Information Centre for Riau, Indonesia

[DNAT]

This thread is to facilitate info seeking & updates, sharing ‘cheong’ experiences, and arranging ‘cheong’ outings etc. which focus on Riau isles – mainly Batam, Tg Pinang, Balai and Batu. Though the topics discuss would not be strictly restricted to the above-mentioned subjects and locations, but hope the ‘side-track distance’ is not too far apart.

Hope the isles' local residents / station expatriates / regular & experienced Samsters + cheongsters would/could provide timely info + generous contributions to this thread. It should also be useful for new comers to do an easy reference search or cross check, as well as request to tag long the veterans on their 1st Riau cheong exploration.

Lets put this thread into good use.

[DNAT]

To kick start, I shall furnish 2 pieces of info:

1. nation level - 17 Aug 2003 Sun is Indonesia National Day. Be prepared for the crowds while travelling.

2. province/city level - Batu Ampar jetty has been shiftined to Batam Centre wef 8 Aug 2003. Travelling time on ferry (via WTC) has increased by 10-15 minutes. Take not of the changes when making appointments/schedules.

[Batam Man]

Originally posted by DNAT
To kick start, I shall furnish 2 pieces of info:

1. nation level - 17 Aug 2003 Sun is Indonesia National Day. Be prepared for the crowds while travelling.

2. province/city level - Batu Ampar jetty has been shiftined to Batam Centre wef 8 Aug 2003. Travelling time on ferry (via WTC) has increased by 10-15 minutes. Take not of the changes when making appointments/schedules.

Just FYI-
Agreed with that 2nd point,
But point 1 = will have not much differance in terms of crowds coz it's holiday in Indo not Sg, and 99% of cheongster = mainly from MY or SG, of coz + some other non Indo countries.

[DNAT]

Originally posted by Batam Man
Just FYI-
Agreed with that 2nd point,
But point 1 = will have not much differance in terms of crowds coz it's holiday in Indo not Sg, and 99% of cheongster = mainly from MY or SG, of coz + some other non Indo countries.

Pak,
From my past observations, if its holiday in BT, more ppl will be off on that P holiday so the locals will spend time on shopping, jalan jalan, dine-out etc .... + lots of Indo ppl travel from BT to Sg and vice versa, thats why crowds taking local transport or int'l water ferry will increase ... you dun believe huh, drive your automobile to WF jetty and sit there to observe on 17 Aug 03 and furnish your observation findings and report here - ok?

[Batam Man]

Originally posted by DNAT
Pak,
From my past observations, if its holiday in BT, more ppl will be off on that P holiday so the locals will spend time on shopping, jalan jalan, dine-out etc .... + lots of Indo ppl travel from BT to Sg and vice versa, thats why crowds taking local transport or int'l water ferry will increase ... you dun believe huh, drive your automobile to WF jetty and sit there to observe on 17 Aug 03 and furnish your observation findings and report here - ok?

Yse I agreed that there will be slightly more Indonesian traveling between Sg and Btm during the local/Indo holidays, eating out, shopping ect.
But what I was actually refering to was that there won't be any big differance in terms of crowds (locals) going to the F shop/joints, so don't really have to worry about things like best ceweks in joints being snatched away early ect ect...I'm toking about those cheong related issues

[DNAT]

Originally posted by Batam Man
Yse I agreed that there will be slightly more Indonesian traveling between Sg and Btm during the local/Indo holidays, eating out, shopping ect.
But what I was actually refering to was that there won't be any big differance in terms of crowds (locals) going to the F shop/joints, so don't really have to worry about things like best ceweks in joints being snatched away early ect ect...I'm toking about those cheong related issues

But my main concern is on the logistic matters, not so much on the cewek cos if the cheongster is really that keen, he would:
a. take early morning ferry to reach the isle to pick his so-called best gal
b. make phone reservations few days before the P holiday to secure his pick.

So you agree that shopping malls, food outlets, transport (sea / land) and entertainment premises (pub, disco, KTV) will be more crowded than usual ?

