Batam Info / Interest / Help Thread

[BFOMF5]

Also any bros had used or now using the monthly membership.
Pls advice.

[tomcat007]

Originally Posted by BFOMF5

Also any bros had used or now using the monthly membership.
Pls advice.

You mean like Sindo Ferry or Majestic Ferry? I was contemplating signing up for the monthly one, then I realize that in a month, max I go is 4 times. Hardly worth the savings. And if I can get the same $28.50 that my friend is getting, then the membership will not be worth it already. For you, maybe different cos you got lots of time to take ferry.

[trowapeter]

Any rough guide as to where Kupu Kupu booking joint is?

[nono1973]

Originally Posted by tomcat007

I'm like that. My attitude is... I may pay you more at the destination. But, you must agree to my price at the first offer. No negotiation. Because once negotiated, the service seller may provide the service grudgingly. And it will become a less than happy experience for me. If not, then it may well become 70k, 80k or even 90k from Formosa to batam centre. I just walked on, until I reach outside Nagoya Hill Mall and boarded a mini bus for 5k.

My solution if I am running solo in Batam...

...50k rupiah,2 way trip from ferry terminal to hotel and then send me off on my last day in Batam. No need to bargain,no need to 'rush'. Once a rushing mode hits me,it may spoil my holiday mood (especially when its the last few hours of my trip). I enjoy taking my time but i prefer to be in control of my own situation. My trump card is my silver membership, in case it triggers my "all else fail" plug "it" is going to send me back to any ferry terminal for free,just like a dual-layer fail-safe...hehehe...

Only a few times I could remember myself taking taxi from outside Formosa hotel. 1st time was when I am with a friend, who don't mind paying for it (he pays for it anyway) when we were leaving for Harbour Bay mall, 2nd time was during CNY 2015 when I didn't stay in Formosa hotel and the taxi driver from Formosa drives me back to Goodway hotel for free. 3rd time was when I have not enough seat-space on my pre-booked taxi and have to grab an extra taxi to Jaya Dado for dinner. (we couldnt afford to make 2 to-and-fro trips with a single taxi due to time constraint and its distance)

https://sbfsg.net/showpo...ostcount=30961

There was twice that i run some 'trust-test' on 2 taxi drivers too,hehehe...both times they drive me to Harbour Bay for free. (i have my reason/s for doing that)

I don't like surprises (especially the not-so-good ones),hence I often plan things in advance. Knowing certain circumstances due to a certain action that may likely lead to a situation in advance, i can often find a solution (or 2) ahead of the time before it actually occur. (Hehehe...i kiasu ma)

In order not to be held ransom by even more future surprises, i choose to travel via Harbour Bay more...I am much often, on the right timing and using taxi is one of my ways when i need to 'buy time',hehehe...if EVERY transport means were to 'dies off' from Harbour Bay ferry terminal,my worst scenario is to walk to hotel,hehehe...can i do that for the other ferry terminals?

Its not "if" it will happen,but "when"...

...and history has taught me well, it has happened just not too long ago (and this dont just "happen" once nor twice before in my 33 trips).

(i only visit Batam once or twice a month,safety and assurance should be my priority)

Originally Posted by BFOMF5

That's the problem...when you give more they tek it 4
granted. And it become a benchmark.

Just like i benchmarked 100k hj and 200k fj in Batam massage shops,hehehe...

Originally Posted by tomcat007

Now I make sure I arm myself with many 10k, 20k and 5k notes.

Can always change big 100k rupiah notes to small ones when i change my money from money changer/s. 2k and 5k rupiah notes is very important for me. It has the amazing power to make the world of Batam a happier place.

[tomcat007]

Different travelers type. I'm more impromptu and, being solo, I have the luxury of deciding on the course of action that's most suitable to me. On walking to hotel, that's why I don't usually book hotel for my first night if I go Batam on late ferry. Worst come to worst, Harris Hotel is just next door. Ya, just like Pacific is just next door to Hbb too. And, slightly further is Hotel 01 & Harmoni One.

There's no right or wrong MO, just what's most suitable to each individual.

Soon.. already told Riki to prepare my silver card when I check in on 5/11. Finally found someone amongst the new staff that I can depend on.

[hawkeye007]

Originally Posted by BFOMF5

Also any bros had used or now using the monthly membership.
Pls advice.

The membership is not really worth it unless u travel back & fro at least 12 times per month. The $188 monthly membership is not inclusive of the seaport taxes & levies for both terminals ($6 for Harbourfront and 65k for Batam Centre). Based on a travel frequency of 12 return trips per month, the cost per return trip will then be approximately $28.70.

