JA TRAVEL BLOG

Batam, or better still the Riau islands near Batam, is known for many things, but not really for cycling. Now that has changed after we rode the 6 bridges (some say 7) connecting these islands.

These bridges make a spectacular contrast of modern engineering against a rural backdrop linking Batam to the southern islands of Rempang and Galang. The Barelang bridges have become an icon in Batam (the name is an abbreviation from Batam, Rempang, and Galang) & riding them makes one feel … well … “On top of the world”!

The Ride

The start/end is the Barelang bridge itself. The spectacular views along the way makes the 55km route (one way) feel short if one wants to soak in the scenes. For the super “kilat” athlete who relishes the challenge, conquering the rolling hills, cross & head winds; man-machine against the terrain, the challenge is too mouth watering to resist.

Unlike riding in forever congested Singapore at any time of day, the island ride is smooth with hardly any traffic & excellent road condition. Brakes were hardly used & is only required for the photo shoots & watermelon breaks.

The excellent mobile service support provided, made both the recreational & avid cyclist feel shiok! Lots of hydration, & we even get water supply while on the move ala Tour de France! We got to ride as fast as humanly possible or as hard as our legs can take us! After all, no one gets left behind with the support vehicle always in sight.

The Turn

The u-turn point is the sleepy ex Vietnamese refugee camp at Galang. While letting the sore thighs recover, we took to the sights of the village, boats & amneties used by the “boat people”.

After replenishing the loss fluids with the super cold Pocari & watermelon, we head back for the return leg. The ride seems easier especially with the cloudy skies. Drafting(cycling term for group aerodynamic riding formation) as much as possible do help in conserving energy but the ride becomes less of a challenge. The sight of the first bridge(our start/end point) on the return leg is simply spectacular & a sight for sore eyes.

Post ride

The seafood at newly opened Harbour Bay never tasted better. Nice pubs there too with rather corny names like 911 Café, & G-spot. Hmmm …

Retiring at Harris hotel is even more pleasant with the all inclusive package. Exchanging banter about the day’s event over the free flowing drinks till late, makes the hard work all more rewarding. The traditional massage slotted in the morning chased the fatigue away & we were fresh when he head back to Singapore albeit a bit sore around the legs.

It seems that all who went had some “unfinished” business in Barelang as the conversation centered around “when I return here, I’m gonna do things better, this way or another …”!

Statistics

Total U-turn distance from Barelang bridge – 110km

* Longer distance of 160km can be arranged but the ride starts from town.

Decent completion time – 4 hrs 30 min

Kilat athlete time – 4hrs

Happy-happy photo taking time – 5 hrs 40 min …. No pressure, no complains.

In a nutshell, one need NOT be a great athlete to do it. Anyone physically fit and knows how to ride a bicycle can do it. Having the right bicycle(not the market bike extremes) or rather road bikes does the trick. Knowing how to operate it will bring you all the miles. The Barelang bridges offer a great experience. WOW to the view.  Ride to your limit.  Feel the satisfaction after the trip. What next? Seafood & massage!!

CHECK out the hassle free package : BATAM Cycling Adventure

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Enjoy simple pleasures at Tanjung Pinang. A layback village in Indonesia just 1 1/2hrs from Singapore via ferry.
Simple people, simple lifestyle. simple pleasure. We can really get to relax.
No luxury, but nice beaches and good food.

Some highlight of the trip:
For the Chinese – Senggarang Island
There is an old temple there. Unique. The Banyan tree (abt 300yrs old) actually forms the structure of the temple. See it to understand. But 4D lovers, see if u can get your inspiration. The group of us did!! Hope can Strike!!!

The other is Penyengat Island . I like this island. We took a boat over. A peaceful village. But sit the Sultan’s mosque – the Mesjid Raya Sultan Riau of Penyengat. Also in the mosque, there is a 200yrs old Quaran, very well preserved and delicate artpiece.

Don’t miss the seaside resorts. Abt 1 hour drive away from town, there are a few resorts by the seaside. Mostly kelong style, accomodation on slits! For some, they are actually built in the midst of the sea!… Basic accommodation but a good getaway from city. We really have fun star glazing.

For those keen on shopping, only one mall… Ramayana Mall - the biggest there. Not a location for shopping so don’t bet on it.

This place is basic, n good for those who is keen to go back to our past. But definitely a place to slow down!

Check out our offers for Tanjong Pinang

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Jazz Musician – be at the International ASEAN Jazz Festival 2009 event on 7 Aug!! It will be held at Costarina, Batam,  a strategic coast developed as a new entertainment and tourist venue.  It is only 1 hour by ferry from Singapore, so near and convenient.

This event has attracted many young talented artist and musicians in this region, especially in South East Asia.  The festival begins performance from Mangrove Group, one of Batam’s jazz community and  many Indonesian top artist is expected to perform on this event, such as Ran, Notturno, Tohpati, Sektsa, Devian, Baim Trio, Imel Rosalin and Arina Mocca, Alien Loves Earth (Baron, Soulmates-Krisna’Ada band’- Budhi ‘Tiket’- Rindra ‘Padi’). While for ASEAN artist such as Lewis Pragasam trio (from Malaysia), Aya Yuson (from Philippines), Tze (from Singapore), and The Intersect 3+1 (Thailand).

