Need guiden in Batam

[sassina2]

Taxis in the streets that you hail will try you for 20k to go within Nagoya anywhere. 10k is a fair price. In fact, there have been some which we have done for 5k if the distance is short.

In fact, the smart local ceweks tell me that they pay less than 5k mostly for Nagoya.

Some stupid ceweks like many foreigners pay 20k.

From the hotels, (esp the big ones) the cabs will hit you for 20k but I have also bargained those down to 15k at times if the load justifies it.

From the Discos as you exit, you will find that the taxis are regulated and will hit you for 20k because it is syndicated there. No choice, its a fixed price.

If you want to save, just walk out to the main road, hail and cab and you will get one for 10k.

From Batam centre to any hotel in Nagoya area should be 30k maximum although the counter will sometimes try you for 35k - don't accept that price.

When I want to pay more, I call my regular taxi driver(s) and use them by the hour paying more like a chauffer for each hour - 30-40k per hour depending on how long I use them and how many places we go.

Usually, I do not ask them to wait for me but rather to go do their thing and be prepared for my call when I am ready to move since Nagoya is a small place. That way, we keep all parties happy.

Avoid Batam this weekend unless you are regular and have your own ceweks to call. All places will be closed and you will have to party within your hotel only.

[tanner132]

Originally Posted by DNAT

Rp10-20K .... after mid-nite might be Rp20-25K

Short distance also charge a rate of Rp20. Though the exchange rate is not bad but still $3 plus. Already consider expensive.

[penny]

Originally Posted by sassina2

From Batam centre to any hotel in Nagoya area should be 30k maximum although the counter will sometimes try you for 35k - don't accept that price.
.

I felt that the standard has become 35K...
I read about you guys mentioning 30K is max but b4 I bargain, just ask again only, wahlao that asswhole writing the ticket outside the centre already show face like wana fight!!

so formosa belongs to goodway's catagory? $60 kinda on the high side
by the way any massage ard formasa? good way to pass time

[tanner132]

Originally Posted by penny

I felt that the standard has become 35K...
I read about you guys mentioning 30K is max but b4 I bargain, just ask again only, wahlao that asswhole writing the ticket outside the centre already show face like wana fight!!

so formosa belongs to goodway's catagory? $60 kinda on the high side
by the way any massage ard formasa? good way to pass time

To me. It is worth it because I don't roam around much. most of the time in Lucky Jackpot playing jackpot. If wanna shopping. Matahari is just beside. Very convenient. Ah Li Shan is just 4 level. After night time drink till drunk also never mind. Hotel just below.

There is a massage parlour call 'Kings' at Formosa. Not bad for their massage service.

[tanner132]

Trust me bro. I has been to Batam numerous of times. Use to get my fix driver to fetch me here and there and it usually costs me $50 for 3 days 2 nights. least save this money and get a hotel where it easy to access to any place. Formosa is at Nagoya centre. Surrounded by Ktv joints. Last time use to stay Harmoni but also quite costly but service is good. Rate is at $90 but I get the rate of $80 per night.

Think about it bro.

[sassina2]

Originally Posted by penny

I felt that the standard has become 35K...
I read about you guys mentioning 30K is max but b4 I bargain, just ask again only, wahlao that asswhole writing the ticket outside the centre already show face like wana fight!!

so formosa belongs to goodway's catagory? $60 kinda on the high side
by the way any massage ard formasa? good way to pass time

Right up till today, I have never paid 35 k and, when the guy is writing and I say 30k, he cancels because he knows I know and, there is no fighting or any aggression!

Believe me, if you just walk away, they will chase after you!

$60 for goodway is high if it does not include breakfast. I am sure one of the travel agents can offer you a better rate for that hotel.

As for Harmoni Hotel rates right now, its just too much for what is basically a 3star + hotel. You are better staying at the Melia at KAHA Hotel Reservation's rates of 345k if you book with them. (at batam centre ferry terminal arrival hall)

Hi guys,
I am going on 11th onwards for 4 days. Understand that most places will be closed. But I am just planning to go lie at the beach n relax. If lucky - maybe get a good bonk. Thats all. Now, can somebody tell me how I can get the best price for those beach side hotels. Last time I stayed at Turi. But I feel its a bit expensive for the faclilites. Although I am told it has been renovated recently. Anyways, I am told by my regular cabbie that Batam view is not bad and much cheaper. About $70 per day? Can somebody confirm this? Or can you reccomend any other beack resort, offering a good price? I am planning to stay for 4-5 days so it would be a significant saving.
Thanks.

[sassina2]

Originally Posted by booby

Hi guys,
I am going on 11th onwards for 4 days. Understand that most places will be closed. But I am just planning to go lie at the beach n relax. If lucky - maybe get a good bonk. Thats all. Now, can somebody tell me how I can get the best price for those beach side hotels. Last time I stayed at Turi. But I feel its a bit expensive for the faclilites. Although I am told it has been renovated recently. Anyways, I am told by my regular cabbie that Batam view is not bad and much cheaper. About $70 per day? Can somebody confirm this? Or can you reccomend any other beack resort, offering a good price? I am planning to stay for 4-5 days so it would be a significant saving.
Thanks.

