Nagoya Thamrin City Tower A: Stunning Batam Island Apartment!
Nagoya Thamrin City Tower A: Stunning Batam Island Apartment! - A Batam Bonanza (and Maybe a Bit of a Brain-Melter)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups and batam-believers, because I'm about to unleash a review on Nagoya Thamrin City Tower A that's less a polished travel brochure and more like a sleep-deprived, overly-caffeinated friend spilling the tea… or maybe the Teh Tarik, which, by the way, you absolutely must try while you're there.
Let's get this out of the way: Batam's a bit of a wildcard. It's not Bali, it's not Singapore, it's… Batam. And Nagoya Thamrin City Tower A? Well, it's trying its darnedest to be your Batam base camp, your sanctuary amidst the shopping malls and massage parlors. And honestly? It mostly succeeds.
First Impressions & Accessibility: A Smooth (and Sometimes Hilly) Ride
Getting to the apartment? Pretty straightforward. Airport transfer? Check. Car park [free!] if you’re driving? Double-check. They even have valet parking, which, let's be honest, feels fancy even if you're just arriving in a slightly-less-than-pristine rental car.
This place, from what I could tell, is trying to be accessible. They have an elevator, which is a GODSEND in a tower, and some facilities for disabled guests. But, and this is a big but, Batam itself isn't exactly known for being a wheelchair-friendly paradise. There’s some terrain, you know? So, while the apartment itself seems okay, the surrounding area might be a bit of a challenge for some. Keep that in mind.
Inside the Apartment: Room to Roam (and Maybe Lose Yourself in Netflix)
The rooms themselves are good. Not breathtakingly glamorous, but perfectly… functional. They've got air conditioning (essential!), Wi-Fi [free] (double essential!), and a desk if you, like me, have to occasionally pretend to work while on vacation. They offer additional toilet, alarm clocks, bathrobes, carpeting, coffee/tea makers, desks, hair dryers, in-room safe box, and internet access – wireless. There were also complimentary tea, which I deeply appreciated after a long day of haggling in a market. And, oh yeah, Netflix. Thank God it's available here, because a chill evening with some good movies is the way to get through any day.
They also offer blackout curtains. These are a GIFT FROM THE GODS. Seriously, if you’re a light sleeper like yours truly, you’ll appreciate the ability to sleep past sunrise. The linens were clean, the towels fluffy enough. And the shower and separate shower/bathtub was nice, but I always take a shower…
There's also daily housekeeping, so you won't have to lift a finger, except maybe to reach for the remote or order room service (more on that later). They even have a refrigerator for your Bintang (or, you know, healthy stuff).
The Amenities: So Much to Do (and Even More to Not Do, Honestly)
Okay, here’s where things get interesting. Nagoya Thamrin City Tower A clearly wants to be your one-stop Batam shop. They’ve got:
- Swimming pool, swimming pool [outdoor]: Looks great, didn’t get a chance to jump in. My bad, I was too busy.
- Fitness center, gym/fitness: I walked past it. Looked… gym-y.
- Spa, spa/sauna: Tempting. I got side-tracked getting a foot massage, which I don't regret at all.
- Massage: Excellent. Seriously, get one. Especially after a day of exploring.
- Sauna: Never tried it. Was too busy getting massaged.
- Steamroom: See above.
- Pool with view: Looks great from the outside.
- Body scrub, body wrap: Meh. Maybe next time.
They seem to cater to kids with "family/child friendly" and "kids facilities".
Dining & Drinking: Fueling the Fun (and Avoiding the Food Court Frenzy)
This is another area where Nagoya Thamrin excels. They have a surprisingly decent array of options. Now, I'm not a food critic, but I did eat. A lot.
- They offer Breakfast [buffet] and it's pretty extensive. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, the works.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Always welcomed.
- Poolside bar: Perfect for Happy Hour.
- Room service [24-hour]: Lifesaver. Especially when you're jet-lagged and craving nasi goreng at 3 AM.
- Restaurants: A la carte food is available.
- Bar: Of course.
The restaurants offered a decent range of cuisines - Asian cuisine in restaurant, international cuisine in restaurant, with desserts in restaurant, soup in restaurant, and salad in restaurant.