Thats what I wanna remind the samsters here that they might expect to wait a bit longer for the payment at cashiers, food serving at eatery, custom clearance/check points (luggage inspection & passport stamping) etc....

[Batam Man]

Originally posted by DNAT
But my main concern is on the logistic matters, not so much on the cewek cos if the cheongster is really that keen, he would:
a. take early morning ferry to reach the isle to pick his so-called best gal
b. make phone reservations few days before the P holiday to secure his pick.

So you agree that shopping malls, food outlets, transport (sea / land) and entertainment premises (pub, disco, KTV) will be more crowded than usual ?

Thats what I wanna remind the samsters here that they might expect to wait a bit longer for the payment at cashiers, food serving at eatery, custom clearance/check points (luggage inspection & passport stamping) etc....

Ok lah, have to agree lah, if not then no ending to this topic liao lah...

[f130978]

So should we call in and book the hotels earlier? By the way, let me be clear, we are going Sunday and then come back same day or spend overnight? I would think the latter.

Better post a little information about what to do, what to bring for the newcomers here.

[DNAT]

Originally posted by f130978
So should we call in and book the hotels earlier? By the way, let me be clear, we are going Sunday and then come back same day or spend overnight? I would think the latter.

Better post a little information about what to do, what to bring for the newcomers here.

A bit side track - sorry folks
bro f130978
Noted from the other thread which you had mentioned that you just came back from BC, just wanna say:
I miss the table dance ...

Let me clarify:
1. I aint going any Riau isle this weekend (hate crowded area)
2. Spending a nite or two would be a better option (coz hotel fare ranges from S$20-S$100 & up)

Things to do:
1. Bonking - thats for sure ...
2. Shopping - good bargains on garments, household accessories and edible/local products
3. Massage - at S$20~ comes with an hour muscle stretching + whirl pool pleasure
4. Beer & liquor - relatively cheaper than the lionland
5. Food - local/SEA delicacies are inexpensive though not as tasty as Sg
6. Casino - slot machines, card games, bola betting etc

Things to bring:
1. Travel documents
2. Personal hygiene effects
3. Rubber
4. Swim gear
5. A dictionary

Have a good time Dude !

[cheongseeker]

Originally posted by Batam Man
Ok lah, have to agree lah, if not then no ending to this topic liao lah...

Very good leh BM.

DNAT, nominate you be RIAU Tourism Ambassador.

Any bros here got objection?????

[Reaper]

have been following the other riau threads for some time liao....just wondering.......there has always been mentioned about bacarrat and bola....but never about slot machines....where are they located?...also are there any other card games besides bacarrat or black jack....i personally prefer to play carribiean stud pocker....thanx for the help

[DNAT]

Originally posted by cheongseeker
Very good leh BM.

DNAT, nominate you be RIAU Tourism Ambassador.

Any bros here got objection?????

knn .... you disappeared for so many donkey months - hide in where?

NB! just appear only want to sabo me izit? #$%^& - hehehe

when you free? let go for fish head steam boat ai mai? tue/thu nite still buzy huh? call me when you are in Sg lar

[DNAT]

Originally posted by Reaper
have been following the other riau threads for some time liao....just wondering.......there has always been mentioned about bacarrat and bola....but never about slot machines....where are they located?...also are there any other card games besides bacarrat or black jack....i personally prefer to play carribiean stud pocker....thanx for the help

Me not really into gambling/lottery ... as far as I know, both
Mandering Club at Nagoya
BVR at Nongsa
has slot machines .... guess jackpot machines are not popular among the punters

[Batam Man]

Originally posted by cheongseeker
Very good leh BM.

DNAT, nominate you be RIAU Tourism Ambassador.

Any bros here got objection?????

Wah so big/high a position of a Ambassador for me kah??
Got fat salary, big car & house ect ect... 1 anot huh?

[DNAT]

Originally posted by Batam Man
Wah so big/high a position of a Ambassador for me kah??
Got fat salary, big car & house ect ect... 1 anot huh?

I better dun say anything ...