The Island

Batam.

Its nearness to Singapore was the main reason why it was picked as our destination. 

A ferry ride of 40 minutes will mean our arrival there and it was an attractive idea.

So, was it a good choice?

The view was spectacular at the entrance.

Beautiful view and a closer look will find us overlooking the island of Singapore.

 Batam has several resorts and we chose Montigo at Nongsa. Situated on the outskirts, it was a 40 minute car ride to the town centre. Like most resorts, it fronts a beach but the beach is not a pride to the place with its muddy state and nothing to play on, No sand for sandcastles and no sea shells.

 It is a far cry from our Malaysian beaches.

The compensation is a private pool to individual villas and the family had a swimming time with little Emily. It reminded us of the pool back home. So again it was nothing worth of mention.

The pool is perhaps another redeeming point as the children loitered around it and race one another in the pool.

 That's Esther and her usual style.

The poolside rest area is for guests to relax and have a drink.

Some indoor activities are also available but apparently the use of them is chargeable. That is really unfriendly.

The strolls around the villas was a way of appreciating the architecture and its landscape.

However we noticed there was a play area created for children; all made of bamboo. The locals took effort to create with easily available raw materials.
 The architecture was commendable.

Stairs and ceilings were meticulously weaved using bamboo; cost is low without compromising on the looks and functionality.
This is worth a praise.

A maze-like structure was inserted and you find rooms for different activities; watching the box, drawing and playing.

State of art facilities for the kids.
Truly a lucky and pampered lot to use the place.

You cannot keep 7 people without a fuss. We needed to explore the town and the day trip around Batam was inevitable. Besides the Matahari mall and a couple of smaller ones, there was not much shopping attractions.

The driver took us to a cottage industry- the layered cake so very renowned here.

There was a choice between the original or the one with prunes.
We took the original for 250,000.00 rupiahs.
It is very delicious; truly a good representation.

We were entertained by this little one who brought so much fun to us except when it is 'pooing' time.
Many times as she ate non stop.

This eatery was in the heart of Batam where local cuisines from bakso, bak kut teh, fish noodles, satay were served.
We had a mix of them and rated them average.

This is a good family photo except for the stranger behind. How is it the photographer failed to see the wrong link? The adult children were quick to comment ; oh that it can be cropped and some magic can be done to it.

All empty promises.

The Batam trip was simple and quiet; no upheavals.

Unless golf is in your agenda, you can consider visiting another island.