DON’T MISS OUT !! We have a special package for the Jazz Festive!! Book it now at http://www.ja-travel.com/indonesia/batam_aseanjazzfestival.html

Event details : www.aseanjazzfestival.com

Below are pictures of the respective spa centres in Batam. Spa services are often offer at a relatively cheaper rate with excellent services. Why miss the chance to pamper yourself after a hectic schedule?

Kampeong Kami Spa

Mustika Ratu Spa

Tropikal Spa

Wins Spa

Spa in Planet Holiday Hotel

Our weekend getaway at Batam orphanage MUSTAHUL HASSANA on 18April09 is a success.

Bet everyone did enjoy. Never did we have any idea how to paint… but we manage! Cheers to all. We refurnished the main hall for the kids so that they have a common area for food n use it for their study. We choose an open area to do so.

Let me account for wat we receive first before telling u all the fun we have!

Donations
We receive great support from many people around… With all your sponsorship, we manage to bring the kids lots of joy and useful daily use. Special thanks to you all your support in cash n kinds:
The cash breakdowns are:

• Tricia, Maria n company: $425
• Sabrina n company : $290
• Eugenia n friends : $200
• Jeanne n Ali : $200;
• Evelyn’s Dad : $50;
• Helen n friends : $50;
• Selina n friends: $50;
• Total collected : $1265

In kinds – we receive stationary, lunch boxes, Darlie toothpaste n brushes, food n clothes in abundance. We even have a nike ball! Thanks to all:
Irene, Calin n friends; Doris n Jorance; Eugenia and friends; Jeslyn; Chris n friends; Sabrina n company; Tricia, Marie, Hurustiani, Alice.

We have used the cash to buy paint to refurnish the place and pay the local to replace rotten wood panels and broken window n doors. We have also replace all the pillows for them. We have spent

• Renovation: RP2,640,000 (SGD$352)
• Paint n equipment: RP870,000(SGD$116)
• 31 Pillows: RP1,546,900 (Sgd$221)
• Cash to the Orpanage : RP300,000 (SGD$43) – (ha ha… to pay off the amount of water we use during the clean up n the coconut that we have, pai say!)
• Total Spent: SGD$732
• Balance in the kitty: SGD$533
  

We have SGD$533 left. With the consent from everyone, we will keep the balance for another community work, which we will plan in the pipeline.
(if anyone has a meaningful place that need help, let us know)

Hard @ Work
The photos tells it all. So check out the photo gallery to envy the fun that we have!! ha ha ….. Other kids in the village also join in the fun. The ice cream man also join in… Heaven spent in that weather!

For those that have other photos… please contribute into the gallery. Just upload to the link.

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Thanks to everyone for all your hard work n the joy we bring to all the kids n others. More importantly, hope this experience will bring riches to our life, let’s appreciate little things around us!.

Hope to see more of you in other such trips.

Yours sincerely, Steph

Recently my colleagues and I went to batam for a short getaway. Upon arrival, we were greeted by friendly tour guides who were well equipped with the facts about Batam.

Since we went with empty stomachs, the visit to Authentic Baker’s Centre prove to be essential as we got to sample the delicious kek lapis that are neatly arranged, accompanied by freshly brewed coffee and tea. We also managed to take a glimpse of the baking of kek lapis.

Next, we drop some of our friends at the Kampeong Kami Spa, where the spa cost relatively cheaper. (Basically, most of the things in batam are much cheaper)

Kampeong Kami Spa

We took a trip to Nongsa area where resorts like Batam View and Turi Beach are situated. The scenery at Turi Beach is overwhelming. The crystal clear water and the kampeong-like architectural design makes it an ideal location for a short relaxing getaway. Unfortunately, we do not have the opportunity to stay over there, but I will not hesitate to give Turi Beach a try.

We got the opportunity to visit one of the orphanages in Batam. However we did not get to interact with them as the kids are in school. (Even on Saturdays) So Singaporeans shouldn’t complain so much…

Our stomachs were growling by then and we were introduced to this Java restaurant, IKAN GORENG CIANJUR, which serves excellent food. Batam was pretty hot on that day, and I was looking for some cold desert to quench my thirst. For those who are also looking for a chilling desert in the hot and humid weather, do not give es gunung a miss- the restaurant is famous for the desert. ^^

After the fulfilling lunch, we took a 45-min ride to visit the Barelang Filsabillah Bridges. There are six spectacular bridges linking the tiny island of Tonton Nipah to the larger Setoko, Rempang, Galang, and Galang Baru Islands. At a height of 38 meters, and spanning 642 meters in length, the first bridge connecting Batam to Tonton Island is truly impressive. Thereafter, proceed to Galang Island , on which you will find the Ngha Trang Memorial Wall in tribute to the boat people of Vietnam , and Galang Museum. It was extremely windy and our hairs were blown in all directions. ):

Thereafter, we stopover at Nagoya Hill for a shopping spee. Nagoya Hill has megamart and a great variety of products. Branches of distingished chian-restaurants such as KFC, A&W and Pizza Hut can found. We also dropped by the local POLO shop where POLO merchandises can be bought at discounted price. As typical Singaporeans, it is impossible for us to resist this offer. [:

We had our dinner at this open-air restaurant(Fortunately the weather permit us to do so) which is located near a jetty. The sunset was gorgeous and the seafood dinner was fabulous and at a reasonable price.

After the satisfying dinner, we proceed to Holiday Inn to rest after an exhausted day.