Montigo Resort, A Short Getaway Day 1
Saturday, August 22, 2015 | 0 Comment |
Monday, 17 Aug. I met up with some friends because it would have been the last night that I would be available to meet before embarking on my Bkk, USA x Vancouver student exchange.
After months of anticipation and much preparations, I was so ready to go!! The countdown began as it was only 12 hours before my flight to bkk!
As my friends and I were about to head home, one of them showed me the worst news possible. A bomb blast occurred in the center of bkk's busiest districts, a sacred shrine visited by hundreds of buddist locals and foreigners daily, was instantly defaced by an act of terror. Once I learnt the news, it was not long before reality set in. Knowing my parents, they would definitely disallow me to go.
Not that they could stop me, but I wouldn't want to be selfish and keep them worrying about my safety if my bf and I had proceeded with the long awaited trip. We had a full 5 day 4 night itinerary planned, to make sure we visited all our favourite places such as Caturday Cat Cafe and unexplored territory like Union Mall.
We were both so disappointed.
I made some calls to Jetstar and AIG to see if our flight would be available for claim. Both companies asked me to call each other -.- but, the Jetstar customer service officer was really nice and understanding and surpassed my expectations. Thankfully, Jetstar is reported to waive rebooking fees for flights on 18 Aug. I have yet to call because I am still in Montigo but hopefully they will give me good news.
So, desperate for a getaway, Darren and I made last minute arrangements to Montigo Resort, Batam. Never have we made decisions faster. LOL. We didn't want to be stuck in Singapore days leading up to our 4 month physical separation. Dramatic, I know.
Day 1, 18 Aug.
My sis dropped us off at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal which is super ulu and she offered to be our ride back too! Yay!!
on the ferry
Agoda had the best offer for Montigo's Hilltop Villa, with last minute hot deal discounts and free breakfast. The total came to be about $630 for 2 nights. The other webpages such as booking.com were at least $670 or more.
We spent another $110 for a ferry ride both ways and it includes travel insurance as well.
Changed another $300 to rupiah at 9600 rp to 1 SGD. (which we have spent mostly on the expensive resort food, nice nonetheless)
TOTAL DAMAGE: $1080, $540 each. (BKK would have been $386+$330+$1.2k = $1.9k)
The resort is really beautiful and quiet. It is very clean and spacious too. We didn't do any beach activities cos only 2 people, play banana boat also not fun.. (plus, its quite expensive to get a taxi to bring us to Turi beach about 150k per way.)
So we just ate a lot, I look at you, you look at me lor.. what else?? haha.
Montigo provides a free pick up and drop off service from the ferry terminal at Nongsa. Although we made a last minute booking in the middle of the night, they managed to arrange pick up for us along with other Singaporeans. I must say, their service is really excellent.
Although its just the two of us, the entire villa was at our disposal.
We had a spacious living room and a well equipped kitchen area with stoves, sink, microwave and fridge. All the utensils were also provided but we didn't use them. Both bed rooms are on the second floor a the pool/sea view, one with double bed and the other with king bed. Both have their own toilets. The roof top is also available for bbqs etc (but damn hot lah in the afternoon).
Also to get around the entire resort, there are buggy services which you can call as and when you need for free. We didn't really tip (except for housekeeping) because you will always need a buggy.. too hilly and far to walk.
At Tadd's Restaurant - All Day Dining for a late lunch
Food at the resort is of comparable standards to Singapore and isn't cheap but still cheaper even after a 20% tax.
Montigo provides a free pick up and drop off service from the ferry terminal at Nongsa. Although we made a last minute booking in the middle of the night, they managed to arrange pick up for us along with other Singaporeans. I must say, their service is really excellent.
at the reception waiting to check in
They greeted us with an iced lemon grassy drink and a cold towel. One thing to note is the entire resort is not airconditioned except for your rooms and perhaps the gym and business meeting room facilities. There are 2 dining areas, one below the reception and one on the other side of the resort. They aren't hot if there is a fan above you, but there are mosquitos and sparrows who target your food when the chance arises.
the view from the living room/private pool
Although its just the two of us, the entire villa was at our disposal.
We had a spacious living room and a well equipped kitchen area with stoves, sink, microwave and fridge. All the utensils were also provided but we didn't use them. Both bed rooms are on the second floor a the pool/sea view, one with double bed and the other with king bed. Both have their own toilets. The roof top is also available for bbqs etc (but damn hot lah in the afternoon).
Also to get around the entire resort, there are buggy services which you can call as and when you need for free. We didn't really tip (except for housekeeping) because you will always need a buggy.. too hilly and far to walk.
At Tadd's Restaurant - All Day Dining for a late lunch
Food at the resort is of comparable standards to Singapore and isn't cheap but still cheaper even after a 20% tax.
complementary bread
these mango and strawberry yogurt smoothies are perfect for the hot afternoon
Montigo's Signature Nasi Goreng
MUST TRY! Daaaamn nice. came with beef skewers, chicken wing and a fresh grilled prawn.
(115k rp)
Jetty at Montigo.
Watching the sunset while soaking in our private pool
Sunset view from bedroom!
At the dinner restaurant below the reception which serves chinese food and sea food.
The giant fan behind us seems to be wireless and portable. Damn ups. They also lit mosquito coils but Darren didn't spray insect repellent and still ended up getting lots of bites.
I don't have food photos here cos its super dim (and romantic) but we ordered
Asparagus and crab soup
Cuttlefish deep fried with 3 flours (DAMN SHIOK THIS ONE)
Braised home made tofu with vegetables
Dry chicken mee sua
Ate till I had a food baby, the food was all very delicious.
Each dish was less than SG$10.
Cheap and really good.
Sun still setting while at dinner
Labels: batam, montigo, montigo resort, review, short getaway
