We were itching to bring baby Coven on an overseas trip. Despite knowing that it may be fraught with challenges. And that vacations may no longer be as relaxing as before.

So we needed a preliminary trial to someplace not too far, someplace that we are not too unfamiliar with.

And so... Batam here we come! Again!

Technically, baby Coven has had been to Batam twice before; both times in mommy's tummy.

There was that stay at Holiday Inn Resort where we felt so pampered by the generous hospitality and facilities that we were hoping to go again with baby Coven.

We made a booking through JA Travel for a 3D2N Stay at 1-bedroom suite (free & easy) + 2-way ferry tickets. Total cost for 2 adults+1 infant: $356 including taxes.

So we set off on our long awaited family trip, baby tucked in Tula and an extra diaper-filled duffel bag slung over the shoulder. We used to whizz pass the automated gates but now with the baby in tow, we had to join the queue for his passport to be processed.

Baby Coven was pretty excited on his 'maiden' ferry ride on the BatamFAST Jet Flyte. In contrast to the Boeing sounding name, the vessel was pretty small and old.

We docked at Sekupang Terminal after the usual ~45 min ride and was picked up by the Holiday Inn staff to the resort.

With baby Coven sleeping in bed with us, we made prior requests for a room with a king-sized bed. And we got what we asked for, and more!

The minute we entered the room, we realized the excitement in the staff's voice when she exclaimed that we were assigned a room with high-floor and pool view. At the 9th storey, we could peer beyond the resort enclave with a panoramic view of the shipyard in the distance.

This room also did not have the partition that divided the living room and bedroom hence we no longer had to make our own improvisations to watch tv on bed.

We also noted a few changes from our previous visit: the town shuttle goes only to Nagoya Hill Mall and the service is no longer free (Rp 20,000: 1-way/ Rp 30,000: 2-way).

Baby Coven caught on the relaxing mood quickly, easing into a poop to mark his arrival to Batam. Check out the portable potty!

After settling the big business, Mama brought baby Coven to the Panda Kids Club while papa went to the gym.

It was pretty quiet walking around the resort on the Monday afternoon, occasionally passing the staff who would extend their greetings. It made me feel like an emperor surveying his palace.

After baby Coven woke up from his late afternoon nap, we went to Terrace Cafe for dinner.

We weren't expecting much as the quality of the food was pretty average during our last visit. But the Kampung Nasi Goreng (Rp 79,000++) that we ordered this time was surprising good!

We brought along a pack of Wakodo Japanese Fried Rice for baby Coven and requested for a bowl of hot water to heat it up. The porridge tasted very nice; in fact too nice that we became suspicious of the ingredients. Anyway, baby Coven kept spitting them out so we fed him a banana instead.

After dinner, we got a mild scare as baby Coven's face developed some red patches. We suspect it could be due to some food allergy. But thankfully, he remained lively and energetic and the patches went away after mama nursed him.

With baby Coven tucked in on the comfy and spacious bed, we lulled ourselves to sleep watching muted television.

|TRAVEL TIPS|

 

[Ferry] Ferry to Batam is free seating. Take the window seat to the left of vessel for views of Sentosa, St John Island, MBS and flyer skyline. Window seat to the right for views of Reflections at Keppel Bay, Bukom, Semakau, Sebarok islands. Opposite directions apply for return trip.

 

[Porter] Porters at the ferry terminal will offer to carry your bags/ luggage but they expect to be paid ($1 per item). So insist on carrying your own bags if you do not want to pay.

 

[Travelling with Baby] Do not feed baby food/snacks that they have not eaten before in case they develop an allergy reaction. If your baby has a sensitive stomach, you may want to bring along some bottles of 'Singapore' or local water.

 

[Shuttle Services] The resort provides shuttle services to Nagoya Hill Mall & ferry terminals (fixed timings). Do make prior reservations with the Concierge. Shuttle service to and fro ferry terminal is complimentary. Shuttle service to Nagoya Hill Mall is charged (Rp 20,000 1-way; Rp 30,000 2-way). However, the fee is waived for IHG Rewards Club members; free sign up.

 

 

[Drinking Water] Tap water is not potable in Batam. If you need more water than the 2 complimentary bottles, the gym has a water dispenser where you can fetch both hot & cold water.

 

[TV] The TV in the room has a USB port. If the plethora of cable channels cannot satisfy you or your kids need their daily dose of Barney, you may want to bring along a thumbdrive loaded with your favorite videos. Short of charger heads? Connect your device via usb for makeshift charging. Remember to remove your thumbdrive after that!