One Day/One Nite F & E Tour to Tg Batu, Kundur Is., May 21,22

Tanjung Batu, Kundur Island is two hours due south-westof Singapore.  The island is bigger than Karimun but is a more laid-back place than Tg Balai. 

  • Departure Date:  21st May, Friday     
  • Time:  8.20am from Habourfront to Sekupang, Batam
  • 10.50am(Spore time) depart Sekupang to Tanjung Batu

Accomodation:  Gembira Hotel (horse-shoe shaped), 30 metre away from developed seafront(no swimming)sea-wing guest room not more than 200,000rupiah

  • Returned Date:  22nd May, Saturday   
  • Time:  Depart 12.15pm (Spore time) for Harbourfront

Maximum Pax: SIXTEEN persons, inclusive of EOs, Abel Tan & Frisna

Payment: Pay on demand when travelling.  Sekupang to Tg Batu, 300,000rp (Two-way tkt)
Notification:     If Maximum pax is travelling, there must be a MINIMUM of Five Males. MINIMUM to travel EIGHT with a MINIMUM of Three Males.

Closing Date:    18th May, Tuesday.

List of Participants :

1. Abel (EO – MALE)
2. Frisna (Asst.EO)
3. Francis M (MALE)
4. Steven Chan (MALE)
5. SK Chua
6. Steven Ng (Male) ?
7. Grace Kang
8. Jassmine Neo + friend
9. Norlinda
10. Dan Huang (MALE)
11. Joy
12.Tim Liu confirm – MALE)

Please click here to view photos

Author: Frisna Tan (Seow Seow Channel entertainer)

enjoy sports, travel, reading,gardening and mj. currently working at Changi Airport and volunteer as table tennis trainer for BDAP (Beat Dementia n Parkinson)

104 thoughts on “One Day/One Nite F & E Tour to Tg Batu, Kundur Is., May 21,22”

  4. Hi Able Tan

    Please register. I like your words “is a laid-back place”.

    Definitely, it is nice to be away from city stress for a day. And also to rechrge the tired battery to have renewed energy.

    Francis

  7. Apa kabar Pak Abel..
    Alamak…if the trip is only a turn around…mengapa not depart on Saturday balek Sunday..begitu kita2 ga payah apply leave la..bisa ga?…hehe

  8. Hello Nor
    friday tidak apalah, just take leave ok. i’m the assistant EO leh, pasti enjoy!! so, panggil 3 more girls to join you ya…

    Hi Tim
    rain or shine you must come. this EO is very good one – all in services, no one will be left out !!

  10. Some EOs make you want to piss but yes, Frisna-T, I agree that Abel does put me, and many others as well, at ease and so we can all relax and enjoy.

    I shall do my best to get myself to go, ok?

    Jass-T, you want nature rambles, you want farm visits. Now, I am reminded of this. ?????????????????????????????

  12. Helo Frisna
    Wah!.u jadi asst EO ya?..bagus sekali !
    Bukan ga bisa..but i’ll be away fm ofis 13-17May..
    then wanna go again 21May..aiyo..malu dong..not so
    nice cos its too soon..sigh..:(

    Jass@9
    Its labelled..laid-back place,so no need to do so much activities la…just tengok2 & makan2 ..b4 u know,its time to belakang pusing!..haha

  13. Hi Jass: glad you’re considering to join. will let Abel answer ur Q ok as he’s been there

    Hi Steven Ng: will let Abel get back to u ok?

    Daisy: since it’s 1 week prior, why not join us too before going to taiwan?

    Nor: too bad can’t gila2 with you, next time ok?

    Tim: surely with me around, it’ll be double fun!

    Hi Mdm Chua & Henry Y., thanks for joining, will get to know both of you at Tg. Batu then as well as Francis…

  15. Heard you, Frisna. I’ve been anticipating this trip but the return is 2 days before the Taiwan trip not 1 week. Before I get over the sea sickness, it’s the land sickness. Ha ha…….

    It’s still early days though. Let’s heard Abel’s description of the place.

    Mdm SK Chua, have fun! Don’t be tempted to walk round the island though.

  16. Hi Nor @# 12,

    U one lucky gadis – one holiday after another! Tengok2, makan2 holi very relaxing, but tengok apa? Nak tau sedikit and be prepared.

    Ok, hope u change your mind and be our interpreter when we go shopping… :)

    Cheers,

  17. Hi Jass@16

    No need to think hard..just jump la..you’ll be surprised what u can see & get..who knows?..maybe got pot of gold!..or even prince charming!…haha
    You also can just sit under the Banyan tree(surely there’s plenty) & write your beautiful poems for us..how’s that?..:)

    Pak Abel/Frisna..
    saya lagi fikir2 ni..hati nya mau ikut terus!..hehe
    all my gang going Taiwan..hhmm..
    Bira..mau ikut ga?..

  19. Nor sayang,

    Timing tak ngam la…sama Pak Abel & Frisna u will sure
    have fun, believe me. Don’t hesitate anymore, just register and go neng…

  20. Neng Bira yg manis!

    Aduh ga ngam lagi?..you mahu balek kampong lihat ayam bebek ya?..hehe
    The place is bigger than Karimun…pasti shiok jalan2 cari makan..seafood?..hhmm..sedap!

    Hotel Gembira (Happy) surely fun fun!,if not Pak Abel will reimburse!…haha

    Now there’s 4 guys & 2 girls confirmed..how come the name list not up?

