Barelang Bridge Batam
The Barelang Bridge (Jembatan Barelang) is a chain of 6 bridges of various types that connect the islands of Batam, Rempang, and Galang, giving the system its name. The bridge is an icon of the local area and is a popular tourism site.
Batam Nightlife
Batam has many nightlife and it starts in the day. Like the karaoke lounges starts from 2pm till late 3 am. Discotech however starts from 7 pm till 5 am and Massage parlor starts from 11 am to 11 pm.
Batam - Thing To Do
Shopping is one of the factors visitors came to Batam. The whole island is a duty free zone, making the prices become relatively low. The shopping scene may not be as good as in Singapore or Hong Kong, Batam however, seems rather like the two islands back in the old days.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Live Music in D'Brix PUB, Grand Majesty Hotel Nagoya , Batam
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Batam, A City at the Edge
Batam, Indonesia
Batam, Indonesia was a quiet coastal backwater, far from central Jakarta, at the forgotten edge of Indonesia. This dramatically changed in 1989, when the duty free and export zone was established. Although Batam has lost some of its economic luster to the Chinese and Vietnamese in the 2000s, the 80s and 90s was a period of dramatic transformation. The new Hang Nadim Airport, good class hotels, restaurants and entertainment complexes mushroomed all over Batam island. Batam became the Singaporeans' playground. The golf courses are busy on every weekend, and the huge hawker centre at Pujasera teems with fresh seafood and Singaporeans alike.
Batam has a deserved reputation for its seafood restaurants. Prawns, lobsters, green clams, and the local specialty "Gong Gong" are on offer at many restaurants. Gong Gong is a conch-shaped mollusc, boiled, extracted on a toothpick, and dipped into spicy hot sambal sauce.
Nights are usually spent at a discotheque or a karaoke bar. Alternatively, take time out from eating, shopping and your massage. You might find an interesting cultural performance at "Desa Seni" in Sekupang.
Most travelers to Batam stay around either Nagoya or Waterfront City. Sekupang is the usual port of entry if you are arriving by the ferries from Singapore's WTC. Ferries to other domestic destinations leave from the pier next door. It is a 30min taxi ride to downtown Nagoya.
Nagoya (yes, it is named after the Japanese city), is the effective centre for the Batam traveler. You will find the best hotels in town, the inimitable Pujasera Hawker Centre, and of course numerous Spas offering sports massage.
Waterfront City on the west coast of Batam, south of Sekupang, is a magnet for thrill seekers. Thrills include bungee-jumping, and even indoor skiing. By night, the area comes alive with more than a handful discos and karaoke pubs. Not suitable for the faint hearted. Batam is a duty free zone. Alcohol and cigarettes are ridiculously cheap.
Overall, there is a distinct cowboy vibe to the whole Batam experience. Still, it's a fun stopover for your Visa Run to and from Singapore.
Batam is also a busy port and industrial centre. Consequently, there are several good midpriced hotels in the city. Far better than you would find anywhere else in Sumatra. You can find a list of hotels here.
It is also a great place to swing your golf clubs. Several fine courses are available at a fraction of Singapore prices. Do note that beach lovers will be disappointed. Swimming here is best done in the hotel pools.
The illegal casinos run by the syndicates have also shut down.
Overall, it is a good way to escape from Singapore. Cheap, noisy, and loads of fun if you are looking for some naughty fun.
Hary Elias is editor of http://www.itravelindonesia.com.
Bintan Island of Indonesia
Bintan is one of the islands of Riau Archipelago of Indonesia. It is situated at about 40km from Singapore. Its capital, Tanjung Pinang is actually the capital of Riau Archipelago. From here you can see the importance of Bintan island.
Compared with Batam, Bintan is richer in its history. In conjunction with this background, it has more historical sites to visit.
Bintan's history is intertwined closely with those of Malacca and Johor Sultanates. Bintan and the rest of Riau Arcipelago were ruled by the Malacca Sultanate. When the Portuguese attacked Malacca in 1511, its king fled to Pahang of Malay Peninsula and later to Bintan where he tried to repossess Malacca. His successor moved to Johor and established the Johor Sultanate.
