If you have no idea what to do during your weekend and are bored with shopping or cafe hopping at JB, fret not because there is another awesome place to spend your weekend without bursting your wallet.
Other than JB, Batam is probably the next convenient place for you to spend your weekend vacation. Located just 45 mins away by ferry from Singapore, Batam has become immensely popular with Singaporeans in recent years. In case you've never heard of Batam, well, it is a island in Indonesia, located less than an hour away from Singapore. As compared to Bintan (which is another island in Indonesia near Singapore), Batam is more rustic. Nevertheless, Batam island is transforming and there are quite a few upcoming development of resorts, hotels and shopping malls.
I've been to Batam at least 3 times and I simply love the Javanese massage and spa that is way cheaper than what it would cost in Singapore. Lastly, unknown to many, Batam is a shopping paradise (yes, you've heard me right) and of course famed for its affordably delicious seafood and Indonesian cuisines.
There are plenty of choices when it comes to accommodation. My buddy and I decided to stay at Woda villa, a newly built resort right across Golden View Hotel. This resort offers signature villas over the emerald pond with a mini private pool. As the resort is pretty new, everything is in tip-top condition. At just S$218 nett for 2 persons inclusive of 2-way ferry tickets, land transport from ferry terminal to hotel and a 120 mins relaxing Javanese massage and spa, this is indeed value for money.
Anyway, I really enjoyed their Javanese massage and spa. For the spa treatment, we were given a variety of choices such as Royal Chocolate, Green Tea, Aloe Vera and Wine Indulgence. I chose the Green Tea for its fragrance and weight lose effect. The staff who attended to me was really skillful and every strokes loosened my tight muscles. I felt refreshed and was ready to shop for the entire day.
We also tried a 3 hrs Javanese massage and spa at Majesty Spa which was great too. Personally, I enjoyed the red wine bubble bath and was really impressed with the impeccable chauffeur services that was included in the spa package as well as the mini pantry at the lobby where we could help ourselves to the ginger tea, cakes, snacks and even herbal jelly!
Contrary to Woda Villa, Golden View Hotel is a little dated in design but nevertheless offer spacious and clean room. The Hotel also has a pool for those who wish to swim and a in-house KTV to keep us entertained at night. We had the entire spacious KTV room to ourselves.
There are 2 malls that I know of in Batam, Nagoya Hill and Mega Mall right beside the ferry terminal. If you love the Lapis cake (otherwise known as the layered butter cake), then head straight to Nagoya Hill where there are many stalls selling these cakes. They cost way cheaper than those sold in Bengawan Solo and not to mention, more flavors including chocolates, cheese and prunes. If you are a fan of A&W, there is one at Nagoya Hill too. I love their all time favorite Root Beer Float! We even chanced upon a manicure shop and did our nail art at just S$33. Isn't that cheap! Overall, I was very satisfied with my nails!
The main highlight of our Batam trip was none other than the seafood feast at Golden Prawn 555, located within 5 mins walk from Woda Villa and Golden View Hotel. The prices of the seafood was affordable and definitely cheaper as compared to Singapore. You can choose from a variety of fresh seafood such as chilli or black pepper crabs, lobsters, sea bass, sotong etc which were very reasonably priced. Guess what, the total bill came under S$50.
Another favorite restaurant of ours is the Penyet King at Mega Mall which serves very delicious chicken penyet and other Indonesian food. Personally, I like their chilli best! Needless to say, the prices are really cheap and cost us only S$12 for 2 main dish and 2 drinks.
Overall, I've had a fruitful and relaxing weekend getaway at Batam. See you again soon!
I've been to Batam at least 3 times and I simply love the Javanese massage and spa that is way cheaper than what it would cost in Singapore. Lastly, unknown to many, Batam is a shopping paradise (yes, you've heard me right) and of course famed for its affordably delicious seafood and Indonesian cuisines.
There are plenty of choices when it comes to accommodation. My buddy and I decided to stay at Woda villa, a newly built resort right across Golden View Hotel. This resort offers signature villas over the emerald pond with a mini private pool. As the resort is pretty new, everything is in tip-top condition. At just S$218 nett for 2 persons inclusive of 2-way ferry tickets, land transport from ferry terminal to hotel and a 120 mins relaxing Javanese massage and spa, this is indeed value for money.
Anyway, I really enjoyed their Javanese massage and spa. For the spa treatment, we were given a variety of choices such as Royal Chocolate, Green Tea, Aloe Vera and Wine Indulgence. I chose the Green Tea for its fragrance and weight lose effect. The staff who attended to me was really skillful and every strokes loosened my tight muscles. I felt refreshed and was ready to shop for the entire day.
We also tried a 3 hrs Javanese massage and spa at Majesty Spa which was great too. Personally, I enjoyed the red wine bubble bath and was really impressed with the impeccable chauffeur services that was included in the spa package as well as the mini pantry at the lobby where we could help ourselves to the ginger tea, cakes, snacks and even herbal jelly!
Contrary to Woda Villa, Golden View Hotel is a little dated in design but nevertheless offer spacious and clean room. The Hotel also has a pool for those who wish to swim and a in-house KTV to keep us entertained at night. We had the entire spacious KTV room to ourselves.
There are 2 malls that I know of in Batam, Nagoya Hill and Mega Mall right beside the ferry terminal. If you love the Lapis cake (otherwise known as the layered butter cake), then head straight to Nagoya Hill where there are many stalls selling these cakes. They cost way cheaper than those sold in Bengawan Solo and not to mention, more flavors including chocolates, cheese and prunes. If you are a fan of A&W, there is one at Nagoya Hill too. I love their all time favorite Root Beer Float! We even chanced upon a manicure shop and did our nail art at just S$33. Isn't that cheap! Overall, I was very satisfied with my nails!
The main highlight of our Batam trip was none other than the seafood feast at Golden Prawn 555, located within 5 mins walk from Woda Villa and Golden View Hotel. The prices of the seafood was affordable and definitely cheaper as compared to Singapore. You can choose from a variety of fresh seafood such as chilli or black pepper crabs, lobsters, sea bass, sotong etc which were very reasonably priced. Guess what, the total bill came under S$50.
Another favorite restaurant of ours is the Penyet King at Mega Mall which serves very delicious chicken penyet and other Indonesian food. Personally, I like their chilli best! Needless to say, the prices are really cheap and cost us only S$12 for 2 main dish and 2 drinks.
Overall, I've had a fruitful and relaxing weekend getaway at Batam. See you again soon!
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