  24. Dear SHCians

    My humble apologies for being out of touch for more than a week due to work commitments and plus the fact I do not have a personal PC, thus usually internet at a public library.

    To answer Steven Ng’s enquiry, the place is like Sembawang, Choa Chu Kang, Changi, Pasir Panjang, Bukit Timah up to the 1960s. Tanjung Batu is a two-main street town of less than 10,000 people.

    Unlike Karimun Island half an hour away, Kundur Island has
    no industry compared to the latter’s granite and small ship-repar yard. Like nearly all small Indonesian populated islands, Kundur Island is self-sustaining in agricultural produce which probably less than 20% are sold to neighbourly islands.

    Three-and-half hours away by motor-boat south west off Tg Batu is the fishing town of Kuala Tungkal situated on the Sumatera mainland with Chinese Indonesians constituting less than 10% of the town’s residents. My take is Karimun Island and the at least more than three-times Spore-sized Bangka Island being the most Chinese-Indon populated islands of not more than 25%.

    If travelling convenience to Pangkalpinang, Bangka Island is favourable, we shall visit this tin-bearing island next year. Flight time from Batam should not last more than one hour compared to the current four-times weekly ferry departure of five-and-a-half hours.

    As stated, this trip is Free & Easy. SHCians can roam the town, approximately the area-size bounded between Shaw Towers, Beach Rd to CPF Building, Shenton Way and The Esplanade to Cathay Building, Dhoby Gaut. Jasmine Teo may wish to browse around but if she wishes to swim then it will have to be done at the western seashore, 35/40mins away as the southern shore if undeveloped is due to the rocky shoreline formation.

    Steven Chan, please note that since the last quarter of 2009, the Rupiah has steadily strenghtened to more than 150 Sing dollars to One million rupiah and since March stabilising between $153-$156 per One mil rp; One Hundred Sing$ buys between 640-650,000 rp.

    The best room twin/double/single in the Gembira Hotel should not cost more than 300,000rp ($47) including breakfast. Unlike Nasi Padang, I have yet to discover a well-cooked Chinese seafood makan place. Please note Tanjung Batu is a more conservative place than Tanjung Balai and hence SHCian ladies must comply in not wearing revealing attire.

    If we do split up in groups during our walk-about, one group must consist of a MINIMUM four persons and with AT LEAST one member in the group conversant with a sprinkle of bazaar Malay. Kundur Island is in the Riau Islands Province and thus their Malay is mostly similar in interpretational meanings as in Malaysia & Spore, notwithstanding the tonal inflections.

    Thank you Francis for your eager participation and beleive you do speak some Malay. Boh Pai Seh, anyone can withdraw before departure date, but the MINIMUM PAX of 8 persons to travel must consist of THREE males, including myself.

    Regards

    Abel Tan

  27. Hi Abel @# 24
    TQ for the brief description of Tg Batu/Kundur Is. Looks like the place if full of old world charm (Sembawang, Changi, P Panjang…in the 1960s!) Will be very nostalgic for baby boomers. :)

    I will want to go to the Western side, 40min away, if there’s an oppty – not to swim but to see the countryside – if possible by bullock cart. :) Are there any bullock cart for hire?

    Ok, please reserve a place for me. By May my pport will have only 5mth validity. Can use it or not?

  28. Helo Pak Abel/Frisna..
    Selamat siang..

    Thanks Abel,for your news-in-brief on the mysterious island!
    Over the weekend..ga bisa tidur..thinking of this trip..hehe

    Ok…….im coming!..ready to explore the unknown..siapa tahu ada harta karun..haha

    Frisna…kita boleh tidur sama ga?

  29. Nor @# 17,

    Not a good idea to tulis pantun under a banyan tree. If lucky2 Prince Charming jalan past, i tak nampak – regret sekali!

  30. Hi Jassmine
    glad that you finally decided to join. sure can write poem under the tree/at the beach and I can recite it for our fellow travellers (i was champion of deklamasi – poem reading when at primary school ):

  32. List of Participants:
    1. Abel (EO – MALE)
    2. Frisna (Asst.EO)
    3. Francis M (MALE)
    4. Henry Yip (MALE)
    5. SK Chua
    6. Tang Yat Sing (Male?)
    7. Grace Kang
    8. Jassmine Neo
    9. Norlinda
    10. Dan Huang (MALE)
    11. Joy
    12.Tim Liu (to reconfirm – can be MALE can be female depends on season/needs)
    13.
    14.
    15.
    16.

  33. “12.Tim Liu (to reconfirm – can be MALE can be female depends on season/needs)”

    Haha, that was a good hit on me but Frisna watch it, I shall frisk you till you freeze in the land of origamism.

  36. Frisna @# 30,

    No surprise you won a poetry recitation contest – with a gentle lilting voice like yours. Ok will bring Wordsworth’s The Solitary Reaper (Behold her, single in the field…) for you to recite. :)

    How about singing ?- you can sing Bengawan Solo? Will bring the Malay lyrics, and Chan Mali Chan :)

    Entertainment programme taking shape… :)

  37. Hi YK
    Thanks for correction and put up the name list. can you edit Tang Yat Sing gender for me then (i can’t edit from my pc) thanks!

  38. Ha ha Tim
    you think with me and Nor around (plus Jass’s poem) you can bully us? better bring all your gears to protect yourself from our attack!