Later, the Dutch gained control of Bintan island. However, the Dutch was later driven out by a force supported by Malacca Sultanate.
In 1824, the Treaty of London finally settled that the islands south of Singapore are Dutch Territories. Again Bintan was under the control of the Dutch.
Pulau Penyengat is a must see historical site for visitors. It is situated at about 6km from Tanjung Pinang. It was the religious, cultural and administration centre of the region in 19th century. Sultan Mahmud Shah of Malacca gave this island to his bride, Raja Hamidah, daughter of Raja Ali Haji, the Bugis commander of Bintan, in an attempt to reach peace between the Malay and the Bugis. A grand mosque, Masjid Raya was built on the island. The mosque is huge and is visible from Tanjung Pinang.
Raja Ali Haji was the hero to Bintan's people. There is a monument by the seaside that commemorates him who sacrificed his life for his people against the Dutch.
Within the town of Tanjung Pinang, there is a Dutch Colonial Graveyard which reflects the life of the seamen at the old days.
Banyan Tree Temple is a popular place for the local Chinese community and Singaporean visitors. It is situated in a town called Senggarang. The temple is about 100 years old.
For holiday makers, there are broadly 2 areas for you to choose i.e. Lagoi (Bintan Resorts) at the northern part or Trikora Beach at the east of the island.
Lagoi is full of high end resorts like Banyan Tree Resort and Club Med Ria. These are exclusive resorts complete with golf courses designed by world renowned golf course designers.
Resorts and hotels at theTrikora Beach are affordable to average visitors. To name a few: Bintan Agro Beach Resorts, resorts complete with fishing facilities like Ocean Bay Resort and Kolam Kelong Trikora. There is even a resort providing diving guide i.e. Traveler Pondok Wisita. Visitors may stay in its air-conditioned or non-air-conditioned rooms overnight before diving.
Bintan is accessible from Johor Bahru and Singapore by ferry.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Country of Islands
Every year millions of international tourists rush to Indonesia and contribute to the economy of this beautiful country. Because of an ever increasing number of international tourists to the region aviation industry has grown greatly during last few years. A number of international airlines are flying to Indonesia from Europe, America, Asia, Australia, and Africa. Some of these operate direct Indonesia flights while other are operating stop over flights. It is such a fascinating place that nothing is better than spoiling your self at vast expanses of its immense beauty. However the choice of places to see depends upon the interest of tourists as well as on things to do these sites present.
Indonesia is known as a country of islands. Its name is combination of two words "Indo" meaning Indian and "Nesos" meaning Islands. The country is named so for it is home to more than 17,000 islands. Visitors from all over the globe take flights to Indonesia and spend their vacations at some of best islands. Most visited locations of the country include; Jakarta, Bali, Lombok Island, Sumatra, Bintan Island, Batam Island, Yogyakarta Island. Except being naturally blessed with a number of beaches, islands, and rain forests, Indonesia is very well served with a range of complete and modern age tourism facilities. A number of travel and tour companies are operating in the country that do not only arrange flights to Indonesia but also boat, cruise, and bus tours to the popular country attractions.
Accommodation is another prominent feature of tourism industry. Indonesia has an array of hotels and resorts serving foreign travelers to the country. Almost all the areas that are popular among cheap Indonesia flights takers are served with hotels. Resorts are located alongside the beaches. Some of the country's best resorts can found at Bali Island, while Jakarta is popular for its hotels.
Grand Hayat Regency is the largest hotel in the country while other hotels include; Sheraton Bandara Hotel, Willtop Hotel, Ciputra Hotel, and Sari pan Pacific Jakarta. These hotels are fantastically catering to the needs of tourists taken cheap flights to Indonesia or some where else.
Flight to Indonesia accommodates visitors open heartedly and warmly welcomes the people showing the eager to probe flights to Indonesia
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Have a Colourful Holiday in Batam
Indonesia is made up of many islands and Batam is one of them. It is situated in the province of Riau islands. Batam is a great place for a holiday. There are so many things to do on this island. The most popular attraction is the waterfront area of the city which offers the tourists amazing water sports. There is more that you can do in the waterfront area like racing with go karts and a lot of shopping. The Ocean Water Park and another island called Barelang Island are two places that you ought to visit when you are here in Batam. Batam Center is the place that you can visit if you are interested in historical buildings and landmarks or even if you want to look at great architecture.
