Hello again bros! Back with another FR, I quite new to forums to be honest so if I post this at the wrong place somehow. I hope the admins can help me with it.
I've actually lost count of the number of times I've been to Batam but I've yet to thank all the bros here for all the countless advice. Many of them which have helped me tremendously during my cheong trips. I always read up to the latest 50 pages before my trip just to prepare myself for anything. So I would like to return the favor.
ARRIVAL
I received one free booking of any hotel rooms worth $70 nett from Agoda.com. So I took the opportunity to ferry in one night before since it was a Sunday and I had nothing going here in Singapore. I booked the Executive King Suite at The BCC Hotel which is too big honestly, but since it was free. Also because they have darts in the lobby for when I can't sleep at night. No complains there.
I liked staying near the BCS area because it's quite accessible for me. BCS mall have some decent food in there and A2 food court(which is very similar to Lau Pa Sat or Newton) is just by the hotel. If you need to a place to hang out at night for some beers, I would also recommend Roasteree which is just infront of iHotel Baloi. Last but not least, the street food stalls open at about 6pm and they have piping hot pisang keju which is to die for. Not to mention cheap food just by it, but I do not recommend it for everyone as I don't believe everyone has the stomach for it. Nevertheless, a complete meal for two there is never more than 100 thousand rupiah. The food there is decent for the price, but I would recommend not to have seafood there at all.
I arrived at about 7.30pm WIB and my taxi brought me to Nagoya for the currency exchange. I was quoted 9.90 at first and after nego he agreed on 9.98 (I don't usually do this but it was my driver's idea. I was happy with 9.90 because I was initially offered 9.40 in Harbourfront Centre) so it was great start.