" for the fun of it . MoMo , instar, and bailong. Will try bailong.

Patronage Factor:
=============
MoMo - a must try for everyone - batam visitor , and resident. It's not the "usual" noodles where ketchup/chili/sambal's used as base - and the noodles are exceptional. However, it is situated in Batam Center Mitra Raya market area.

Instar / BaiLong - If the visitor is in the vicinity - go for it for the experience. Some may like it (BaiLong's chili version better than Instar's), some may not (BaiLong's environment can seriously put one off and Instar's got more ingredients than BaiLong at RP1K more).


Noodle Texture and Taste
===================
Momo, without doubt and dispute - by far the most "Q", chompy, and not clumpy/sticky unlike all others - even when cold(er). Good texture.

Instar and BaiLong's mee-gia same "Q"ness with each other. Eat fast whilst hot to enjoy the "Q" and while still not clumpy yet. Their "pedigree" is good standard in Batam and generally better than SG's.


Taste Factor :
(Momo taken out bcs totally different taste due to not using ketchup/chilly)
==================================================
BaiLong's sambal version (for me) better than Instar's by a good margin simply because it is definitely less oily (greasy).

Instar's sambal belachan can be too spicy that one's tongue can't taste other ingredients (and defeats one of the main purposes of adding ingredients). Whereas in BaiLong's case, if one doesn't feel spicy enough - just add more to suit - yet at least one can taste other ingredients in the mix.

Avoid BaiLong's ketchup version. The ketchup sauce simply killed-off all others' tastes in the mix.


Value Factor :
==========
Instar @ RP21K has the best value (more visible ingredients) - hearty meal.
Bailong @ RP20K - so-so (in-comparison with Instar)
Momo @ RP18K - so-so (in-comparison with Instar)

Side Note : Momo later (quietly) created the Momo-upsize (more everything except noodles) @ RP20K. Super-Value meal. (Had it just this morning again LOL). But is low-profile and discrete. He doesn't making it known aloud. This upsize version is not/cannot be used in the evaluation.

I am not able to pick 2nd and 3rd choice LOL!! BaiLong's environment (not BL's fault) really makes me rush thru my meal, not enjoying it. But Instar's greasy chili version won't make me go for it again. LOOOL!


Disclaimer : All above are my personal live-to-eat views. Applicable only to me.

[Bigbird00]

Did a trip a couple of weeks ago. Needed a good urut after weeks of traveling. my badan/body is in bad condition. Took a 12.15 ferry and remembered i forgot a room. Booked Biz hotel to try. Irp380K (superior) from Booking, before ferry departs from pier.

About to arrive and saw the sky, about to rain. Not again!!!! Got to immigration. While queuing, a Sgp guy in front phone rang. He answered his phone and got Scolded by immigration officer. SO please remember guys, Don't Talk, Don't use your phone and No picture taking!!!

Cleared custom and rain stop!! Walked out towards the Mall and got a cab for Irp35k to Biz hotel. Got to the recept & gave my booking details but theu say got no booking. Haiz yah... Told them i just booked 1hr while i was in the ferry, asked them to check email from Booking.com... 1st time staying in Biz. Got my room, nice and clean, A/C super cold! But No bathtub (Nono pse note).

Drop my stuff and hunger for Nasi Padang!! Target to try Warong Ibu Joko from the recommendation i saw here. So set off to walk there, am new to the area and roughly know its near Goodway hotel (Never been there also). Just "aga aga" walk. Walk until rain again. Changed s$100 along the way & got Irp980k. Took me almost 25mins to get to Goodway Hotel. Ask the "jaga" outside where's Warong Ibu Joko and found it in 1min.

Took what ever that appeals to be as i was super hungry and greedy. Satay (Chic&Kambing), beef rendang, ayam goreng, Teloh, Corn fritters & a cup of copi.Irp35k. Burp!!!

This is the place buffet line.


My buffet line looks different from Nono's. Or did i eat at the wrong place??? Everyone is local except me there.

Originally Posted by nono1973

Will Warung Sunda Bu Joko[/URL] still be open at that hour? Will there be food left for all 6 hungry men? We decide to give it a try and i was right,it is still open and lots of food for everyone.

