Batam View Beach Resort

Much better than expected

Took the Truly Spa FullBoard Package offered by New Century Tours Corporation in Singapore for a very quick getaway with 3 friends. The draw of the package was the 3 hours spa treatment which you get to choose from 4 options they offer you. Also included are breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which we thought added up to a fantastic trip. For twin sharing, each pax only had to pay SGD185nett (inclusive of whatever taxes etc). And you pick from almost hourly timing for your departure and return ferry. The only thing is you need to indicate what time you would like your spa upon booking so they can block the slots for you, especially important when you have a big group. Spa options are preferred to be selected prior to departure but you can also make changes when you arrive at the resort.

The resort has staff in yellow to bring you to their yellow mini van for the 15mins ride to the resort. The resort looks extremely old from the outside but I think they have done a good job in refurbishing the insides.

The lobby looks more hotel than resort and was a welcomed change to the typical beach resort look. The staff was friendly and smiley, maybe because it was a weekday than weekend when you get the crowds. We arrived at 10am batam time (1 hour behind Singapore time) and they said they'll try and get the rooms ready by 10:30am. Welcome drinks were soursop juice.

The hotel can get you a taxi for SGD5 per pax, which amounts to SGD20 per one-way ride to the nearest shopping mall 30mins away. The shuttle bus costs the same per pax but you'll have to adhere to the restricted timings which was only one departure and one return per day.

Rooms were roomy enough for 3 to share even with an extra bed fitted in. Clean, adequately fitted, and well maintained - much better than what I expected from one of the oldest resort in batam. Beds were nicely comfortable although not luxurious. Bottled water was also provided in the rooms.

The resort has a nice pool which we did not try, and its own private beach. If you go on weekdays, it practically feels you have the whole place to yourself.

Breakfast was a good spread, although quality for some items can be improved. Buffet lunch which was included in the package was not good as they were basically leftovers items recycled from breakfast. The packaged dinner for Kelong Restaurant was very good though, with black pepper crab, deep fried calamari, butter prawns, sweet sour fish, tom yam soup, vegetables, which was all good and fresh. Its a good 10mins walk from the main lobby though, but I guess its a good short workout to balance out all the good food.

Definitely a good place for a quick getaway!

Right from the start you will be assisted by BVBR staff dressed in Yellow Uniforms. A yellow van will be fetching you from the ferry terminal. In less than 10 mins you'll reach the resort. Service staff is good although not all of them speak good English. Swimming pool is great with a small bar in between playing the latest hits. There are a few cages around the vicinity where you can see parrots, turkeys, pigeons and peacocks. Beach is beautiful but not very clean. The staff at the sea-sports side is excellent. Very friendly and caring. I took the jet-ski with my husband and my daughter (5 yrs old) and he followed and waited at the side to ensure that we are safe. Food is quite costly but doesn't taste that great. A plate of noodles costs about $9 before tax and service charge, not including drinks yet! Many choices for breakfast but still taste-wise is not so good. Room is good. Spacious, clean and has a balcony with great view. Overall I'd say its worth going there to relax.