Batam Day 3

We woke up a little later this morning after a full day's of fun yday. The bfast spread was similar.  The 1st thing that Daddy Lim hit was the eggs upon entering the restaurant. Haha. At one go, he ordered 5 eggs, cooked in different ways.

The weather was very kind to us in the morning. The sun was shining! For the past 2 days, it was always raining in the morning to noon. We just had to hit the beach in this treat weather.

We rented paddle boat and kayak only to realise that kayak required so much less effort and is so much faster. Nobody wanted the paddle boat thereafter. I didn't have any pictures bcos Daddy Lim and I had so much fun with the kids.  I had so wanted to take the banana boat. Some other groups took it and it looked so fun. We didn't get the chance bcos we ran out of $$. Lol.

We only had enough time to take another mini dip in the pool, shower, pack and it was time to check out. We had an hour wait before the bus to bring us to the ferry. More crazy pictures.

So many other Singaporeans were heading home. The q for the ferry was so long and the ferry was fully packed. The ferry ride took about 40 mins. At some point, it was getting stuffy at the lower deck that we were seated in. Lil Shauna and I went to the upper deck for some fresh air. Finally, it was home sweet home.

So how was the trip? The hotel wasn't fantastic. There was no fancy pool, no kids club and there was only 1 pathetic restaurant. However, I totally heart the beach. The last hotel that we stayed wasn't near to any beach. Most importantly, the kids had companion and had so much fun! We were even kidding that we need not go to Batam; the kids would enjoy themselves just as much if we throw them in the same house. Lol. It would have been lovelier if it ain't so crowded. The hotel staff obviously couldn't cope. While on the fully packed ferry to and from Batam, I kept thinking of escape route if unfortunate events do happen.

Now,  it is time to look forward to the next holiday! Volcano, volcano, pls dun erupt.

Mummy Lim

Batam Day 2

Lil Isaac actually slept through the night! There were some flipping and he woke up a couple of times but slept through nevertheless. He woke up at 6ish and the sky was already bright.

We headed straight for the buffet bfast. The spread was decent but the service was super slow. Daddy Lim insisted for eggs and waited 30 mins when there were less than 5 people in front of him!

We monkey some more and must definitely head to the pool for an early swim. We were after all in a beach resort.

It was drizzling when we hit the pool but of course we swam nevertheless until such a time that the thunder started rolling.

We had wanted to go to the town and had decided to take a taxi out. The reception told us that taxi does not required booking; we could get them when we need them. However, when we were at the lobby, we were told that all the taxis were fully booked and out. What??!!! We spent a lot of time waiting and waiting for... not-sure-what. The kids entertained themselves in the not very equipped game room.

There was an xbox and Daddy Lim had to demonstrate how to play the game when we finally got a turn. Lil Isaac didn't look too happy to be watching. Lol.

My brother approached the different staff to ask for taxis several times. After about an hour, we finally got the cabs. We went to one of the big malls. The journey cost us about 17k INR, about S$17.

The 1st thing that we did was to look for lunch.  KFC was the 1st restaurant that greeted us. After q-ing, we were told that only the hot and crispy recipe was left. Bleh. We ended up with some fried chicken and fish with rice. The food was a little dry and not too enjoyable. Nevertheless, lunch settled.

I had thought that we would do shopping. However, not only our kids but also my brother's kids aren't shopping kids. So we headed to the arcade instead. In the mall, there were 2 huge arcades side by side. We spent about S$25 and had hours of fun! Back home, the same amount of money would probably last us for last than 30 mins.

The last stop was the supermarket before heading back to the hotel. The groceries were so much cheaper but we were unable to bring them back.

We had hoped to hit the beach for some fun but it was too late and the sun was setting. Sad. We headed back to the same restaurant for dinner. More pictures before food was served.

The hotel had special dinner and program in celebration of Singapore national day. We skipped it bcos it was expensive but had perfect view of the traditional dance and fireworks from the room's balcony.

Lil Shauna knocked out from the day's fun. LIL Isaac had a long nap in the afternoon but went to bed shortly after jiejie. I hope we have fantastic weather tomorrow morning so that we have some beach fun!

Mummy Lim

Batam Day 1

The kids woke up at 8am and started chatting excitedly about Batam! It wasn't difficult to get them ready and we headed to bfast before the long journey to Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal.

My brother's family arrived shortly before us. As expected, the ferry terminal was so crowded. We aren't the only Singaporeans who took advantage of the long weekend.

It was a long wait before it was finally time to board. The ferry was delayed probably bcos there were too many people heading to Batam. We had plenty of pictures while waiting.

The sea was rough but Daddy Lim had a good nap. He looked totally comfortable. He really can sleep anywhere. Look at his position! It started raining and the boat was rocking but Daddy Lim wasn't at all affected.  Steady lah.

Finally we have arrived!

The boat journey was supposed to take 40 mins. The kids had been warned to be really quiet upon arrival. I don't know if the custom still turns people back for being too noisy but we didn't want to try. The kids, even Lil Isaac were really well behaved and we cleared the custom smoothly. I was so glad that the q was cleared really quickly.

There was hotel provided transfer. We didn't have to wait very long for the bus. I was surprised that everything went so smooth and so fast. They were much efficient than I thoight they would. Well, until we arrived at the hotel....

The checking in took a long time even though there werent that many in the q. Finally, we got our room. I asked Daddy Lim to pose and he was definitely at ease.

It was lunch time and we headed to the only restaurant in the hotel for lunch. We waited like forever but didn't get served. The staff were running around without getting much done. They apparently cant take stress. Blehh. Eventually, we headed back to the hotel for cup noodles instead. Haha, our 1st meal in Batam. Well, the kids appeared to be happier to play toys while eating cup noodles then sit in the boring restaurant, waiting for somebody to serve us.

The rain came on and off. The kids were bored and so we threw them into the pool! There is either no safety standard or it was safe to swim bcos there was no thunder storm. It drizzle on and off but people were still swimming. The rain became heavier we turned back to the hotel. The kids swop to dip in bath tub instead. More soaking. It must be a competition to see who turn into a prune 1st. Lol.

The weather was kinder in the late afternoon and we went to explore the tiny beach right beside the hotel. Though tiny, it was decent and  we spent a good 1 hr. Kids were picking sea shells.

The beach cat!

We brought Lil Isaac to explore the water breaker.

We then walked to the kelong for dinner and had to wait 1 Jr before the restaurant starts operation. The jetty was beside the restaurant and there were 2 uncles fishing. One of them was super good. He caught so many fishes in that 1 hr we were there. The kids were very well entertained by the dying fishes. So sadist.

More pictures.

We headed back to the restaurant when it almost time for dinner. Lil Isaac ran, fell and hurt himself. Faint. Luckily it wasn't that bad.

Dinner was good especially when we were all so hungry. Midway through dinner, the little boy fell asleep. It was 7ish Singapore time and Batam  is 1 hr behind. Let's see what time he wakes up tomorrow. Duh! We all had an early night.

Mummy Lim