Exploring Batam, Indonesia

Who would have thought that with just a forty minute ferry ride away from Singapore you can already experience a staycation of sorts (semantics!). Batam is the largest city in the Riau Islands Province of Indonesia, across Singapore and is the third-largest city in Sumatra region (Thank you, Wiki for that fact).

If you want to go for a quick massage (the specialty!), a shopping spree as the items are relatively cheaper than that in the city, and eat some seafood then you came at the right place. Staying over for a weekend in 2016, we were not really able to try the massage as we end up lounging on our hotel rooms instead, watching movies from the cable television (a.k.a. the definition of chill). 

We did a bit of a city tour, though and it was made possible by our lovely, accomodating tour guide. While Batam is not as aesthetically pleasing as its neighboring cities (there is not much to see, to be honest), it did give a sense of relaxation and contentment away from the hassles of the city life. Sometimes we just cannot help but long for the simplicity in a bustling kind of living. It even made us miss staying in the province back home. It did not stop us from having fun, of course.

We tried different snacks and was amazed by the vast choices of chocolate flavours at this one shop. There’s even a durian-flavoured chocolate? Not sure if I’m into it but it is one of the must-try (just to get an experience).

I also did get to try the ice cream gelato that was being prepared/mixed in front of you and while it isn’t as matcha as I expected (and there’s a hint of Durian in there again) I truly enjoyed it.

I want to explore more parts of Indonesia and hopefully when the pandemic situation starts to get better we can come back.