Batam

I signed up for a mid semester break trip to Batam alone. But the international and local friends I met there ensured that I was never alone. The university community is more bonded that I imagined. One of the organizer, the guy in red, actually remembered me, when I crashed alfred lau's lecture a few weeks ago.

On the way there. There is something about ferry rides that is seductive. It makes you nervous and peaceful at the same time. Much like a plane ride.

Amongst the people who first befriended me were this group of 3 Indians. Their initiative to befriend me was an eye opener to me. "Are you alone?" "Yes" "Ok, so you're with us now." That's it, short and simple. They ensured that I always have company for breakfast.

For what's worth, the food at our luxurious, sea-view resort (unbelieveably cheap as well), was cheap. Look! S$15 for all the dishes, drinks and deserts that we ordered for 4 person - my goodness.

One of the most unforgetable friend that I made there is my roommate, Vui Min, who's one of the organizers and a Malaysian. He is one of the few that can speak Malay and Bahasa, so he was in charge of opening the doors and making our journey smooth.

And we had much fun together. (Photoshoot at the famous giant Buhdda)

This is our room! Our room faces the sea and you can hear the gentle waves in the night. It is soothing and relaxing. I had one of the best sleep ever here. My roommate is always busy preparing for the next day for all of us. Hence, he always come back late. This room and bed is perfect for sleeping and resting. No study table, no sign of stress at all in this room. I also noticed for myself, the friendliness of Malaysians (my roommate).

Entrance to our room. I like how they made the walking paths using logs, giving it a natural feel.

Our room, facing the beautiful sea with amazing breeze. Absolutely enjoy it :)

Other rooms nearby.

The pond in front of the rooms.

To say that I had the moment of my life is about right. I could feel myself relaxing, being laid back, and experiencing life.

I even enjoy a tremendous breakfast by the sea. You could feel the waves gently dancing the stilts and floor below you.

Even normal commuting from our room to the resort is fun. Everything is natural. The stairs are made from logs.

The events lined up for that day were fun. Things I try out for the first time. Go-kart, banana boat, para-sailing, etc.

After all the fun, we went to this stretch of restaurants and feasted on CHEAP but amazingly good food. :). We also went for a massage before this. For only S$13, a full body massage for 1.5 hours (abit too long. 1 hour is enough). Vui min was beside me during the massage and that put my mind at ease if I need to communicate with the maseur, or if she tries anything funny.

On the way back, I was feeling kinda emo when I am reminded of the work I had to do, the stress, the kind of work-related interaction between people. I was only year 1 (and could never forsee how things could be worse in subsequent years), but I realised this isnt the life that a human is suppose to live. The 3 Indians noticed my emo-ness, talked to me, and decided to buy me a beer.

Batam KTM resort is an amazingly relaxing place, value for money. I wish to bring my parents here. I wish pray that it will not become a tourish trap or as expensive as Singapore.