Batam/Bintan or JB?

[Dino84]

Hi All,

I'm taking my partner for her first overseas trip next month, spending a few days in Singapore. However after I organised the flights I've realised that I'd booked it for the few days leading up to the F1 race. As a result while I've found reasonably priced accommodation for the Wednesday and Thursday, Friday is another matter altogether.

With the above in mind I've decided to spend friday night outside of Sin but haven't decided yet if I should go north or south. JB will definitely cheaper however I would've thought that the Woodlands crossing would be a nightmare at this time with the sudden influx of tourists for the F1 weekend. Batam or Bintan was my other option, although the ferry and visa costs would possibly negate a lot of the hotel savings.

Any suggestions?

Scott.

 

[JohnK]

I have thought about visiting Batam but there are limited transport options to get to/from the island and I am not sure there would be too much to do unless you decided to stay in a resort. The Holiday Inn is usually cheap(ish).

I guess for your situation Johor Bahru may well be a better alternative. Have you checked hotel accommodation just in case it is expensive there as well?

 

[markis10]

Batam is probably the way to go, $60 for a suite at the HI,, $10 USD for a VISA and round trip ferry SGD$42, so $180 approx for two in SGD. The ferry is hourly and takes 45 minutes.

 

[munitalP]

Batan is a cough hole, JB is not much better. My advice would be grab a jetstar or Air Asia flight to KL and go enjoy your time there. Last time I flew Asia from SIN to KL it was on a $25 fare.

 

[Major]

I asked a similar question last year

http://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/community/your-questions/bintan-or-batam-28367.html

I would not go back...try the markets at JB, always a bit of fun

 

[Dino84]

Thanks for the replies, looks like JB might be the way to go, though I'm still dreading the Woodlands crossing at that time. Any suggesions for decent quality hotels in the area?

Scott.

 

[ethernet]

Side Note:
There is string of Hotels along the street with the 'New York' being a biggie - use Agoda and do not pick NY as it is an aged hotel.

Border crossing in Singapore was not too bad, but 4-8 pm are going to be longer, and Friday evening longer.
There are peak periods - others can advise.
Crossing at Christmas or Chinese new year - or other important holiday - well that is a disaster and will be long indeed.
I went over at 9 PM and breezed through both sides. They - .sg were giving tourists with big bags a slight grilling - KUL back to SIN, but as soon as I answered no cigarettes - it was move along.

 

[Dino84]

Thanks Ethernet. I've done the Woodlands crossing before and it wasn't too painful, I'm just worried about what it would be like when the f1s are on. Maybe the train won't be as packed?

Scott.