    Hi Jass, singing cannot lah or else all of you will jump into the sea! but we can do a lot of games/tell jokes for entertainment either under the ‘camp fire’, while fishing or sitting at the beach at night…

  39. Hi Steven
    glad you’ve made up your mind. we can do lots of seeds collecting there…

    NB: YK, can you please add Steven Chan name onto the list? thanks

  42. Jass@33..
    Yes!..pls bring your CD or lyrics,we can sing or karaoke!
    Pak Abel can sing very well..his voice so merdu macam orang bujang!..haha

    Frisna@31..
    Yes!..pasti boleh gila2 bersama teman2
    Aduh!..kalo bunyi sadikit ga apa2 kan..lagi ashik lagu bikin mu enak tidur!..haha..ssshhh!
    Btw..dia ngomong apa ya?..ga ngerti?

  43. Hi Norlinda,

    Ya lah. pak Abel can sing for us ” Bujang Lapok ” and Hitam Manis .
    Ha! ha! :)

    Here we go GILA gila again like the wonderful tim we had at Padang and Bukit Tinggi. ( W. Sumatra )

  44. Dear Abel & Frisna,

    I really want to apologise to the both of you. VERY SORRY.
    Due to unforseen circumstances, it’s in my best interest to withdraw from this trip.

    But rest assured that I will endeavour to join you in future trips where the circumstances are right.

    Apologise again.

  45. Dear SHCians

    Am glad for the enthusiasm shown and friends please note that with due respect, even on the morning before departure it is acceptable anyone can decide not to turn up. Departure date is confirmed but the departure time from Sekupang, Batam to Tanjung Batu, Kundur Island, may change to an hour or two later.

    Departures/arrivals time in Indonesia’s domestic air and sea travels are normal occurrences as principally is due to reconnecting/transit destinations to utilise economies of scale, for example, the flight from Medan to Batam arrived late because the plane originate either from Bandar Aceh or Palembang and departed late too. Likewise, the ferry departing Sekupang for Tanjung Batu can originate from Tanjung Pinang or further east from Ampere, Natunas Islands group.

    Thanks Dan and Joy for coming on board. Am not sure there is a bullock cart available or even in use as nearly all these Riau Islands’ make use of two decades old pickups for leisure/work transportation as petrol/diesel is cheap Jasmine, and with regard to international recognition of your passport, regret am unable to advise and thus, it is best you contact ICA (Immigration & Customs Authority)

    Hai Cik Norlinda – Burong elang terbang melayang
    Terbang tinggi diKuala Asli
    Amboey Cik Nor sudah membahyang
    Pak Abel baru menyanyi sekali

    Regards

    Abel Tan

  47. Pak Abel yg bijak tampan!
    Terima kaseh..pantun mu sungguh menawan hati..buat saya ga
    bisa tidur!…haha

    How come the list of participants not updated/corrected?
    StevenChan wanna join our cruise boat@34..Yeah!
    TangYatSing & Henry Yip withdraw @41 & @44 respectively..
    hope you boys change your mind..come la..hehe

    Btw..Pak Abel,jangan main2 dong..u mean anybody can don turn up on that very day?…apa macam? don u hv to arrange the hotel accomodation & logistic?…susah deh..saya takut nanti tinggal saya saorang waiting di HarbourFront?..kasian kan?…hahaa

    Jass@27..
    So have u check whether 5mts validity can travel?..
    I think should be ok rite?…only for 2days..
    but to be safe,better check..nanti kena bayar fiscal!..
    worst..u kena stranded at the seashore..ooppss!

  48. It’s standard practice that you need to have at least six months validity for your passport before you are allow into another country unless you want to have coffee with the friendly immigration officers.

  49. Hi Abel @# 45,
    TQ for preparing us for a possible delay in the ferry departure from Batam to Tg Batu. When in Rome…so we’ll take it in our stride.

    Abt the permissible last- minute withdrawal from the trip, besides the possibility of Nor being the only one waiting at Habourfront (LOL!) what if we have the minimum no. of male for the group and a male didn’t turn up! Will the trip be in jeopardy or can we hire a male at Tg Batu easily?

    Cheers,

    Nor @# 47,
    I think Customs in third-world places, islands especially, may not be so strict about keeping to world-wide practice, but to be safe than sorry, i’ve decided to renew my p-port. OK, will bring lyrics of Bengawan Solo and Chan Mali Chan. Also Singapura, Sunny Island – in case the islanders want to hear OUR song.

    Cheers,

    Hi Steven Ng @# 48,
    TQ for your input on the p-port issue.

    Cheers,

  50. Hello Abang Abel
    agree with Nor – can not be last minute withdrawal lah. what happen if only left 2 of us EOs? apa macam…..

    Hi Nor, sorry ya baru pulang dari medan makan angin jadi baru sempat balas sekarang. “Dia” bilang mau jual kita cewek2 100 rupiah jadi isteri kedua, ketiga hee hee – kita “campak” dia ke laut saja ya ha ha

    Hi Jass: good bring all the poem and songs n lets sing till the cow comes home!

    Hello YK: can you up-date the list for us pleeeeasse (delete Tan YS & Henry Yip & add Steven Chan) thanks

  51. Hi Abel/ Frisna,

    Please include Patricia Lim (member) on this trip. We’ll most likely share a room. btw, is the trip open to non-members? Tks.

    Cheers,

  52. Frisna..
    Wah!bagus sekali makan angin di Medan..hhhmmm..kampong nya ya?..
    Nanti kita kerjain aja Pak Abel yg nakal lo..eh kita udah tak laku lagi mahu di jual!..haha

    Jass..
    If your fren not member..ask them to register..its free,no need custom check!..bring them along..sure fun with us,wont regret..hehe

  53. Barring the Island sinking or trippers shrinking to below required minimum, I confirm that I am on for this back-to-the rustic-n-pristine trip.