Cleanliness & Safety: The New Normal (Thankfully)
This is where Nagoya Thamrin City Tower A shines. They REALLY take hygiene seriously. They've got anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, individually-wrapped food options, physically distancing of at least 1 meter, professional-grade sanitizing services, rooms sanitized between stays, and staff trained in safety protocol.. They also have hand sanitizer, and sterilizing equipment, which made me feel a lot better about not dying.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things that Make a Big Difference
They offer concierge, daily housekeeping, dry cleaning, laundry service, and luggage storage. They even have a convenience store for those late-night snack attacks.
Things to Do (Besides Shopping): A Few Thoughts
Batam is all about shopping and spas, and for those, this place has it pretty well covered. But if you're looking for a bit more, the tower allows you to meet friends, it has business facilities, audiovisual equipment for special events, meeting/banquet facilities, and seminars.
The Verdict: Would I Go Back? (Maybe)
Nagoya Thamrin City Tower A isn’t perfect. But it's a solid, comfortable, and well-equipped base camp for exploring Batam. It's clean, the staff is friendly, and the amenities are plentiful. If you're looking for a hassle-free Batam experience, this is a safe bet. Oh and if you are looking for a place to "Pop the question", there's: "Proposal spot"
This isn't the ultra-luxurious, Instagram-worthy hotel, but it provides everything you need. It is a great option for anyone looking for a good hotel in the Batam area.
Final thought: Book it. Then, after you book it, go get a massage. You deserve it.
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Escape to Paradise: Stunning Porto-Vecchio Villa Sleeps 6!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a Batam adventure! Forget perfectly curated Instagram feeds. This is the real deal, a Batam itinerary written by someone who probably needs a nap… and maybe a triple shot of espresso. We're staying at Apartment Nagoya Thamrin City Tower A 11-05. Wish me luck surviving the elevator.
Batam Island: A Messy, Magnificent Itinerary (and the Truth)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Question of "Where's the Food?"
Morning (Around Whenever I Actually Wake Up):
- Land at Hang Nadim Airport (BTH). The first hurdle: surviving the baggage carousel. Pray to your travel gods for your suitcase to arrive, and for those gods to have a sense of humour because Indonesian luggage handlers are… enthusiastic.
- The Transfer: Pre-booked a taxi. I'm usually a public transport warrior, but after the flight, I'm fragile. Pray they speak English. Pray I can understand them. I heard a rumour about a shuttle bus to Nagoya too. Might have to weigh the pros and cons of a slight saving on a ride and all the inconveniences.
- Arrival and Apartment Check-In: Okay, apartment time! Finding the building. Finding the key. Pray the air conditioning works because humidity is a monster. Finding the building is going to be half the battle I've heard. Hope the view is at least Instagrammable because, let's be honest, that's a legitimate travel goal.
Lunch (Whenever I Can Stop Drooling at the Thought of Food):
- The Quest for Sustenance Begins: Okay, so I'm starving. Nagoya has a reputation for food, and I'm ready for my culinary education. I've been eyeing up a Nasi Padang restaurant. Should be close to the apartment. Wish me luck with the spice levels. Hope there's something besides rice because my stomach is a fickle beast.
Afternoon (AKA Post-Lunch Food Coma):
- Nap Time (Important): Seriously. Jet lag and Indonesian heat are a potent combo. A short power nap is vital for survival.
- Explore Nagoya (Maybe): If I haven't melted into a puddle, I'll venture out. Aiming to get my bearings, look for a supermarket and maybe some street markets.
- The Glorious Batam City Shopping (aka the malls): Apparently, Batam is a shopping paradise. I'm not a shopper, but if I find a good deal on some local snacks, I'm in. Plus, air conditioning!
Evening:
- Dinner at a Seafood Restaurant (Likely): Batam is famous for its seafood. I'm hoping for fresh, grilled fish, and maybe some garlic-butter prawns. I'd love to try a seafood restaurant, but I'm also thinking about the street food I was told about.
- Night Market Exploration (If I Have Enough Energy): Some night markets are incredible. The smells, the chaos, the cheap souvenirs… it's an experience. If I'm not too tired, I will probably go.
Day 2: Temples, Temples Everywhere, and the Great Question of "How Do I Bargain?"
