Thanks Dazza for your contact info. It may be some time before I go back to BTM.
>Current situation of PCR in Singapore and PCR in Batam is not a bad deal if you're going for a minimum of 3 night stay. I might consider that.
Yes, do go if you feel it is ok. Since you're coming from Australia, it can't be help with the timing.
I assume Aston and iHotel has been cleared to receive guests? I am not sure about the protocol there.
Assuming it is yes, I would recommend iHotel over Aston but for the branch at Baloi/Penuin only. [There are 2 iHotels]
Here's the website:
https://ihotelbaloi.com/
The reason being there is a hawker center right in front of the hotel called A2 Food court. And nearby is the BCS Mall. Along the side are many
kopitiam/coffee shops & massage etc. It is all walking distance, convenient and vibrant.
You may get a feel of the scene from this youtube video. See if its to your liking. Unfortunately iHotel is to the right of A2 Food Court and BCC hotel and can't be seen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2Y881JXiWo&t=0s
Here's a view of the outside from iHotel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vebF7m3PBc
I assume you are using your Surabaya driver?
If its the port driver, tell the taxi driver you want to go to iHotel Baloi. It is pronounced the Dutch way, e-hotel. When in doubt, show your hotel booking to the driver.
The other landmark is BCS Mall. Pronounced Bay-CHAY-S. It is a shopping mall with food, cinema called Studio 21, and other items.
On the S'pore side, the ferry is now temporarily located at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal. Taxi drivers will know. But if you want to take public transport, go to Bedok Bus Interchange and take bus 35. It will bring you right to the TMFT, stop for awhile for passengers to alight, and will loop back towards Bedok. During peak office hours the journey will take about 45 minutes or so. Much less for off peak hours. I remember these when I used to frequent Tj Pinang in early 2000s and also used to working in the Changi Biz park there until mid 2014.
Hope this post is not to late to change hotel booking if necessary. Do let us know of your experience as its been 2 years since we've been there.
If you need other info let us know. I don't visit forums often. Hopefully someone can help.