Finally i got the weekend time to get away and go to Batam island for some fun and relaxation. did some scouting to know how to go to the Harbourfront terminal and get my ferry tickets. It surely helps the excellent service that the MRT provides. I got me a multi-use pass worth about Sing$100, so i wouldn't waste any time waiting paying for individual trips. is worth it and the pass is good for about 3 years, highly recommended.
Once i got to the Harbourfront terminal i did get a quick bite to eat and Asian food is very tasty, aware some guys don't like that much, but, is very nutritious and cheap.
At the Harbourtfront terminal did a quick check to see what ferry company to take and you have quite a choice, among them; Wave Master, Pacific ferry, Berlian ferries and Batam fast. This last one was my final choice 'cause it offers to me the most convenient schedule and the fares were slightly reasonable than the competition. The final tab on this came to Sing$49.00=, not bad!!!!
A final thing i did was to get me some Indonesian Ruppees. in a way is not really needed in some places in Batam but i wanted to have some local currency for buying local trinkets and always pay with Sings.
The check in and aiting for the boat ride was uneventful and not boring as i thought. glad the schedules are pretty much on the money.
The trip across was very nice and the weather helped a lot. arrival at the Batam centre terminal didn't take that long, about 45' at the most. I kind of waited for most of the passengers to desembark before i headed to the inmigration terminal.
The checking with inmigration wasn't bad and had to pay US10 for my arrival visa (good for 1 week). afterwards it didn't take me that long to catch a taxi to the hotel, HIGHLY RECOMENDED by a friend of mine, BIG MISTAKE!!!!. I just want to add that most of the time is better to go to a place you know for sure is solid. trying to be nice and listening to this "turkey" gave me a problem i didn't have in my equations. The hotel i went was the;
Golden Virgo Hotel
I just want say this 'cause i really didn't like the place and since i was already conmitted to be there, was kind of stuck with it.
Just thinking i was initially wanting to go to the Formosa hotel was deppresing for a while.
Anyways, trying to be honest and only have to add NOT to go to this Golden Virgo hotel, period.
The Nagoya entertainment district (NED) still alive and kicking, although have to say the long landmark bar PP Bananas (CH Link) is history. Lucy's Oarhouse Tavern (CH Link) still there minus the girls; the new management didn't agreed with it!?!?!?
I did go to a few bars, among them; Classics, Red cock, Jungle bar and the Dragon bar among others. not bad and only have to add that is a hit and miss, most girls will try to get the most money from foreigners, can't blame them at all. I think is the luck of the draw and you have to shop careful before making your choice. Massage places like Dynasty 99 (CH Link) are alive and although the selection wasn't that spectacular. I did pass by an old place that is cheap and clean. The hotel City View is a sure thing and no problems bringing a girl for the nite, should have gone there and not where i was!!!!
Did have some time to actually go to the Formosa hotel and THIS is a prime choice if you want a hotel with all in it!!!!!!!! as a matter of fact, i went in there the time i was here to enjoy the KTV and pick my ladies for the nite.
Photos: Ladies - Formosa 17 18 19
There is a new mall downtown that is pretty big, went there and is nice specially in buying some summer clothing. I think malls like this are killing the little merchants in town, well, an old story like anywhere else.
I have included some bussines cards for the Formosa hotel for those interested in going there.
I went to the Formosa KTV (CH Link) and got a couple of gals but i misplaced the pics so my apologies for this. these gals here are from a wide range and the trick is to go earlier to do your "booking", remenber, they DON'T call it barfine. don't ask me why, that's the way here. anyways, always had a great time and decided to go there the following nite for another choice.
The second nite i was there i picked a good set;Anny and Jossy were very cute and fun to sing along. at the end i just wanted one gal so i ended up with Jossy. this gal was chinese looking and with a super body and very sexy in bed.
Photos: Anny & Jossy - Formosa 20 21 22 23 24
Photos: Anny & Jossy - Formosa 25 26 27 28 29
Sometimes here you need to get a taxi to move around; i've never seen public buses here and doubt it they have any. there is a disco by the Melia hotel that have good live music. I went there on my last nite for some good rock and drinking with my sexy chick for the nite. we drank some but my mistake was to allow this gal to get very drunk. gladly, i stopped and closed the drinking on time since i didn't wanted a dead fish in bed.
At the hotel it was at the beginning funny trying to get my girl to sber up a little for a nite of passion. finally did manage to get het into the showers to sober up and was worth a million, since i couldn't get enough of this gal. i really enjoy myself a lot and she even gave me her cell but it was lost coming back to Singapore. if you guys ever to batam, just go to the Formosa KTV and would see her there.
Photo: Anny & Jossy - Formosa 30
The day day i went back to Singapore i went to the new mall downtown to get some cargo short i saw and wanted to buy me a couple, price was very reasonable and quality not bad.
The taxi ride to the Batam centre was quick and not a ounce of stress checking for my ferry ride back, i was lucky 'cause it was looking that some rain was on its way.
The check in and waiting was surreal 'cause not really that many passengers. i was tempted to buy me some cigarretes but on the advice of a friend i desisted 'cause didn't want any hassles from Singapore customs.
The fat boat from Batam fast did really push the pedal or the throttle to the metal 'cause as soon as the boat cleared the breakwater it just took off like a missile!!!!!!
This was something quick and at least i have an opportunity to get a little taste of Batam's nightlife. I'm sure looking forward for a future visit here again. now, just looking to getting back to Singapore and seeing again my little Pinay honey i met in Lucky plaza. all this in my final chapter.........