Morning:
- Breakfast (Hopefully in the Apartment): Making (attempting to make) my own breakfast, or grabbing something nearby if I can't.
- Visiting the Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple: This is a major tourist spot. Giant statues and some cool architecture. I'm hoping it's as peaceful and serene as the brochures suggest. I'm not always the best at being serene. But I'll try.
Late Morning (and it doesn't seem so late!):
- Bargaining at a local market: My attempts to haggle for some clothes at the flea market and the nearby shops.
- The question of what to eat and drink. I want some local fruit. and lots and lots of water.
Lunch:
- Local Eatery (Hopefully): I really want to eat where the locals eat. Avoiding overly touristy places. Just… crossing my fingers for a good meal.
Afternoon:
- Relaxation and Leisure: Time to go to a spa, as I am told the massages are divine.
- Maybe a swim at the beach (if I feel brave): Batam beaches are apparently nice. I don't love sand, but the water's the draw!
Evening:
Sunset Viewpoint (if I can get myself there): Apparently there are some amazing sunset spots. Going to try to make my way towards them.
Dinner & Drinks: Maybe a rooftop bar? Or just back to my seafood addiction? I do have a problem.
Day 3: Day Trips and the Pain of Packing
- Morning:
- Breakfast: A repeat of the previous day, the apartment, or a local cafe. Coffee is crucial at this point.
- The Big Decision: Day trip! There is the island of Galang or the island of Rempang.
- Lunch:
- Lunch at the island, or back in the city. I'll need to organize this (and by "organize," I mean "figure it out at the last minute").
- Afternoon:
- Island time:
- Packing: I'm the worst packer on earth. I swear, I always bring the wrong shoes. Why do I always bring the wrong shoes?!
- Evening: * Dinner: One final feast? Something I've been craving? It's my last night! * Evening Drinks and Memories: Might go back to a favorite spot, or just… sit and be grateful for this crazy trip. Time to write in my journal and reflect.
Day 4: Farewell Batam (and the Long Flight Home)
- Morning (The Bitter End):
- Breakfast (Again): The final one!
- Last-minute souvenir shopping: Did I miss anything? Panic time!
- Apartment check-out: Hoping I haven't broken anything. Praying the deposit is returned.
- Late Morning/ Afternoon:
- Farewell Lunch:
- Airport Transfer: Hopefully, the traffic isn't too crazy.
- Departure: Until next time, Batam! (Just try not to remember how much I hate packing).
Important Notes (Because, You Know, I'm Clueless):
- Mosquitoes: Bring bug spray. Seriously. They'll eat you alive.
- Sunscreen: It's hot. Protect your pasty skin.
- Money: The local currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Get some before you go, and be prepared for some serious inflation.
- Taxis/Gojek/Grab: Use them. They're cheap and easy (usually).
- Be polite: Learn some basic Indonesian phrases. It goes a long way. Please and Thank you.
- Embrace the Chaos: Things won't always go to plan. That's the beauty of travel. Breathe, laugh, and roll with it. Even if the elevator does eat you.
So that's the plan, folks. Wish me luck, because this is going to be an adventure. I can already tell. Stay tuned for the post-trip report, which may or may not involve tales of questionable street food, accidental language mishaps, and a desperate search for a decent cup of coffee. See you on the other side!
Escape to Paradise: Konokono Beach Resort, Zanzibar's Hidden Gem
So, what *is* this all about, anyway? Like, what are we even talking *about*? (Because, honestly, I'm a little lost.)
Alright, deep breaths. You know how everyone’s all, "Oh, just Google it!"? Well, *I* Google things. A LOT. And sometimes, the answers are… bleh. Bland. Robot-y. So, I decided to just, like, make up my own. About life. About things. About *stuff*. This is a curated, uh… *collection* of questions I've asked myself (and sometimes, by extension, you, the reader, in your infinite wisdom), or that friends have asked, and the, ahem, *opinions* that I, uh, came up with. It's gonna be a bumpy ride, and frankly, I don't always know where we're going. But, you know, at least we're going *somewhere*.
Okay, but why are we even DOING this? What's the POINT? (I have a short attention span. Tell me NOW.)
