Our First Family Trip

After years of planning for a family trip overseas, i've finally managed to organize one, bringing BOTH the boys, pre-planned since my last trip to Batam with the Mister. Even though it was just a weekend getaway to Batam during the CNY holidays, i believed the boys had so much fun! Their excitement could be seen since the night before! Aniq kept asking me, "Ibu, tomorrow we take ship?" 

Even on the day itself, both of them kept asking me, "Ibu, what time take ship?"

*Banyak lah kau punye ship, ferry jelah...*

Danish, has been to Batam once before this. But he was only about 1-year-old, obviously he couldn't recall anything. Below picture, Danish's first time to Batam, in 2007.

Once seated in the ferry, i expected them to have a nap, but they were engrossed looking out at sea instead. Upon arrival at Batam Centre Ferry Terminal, we took a taxi straight to the hotel. I have no idea where it is. All i know is that it's located in Batam Centre. A new place to explore, unlike the usual trips to Batam, where we'd definitely be in Nagoya.

The journey to the hotel took us about 20-30mins and cost us IDR60,000. It would have taken us 15mins if there was no traffic jam. The hotel is located near to Kepri Mall, and it's surrounded by local housing. A golf course is nearby too. The whole area is called Central? Or something like that.

This is the hotel i've pre-booked in advance through booking.com, at IDR707,000 per night. 

Exterior of the hotel. First impression, PASS.

We were greeted by their friendly staffs upon arrival, and proceeded with the check-in. Do take note, deposit is required. So do standby some cash. As for me, since i've not made any payment for the room, the deposit of IDR600,000 paid was a partial payment. 

the main lobby

Security here was found to be in tip-top condition. Here's why.

gated entrance to rooms

The rooms are located upstairs, and the stairs (no lift) to the rooms are secured by a locked gate, which can only be opened with your room-key. **4th floor highest**

doorbell

If you've decided to run over to the nearby minimart alone, someone in your room could open the gate for you too. Just ring the doorbell, and they could see who's at the gate downstairs. **Minimart is within the hotel's premises**

monitor/camera to see who's at the gate

Our studio room includes a kitchen, with cooking utensils supplied too. So, if you're hungry in the middle of the night, you can easily cook any instant noodles or fry eggs! A kitchen cabinet too, in case you're staying for a week! Hah! That's why there's residences too in the same building. 

kitchen, with a hotplate stove

The toilet was the most impressive for me. It's huge, and it's to my liking. Simple yet cozy. I wish i had a toilet like this! I'll spend ages in it!

bathroom sink

rain-like shower

The shower-head i've always wanted in my own toilet at home. Best!

TV console

The TV channels were not limited! HBO, Star Movies, Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, Channel 5, TV3! The kids slept late just watching cartoons on the 1st night while the Mister and I have long gone to sleep. I have no idea what time they switched off the TV! 

I wanted to request for an extra bed but looking at the bed physically, i was sure all four of us could sleep comfortably in the same bed. And yes, i was right!! All under the same blanket and not feeling squeezy at all!

king-sized bed

Right after dumping our bags in the room, we took a cab which cost us IDR80,000, to Nagoya for dinner. It's already 1830hrs (by the time we reached the hotel, koz we took the 1650hrs ferry from Singapore).

Since the boys are on the trip with us, whatever for lunch/breakfast/dinner will be decided by them. Danish wanted noodles and so, we headed for Mi Bakso.

the sambal was SUPERB!

messy lil' Aniq

And as usual, Aniq WILL not order rice or noodles. He's a junk-food eater. Ice-cream for him bought from A&W. And while we're waiting for our Mi Bakso, i bought curly fries too! A must-buy when in Batam or else, you'll crave for it. 

curly fries not to be missed

enjoying the trip from the very start

For the 2nd day, Danish was up as early as 0630hrs just because he wanted to play in the swimming pool! The Mister and i only woke up at 0800hrs, proceeded to the breakfast which was inclusive (only for 2 adults, additional chargeable) and chilled awhile before we brought the kids for a swim. 

playground in a pool

Since it's considered a residential area, locals can be seen utilising the pool too. And so, i didnt swim as i felt uncomfortable to be wearing a bikini and swim with the boys, when most of them are fully covered. Do take note that the room-key has to be showed as proof that you're a hotel guest. Otherwise, you'll have to pay to enter the pool. At first, i thought the pool was at the rooftop but it's in the clubhouse, situated across the road. There's the pool, spa and gym in the clubhouse. 

After about an hour or so, and the sun getting hotter (when it's only 1100hrs), we headed back to the hotel room to get changed and headed to the nearest mall, Kepri Mall. Shuttle bus provided for free to Kepri Mall. Just call them when you're coming back, and they'll fetch you.

penguin in a mall

J-Cube like, but smaller

Nothing much in the mall though. Not much to shop either. We kinda let the kids go wild and enjoy the arcade games. Luckily we extended the check-out time, paying an additional IDR200,000 for a 3 hour extension just so that we could have a nap before heading back to Singapore.

We didnt shop much during this trip. Mostly spent on food and the kids wants instead. I am definitely planning a comeback to the same hotel. Most probably CNY next year!

final goodbyes from the boys

well-spent weekend getaway