Batam is one of the largest islands in the Riau archipelago, and 30 years ago it was just another poor island with coastal villages and unspoiled nature. The declaration of the Batam free trade zone in 1989 has turned the island upside down, after just a few years of rapid construction it now has a modern airport (Bandar Udara Hang Nadim), tourist and business centers and a still growing infrastructure that has changed the island completely.
Nagoya, also known as Lubuk Baja, is the original center of Batam, and not a very attractive town with a mix of old and new characterless buildings. But if you are looking for local entertainment this must be the place, with plenty of shops, food stalls, nightlife, discos, music lounges, karaoke, restaurants and many small hotels. It is also at the present Batam’s center of business, trade and finance.
10 August 07
Batu Ampar is the port of Nagoya. HT, SK and myself arrived at Harbour Bay, Batu Ampar ferry terminal at about 2:30 WIB (Western Indonesia Standard Time. GMT+7). Going through the immigration formalities is straightforward and hassleless. The money changer at Harbour Bay operated by PT. Banda Mustikamas offered Rp 6.075 to S$1.
Took a taksi (Rp 15.000) far outside the terminal following the advice of Theosofie and within 5 min, we were at Nagoya. According to him, if you take the taxi in front of the arrival hall it will cost you bomb and the price is fixed.
It was a clear and lazy Friday afternoon and we decided to stroll around Nagoya and do some hotel review ourselves. We covered 7 hotels within 2 hours time.
Here’s the review outcome:
Hotel Prima Asia
Nagoya 2000 No. 09-10, Lubuk Baja (Nagoya), Pulau Batam 29432, Indonesia
☎ +62-778-429607, 429608, 429609 (fax: +62-778-426389).
Standard Rp 125.000, VIP Rp 165.000 (additional Rp 20.000 on weekends).
Located behind Centerpoint, it offers acceptable rooms with hot shower and TV, though a few have only wall views. It’s a good deal if your budget is really tight.
Hotel Nagoya Plasa
Jl. Imam Bonjol, Lubuk Baja (Nagoya), Pulau Batam 29432, Indonesia
☎ +62-778-459888 (fax: +62-778-456690, 456418)
Standard Rp 300.000, Superior Rp 380.000, Junior Suite Rp 600.000, Suite Rp 800.000, add an extra bed costs Rp 100.000.
A total of 131 rooms and suites. It is located next to the largest, brand new hypermarket and shopping center in Batam – Nagoya Hill Shopping Centre. The rooms are stuffed with modern amenities such as refrigerator and mini bar, IDD, private bath and shower, soft touch and master bedside control panel for central AC, TV, radio, lighting, in-house video. Other facilities include a bar & lounge, coffee shop and big screen sport café. Well known among modern executives and golfers.
Holiday Hotel
Jl. Iman Bonjol Blok B No. 1 Lubuk Baja (Nagoya), Pulau Batam 29432, Indonesia
☎ +62-778-458616 (fax: +62-778-457531)
Ekonomi Rp 181.500, Standard Rp 192.500 VIP Rp 220.000, add an extra bed costs Rp 44.000.
This is a typical Indonesian Chinese-run midrange hotel. It’s not gorgeous, but it’s the best value of its kind. The staffs seem ambivalent to give any discount, even though the room occupancy rate is low. Breakfast included and check out time is 13:00.
Formosa Hotel
A8 City Plaza, Lubuk Baja (Nagoya), Pulau Batam 29432, Indonesia
☎ +62-778-426789 (fax: +62-778-426722)
Deluxe or Superior King S$63/S$68 (weekday/weekends), Junior Suites S$100/S$110 (weekday/weekends), Executive Suites S$130/S$140 (weekday/weekends).
This Singapore Dollar friendly 3 star hotel is only steps away from the Nagoya’s shopping malls and food courts (pujasera). All 110 rooms are fully carpeted, tastefully furnished with soft color and attached sound proof bathroom. The hotel has great modern lobby, spacious rooms but no swimming pool.
Goodway Hotel
Jl. Imam Bonjol, No. 1, Lubuk Baja (Nagoya), Pulau Batam 29432, Indonesia
☎ +62-778-426888 (fax: +62-778-458057)
Superior S$106, Junior Suite S$107, Executive Suite S$245, Presidential Suite S$860, add an extra bed costs S$35.
This 4 star business-class hotel with good location offers 273 rooms and suites. Used to be known as Mandarin Regency Hotel and ever housed one of the better known casinos in Batam island, it’s quite a grand hotel but a little dated. Nevertheless, it’s served by a good team of friendly and helpful staffs. The hotel business is not as good as it used to be since the casino ban in Feb 2005. There’s a restaurant, health centre, swimming pool, pub, karaoke Lounge and saloon. Check out time is 12:00.
Regina Inn
Kompleks Inti Sakti Bl A/4 Lubuk Baja (Nagoya), Pulau Batam 29432, Indonesia
☎ +62-778-425290.
Ekonomi Rp 90.000 Standard Rp 110.000 VIP Rp 130.000.
Uninspiring, unexciting, this budget option can be pretty grimy. Rooms are very basic.
Sari Jaya Hotel
Kompleks Bumi Indah, Lubuk Baja (Nagoya), Pulau Batam 29432, Indonesia
☎ +62-778-451338 (fax: +62-778-451342)
Superior Rp 250.000, Junior Suite Rp 300.000, add an extra bed costs Rp 60.500.
This hotel has seen better days. Renovation works are still ongoing and will only finish around end of Aug ‘07. It has big and spacious rooms, offers standard TV, hot water and breakfast. However, there are some hairline cracks observed on the wall in the room. Daily renovation works end about 17:00 and it’s not really worth the price unless having a perennial 20%-off special. Check out time is 13:00.
Updated the hotel review information in Wikitravel and thanks to HT & SK!
