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Batam — Singapore’s Hidden JewelThere isn't much to find when searching books or map looking for Batam. In fact, before a recent visit I didn't even know where — or what — it was. Batam, I soon learned, is one of the thousands of islands that are in the South China Sea and off the coast of Singapore. More importantly it is "paradise" to anyone lucky to find it. After a lengthy 16 hours flight on the Singapore Airlines I landed at the Singapore Changi International Airport at about 1 a.m. Cab fares are fairly cheap and since English is the official language, traveling within the city is easy. Visit visas are also inexpensive.
The Marina Mandarin is a luxurious five-star hotel with unique features proposing the ultimate travel experience. I barely had time to enjoy the ambiance, as Mandarin's staff enthusiastically greeted me and led me to my room. Refreshed, after a night's rest followed by a leisurely morning, as we all gathered in the main lobby our guide acquainted us with one another. After a great buffet breakfast my group was ready to see what Batam and Singapore had to offer. Most striking was the city's cleanliness, especially considering there are 4.19 million inhabitants, strict laws ensure this place remains spotless. Singapore, a melting pot of various cultures and religions, is a perfect example of the harmony that can occur between those with different beliefs and traditions. Annually there are 3 major national holidays. The Muslims celebrate their Eid-ul-Fitr, the Chinese celebrate their new year and the Indians celebrate Diwali. Our first stop was the legendary Raffles Hotel, located in the Colonial District. The Sir Stanford Raffles hotel bears the name of the city's founder. He made his way to Singapore in 1819, converting it from a quiet fishing village into a bustling trading city and port. If budget is not an issue then the Raffles Hotel is a definitely a must-stay. Our next stop was Boat Quay, the food and entertainment of the business district, located in a small bay that leads to the Straits of Singapore, south of the city. With an abundance of riverside cafes and restaurants, it makes a perfect romantic night for visitors. Our guide then led us to the famous half-lion half-fish Merlion statue, which towers over city's harbor. The statue, I learned, meant "Lion City," and is a tourism symbol.
Speakers, blaring lyrical Hindi beats, made me feel right at home. White, bright red, fire orange and yellow flower arrangements were hung on display within the shops and posters were pinned up on the windows of video stores advertising the latest Sharukh Khan hit movies. The aroma of mixed curries and spices filled the air and ignited my appetite. I decided to treat my companion, Denise, to the famous Asian samosa. Hoards of people were purchasing flower necklaces for the Hindu temple Sri Mariamman located close by. There just wasn't enough time to do or see everything. So, unfortunately we did not get a chance to visit the Sri Mariamman Temple or the Malabar Muslim Jama-Ath Mosque, the biggest in Singapore. On the same day China town was our next stop. Seventy-seven percent of the population in Singapore is Chinese, which might explain the enormity of Singapore’s China town. People were running from shop to shop for daily groceries, hand-made crafts, Chinese art, souvenirs and more. Traditional delicacies such as the popular abalone, bird's nest, Next stop Batam. The next morning we headed out for Batam. For as little as $10 for a three-day visa and 45 minute high-speed luxury ferry moved our group to Batam, located in the Riau Archipelago Province, only 15 miles from Singapore. Visitors disembarking from the ferry were welcomed enthusiastically. Due to the enormous difference in price value, 1 dollar Singaporean is about 5700 Rupiah, many Singaporeans often getaway from the city life and come to Batam to enjoy a weekend with family and friends.
Even though Batam is only 15 miles away from Singapore, the two are opposites. Singapore is a high tech tourist-thriving metropolis with people hustling in and out of shops, homes and hotels. Batam, on the contrary, is a rural area, which has been converted to an industrial-tourist zone with food stalls, bars, and garments shops lining along side the streets. Even so life remains there is relaxed. In Nagoya, people are friendly and possess a laid back attitude. Did I hear Seafood? Our first culinary stop was the Golden Prawn. It's not a typical air conditioned restaurant, but instead a huge 1980s happening place with Karaoke playing to both the younger and older crowd. The dining area is actually on a dock that stretches out over the ocean and could easily accommodate 200 people. Containers at the Golden Prawn's entrance were packed with fresh red snapper, turtle, shrimp the size of a hand, clams, catfish, lobster. Once again, we were approached and greeted with a smile and the consistent friendliness that seems indigenous to this area. Surprisingly, there were no menus, instead the waiter pulled out a small pad and told us to choose what you wanted from the containers. After looking into the huge barrels I changed the fate of the biggest lobster possible. My choice became lobster salad and barbequed lobster. The aroma of baked, fried and grilled seafood filled the air. The lobster, baked and grilled to perfection, had a magnificent blend of spices. Melting butter oozed out of everywhere. Once our plates were cleaned the hostess asked if we wanted a “calapa”, a bowling-ball sized coconut sliced in half and filled with its natural juices. The coconut milk, sipped through a straw, is a great way to avoid heart burn and to wash everything down. Another meal, almost as memorable was at the Rumah Makan & Seafood at Batu Besar. The red snapper and Black Pepper Crab was baked with the finest curries and spices. It had a taste of roasted garlic, coriander and curry all harmoniously blending at a each bite. A moment for inner peace.
