Spent a relaxing weekend at Batam, one of the largest islands in the Riau archipelago, which is located 20km off Singapore's south coast. Its strategic location close to the Malacca Strait and Singapore has helped it to become one of the fastest growing tourist destination in Indonesia in terms of visitor arrivals. A great vacation destination.
Less than an hour by high speed ferry from Harbourfront in Singapore, we alighted at Sekupang in Batam. We were then chauffeured to KTM Resort less than 5 minutes away from the Sekupang ferry terminal.
If you are looking for serenity and solitude, KTM Resort will allow you to rediscover the poetry and meaning of life. The early morning sunrise upon the placid sea was very invigorating. Experiencing the sunset whilst we had our muscles being kneaded was total bliss. We even had our tensions being eased away at Spa Villa whilst overlooking the glittering waves and cityscape of Singapore at a distance. What more could one ask for? A total of 4 hours at Spa Villa allowed us to be fully pampered from head-to-toe.
Neck massage ........................overlooking the Straits of Singapore and with a view of Singapore's city in the distance
Our 4 hours head-to-toe pampering included:-
* 60 min head, neck and shoulder massage
* 45 min coffee scrub to gently exfoliate dead cells to reveal smooth and glowing skin
* 45 min mineral body mask to remove toxins and reduce water retention in the body
* 30 min hydrotherapy milk bath to remove toxins and O3 from the body
* 60 min ocean view javanese aromatherapy massage for de-stressing, relaxing and overall wellbeing
Our holiday package also included a special candle-light dinner by the lagoon with a complimentary bottle of red wine. Truly romantic, a wonderful way to propose to someone you love.
Beautifully decorated ............Candlelight dinner .................Complimentary red wine
A special feature of KTM Resort is the salt water swimming pool. It draws clear salt water from 2 metres under the sea and is said to be therapeutic and to contain healing properties. Besides spending time in the pool, photography buffs would delight at the iconic Kwan Im Statue tourist attraction which towers over 23 metres high at the resort and a waterfall.
Waterfall ..................................Towering statue of Kwan Im
Other activities at the resort include blliards, karaoke and fishing. Alternatively, you may delight in just hanging out quietly and enjoy the lovely sea breeze.
A good option for couples, the KTM Resort is the place to go if you like the quiet and solitude and wish to just soak in each other's company and enjoy the peace and calmness of the surrounding without all the hustle and bustle of daily life. If you are looking for the night life, etc... then it would be better to look for another hotel closer to the city.
View of the ocean from our room
KTM Resort has village cottages, for up to 4 guests, many with direct sea views. Beach front villas are on stilts designed for one couple and as close to the sea as you could ever be without being in it. All beach front villas face the sea and the ambience from the balcony overlooking the lagoon and the sea is so wonderful that it is something to experience. Standard rooms on stilts, also designed each for one couple, are closer to the sea and you are able to hear the splashing of the waves.
Beach villas............................. Close-up view ....................... Cozy interior.........................
Not satisfied with not being able to do any shopping, we booked a city tour that included a local tour guide to show us the sights of the city as well as bring us to various places to shop. The city tour included the following:-
* Barelang Fisabillah Bridge - the biggest bridge linking the few islands of Batam and the icon of Batam. The first bridge connecting Batam to Tonton island is impressive with its 38 metres high spans and a total of 642 metres in length
* Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Laughing Buddha Temple - the largest Buddhist Temple in South East Asia
* Lunch at Golden Prawn 933 Seafood Restaurant - the largest seafood restaurant in Batam built with wood and bamboo over the sea and serves a vaiety of local seafood dishes with a nice view of the north eastern coast of Batam
* GTS Local Product Shop - where a variety of local products such as coffee, batik and handicrafts can be purchased
* Bengkong Dry Foodstuff Market - where a variety of dried food such as ikan bilis, udang kering, kerupuk belinjo can be purchased
* Pondok Wisata - to watch a traditional Kuda Lumping cultural dance by local kampong villagers (not available if the ground is wet)
* Polo shop - where local branded products such as Polo shirts and more can be purchased
* Toa Pek Kong Chinese Temple - the famous and oldest Batam Chinese Temple which was moved to Batam from Kusu Island of Singapore during 1980s. You can enjoy the homemade Chwee Kuih or Pandan Cake here
* Batam City Shopping Mall - choice of 3 shopping centres in Batam
~ Nagoya Hill - the biggest in Batam
~ Megamall - more branded items can be found here
~ BCS - smallest of the 3
Lunch stop .............................. Gold ingots at Laughing Buddha Temple
To find the hotel deals, you can visit www.ktmresort.com