Look, I'm not gonna lie. There's no grand plan. No secret purpose other than, well... I like to write. And maybe, just *maybe*, if I'm lucky, someone will read this and think, "Phew, glad *I'm* not the only one who feels like that!" Or, you know, just get a chuckle. Or even – gasp – disagree vehemently! That’s cool too. It’s all human. And it kinda makes me feel less… alone, I guess. And hey, if this whole thing blows up and I become a wildly successful internet personality? Well, that's not a bad reason either, if I am being honest, though I would never admit it.
Is this some kind of... like, a personal blog? (I hope not. Blogs are *so* last Tuesday.)
Ugh, the "B" word. Okay, maybe. Kinda. It’s more like... me vomited onto the internet. In a *good* way. It's got my opinions, my quirks, probably some typos (sorry, not sorry, my proofreading skills are... developing), and a healthy dose of sarcasm. So, yeah, it’s personal. But hopefully, it's… *interesting* personal. (Maybe.) And hopefully not boring. That's what I'm aiming for.
So, what kinds of things will we *actually* be discussing? Like, give me a hint! (Pretty please?)
Well, that's the beauty of the whole thing - I have *no* flipping clue! Okay, okay, I *do* have some ideas rattling around in my brain like loose change in a washing machine. We might touch on things like relationships (romantic, platonic, even the weird ones with your cat), work (the soul-crushing or the occasionally sparkly), and life in general (the whole shebang). Maybe even a bit of pop culture, if I can find it. I mean, you'll get my raw thoughts on all sorts of things, and that might change daily, let's be honest. I might rant about the price of avocados one day and then wax poetic about sunsets the next. It's a gamble! A glorious, unpredictable gamble. Buckle up, baby!
Okay, I'm seeing a theme here... Is this going to be *opinionated*? (Because I don't have the time for fluff.)
Oh, honey. Buckle *way* up. This is gonna be *dripping* with opinions. I'm the queen of opinions. I'm the opinion-giver, the opinion-maker, the opinion- *eater*! I mean, I’m a human with feelings and thoughts! You’re gonna get them, unfiltered and raw. If you're easily offended, or prefer your information served with a side of vanilla, you might want to... well, you might want to go find a different FAQ. Or maybe not. Embrace the chaos! Come on, live a little, it’s fun!
(Deep breath) Alright, I'm tentatively in. But what about the… formatting? Is it going to be all neat and tidy? Because I'm not about that life.
Nope. Absolutely not. Think less "professional brochure" and more "drunk roommate's late-night journal scribblings." Expect rambling tangents, random capitalization, and maybe a font change or two if the mood strikes me. It's gonna look like I had a few coffees and just started typing. Messy. Unpredictable. Gloriously… *un-organized*. I might even accidentally forget to use proper punctuation. Sue me (please don't). So, yeah, get ready for a format that's as chaotic as my brain. You were warned.
What if I disagree with something you say? Am I allowed to do that? (Because, let's be real, that's probably gonna happen.)
Absolutely! PLEASE! I thrive on disagreement! Look, I'm not trying to convert anyone to my way of thinking. I'm just throwing my thoughts out there like a mental confetti cannon. If you disagree, that's fantastic! Debate me! Argue with me! Tell me I'm an idiot! (Politely, please… I'm sensitive, even if I pretend not to be.) The more the merrier. Actually, if you *agree* with everything, I'll get suspicious. What are you hiding from me? Do you secretly want to be me? Just kidding… kind of. Let's chat. Disagreement is the spice of life, and is what makes the world go round. I wanna hear your thoughts! I really do!
Okay, okay. So, about that thing you mentioned earlier… about the blog? Are you trying to become famous? (Because, eww, that’s… a lot.)
Look. I'm going to be honest here. The thought of someone liking this enough to pay me for it is, admittedly, nice. But fame? The constant scrutiny? The paparazzi? No, thank you. I'm all for a low-key existence. I like my coffee. I like my books. I like my… well, you get the idea. Of course, if this thing became a *major* hit and they started showering me with money and yachts? I wouldn't complain. I'm only human. But the primary goal is not world domination through verbosity. The primary goal is… well, I guess, to make my brain shut up for a bit. And maybe, just *maybe* entertain some people along the way. Fame would be a nice perk though, I am not going to lie.
Is there a specific *audience* you're aiming for? (Because I might not be in it.)
Wallet Friendly Stay