Try the following and ask them to quote their best rates for you and let us know the results when you have them:

1) KAHA Reservation Service +62 778468138

2) Prima Tours - Calvin +62 778 456456

Compare their rates (with / and without breakfast) with what the travel agents in Sillypore quote here (see classified adverts - hotel bookings for those who specialize in Batam)

In hotel business, booking direct usually is more expensive than booking via agents (because they have volume).

[DNAT]

Originally Posted by tanner132

Short distance also charge a rate of Rp20. Though the exchange rate is not bad but still $3 plus. Already consider expensive.

ya lor ... Formosa hotel ====> Planet/Pacific
... is about the same distance from Outram Park MRT ====> Tiong Bahru MRT ... the Sg cab fare is about S$2.70-3.00 - but in BT, if we pay Rp20K is already S$3.70 or S$4 liao loh .... considered expensive as per their local standard.

Yoz Tanner: are you now in Sg or O/seas ?

[sassina2]

I do urge all brothers who go to Batam to pay no more than 10k per trip within Nagoya for all taxis that are in the streets.

The fare of 20k was a bad habit that started with the 97 Indo crisis when the Rupiah went beserk. With the recovery of that currency, it is foolish for us to pay 20k. Consider this, their vehicles are duty free compared to Singapore's ARF/COE etc etc and overheads.

If you continue to pay 20k for Nagoya city rides, you are just confirming to the Batam people that we are "chai thow" (roberts)!

For taxis from larger hotels and designated Discos late at night, its a different story because of the syndication at these outlets. Unavoidable unless you walk out to the streets which I do sometimes. For small hotels, you are literally in the street anyway so just hail one from the streets if he does not agree to your proposal for 10k.

[tanner132]

Originally Posted by DNAT

ya lor ... Formosa hotel ====> Planet/Pacific
... is about the same distance from Outram Park MRT ====> Tiong Bahru MRT ... the Sg cab fare is about S$2.70-3.00 - but in BT, if we pay Rp20K is already S$3.70 or S$4 liao loh .... considered expensive as per their local standard.

Yoz Tanner: are you now in Sg or O/seas ?

Dnat. You forgetful lah. That time I told you I back from Australia liao. No more working there anymore. 1 year enough liao Kind of boring in that cowboy town. Now in Sg already 7 months liao. Went in Batam already 6-7 times liao.

[qbdp]

Originally Posted by sassina2

I do urge all brothers who go to Batam to pay no more than 10k per trip within Nagoya for all taxis that are in the streets.

The fare of 20k was a bad habit that started with the 97 Indo crisis when the Rupiah went beserk. With the recovery of that currency, it is foolish for us to pay 20k. Consider this, their vehicles are duty free compared to Singapore's ARF/COE etc etc and overheads.

If you continue to pay 20k for Nagoya city rides, you are just confirming to the Batam people that we are "chai thow" (roberts)!

For taxis from larger hotels and designated Discos late at night, its a different story because of the syndication at these outlets. Unavoidable unless you walk out to the streets which I do sometimes. For small hotels, you are literally in the street anyway so just hail one from the streets if he does not agree to your proposal for 10k.

I do agree with Bro sassina2 on the taxi fares. In fact my kaki and I have never paid more than 10k for taxi fares. Only times we paid more are from Batam Centre to Hotels (Formosa/Merlion - 30k) and from Hotels to Batam Centre (25k)

Consider this, we hailed a taxi from outside Formosa to DC mall (which is slightly further away from Jodoh) and we paid only 10k. Same for journey back.

We dont seem to have any trouble convincing the drivers to except the 10k fares at all.

[meatlover]

Originally Posted by penny

I felt that the standard has become 35K...
I read about you guys mentioning 30K is max but b4 I bargain, just ask again only, wahlao that asswhole writing the ticket outside the centre already show face like wana fight!!

Try to walk from them jetty onto the main road (approximately 50m) ... Many cabs will be glad to bring you to Nagoya for Rp20K only ...

[sassina2]

Originally Posted by meatlover

Try to walk from them jetty onto the main road (approximately 50m) ... Many cabs will be glad to bring you to Nagoya for Rp20K only ...

That I have done quite a few times too and I can confirm that 20k is more than fair for these guys outside the gate because they chort cut the taxi queue.

Anyone paying 35k to the counter fellas is just encouraging them to screw us for more and in future they will start writing 40k and more and more.

In Batam, everyone who has no education and job wants to drive the taxi because there are so many "roberts" from Singapore to 'chop'
esp if they go shopping for cewek or look for makan. The commission they earn one day from a group of 4 each taking one cewek from a joint is half a months salary to some of them!

[meatlover]

Originally Posted by sassina2

That I have done quite a few times too and I can confirm that 20k is more than fair for these guys outside the gate because they chort cut the taxi queue.

Anyone paying 35k to the counter fellas is just encouraging them to screw us for more and in future they will start writing 40k and more and more.

In Batam, everyone who has no education and job wants to drive the taxi because there are so many "roberts" from Singapore to 'chop'
esp if they go shopping for cewek or look for makan. The commission they earn one day from a group of 4 each taking one cewek from a joint is half a months salary to some of them!

Sad to say ... But there're still many "Roberts" paying high fees for a cab thus spoiling the market on a whole ...