    ???? ????

  54. Hi Tim @# 53,

    This is good news (males are laku here!). Do u want me to bring a canto number for you to serenade to …a canto-understanding mermaid you might meet there? :) Title: Jin-1 Hua-2 Chun-1 Meng-4 sung by Lisa Wang. Can sing this, bo?

  55. “Jin-1 Hua-2 Chun-1 Meng-4 sung by Lisa Wang. Can sing this, bo?”. No I cant.

    It never occurred to me that ??? sings this Hokien number “????“. Neverthelesss, just going by its title it shd be fun listening how the froggy eats the mosquitoes.

    Ms ????????“????”?“???????”? “?????”????????????????“??????“? ?????????

    Whatever, just hope things will pan out nicely during the trip and very few hiccups, if any.

  56. Dear SHCians

    Apology again for being out of touch. Well, it is two weeks more before departure date.

    Firstly, due to work commitment am unable to be available in the monthly meeting of the 15th in order to make personal briefing to some of you who may turn up.

    Secondly, capacity usage of the probably 300plus combined 7-hotel rooms do not exceed more than 60% on weekends with majority being domestic-kin visitors while the rest of few dozen guests are made up of Malaysians and Singaporeans.
    The spacious colonial-style sea-facing Gembira Hotel is my choice but travellers’ majority decision can decide otherwise for the Gembira is a near-200metre detour from the ferry jetty which within fifty metres away are located three other hotels.

    Thirdly, last minute absentees have never caused heartache to me for their absence do not upset any confirmed pre-planned bookings/arrangements as there are none in the first place which has been my style since leading a group of eleven to Pattaya in 1978.

    Finally, my contact in Batam will briefed me by the afternoon of the eve of departure date (20th, Thursday) on whether the ferry will orginate departure from Sekupang or the boat will detour from Tanjung Pinang as sometimes it does being more likely than from nearly five hours away Ampere, Natunas Island. And as soon as the information is obtained, Norlinda will be notified immdeiatedly to spread the message around with last minute changes. If Norlinda is not notified then boh-tai-chi lah.

    Regards

    Abel Tan

  57. Abel, Gembira Hotel? I want a hotel in the 4 Seasons, Shangri-la league, wu bo?

    Jokes aside, you’re the shepherd, the herdsman so I shall go along with what you and the rest prefer and are comfortable with. Just want to get away from the hustle & bustle or plainly, to get away…………

    ????????????????????????

  58. You wait a hundred years also don’t have. If have hotel 81 standard should be happy already.

    Just happened to meet an acquaintance who was a regular visitor of Riau Islands (Batam, Bintan, Tg Batu, Tg Balai) more than 10 years back. He stop visiting these ‘fun’ places after he got married.

    He told me like other Riau Islands, Tg Batu was once a fun places for men from Singapore and Malaysia. Tg Batu was considered the ‘lower class’ place compared with Batam and Tg Balai.

    The hotels there were something like a workers dormitories with single storey rooms with attached bathrooms and fans. Makan places were available outside the hotels – something like a school canteen.

    At the height of tourism boom, there is a direct ferry from Singapore where there is a small immigration on the island. As the tourists visitations decreased the ferry from Singapore would have to stop at Batam for their immigration processes. It appear that there is no more ferry services from Singapore as you need to catch a ferry from Batam.

  59. Aiyayah, making love (or as coined by TS, IT) with strangers is fun meh? Never felt it that way, probably not man enough like some men are.

    I think Steven Ng has raised a good point on connecting ferry – thank you.

    Much appreciate it if Abel would kindly check with his kaki comfortably ahead of departure day that ferry (assuming there’s no Sg-Kundur direct ferry) connecting times are close to each other as it’s only a 2-day holiday that we have. Also, whether there’s any extra cost to pay over & above the 300k rupiah for the connecting ferry.

    Hope the hotels are with working air-conditioning.

  60. Tim @ 55

    You know so much about Lisa Wang’s songs, yet you say u can’t sing her “jing hua …” – are u telling the whole truth…?

    Your Hokkien frog jingle was most probably sung by a Gao Ling Feng (the Taiwanese frog prince) wannabe.

    Cheers :)

  61. Just done a research.

    From Singapore to Sekupang, Batam using Penguin Ferry Services will set you back for S$47 (ticket – $34 + passenger departure fee – $6 + Indonesia Terminal Fee & Insurance – $7).

    For connecting ferry to Tg Batu which will cost you about 300k rupiah which is equivalent to S$45.03 (according to Yahoo currency converter).

    Accommodation should not cost you more than 300k rupiah (S$45.03) although I believe it should be much cheaper considering that it is a remote island with few tourists and the hotel is more like a no star hotel.

    Total fixed cost should be around – $$137 before food and other miscellaneous expenses.

  62. Hi Abel/Frisna,

    Patricia Lim (re.51)is unable to join the trip due to unforeseen circumstances. My friend (non-member)would like to be included. Hope she’s eligible.

    Steven N @61
    Very useful info. Now I know how much to budget for the trip. TQ. :)

  63. Hi Abel/ Frisna ,

    ALAMAK !
    How come my name was suddenly taken out although I registered many moons ago ?

    See comment 34 pls.
    Thanks.

  64. Once again, thank you Steven-N for working out the numbers for us. ?See, Steven-C, your namesake can do so many good things for us so will you stop playing with mopiko and getting yr backside itchy?)

