Hi Bro New hunter,i am a newbie to Batam,i don't think i qualify to answer yr question...but i shall use my notes i read in this thread which is one of the quote from one of the senior bro here. I think it might help u.
Read below quote for answers to yr 2nd question on approximately how much to bring :
Quote:
Originally Posted by xiaolibiantai
Should be about $300 if you are not particular about good hotels...
Lovinna Inn - Deluxe Rm -250k / 270k - $34 - $37 based on Rate 7210
Ferry: $48 (Wavemaster)
Booking girl: 500k - 800k ($70-$110, Rate at 7210, got more expensive ones, but that's the average booking for girls)
Lunch:100k more than enough for you and your girl ($14)
Dinner: 250k ($35) more than enough for you and your girl, more if heavy drinker at foodcourt. I normally spend less than 200k for 2 persons, but without beer as my girls don't drink)
Taxi: 150k (this is for multiple trips like hbb->Hotel, Hotel->Joints->Hotel, Hotel->foodcourt->Hotel, Hotel->Hbb, since you are newbie, most like will be ask to pay higher and don't know how to bargain, $20)
And the above is based on weekend hotel rate and 800k girls. You may want to bring more since you might decide to bring the girl for shopping if you happen to kena sot tio by her, or might want to massage (can range from 60k for 1 hour to 400k if you decide to have plus plus - their local lingo for special), go ktv (this can go up to 700k - no upper limit).
I would suggest bring $400, but change $300 to rupiah. Extra $100 will cater for urgency like you see a very cute massage cewek and am determined to get into her panties...). Change your money in Batam. Don't change in habourfront. Reach Batam, change a bit, maybe $20 if you dare try) just for taxi fare. Most likely you will be charge 40k for taxi cause you will be asked near the taxi counter and these blokes don't really lower price since they pay to queue there. I would walk towards the exit and you will DEFINITELY get approach by other drivers. You can try to nego to 25k. Or 15k ifyou dare try motorbike taxi, known as ojet. Nagoya (where Lovina Inn is) is very near to HBB. It is even walking distance but will take about 15 mins lah.
And, yes, the girl know the booking is from noon of day 1 till morning (about 7-8 am) of following day. Knowing you newbie, some will try the stomachache trick and try to leave early. But, on the whole, most are quite fine if you get them from joints. Get FLs from disco lah and you are looking for potential troubles.
Drinking in Batam foodcourts is cheap. Beers cost about 30K rupaih per bottle, which is about 4 in singapore dollars. Karoke singing and music is nightly event. Try windsor foodcourt. There is Permah Indah there which is a KTV cum Pick up joint. Ricson massage is there opposite to it, and there is a budget hotel, newly opened next to it. Cant remember the name .
If you fancy better pubs and drinking with selection, try the ones in Harbour Bay. There are a few hotels, there, NINE DAYS HOTEL( budget), ARMIN(more expensive), and Swiss bethel( top hotel in batam). Pubs wise, there is Ocean, and a few theme pubs further away from the carpark. THere is also alot seafood and drinking of beers in that place also.
If you want higher class settings with singing and bands, and better wines and liquerers, try Harmoni Hotel lobby,
Apart from the massage thing i am bringing 150sgd excluding hotel accommodation, is that enough for a weekend trip?
Your budget quite tight. But still possible. I take it your S$150 includes cost of ferry. Engage ojek to save cost. Take outside food for lunch/dinner. Stay around Goldbird or Formosa area as joints/eateries are nearby. If possible go weekdays if u wish to book girls for overnight.
__________________ Bro DONT UP me. Seldom login SBF. SemiRetired
anyone changed at 8995 today(5.4.14)....??? where you get all these good rates??? there is no such rates!!!!
No cheongster can get this rate(unless they work for the forex),the rates stated are money changer's buying rates. It serves as a guideline how much money changer buys in and sells you.
It also serves as a guideline on when one should buy more IDR and when they should buy less or not buy at all. The best time to buy IDR are usually after the 3d week of every month.
i used to be a money changer at the Arcade @ Raffles Place.