Maiden Batam trip-Part 1

Batam, an island of Indonesia is around an hour away from us by ferry. Both Mr Love and I had not been there before and when his ex-colleagues asked us, we took the chance to go along.

For once I need not have to plan for our trip, can sit back and enjoy while going with the flow. I do like this kind of arrangement the only downside that we don't get to make any decisions. But we are both ok with it anyways.

Took the 8am ferry and reached Batam at 9am and true to the news report, no one dare to make a single sound while waiting to clear the immigration. I think if a pin were to drop there, the sound would be deafening.

Luckily we managed to clear the customs with ease and proceed to look for our pick up service from the spa.

It was no joke trying to get 15women (&3guys) to assemble and board the van since everyone is talking at once and doing their own thing. It was a bit messy initially but the organizer managed to settle us down.

We had previously choose the packages we want via email though we are allowed to make last minute changes here before payment. Payment can be made with Singapore dollars here with rates in our favour i.e SGD  1: IDR10,000 while exchange rate for that day is SGD 1 : IDR 9,200.

We paid for a 3hr Bali Massage which set us back by SGD114 which 5% discount. The massage itself was nothing to rave about. But the I find the masseuse having a hard time to massage us for 3 hrs straight. For us, the masseuse used some kind of body lotion to massage us all over and it was not the best experience for me since it took 3 washes before I think I am free of the oil.

Group shot at the SPA

After the massage, we were all hungry since most of us didn't take breakfast due to rush. Our  drive took us to the famous seafood restaurant that all tourists will visit- The Golden Prawn Restaurant. The restaurant itself have a super big seating area and I think can accommodate 100 tables at any 1 time.

Left the ordering to the organizers as we sat there chatting. Since it is seafood restaurant, I am sure the food here will be to my liking (i.e. not much veggies) hehe.

Food here was actually great as compared to the reviews we heard. But then again, it maybe due to us being hungry and have not been to other restaurants yet. Haha The most important thing is everyone had a great and fulfilling lunch before setting off for the next destination.

Chilli clams- Love this dish the best

Sambal Pentai

Super crispy deep fried small prawn

Calamari

Claypot veggie

"Chuchu"

There are 2 more dishes that we did not take any photos since everyone is busy eating. Total bill is SGD200 for 2 tables of full of food. My colleagues told me that we are being ripped off. But I still think it is cheap since there are 18 of us there.

Group shot again after lunch

We then went to exchange for the local currency since most of us did not bring any and we are due to go shopping. Muhuaha. Rate is 1 SGD to 9,200 IDR. Since all of our food, accommodation, transport are taken care of, we decided to change 50SGD worth of local currency so as not to overspend or to have too much left over at the end of the trip.

The funnie Mr Love was so happy to be holding near to 500,000 worth of money and decided to take photo.

The happy Man and OUR money

Ok, we are off to shopping now.