Batam is filled with entertainment and nightlife. For the best nightlife in the city you have to move to what is called the Nagoya district in this small island. There are a huge number of karaoke bars, popular night clubs and pubs. Two places that you might want to make a sure to visit are the Planet Ozon and Ozon Discotheque.
Go on a Journey of Taste and Class
Dining is something that is a part and parcel of holidaying here. But to make that experience of dining most memorable and to enjoy it, you have many fine restaurants that you can visit to enjoy the great cuisine. One of the most visited places for fine dining in Batam would be the sea food restaurant named Golden Prawn. This is situated in Bengkong and here is where you will get some of the best seafood dishes. Batam also offers a good fast food experience. A1 Pujasera, the Nagoya food court and Windsor would be fast food places that give you the best flavours.
Accommodation is one of the most important factors while on a holiday. Batam has numerous options when it comes to stay. Resort apartments are yet another choice that you can make. There is something new now called Kelong in Batam that is accommodation for those who like to watch sunsets. offers that you can choose to stay in. You are given the option of staying in a luxury suite, a three-star hotel or if you are on a budget you have budget hotels too where you can enjoy comfort and class.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Indonesia Visa Requirements - Indonesia Travel Requirements
Indonesia visa and kitas:
Indonesia requires an Indonesia visa to travel the exotic Indonesia lands. You can get the visa at your Indonesia embassy in your country or there is a visa on arrival option. Indonesia has several different Indonesia visa to fit your stay. Kitas are different they are for those staying longer than 60 days and is usually initiated by an Indonesian citizen or company. Recently, a retirement kitas has been added.
Indonesia Visa on Arrival:
Indonesia visa on arrival is for the indonesia tourist planning to stay less than 30 days, the visa on arrival it is non extendable and expires when you leave the country.
o visa on arrival can be purchased at Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya, Medan, Padang, Pekanbaru, Manado, Biak, Ambon, Balikpapan, Pontianak, Kupang, Batam, and South Sumatra airports.
o Visa on arrival is also available at a limited number of seaports, including the Batam and Bintan ferry terminals near Singapore
o visa on arrival allows travel to different islands in Indonesia
o There are four regions in Indonesia that the foreign national is not allowed to visit without special written permission and approval; Maluku, Poso, and Irian Jaya/West Papua.
To enter the restricted regions one must obtain special authorization from Indonesian authorities and advise the Embassy/ Consulate Generals about the intention to visit restricted regions.
Requirements:
o The passport must have at least 6 months before expiring
o Show that you have arrangement to leave country like return ticket or continuing trip
o Indonesian visas require an entirely blank passport page where they stamp the visa.
Cost:
o 10.00 USD for 7 days and 25.00 USD for 30 days
If you go over your time it's a 20.00 fee per day up to 29 days.
62 countries and 1 region can apply for visa on arrival.
Argentina, Fiji, Libya Romania, USA, Australia, Finland, Lithiuania, Russia, Algeria, France, Luxenbourg, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Germany, Maldives, Slovac Republic, Belgium, Greece, Malta, Slovenia, Brazil, Hungary, Mexico, Spain, Bulgaria, India, Monaco, South Africa, Czech, Iceland, New Zealand, South Korea, Cambodia, Iran, Netherlands, Suriname, Canada, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Cyprus, Italy, Oman, Switzerland, China, Japan, Panama, Taiwan, Denmark, Kuwait, Poland, Tunisia, Estonia, Laos, Portugal, UAE, Egypt, Latvia, Qatar, UK
I have two tips for the Indonesia visa on arrival
1. After they stamp your passport they will give a form leave it with the passport don't loose it or when you leave you will have to pay 20.00 USD fine in Indonesian Rupiah if you don't have any Rupiahs you must go to ATM.
2. If you have someone picking you up at the airport tell them the line for the visa on arrival can be 5- 40 minutes depending on how many Indonesia travelers.
Take a peak at http://www.indonesiatravelinformation.com much more information, maps and pictures on travels in Insonesia.