[jdanielca]

My latest experience in Batam for the discerning traveller:

1. Stayed at Swissbelhotel Harbourbay - I was very happy with the room, although the lobby was a bit of a disappointment. Other than the resorts which are far away I think you would be hard pressed to find a better hotel. Room service was cheap, service in general was slowish although I think is more to do with indonesia than the hotel.

2. We went to M1 KTV both nights, this place was much better than Pacific Palace in every way, it was almost next to the hotel, there was no extra 500,000 that they tried to levy on us on Saturday, it was a flat 1.5mil min spend no extra room fee. There's a private bed room and dinning room and toilet.. all very clean and in great condition. the girls however are another thing... but I think this is the typical batam standard.. also cheaper at 300k instead of 500k at Pacific. But they do close at 4.

3. We tried octopuss spa it was crap... a/c was not working throughout the place, they watch tv while massaging you... we went back to Delta on the 2nd day... much better overall experience wise.

Next time I go I would want to try Billiards centre pub and ktv, looks great in the pics, have to see in person.