Batam 2 Days/1 Night getaway for less than $100

Batam, located in Indonesia is only an hour away from the stressful Singapore. Batam can be seen as the ideal weekend getaway where Singaporeans engage in Shopping, Massage, Eating and purely relaxation activities to distress. I had previously written an article on the list of things to do on Batam Island itself. The link to it can be found here.

This post will be focusing rather on how one can spend less than SGD$100 for a 2Days/1Night Getaway inclusive of tours.

The first step to look out for fantastic deals online.  The best bet to secure a good deal to Batam will be on Group On website:

http://search.groupon.sg/search/batam

Below are some good deals! 

However, exercise with caution as not all deals are too good to be true. Always remember to read the fine deals and to add up the necessary taxes/charges/guide tips if required.

Note: Remember before buying the deals online, check with the handling agent by emailing them to check for tour vacancy before buying it! Once there is seats available, go ahead to snatch it.

The total damage as follow:

Trinity Hotel (1 night with buffet breakfast) + Tour (9am-5pm) + Ferry (2 way) + 1 Lunch + Land transfer : SGD$25.00

Tour guiding tips: SGD$2.00 

Batam Ferry Terminal Fee: SGD$6.50

Singapore Ferry Terminal Fee: SGD$20 

Additional massage for 1 hr: SGD$10.00  (Usual price in Batam for massage is around SGD$18-$25)

Total damage SGD$75.00 per person.

If one would like to include optional seafood 8 course dinner (Flower Crabs, Shellfish, Fish, Prawn, Seafood Soup, Dessert,etc), it will costs SGD$20.00 per person inclusive of 2 way transport from hotel to dinner.

Some Facts of Indonesia/Batam Island: 

If you are travelling to Indonesia, please note that the law which take effect last year stipulates that it is an offence to use foreign currency when doing transactions. In the past, Batam accept Singapore currency giving its proximity. However, it is now an offence to use Singapore currency and it may invite a huge fine from the police. As such, people no longer accept foreign currency including Singapore Dollars. Note: Do not change too much of Indonesia currency as well. This is due to the fact that the central bank often change their currency notes every 8-10 years. You do not want to leave it till the next time you visit Indonesia and realize the money you are holding is worthless anymore.

The Indonesia population stands at 258 million. A fun fact of this country is that her geographical position mean that many islands make up Indonesia which lead it to being known as the country with the largest number of islands in the world. If one were to stay 1 night on each island in Indonesia, it will take 48 long years to complete.

When taking Taxis, don’t bother to find it on the street. The best place where one can find taxi is at tourist attractions, shopping centers, hotel, place tourists often goes. Bargain or ask for price before boarding the taxi. Do not think one is smart by asking the driver to travel on meter. They will only takes you for a joy ride round the island before dropping you off at the agree destination so as to earn the extra dollars from you. It will only result you in wasting more precious time for shopping!

Why Singaporeans prefer to weekend shopping at Batam?

To have a better understanding of this, we look at the standard of living on this island. Take for instance, a meal in KFC could costs around SGD$7. In Batam, the same meal costs around $4. Street food costs SGD$1.20. That explains the reason Singaporeans flock to Batam for shopping, eating, massage, relaxation and more.

Below is an example of how your day would pass so quickly if you take up the 1 Day Batam Trip that costs SGD25. . .

7.30am: Check in @ HarbourFront Ferry Terminal, go to the ferry booth and collect your tickets. They will give you a sticker to be paste on your shirt so as to identify you when you arrive at Batam Ferry Terminal.

8.30am: Gate open for Ferry boarding

9am: Ferry departs on time to Batam

Note: As Batam is 1 hour behind Singapore and the travel duration takes an hour, you will arrive in Batam at 9am (local time).

9.15am: Arrive Batam Terminal

9.45am: Bus depart for 1 day tour

10am: Polo Factory Outlet

10.30am: Visit Chocolate Factory! (good buy if you love Chocolates, so much cheaper than in Singapore)

11am: Visit Laughing Buddha Temple.

11.50am: Indonesia Lunch

12.50pm: Visit to Batik Clothes Outlet

1.20pm: Visit Miniature Park / Go Kart (at own cost) / Clothes Factory Outlet

2pm: Visit Kuek Lapis Outlet / Cultural Show

2.30pm: Local Dry food outlet for more shopping!

3pm: Massage or Shopping time!

4.30pm: Check into Hotel for 1 night stay, Free & Easy time!

This is followed by next day pick up transfer from hotel to ferry terminal at 12pm. Ferry departs at 3pm, which means we have 2 hour shopping time at nearby Batam Ferry Terminal~~

Of course, coming to Batam for an hour massage do not justify the trip. Therefore, we have went for another round of foot massage. . .

Categories: Asia Region

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