( Click to show/hide )

Anyway, the Beef rendang is good.

Then walk a bit more and found Sports Massage. Request for 1hr traditional massage. She asked me whether i want strong or Power masseur? I said "Power" & may extend later!!! After 5mins, told my masseur to extend another 30mins & gave her the top up amount. Told her to focus on body massage.

All i can say is massage damn "Power"!!! Got a little unexpected "bonus" at the end too. Changed and didn't see her again, so gave tip to the "floor-manager" there and ask her to pass it to my syt massuer. Will follow-up & see what more can i get next trip. Price is at the higher end 1hr Irp130k & 1.5hrs Irp190K. Body felt readjusted, probably need another 1hr to fully recover. I'm the type that need those deep tissue massage type. I love massage and can go for massage daily (min 2hrs) when i'm traveling.

Took a slow walk and discover NED & girls are just starting to report NED. Heading to Lucky Plaza to buy a local mobile SIM. Got back to Biz as i wanted to try the Epok epok in the Kopitiam next door but store (Swees) close.

Took a shower and text the girl i met from Matahari during my last trip. Agree to meet after her work at NHC. Got out and walk around Nagoya Citywalk. Quite a sad place. Not much people there. Business is.... This place has more employees then customers there. Maybe its a weekday. Except for "Hair saloon". Haha... Saw the saloon while recce around.

Left this place after 10mins and headed to NHC. Its was a already abt 7+pm then. Along the way, something unfortunate happened (Will mention abt this later). Along the way, was trying to see if there's anything good to makan. Saw the Ikan Bakar at hotel kopitiam but i plan to have this later with the "date".

Had a simple Ayam Penyet & Sup Assam (no more) from Kosek in NHC and scout around for Bat charger. Met the girl and we went for supper along the street side stalls at the back of NHC. Ordered Ikan & sotong Bakar, satay and drinks. Chit chat a bit and found out she's 20yo & from somewhere near Bandung. invited her to chill at hotel roof top bar. She was excited as she never been there. But she said it's late and she needs to get back. Told her to have a quick drink and enjoy the view since its near by.

Took a taxi and asked her to nego Irp30k. Arrived and brought her up to #11. Ordered her a juice and she was impress with the view. After sometime the Bar is closing so i told her come to my room to chill and enjoy the A/c for a while. Got into the room and she said the room is nice. Took a while for her to accept my advances and yes the A/c and comfortable bed helps alot. Could tell she is not experience in sexual matters and not keen on BJ. Had a morning wake up session, before she left for her place. She didn't ask for money but i gave her Irp500k for transport and told her to buy something she likes. (yes, i don't believe in free lunch.)

Showered and walk to Instar to try the Mee Pansit but closed. So tried the Sup ayam there. Needed to changed money to buy some Medication from Apotek so went to Fx opp Farmosa. Was asking her for Irp985K but she said no. Nego till i got Irp983K for S$100. Went back to hotel to pack and tried the epok next door. Not v nice. Epok Skin too thick. Checked out and took the free shuttle to NHC. Told the driver to stop me at Relax went to have a foot massage 1.5hrs. went to NHC again after massage to see if i can get new mobile numbers.

Bought the Goreng Pisang to snak with a cup of copi. Guys must try this. Cost Irp3-4K only.



Chillax there for a while and took the cab Irp40 to Habourbay.

High Point of trip:
Scored with sales assistant. Like the trill of "open-fishing". Got my stuff (Med) and cost savings (if bought in Sgp) probably covered my ferry ride there. The massage cost (if done in Sgp) in batam probably saved me enough to cover me the hotel cost.

Low point of this trip.
As mentioned early when i was walking from Nagoya Citywalk to NHC during the night ard 7+pm. I saw a little kitten (few weeks old) walking weakly on the road and got run over by a SUV 1.5m right in front of me. The SUV even stop right on top of the kitten to ask me what happened when he heard screams from people. I told him there's a kitten he ran over below his wheel. He got out to look and i walked away feeling very sad hoping i could do something to prevent this.

Thanks for reading. Happy Ventures and be safe!