Monday, March 30, 2015

Batam, Indonesia

Read some old blog posts recently and decided that it might be a good idea to blog travels with photos circa old days.

Triplets (I coin myself) went on a short Batam getaway recently by purchasing a Groupon, because a fuss-free trip was long overdue! Total  cost was under $200sin. Just had to whine about currency conversions and boast about how after pooling our money together we became instant millionaires! Batam is pretty affordable to live in but to holiday in, is still quite expensive, especially the food. But do stock up on creams and such at the huge supermarts, because it can be quite worth it if products are made in Indonesia (and sometimes, the same products are exported to Singapore but its price trebled). Guide was quite witty too, but wasn't cheap if you add everything up!

Our mode of transport - by sea, our entertainment - 'contract' bridge with our best imaginary friend

Then onwards to our compulsory day tour (aka where we shop for local delights so that guides earn commission to make up for the cheap tour price and we find souvenirs to buy home). First stops: Kuey Lapis and Otak otak



Boredom breeds Innovation

Then before lunch, you'd had to walk through the tourist shops and browse through knick knacks and dubious food



As if you need more encouragement to use the toilet


The non-course of the 7-course dinner


Thoroughly enjoying the meal. Us, forty years down the road?


Goldfish to Arowana: Whacha lookin' at?


Restaurant for our lunch


Let the PENs unite


At the Miniature Houses Museum. Hmm.. looks like...


At the Cultural Show, I enjoyed this 'lion' dance more than the uncoordinated dancing, coconut biting, coal and glass eating, and jumping through rings of fire (acts which were awesome but heart-wrenching).


The Slums of Batam:


At THE Mall with the Fello Fitty Restaurant. A long wait for our Fello Fitty Food. Fancy some savoury cheese with chocolate? Then chiong-ed to the supermart for some snacks, cup noodles, Magnums and alcohol to pass the night.

Our Hotel atop a hill. Capturing view amidst Adele.


Dinner Set Meal: Fish and Chips, Supper: Snacks (such foresight!), Breakfast: Buffet



Then checkout, to ferry terminal, then to the Mall across terminal. Dumped our baggage before eating and shopping~

Can't miss em' A&Ws for some curly fries and root beer float


Teh Botol and Ria Ayam Penyet

(If it's too good to be true, it's most  likely not)


Oil *Gasp!*

Shopping for snacks, kuey lapis, lollipops, lotions and hair masks..


Awesome trip! Who's up for fuss-free Cameron / Fraser's Hill?

 *Pardon the unrotated photos

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