Like Tomcat007 had shared, the cheapest Majestic ferry tix can be bought for as low as $28.50, so this membership thingy is not really worth it.

[nono1973]

Originally Posted by iicycold

& yr Oct summary? waiting...

Its up live now,and on my signature link...phew! Month end and beginning ,always very busy during these time.

The Batam Food List
(Updated on Jan 2016)

Beginner's Guide for 1st Time Batam Visitor


All My Batam Trip Summaries for 2015
(Jan - Dec)

Batam Places to avoid :
Morena series of joints,Delta Spa & MM

My latest 33rd Batam Trip Summary
(on Oct 2016)

Gonna get back to work...seriously, i don't like using IE browser,so much inconvenience and I waste so much valuable time.

Bye for now.

[hawkeye007]

Originally Posted by BFOMF5

I'm interested
Pls advice
Thks

As far as I know, there is only 1 place that sells the 280k Majestic Ferry ticket; it can be used by any nationality (not restricted to only Indo passport). However, out of respect to the bro who shared it with me, I won't reveal it unless he gives his permission.

Alternatively, what I can share with u is where to purchase the same ticket at 290k, still much cheaper than SG prices (even cheaper than Majestic Ferry's senior citizen rate of $31).

You can buy these tickets at the moneychangers at BCS Mall, level 1. I usually go there and buy 4 tickets at one shot.

[tomcat007]

I bought mine at 290k at money changers opposite BCS mall. Sindo Ferry for me.

Ya, regarding the $28.50 tickets, need to try buying first. I just heard it last weekend and since I have existing stock, it's no go yet.

You can get $30 tickets on Qoo10. They are sold at $35 each. But, with $10 coupon for $50 purchase, it becomes $60, and effectively cost $30 each.

[Nulgath]

Originally Posted by Leoric

Good one! I think i know which girl u are referring to on this one.

quite a no. has actually seen her video before & surprisingly,she's still wking at her same place.

Originally Posted by Black Page

I hope she does not know she has become so famous...

with the fact that she knew abt her sex tape.

[Black Page]

Originally Posted by Nulgath

with the fact that she knew abt her sex tape.

That's my question: is she aware about her sex tape? If she knows, also the staff of Formosa knows.

Please note that Formosa staff is the only who knows the real identity of this bandit, who has a famous web site where he sells the videos taken daily in Asia with hundreds of plain prostitutes, bar girls, semi-pros, or regular naive girls from malls, always taken with professional hidden cams (even in eyeglasses).

The staff of Formosa could stop him, by simply communicating his real identity to police. Next time he enters Indonesia, they block him.
This did not happen, as he returned to Batam at least once, after that first time (yes, more videos are circulating now, with a girl from a joint you all well know, another from Morena, etc)

[Nulgath]

Originally Posted by Black Page

The staff of Formosa could stop him, by simply communicating his real identity to police. Next time he enters Indonesia, they block him.
This did not happen, as he returned to Batam at least once, after that first time (yes, more videos are circulating now, with a girl from a joint you all well know, another from Morena, etc)

Not forgetting there're also other indonesian girls on other videos in that site from other parts of the same country too.

[BFOMF5]

Thks all bros for sharing...
I'm kind of contented with the old man discount ($31 return) until sindo told me there will be no more extention.
Also majestic hv not give a clear cut off for theirs promo.
Any way ...
Hope some kind bros could pm me to reveal the 2850 shop
By hen

Tq

[hawkeye007]

Originally Posted by BFOMF5

Thks all bros for sharing...
I'm kind of contented with the old man discount ($31 return) until sindo told me there will be no more extention.
Also majestic hv not give a clear cut off for theirs promo.
Any way ...
Hope some kind bros could pm me to reveal the 2850 shop
By hen

Tq

Bro, in my opinion, it's not much difference. BCS mall moneychangers sell at 290k, the other particular place sell at 280k. Only $1 difference.. Hehe

[tomcat007]

Originally Posted by BFOMF5

Thks all bros for sharing...
I'm kind of contented with the old man discount ($31 return) until sindo told me there will be no more extention.
Also majestic hv not give a clear cut off for theirs promo.
Any way ...
Hope some kind bros could pm me to reveal the 2850 shop
By hen

Tq

Not bought myself yet those $28.50 ones, so can't tell confidently. But the bro who told me about it, is experienced cheongster.

Have difference. This shop is at Nagoya. No need run all the way to BCS to buy ticket.