    Abel reading in parallel, could you kindly confirm what may be the cost of this 1-day trip so that an informed decision can be made by trippers and those mulling whether or not to join. ????

  65. Hi Steven
    your name is not taken out but never put in! sorry. I can’t edit, abel don’t know how to do it and YK didn’t read my request i guess. anyway, you are on! c u on 21/5!

  68. Dear SHCians

    My Batam contact has confirmed that since January this year, the ferry to Tanjung Batu originate from Sekupang and depart between 10-10.30am(Spore time-11-11.30am). The return trip from Tanjung Batu depart between 1.30-2pm(Spore time-2.30-3pm). Our homeward bound connecting ferry from Sekupang to Harbourfront depart 6pm(Spore time).

    Fellow travellers, kindly note the following:-

    21st May, Friday is Departure Day. Ferry depart 8.30am
    Meeting Point – 8am sharp at Batam Fast Ferry ticket-ctr
    (Myself is 1.73m tall and will wear chilli-red T-shirt)

    Fare – 1) Steven is correct in his fact-finding figures-
    from Harbourfront to Sekupang, the two-way
    ferry ticket cost $40. Port tax from
    Sekupang is $7 which can be paid in rupiahs

    2) Two-way fare Sekupang-Tanjung Batu is Two
    Hundred Thousand rp. Will bargain for
    discount if TEN of us are travelling

    Room rate – The most expensive room in the Gembira Hotel
    cost not more than 300,000rp. Travellers
    can economise by sharing rooms

    Budget – Tim, please note excluding the return-fare plus
    Batam port tax totalling $47, a further
    expense of $120 is sufficient.
    The Rupiah is currently fluctuating between
    640,000-650,000 per $100
    Exchange of money can be made beforehand but
    am UNSURE whether the money-changers at
    Harbourfront open before 8am. Thus, some of
    us can exchange for rupiahs at Sekupang

    Itinerary – This is a Free & Easy trip
    But suggestions are welcomed and can be
    bantered among us during the 2-hour ferry
    trip from Sekupang to Tanjung Batu

    SEE YOU GUYS

    Regards

    Abel Tan

  69. Hi Abel / Frisna ,

    URGENT! Can you pls. clarify the 2 statements below; ?????

    1) Returned Date: 22nd May, Saturday
    Time: Depart 12.15pm (Spore time) for Harbourfront

    Our homeward bound connecting ferry from Sekupang to Harbourfront depart 6pm (Spore time). One say 12.15pm while the other say it is 6pm.
    I am v. CONFUSED. Is it 12.15pm or is it 6pm ???

    2) Meeting Point – 8am sharp at Batam Fast Ferry ticket-ctr .
    Is this counter at Batam or is it the Spore Harbour Front. pls. clarify ASAP.
    Thanks.

  70. Hi Steven Chan,

    I kaypoh a bit and reply on their behalf.

    Please amend “Time: Depart 12.15 pm (S’pore time) for Harbourfront” to read as “Time: Depart from Tanjong Batu at 12.15 pm (S’pore time) for Sekupang, Batam

    Batam Fast Ferry ticket counter is at HarbourFront.

  72. Hi Able/Frisna

    My name is Kuan, Male, Age 50+, speak enough malay to get by and like to join the Tanjung Batu, Kundur island.
    21st May, Friday. Ferry depart 8.30am. Meet at
    8am sharp at Batam Fast Ferry ticket-ctr. Harbour Front.
    Please let me know about any other things !

  73. Hi Abel @ 68
    TQ for the comprehensive info reg. the trip. :)

    I noticed that there’s a time difference of one hr bet S’pore and Tg Batu. (We are one hr ahead.) Is there a time diff bet S’pore and Batam?

    Sharing my thoughts…
    As we will be arriving Tg Batu around 1.30pm. (S’pore time 2.30 pm,) our lunch at the island will be (very) late, hence it’s advisable to have a bite at Batam.

    For trippers prone to sea-sickness, don’t eat close to the ferry dep time. Good to bring a few ‘sick’ bags … just in case.

  74. Hi Kuan

    welcome – c u at 8.am 21/5 Harbor Front! if there’s any other things will email you by thursday or earlier thru this post.

    Hi Jass: yes there’s 1 hour difference batam n spore. hopefully the restaurant at sekupang ferry terminal is nice enough (or you may bring some bread along)

    Hi Steven Chan and All: (in spore time only)

    GOING:
    leave spore 8.30am, leave batam (sekupang) 11-11.30, arrive tg.batu about 1.30PM

    COMING BACK: leave tg.batu 2.30-3PM, leave sekupang 6PM (or earlier if ferry available) arrive Harbor Front 7PM

  75. Latest Participants List (couldn’t edit)

    1. Abel (MALE)
    2. Frisna
    3. Norlinda
    4. Jassmine
    5. Jassmine’s friend ?
    6. Tim Liu (MALE)
    7. Steven Chan (MALE)
    8. SK Chua
    9. Grace Kang
    10.Kuan CK (MALE)

  76. Hi Frisna

    TQ for your ph no. My friend will be coming.

    I made a mistake (saw the wrong fig.) about the arrival time at Tg. Batu. Yes, it’s about 1.30 p.m. S’pore time as you had written in your summary.

    ok, c u all at Harbourfront next Friday (21/5) morning. :)

  78. Hi Abel and Frisna,

    Due to family function on the same day, I am unable to join both of you for the enchanting tour. Sorry for the inconvenience. Thanks for organising a wonderful trip.

