Travel: Indonesia - Batam/Bintan

[pampers]

Thanks so much for your advice!! Will consider clubmed !!!

[b2b3m4]

Has anyone tried Bintan ClubMed babysitting service before? Is it safe to leave young babies with them? I am so tempted to leave my 18mth old with them… Finally i can go for some form of spa or a quiet drink.

[jacsplace]

Hi b2b3m4,


That babysitting service is very new. Maybe you can go to Trip Advisors and see if anyone has used it?

[greentums]

I recently took my 6-year old along on a cruise with Royal Caribbean and he had such a good time! The ship docked at Phuket, so we went to the beach, just to relax and play. It wasn't very crowded, so we had quite a lot of fun there.


When the ship was cruising, there was an Adventure Ocean thing on the cruise, which is like an activities center for the children, and they have experienced staff to look after the kids and keep them occupied. My son kept wanting to go back! Aside from that, there're other activities you can do with your kids like mini golf, indoor/outdoor jacuzzi/swimming pool, and of course the food! They also put really cute towel animals in your room after housekeeping, i think the kids will enjoy that. my boy was very excited to return to the room everyday to see what animals were visiting!

What's more, Royal Caribbean's having a promotion now where kids can cruise for free, it's a really great deal!

[BlurBee]

LKVM:

I am thinking of going to either Bintan or Batam in couple weeks, I havent been there before to either of them. Which is better for relaxing and which hotel/resort is better... any good lobang any one know of?


TIA

I've been to Batam but not Bintan.
Heard reviews that Bintan beach is nicer but more expensive than Batam.

There are 2 popular resorts in Batam (Harris & Holiday Inn). You can see the reviews from maid & buds.

25hourmaid:

Harris is a stone's throw away from Holiday Inn. I have not stayed at Harris before, but I have good feedback about Holiday Inn, though location wise is very far from town centre. Very nice hotel, clean and comfortable. Good buffet too. Good for family with kids as their rooms come in either 1-bedroom suite or 2-bedroom suite.

I normally book with Indo Falcon Travel.

http://www.indofalcon.com.sg/TPIndoB_2DHolidayInn.html

buds:

I shared my honest review here on this resort. > http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3483&start=20

[jacsplace]

HI LKVM,


I’ve been to both. Batam is generally older and cheaper than Bintan. On Batam, I’ve stayed at Batam View and Turi Beach. They’re both great, no complaints. Things work, staff are nice, food is filling.

Bintan is really like part of Singapore. The resorts there charge in Sing dollars so they’re all quite expensive. But top brands like Club Med and Banyan Tree are there so it’s good for a splurge. I’ve stayed at Club Med and Bintan Lagoon Resort. I didn’t enjoy the latter.

[BlurBee]

LKVM:

Thanks dear BlurBee, where did you stay in Batam? Rates for Holiday Inn is same as Bintan Nirwana resort i guess...

I stayed in Golden View Hotel. Nothing much to do there, just a 2D1N stay with family. :lol:

[snowman.022851697]

I went to rural Batam on a service learning trip with my fellow prefects and councillors last year, but we only went to an orphanage and some restaurants, so I can’t say much, but the food was nice. Oh and be careful of reckless motorcyclists who think they’re on the MotoGP, and those w/o helmets too…

[BigDevil]

http://www.deal.com.sg currently selling voucher for Bintan's Nirwana Resort Hotel at $125.


Each voucher includes:
- 2 Day/ 1 Night stay in Superior Room
- Buffet breakfast for 2 persons at Coffee Shop Restaurant
- Welcome drink
- 15% off all F & B items throughout stay
- 2-way land transfer
- Free wi-fi usage throughout stay
- Choice of FREE one game bowling OR FREE Snorkelling at Resort per person per voucher
- Voucher redemption valid for stay from 1st 0ctober to 23rd December 2010 except the following dates: 15-16th October 2010, 5-6th November 2010 and 16-18th November 2010

Good deal?

[BlurBee]

BigDevil:

Good deal?

Great! :celebrate:

LKVM, faster grab.