Everybody need to take a break, away from their hectic studies and work loads.
U may think U might not need it BUT Ur brain and body does.
Even robots need servicing or else their system will break down.
Personally, I will opt for a vacation over the PHs or on special occasions namely birthdays and anniverssaries. I am fortunate as my other half's work schedule is similar as mine. It makes the whole entire planning process so much easier without having to touch on our annual leaves. However, of course , before every holiday, we will discuss on our holiday motives. The minus point of taking a vacation during the PHs : As everyone know, prices are double the usuals. :S We can’t have the best from both worlds, can we? ;)
To kickstart 2011, we started off with Batam. This being our second time, we've made a mental note of avoiding the places we’ve been to on our first visit. Furthermore, our main objective was to rest and relax. Our R&R equates to eat, massage and rot over and over again! Heh~!
From this portion on, I will present you with my photo storytelling, hor. :D
Sit back & relax.
Left home on the 2nd Feb at about slightly after 1pm. Rushed our way to Harbourfront to catch our flight ferry which depart from the terminal at 2.40pm.
This time, we changed our route by taking it via WaveMaster alighting at Batu Ampat Harbour Bay. It is the latest pier for ferry departures between Singapore and the Riau islands of Batam.
Onboard, it is quite spacious. I kind of like the ferry. It made the whole journey much more bearable. I strongly recommend WebMaster.
The journey was lesser than 45mins! It felt nearer from my earlier trips. I dare say it was faster than expected. How could it be?!
And, the time difference from HarbourBay is not even 1hr apart.
We concluded, HarbourBay is nearer to Singapore compared to Batam Centre, Nongsapura or Sekupang.
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| *US* |
Harbour Bay Amir Hotel was our chosen accomodation which we booked via Agoda. Way cheaper compared to booking directly w the hotel. If I can remember correctly, total price we've paid for was about $80 for 2 nights but the hotel charges were about $55-ish per night. You can make your own comparison for your next hotel bookings.
The best thing about Amir Hotel is that it is:
- Walking distance from ferry terminal. No need "airport transfer" = No fear of taxi drivers robbing you in e bright daylight!
- Room & bathroom is spacious enough. There is no swimming pool, unfortunately, but you can soak yourself in the bathtub. ;p
And oh yes, dvd player was not available so what we did was, we purchase a dvd player from Carrefour for our late nights movie marathons.
- Breakfast spread despite not that very much of a variety, still acceptable, I felt was not a major disappointment.
One satisfied patron. :))
- Just opposite the hotel is the new Harbourbay Mall. If you do not wish to make a trip to town, this location is perfect for you.
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| Selamat datang ke SARIMAH!!! ;D |
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| Trying his luck.. ;) |
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| Smart girls, shop smartly. Not much difference in prices. :( |
Tired of wondering around, it's time to pamper our body with TLC. :)
We came across this somewhere around our accomodation area.
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| Massage was cheap though. 2Hrs for 2 pax is approximately $22. |
- 5 minutes taxi ride to Nagoya, Batam's capital. Before I forget, I must highlight that Harbourbay Mall is relatively new, hence, some of the shops may be vacant.
We have no initial plan of travelling, but since, my Mister craves for A&W, here we go again...~!
On our second day, we gave Eska a try. Eska had all the services under one roof. Salon . Facial . Spa . Mani&Pedi
They have 2 different outlet in Nagoya itself. One is opposite Nagoya Mall, the other one is in the shopping centre itself.
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| This cheeky dude needs his hair to be trimmed. |
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Whereas I beautified my nails.
Check out my Valentine inspired nails.
Loved it. Cute ttm. Don't you think so?
My very first 3D art. |
If I were to reside in Batam, I'll be an extra large size in no time. Right place for a foodie like me. =.=
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| One of the thing in common we love. DORAEMON. |
Besides, the pampering, we did the following a whole lot too.
Not forgetting our must take "self-feeling models" moment photos.
Wanna know something, while roaming around Nagoya Hill, we were entertained by Batam local talents.
Check out the lines of artistes they have on the list. ;p
Says who Batam is boring? ;D
And they are not conservative. I have to agree with Yus, Batam is slowly developing, which is of course a very good progress.
Check out the mini models.
They are very talented. These 2 girls have what it takes to be one! Their walks... Their poses...Totally O-Em-Gee!!!
When questioned on their ambitions, their answers were to become a model and superstar. My god, how materialistic, right?
With proper guidance, they will make it big one day. U go GIRLS!
Overall, we enjoyed our rotting session for the 3D2N.
I hope the information provided came in useful to friends who asked.
The only thing that we opt out was eating seafoods. Unfortunately it poured a little. We scrap the idea of candlelight dinner under the moon. =p Which was a waste. Seafood centre was a mere few minutes walk from our hotel. But oh well, there is still another time.
We shall visit you again, Batam, in the next couple of years.
LOVE,
Yuss & Raff
Labels: Holidays