    Francis

  79. Regrettably, I too ask to withdraw from this trip.

    There have been too many uncertainties happening in my life over the last 1 year, and the possibility of a hung in the connecting ferry – abd thus waiting – is 1 uncertainty too many for me at this juncture. I will be taking a short break somewhere…..somewhere cooling to re-charge before assuming a new challenge.

    Sorry Abel & Frisna, if i have let you down.

  80. Helo..
    Sori girls & boys..i hvnt been following the developments of our jalan2..alamak,busy la

    HHmm..some boys backout..but we girls..still going ahead,hopefully pak Abel wont ‘sell’ us!…haha

    StevenC..
    Apa macam tak jadi pergi?..awak tanya banyak soalan..then tarik diri?..jangan takut..EO Abel & asst Frisna very nice & will take good care of us well.

    Tim@79..
    Uncertainties are beyond our control..so let it be..sail it with your handsome,cheeky smile!..haha..surely you will overcome the roughest,toughest seas..aiya…come with us la…if not..only left Pak Abel & Kuan Cheow Khuan(new guy?)..susah la!..

    Ok kawan2..will see all at our designated meeting point..
    Frisna…saya sudah hilang yr hp nbr,sori..boleh msg saya ga?pls..tku :)

  81. Hi Nor

    GLAD that you tidak mundur. ya lah the boys hor have so many excuses but we’ll just go ahead and enjoy the rustic, beautiful time there!

    Pak Abel said no cancellation unless the weather is really bad. So, Go Girls, Go, Go, Go!

    He asks us to bring chocolate bars (cadbury?), “western” fruits like apple, grape etc which might not be found in tg. batu (so Jass, Chua, pls take note)

    Hi Grace, you are so quite. are you still going?

    Aiya Tim, no matter what problem you’re facing, all of them will be gone when coming back from tg.batu – so just pack and go, a bit of waiting time at the jetty is no problem. many things to do and see there!

  82. Frisna & Nor, let me think about it then.

    I have few virtues and patience is certainly not one. I can get easiy agitated if I am made to wait, but to say anythg more will be like throwing in a wet towel. If I go, I will be at the BatamFast counter by 7.45 a.m.

    The problems I face are quite strange such as, recently when I was at the urinal of a public toilet, there were these 2 bengs trying to figure out what’s good English.

    The signage says “Flush Thoroughly”.

    Ben A : “Salah lah, where got angmo chi “flush” one? Inside pungsai keng hor, you push ok. Tua tua lak push then hor, through liao and then she shiok also………”

  84. Wow!..Jass
    Steady la..love your high spirit!..
    Eh!..ada golf course tak?..perhaps we can explore?

    We will definately enjoy ourselves..small group lagi cosy..
    can cakap2 about so many stories..hopefully got ghost stories!…eeeeiii..ooo!..
    Wei wei!..those who back off,jaga2(beware)…we’ll gossip about you..so better come!…blackmail!..keke

    Yes!..see you all there :)
    Im excited,cos going to an undevelop place..donno what to expect..since we are so complacent in urban living..why not try something different…it can be beneficial..like going on a project tour!

  86. “Barring a Tsunami, my friend and i will meet the gung-ho group at Harbourfront on Friday morning”. j=Haha, Jass-T, that’s like giving me a jerk below the belt.

    I am still thinking abt it, whether I can be patient if there’s long waiting to endure. But so far, after many rounds of coin tossing, no matter how i changed the “head” to “tail”, and vice versa, the result has been an overwhelming 86.23015% “no=go”. Still, I am tossing my coin even now as I type.

    Was on another island on Tuesday, from abt noon Took a break from 5 pm to fetch my daughter from 3rd language class and spent time with her. Returned to the island at abt 11 pm and left Wed morning at abt 8 am with some $10.3k. Easy $? Dont bet on it if you know what the investment cost was. darned sleepy still but will go book a June holiday trip to go with kid. possibly to Kundur island.

  87. Helo EO Abel & kawan2
    Just spoke to Frisna..our meet at 8am is too late.
    Ferry leave at 8.30am..then we have to queue to buy the tickets,usually early morning can be very long tau!
    must cepat la…if not banyak havoc!

    Jass & fren..So,pls be there by 7.45am latest,earlier better nanti saya blanja minum kopi!..haha

    Our another girl,SK Chua so quiet..tot she not coming..
    but she so clever,hold hands with Frisna oredi…bagus!hehe

    See u all tom :)

  89. AhNee..
    Ya la..bcos wanna see how ulu & rustic this place.
    You’ll never know..maybe got lobster from Bukit Tinggi,escaped when got big waves there!..remember?..hehe

    Ok la..you & Taiwan gang..don mabok too much hor!..
    with Ah Huat..sure sorethroat!..oooppss! :)

  91. Thank you Pak Abel for organising this kampong trip:)

    For those who withdrew..u missed the food & fun!

    Its a 2hr ferry ride from Sekupang(Batam)
    We reached the jetty about 1130..then we were greeted by a smily guy..he’s the manager of our hotel..its small overlooking the seaview across the other kampong.
    Wah!..so hungry oredi,after we check in ,we were driven to makan nasi padang!even though the spread not as much as in Bukit Tinggi..but were contented, with our new fren Kuan asking for another helping of the tapioca leave..haha..sedap rite? :)

    After our makan2,we jalan2 around the town..even took a boatride to the other side of the river..what an experience!
    Not satisfied,we continue to looksee2..at the mainland,very slow & laid back browsing … then we drank coconut juice from the pushcard rustic man!..haha
    Not knowing we took so long..we suppose to quickly balek to hotel for our excursion to the kampong lifelihood.

