18-hole golf courses, fab restaurants, amazing shopping choices and jaw-dropping views of the sea – do you need another reason to scoot off to Batam this weekend?
We don’t know about you, but jetting away to a luxurious island retreat ranks pretty high on our travel bucket list every time. Whether it’s going for a dive in the Maldives or chillin’ by the pool in Bali, who can say no to the warm, tropical sun and sparkling blue waters? Not us, for sure!
What’s awesome about living in Singapore is its close proximity to lush tropical islands around Southeast Asia, and one great example is Batam, a fuss-free travel destination that’s only a 30-minute boat ride away. This underrated island in Indonesia has everything you’ll want in a quick and easy weekend getaway – expansive 18-hole golf courses, seafood restaurants, beachside bars, spas, boutiques and even luxe resorts. Cast in point? Montigo Resorts, Nongsa, comprising a cluster of family-friendly and spacious villas, is where you should be for picture-perfect panoramas and top-notch service.
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Gorgeous vistas
With Batam’s coast right on your doorstep, you don’t have to leave the comfort of your seafront villa to enjoy an unblocked view of the South China Sea. And it’s not just the sun, sand and surf that’s given us a serious case of holiday envy; the island also features other Instagrammable spots like the Barelang Bridge – that is, if you’re planning to travel a little further from the villas.
Five-star treatment
Accommodation options range from a Premier One-Bedroom, Deluxe Two-Bedroom to a Premier Three- or Four-Bedroom villa (look out for an exclusive Premier Five-Bedroom villa, slated to open in the second quarter of this year). However you choose to live it up, you can be sure that most of these villas are equipped with sprawling living spaces, contemporary Indonesian interiors, private pools and master suites with spacious bathrooms, all serviced by friendly and professional staff.
Exhilarating water sports
It’s tempting to spend your entire holiday in a spa and really, who can blame you? After all, the rustic surrounds of Montigo Spa, coupled with top-notch services like rejuvenating baths and Javanese-inspired massages are second to none. Even better, there are spa packages for kids and couples, so you can make this chill-out sesh one for the fam. But if you’d rather hit the great outdoors, there are tonnes of activities available for thrill-seekers. Wake-boarding, water-skiing, jet-skiing, knee-boarding, kayaking or banana boat rides are just some examples guaranteed to get your heart pumping!
Family-friendly fun
So, you’re more about the #slowlife – nothing wrong with that! Bring the fam on a leisurely excursion around the island through guided tours that you can book via their website. Hop on a vintage car ride around Nongsa’s Heritage Village, explore the nearby Nongsa Village on a bicycle or kayak through the mangroves. Alternatively, you can skip the itinerary planning by signing up for a half- or full-day Batam tour that covers attractions such as Barelang Bridge, Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple and the Nagoya City Walk Factory Outlet & Shopping Mall. Even if you’re not too keen on sight-seeing, you can still opt for alternatives such as an Indonesian cuisine cooking class, Batik painting or a treasure hunt at Tilo Kids Club.
Top-notch dining choices
One of the many highlights of Montigo Resorts, Nongsa, is its varied selection of dining options. TADD’s, a kid-friendly, semi-alfresco restaurant serving Indonesian, Asian and Western plates has mouthwatering dishes like gado-gado salad, Montigo club sandwich and coconut creme brulee. Craving for seafood? Pantai, a kelong-style resto, specialises in fresh, home-style surf and turf. End (or start) your night with cocktails, bar bites and smooth grooves at TIIGO Beach Club, a poolside bar with cabana beds and indoor loungers. Now, who’s ready for round two?
Valentine’s Day Special!
Planning a romantic getaway? Then check out their Romance by the Sea package, which gives you the option of an intimate, six-course dinner by the Montigo jetty or sand park on Valentine’s Day. More information here.
Montigo Resorts, Nongsa, Jl. Hang Lekir Nongsa, Batam, p. 6505 9381/ +62 778 776 8888.
This article is sponsored by Montigo Resorts, Nongsa