Batam hasn’t forgotten about the world's golf lovers either. There are 6 full golf resort-style courses throughout Batam. We visited the Palm Springs Golf and Beach Resort. The Palm Spring Golf & Beach Resort lies on the North East of Batam Island at Nongsa and is managed by Asia Food Property. Of the three nine holes courses, the toughest and the oldest is the Palm course. From the courses the ocean front view was breathtaking. On a clear day you can see the outlines neighboring islands. We didn’t have a chance to play golf, but we did have fun driving through the range with our mini golf carts. Those who want to pamper themselves in Batam might try one of it's top-notch resorts. Batam Views, with oceanfront views, is an affordable full-service spa offers from jet skiing, snorkeling, water skiing, volley ball and more.
Reality Check. Camp Galang belongs to the souls of tens of thousands of Vietnamese “boat people” who escaped Vietnam after the war and came to Batam in search of a new life. Weathered down boats and graveyards have been preserved in this camp to as a constant reminder of this nightmare. This United Nations camp was home to at least 20,000 people who had nothing more than hope. A small shrine had been erected to pay respects to three women who took their lives after being raped during their journey to a “better” life.
After my trip to Telunas Beach, I contemplated my own opportunities in Batam. I met up with an expatriate, Mike the night before heading out to his “slice of paradise.” Mike and two of his friends, Brad and Eric had once visited Batam and swore that they would return. A couple of years later after lots of thought and planning, they decided to go to Batam in order to pursue a dream. Today they have a slew of beautifully designed huts spread across the ocean's shore. The 45-minutes ride from Batam in a long and narrow custom made tuk tuk boat, covered with a canopy and powered by an engine was exilertating. I rested along the side of the boat allowing my feet to be caressed by the warm and salty waters splashing up as we pierced through the waters. We finally came to our destination. There stood the produce of Mike, Brad and Eric’s efforts. The resort is one of a kind and definitely stood out as one of the best. If your school, church, company and families are looking for an educational yet fun retreat, this is the place.
The 4 days spent here had quickly passed and it soon came to an end. It was time to end our idyllic stay. After saying our goodbyes and departing from Batam, I was ready to go home, but saddened to leave a place where life is good, where there were no social barriers and the people were simply genuine. I definitely intend to return back to Batam, perhaps to retire or perhaps on my way to another travel destination. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Great site for information on Singapore Visa Information Batam Resources and Batam Industrial Development Authority Batam Information Ferry Rides to Batam Palm Springs Golf and Beach Resort Telunas Beach Golden Prawn
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JustSayGO Travel Show
I stepped outside into the humid filled heat and
looked for a taxi. I was surprised when a hijab-wearing woman popped
out of the cab and motioned for me to get inside. Tired, I sat, content
just to listen as we made our way to the hotel and she told me about
the country and it’s different customs stemming from the different
cultures that dwell here.
To add to the cultural flavor, we zipped over to Little India where there was an array of different shops. From traditional restaurants, fruit markets, souvenir shops to sari filled clothing boutiques. 
Once a fishing village, this exotic island is now a blossoming urban tourist getaway filled with locals, tourists and expatriates. Batam, which makes up one of the several thousand islands surrounding Malaysia and Singapore, is also burgeoning with industry, and is a gold mine of business opportunities. There is plenty of tourism, cheap labor, tax exemptions, and natural resources.
A visit to the Masjid Raya, the biggest mosque located in the center of Batam was spiritually gratifying. I had the opportunity to meet the Imam and to sit with the locals. I got there just in time for Friday prayers and, as with most mosques, the call to prayer was being recited from the speakers attached to the top of the minarets. All my worries and problems soon vanished into thin air as I listened to the Holy Scriptures being recited aloud in Arabic. A warm and peaceful feeling soon overcame my body and soul. Spiritually, I was overwhelmed. As my physical appetite was fulfilled, my spiritual appetite was devouring every moment spent at the mosque. Since Islam is the dominant religion in Batam, mosques of all shapes and sizes are scattered through out Batam and the surrounding islands.
For
more relaxation and self-healing spots Turi Beach is yet another paradise
with its Bali style villas, pool, spa, diving expeditions, hiking,
biking, surfing and wind sailing.
Telunas Beach, better known as Island Connection
International, offers several interesting curriculums for children
and adults. They have team leadership development, great for companies,
outdoor education, and adventure tourism. My favorite was ethno-tourism,
a program that gives students and opportunity to visit and stay with
the local fishing communities to learn the culture, language and lifestyle.
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