    Otw to the beach,we stop at some spot where the kids took a plunge in the ‘longkang’ for a bath!..the water is like cocacola!..but oblivious to anything..seem so happy..no need to think so much!..
    we even inspect the water…oooii!..so susah!…hehe

    We stop at this little blue house(cottage!hehe),u may see in our foto(Frisna suppose to upload some la)..we bot some tapioca kropok..& interestingly,they even grew ‘ribena’ plants..which I took home to grow!…cud u belief it!!
    At last after a brisk ride..we reach the beautiful beach!.alamak forgot the name…its white sandy beach & crystal clear water…left us kesian!…shud hv brot swimming gears!…hhhmmm..

    At nite,,we had dinner by the riverside..only few of us..so no need to ‘fight’ for food!…haha…
    Pak Abel went back to rest..while we stayed & chat under the moonlight & millions of stars!..with the sound of the running wave that hit the shore..what a peaceful moment!
    We shared our life stories..but forgot to tell ghost stories!…hehe

    Alamak!..next morning,so fast wanna balek oredi!..aftre b/f..we stroll to the wet market..bot some organic vegetables ,fish/prawn kropok..
    still got time..cepat2..jalan2,did some shopping la!..hehe..its incomplete without!..:)

    Thank you again Pak Abel & to my fellow kawan2. Frisna,SK Chua,Jass& fren..not forgetting our only guy(beside Pak Abel)..Kwan for the unforgettable getaway!…best shiok!,,but too short la…haha :)

  92. Wah!….Nor #91,
    Thanks for sharing your trip with us and in such detailed description. I felt that I’ve been there oredi and can imagine the white sandy beach, coconut drink, nasi padang and all…. Doesn’t have to be like Padang, it’s the company you’re in that makes all the difference. Glad to hear that you all had a great time. Have a nice week ahead. Rgds, Lisa O

  93. Dear Nor
    Thanks for the description, i don’t have to do my report anymore ha ha!

    Dear All:
    In case you are interested to go with your friends, here’s the journey and the cost:

    Harborfront- sekupang: about 1 hour ($40 return + $7 tax)

    Sekupang – Tg.Batu : about 2 hrs (Rp.100.000 one way. 1S$=Rp.6500) Tg.Batu ferry terminal is just next to the terminal where we arrived (walking distance). There are many ferries plying that route (4-5 timings). we only waited for about 1/2 hr here. The ride was quite smooth, the “going” ferry was airconditioned (and Nor gave big tips to the singer who serenaded her before departure)

    Ferry terminal at Tg.Batu is also at walking distance to Gembira Hotel(abt 10 min) but we took a van and paid Rp.10.000 each

    Gembira Hotel is quite big with sea view. Mango, dragon fruit trees are grown in their garden. the room is big, quite clean and still in good condition (except our sink leaked). Hot water, TV, refrigerator, Aircond are provided. VIP (3 pax) room is Rp.220.000, Double room about Rp.180.000 simple breakfast included.

    The Hotel also provides “outsource” massage services. Nor & I had massage in the comfort of our room and paid Rp.60.000 an hour(exclude tips)

    Sumptuous nasi padang lunch cost us Rp.40.000/each and seafood dinner (crabs, prawn, sotong, fish, fried noodle + 2 vegetables) Rp.45.000/ea

    We paid Rp.150.000 for the van to Pantai Lubuk. The driver was quite a good tour guide and helpful. Jassmine wanted to give him big tips.

    At the beach, Jass led us sing Bengawan Solo, Chan Mari Chan etc. It was rather sad because on previous day, the creator of Bengawan Solo Mr. Gersang passed away….

    PS: For those interested in bird nests, there are many swallow houses in Tg.Batu. 1 kg of good quality birdnest cost Rp.2.000.000

    PS PS: Will upload the pictures here once I get help….

  94. Hi Abel/Frisna,
    Once again thanks for organizing the Tg Batu trip. It was smooth-going all the way, exceeding expectations.

    Hi Nor,
    Is the Ribena plant thriving in your garden? We are waiting for the seeds!

    Ok, here’s my impression of the trip…

    It was supposed to be
    A down-memory-lane trip,
    But we got more –
    Swiftlets’ nesting places, man-made,
    On almost every building,
    We also saw.

    In the morning, the sky the swiftlets dot,
    Twittering incessantly, but on the ground
    No bird waste splodges.
    It is a clean town.
    The well-stocked shops yawn for customers,
    Tho’ they do not expect anyone gorgeous.

    Across the domestic jetty we saw mangrove swamps.
    It was good reason to hire a boat
    And go see these green places.
    And what an exhilarating boat-ride:
    Swiftly the long boat cut through the water
    With the strong wind blowing against our faces!

    A foray into the countryside,
    En route to the beach,
    Became the trip’s highlight.
    As the jeep trundled along the road,
    Flanked on both sides by vegetation wild,
    A few kampong houses came in sight.

    Running parallel to the road,
    Is a still stream with darkish water;
    To us, it’s neither safe or tame,
    Yet the kampong people wash and bath there,
    And how tall their children grow,
    Tho’ upstream the people there are doing the same.

    The driver stopped before a kampong house,
    And off we got to look at the flora.
    How well the plants grow;
    How rich the natural soil.
    The chickens on rambutan trees roost,
    And always, a nanny goat with her kid in tow.

    The beach, deserted, has white sand.
    We chose to explore the part
    That was rocky.
    A pair of lovers suddenly emerged
    From the shade of some trees-
    We had invaded their privacy.

    Gingerly over the rocks we stepped
    With the driver lending a helping hand.
    The driver –
    He also plucked two noni fruit for my friend;
    He went beyond his role
    Of mere transport provider.

    The pace of life on the island is slow;
    No one seems to be in a hurry,
    But not at the jetty.
    There, the island springs to life:
    So many people milling around,
    Many waiting to catch the ferry.

    The trip to enjoy old-world charm,
    Lost to modernisation
    In my country,
    Turned out to be an eye-opener:
    The islanders have their own rhythm of life;
    They are happy. :)

    -copyright

    CHEERS,

  95. LisaOng@92

    Im glad you read & like my bedtime story!..haha
    U know..i always like to pen memories before its forgotten.Its easier to recall when its so recent..
    Next time we go holiday together..your turn to tell ok :)

    Frisna yang ayu!…
    I was waiting for you to write ..but maybe i thot u were
    too busy..so i ‘potong jalan’..ooppss..sori la..

    Oh ya!..i forgot about our shiok urut(massage) & the kesian-faced guy who serenade to us…so pitiful his lyrics..he sang & tell his life story..that he is poor,only can sing in the hope people would give some money so that he can buy food!..aiyo!..i almost cried!..so emotional la me!..hehe

    Fris..cepat la upload the photos,so that we can view & dream again!..haha
    btw…I met StevenChan,& cubit him kuat2(pinch real hard!) oredi for ‘belakang pusing’ from our trip!.naughty boy!hhmm..

  96. Jass..
    Alamak,after i click send..then i saw ur vivid beautiful poem!..wow!
    Yes!..the plant is growing well..still in the plastic-soil bag under the mango tree..need to repot it..& find a nice suitable plot for it to sprawl in future..hehe

    Pak Abel..
    Your turn to write the pantun :)

  97. Hi Jassmine #94,

    I must say you are indeed talented, writing poems. Is this by training or just something you acquired?

    Terence Seah

  98. Hi Terence #97,

    M surprised at your question. No talent to speak of, only an interest in this form of expression.

    There are courses on the craft of poetry-writing, but I read up on my own. It helps if one has a literature background.

    CHEERS,

    PS. Can give free tips on poetry-writing if u are interested :)

  99. Hi Jassmine #98,

    Your talent is unique and a blessing to SHCians. We are able to picture all that happened through your prose.

    How about coming up with a poem that captures all that SHC is about?

    In appreciation,
    Jonathan

  100. Hi Jassmine #98,

    What Jonathan said is right. You are indeed talented. If I may ask, can you do us a poem that captures the SilverHairsClub and SHC spirit? Take your time; we will all look forward to reading it.

    Terence Seah

  101. Jass-T, both Terence and Jonathan recognise yr talent and hv said so. I need only to add that, yes, pls continue to express yourself freely. You’re only sharing with us what you’re gifted in and even if its flaunting, so what? (Of cos you arent flaunting, you’re doing what comes yo you so naturally, filled with inspiration and hardly any perspiration).

    Keep it up !

    ????????????????????????? ???????????

  102. Jonathan #99

    Am glad you like the poem. My interest is not common, but not unique either, lah!

    Poetry-writing, like all creative writing, needs inspiration to trigger it, so will have to wait for that little spark to ignite first..

    Terence # 100,

    I think i may not be the best person to write a poem about SHC becos it’ll be from my perspective and …it might not be representative…

    Nevertheless, if you are interested in the idea of a poem about SHC, why not get anyone who is interested in verse/poetry-writing to give to it a try … i’ll contribute. :)

  103. Tim #101,
    Your input sounds like a backhanded compliment. Anyway, first time see u write so literally, it’s refreshing!

    You got the inspiration element correct, but there’s also perspiration – lots of it – more than the inspiration which can fizzle out easily…then perspiration takes over…

    CHEERS,

  104. Hi “Tg Batu” guys

    Am really glad it was a enjoyable experience for all of you. Please pardon my seemingly “uninterested” attitude to accompany you sporting travellers on the island excursion, the reason being feeling “jelak”(nauseated) after having been to Kundur Island on six or seven previous occasions.

    Thanks Norlinda for being the “first off the starting line” to run a commentary on our trip. Perahu menuju keTanjung Remaja
    Saberang selat Kuala Belangka
    Amboey amboey Cik Norlinda
    Dipuji kami melata lata

    Your report is aptly glowing, Frisna. With due respect, the Sporean tourist in Asean is nearly all the time subjected to being fleeced by our neighbours cheifly due to the impression they hold of us as rich tourists becuase of our comparatively high-valued currency. My personal experience is to be generous with tips so that even after a interval of nearly five years, Saiful from the Gembira Hotel could still recognise me at the arrival jetty.

    Jasmine, as Terence suggested, do please pen something for The Silverhairsclub. You are super in this category, so jangan malu-malu kuching.

    If two days of leave is available for me at end July, then Frisna again will EO another island trip, either to Nongsapura Resort (north-east coast Batam, opened in 2007 to rival Bintan Resorts) or to Sanggarang, Bintan Island (across the bay, a twenty-minute boat ride from Tanjung Pinang and diagonally opposite the sea-fronted Laut Jaya Hotel)

    Regards

    Abel Tan

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