Escape to Paradise: Batam Island's Best Kept Secret (Planet Holiday Hotel)
Okay, Here's the Raw Truth About This Place (And a Whole Lot of Rambling!)
Alright, folks, buckle up. I’ve just spent… ahem … a few glorious/harrowing/occasionally bizarre days at this place, and I’m here to give you the unvarnished truth. No sugarcoating. No corporate speak. Just me, my slightly-too-large keyboard, and a burning need to share my… experience. Let's dive in, shall we?
First Impressions: Accessibility, Safety & the "Everything's Gonna Be Okay" Vibes
Immediately, I’m seeing Accessibility features, and that's a huge plus. I'm not personally in a wheelchair, but knowing that the place caters to folks with disabilities gives me warm fuzzies. The Wheelchair accessible areas are, as far as I could see, actually accessible. Not just a ramp slapped on for show. Good job, folks.
Now, in the modern world, Cleanliness and Safety are more than just a box to tick. It's about feeling safe. They've gone all-in here, seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere (bless!), and staff that looks like they've been trained to handle a biohazard (in a good way!). They've even got Sterilizing equipment visible. I'm guessing they could handle an outbreak of something far scarier than a stubbed toe. I heard there's even a Doctor/nurse on call – which is reassuring and slightly intimidating, all at once! The Room sanitization opt-out available is a nice touch. Shows they trust people and aren't just force-feeding the cleanliness.
The Physical distancing of at least 1 meter was generally observed, but sometimes, when the breakfast buffet was open and the pastry smells were wafting, I'm not going to lie… I briefly forgot all about the rules.
Also - and this is huge - Cashless payment service is available. Thank heavens, because juggling currency in different countries, especially when you're as directionally-challenged as I am, is a recipe for disaster.
The Rooms: My Temporary Sanctuary (Mostly)
My room? Well, let's be honest, it was a room. Spacious enough, with Air conditioning that actually worked (a godsend in the humidity). There's a desk which, let's face it, spent more time holding my laptop than actually being used for productive work. The Free Wi-Fi (yes! Wi-Fi [free]!) did, admittedly, drop out a couple of times, which gave me an excuse to stare out the window.
And speaking of windows, Window that opens – GOLD. Fresh air is not overrated. The Blackout curtains were a lifesaver for catching up on some serious sleep (or hiding from the world, I won't judge). The Bathroom had a separate Shower and Bathtub, which is always a win in my book. The Bathrobes were plush – the kind that make you feel like you’re a glamorous movie star, even if you’re just awkwardly trying to braid your hair.
The Wi-Fi [Free] in all rooms! I think I spent as much time online as offline.
But here’s where things got slightly… messy. See, I’m a stickler for details. The Socket near the bed? Fantastic. The Hair dryer? Essential. But the coffee/tea maker? Well, let's just say it took me a good ten minutes to figure out how the thing worked. And the alarm clock? Forget about it. I needed a whole team to set that thing up.
One small gripe, a serious one, but a story for another time: I’m fairly certain the mattress was designed by a sadist. It was hard as a rock, and I woke up feeling like I’d been wrestling all night. Not good.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (With Occasional Missteps)
Food is life, right? Well, I’m a foodie, so I was very excited!! Let's start with the good. Breakfast [buffet] was pretty epic, with everything. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast. Coffee was hot and the pastries were actually edible! Even the Coffee/tea in restaurant was top-notch. I ate enough desserts in restaurant to become a dessert connoisseur.
The Poolside bar was a perfect way to spend the day – even if it was a bit expensive. The salad in restaurant was always fresh as well. And the bottle of water was a nice touch.
Now, for the not-so-good. Getting the Breakfast in room was a nightmare. The first time it never showed up! The second time, it arrived an hour late, and the eggs were cold. Oops. I'm not saying it was the worst day; I'm just saying I was seriously hangry.
I’m also a fan of a good Happy hour. But I have to say, the one here felt a bit… premature. The drinks tasted like they’d been pre-mixed in a vat somewhere. Not the best.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: A Mixed Bag of Bliss and… Well, More Rambling
Okay, so, Swimming pool [outdoor] was amazing. The Pool with view? Even better. Hours were spent floating, contemplating the meaning of… well, nothing, really. It’s a proper stress-buster.
They advertised a Spa, and I, being a sucker for pampering, naturally signed up for a Body scrub and a Massage. The scrub? Fantastic. The massage? Let's just say the masseuse clearly had a passion for… kneading. My back felt like putty afterwards and I spent the rest of the day wandering around in a blissful haze. The Sauna and Steamroom were fine too, but the massage? It was an experience.
The Fitness center was present, although, to be honest, I was too busy eating and relaxing to actually use it. Maybe next time!
Services and Conveniences: A Mixed Bag
The Daily housekeeping was meticulous, and I always came back to a perfectly made bed. The Doorman was helpful, and the Concierge knew everything. The Luggage storage was also super helpful.
The Convenience store? Well, that's where I bought my snacks, like the one that I ate whilst waiting for my breakfast.
For the Kids: Okay But Not a Highlight
I saw the Kids facilities, and they seemed… adequate. I don’t have kids, so I don't have an informed opinion, but there were some toys, I guess, and kids running around.
Getting Around: Mostly Smooth Sailing
The Airport transfer was seamless, a great start to things. The Car park [free of charge] was a definite bonus, and the Taxi service easy to access.
Wrapping Up: The Verdict & My Overall Vibe
So, would I recommend this place? Overall, yeah, I probably would. The safety protocols were top-notch, and they seem to actually care about their guests. The food was generally good, with some definite highs and lows. And the pool? Pure bliss.
The mattress was a definite low, though, and I wanted to put that complaint in my review.
Is it perfect? Nah. But it's got heart and it's trying. And sometimes, that's all you need. And, if you’re looking for a place to unwind, and you don’t mind a few minor imperfections, then go for it. Just maybe pack your own pillow.
Escape to Paradise: The Belamar Hotel's Unbeatable Manhattan Beach Getaway
Okay, buckle up, buttercup! This isn't your pristine, perfectly organized travel itinerary from a brochure. This is me, the grumpy, easily-distracted, slightly-hungover traveler, attempting to remember what happened in Batam. Prepare for a bumpy ride…
The Planet Holiday Hotel & Residence Batam Island: My Batam Brain Dump
Day 1: Arrival & Utter Confusion (and Delicious Seafood)
6:00 AM (ish) - The Predawn Panic: Arrived at the ferry terminal. Okay, so I thought I booked a direct ferry, but apparently, I was so busy patting myself on the back for booking a trip that I forgot to actually read anything. Turns out, it’s a transfer. Joy. My brain felt like scrambled eggs. The customs officer was a sweet, patient lady who definitely saw the panic in my eyes when I held up my passport like I was showing off a winning lottery ticket. Bless her.
9:00 AM - Ferry to Planet Holiday: Chugged towards Batam. The sea was, surprisingly, not pukeworthy. I'm not a boat person. I always think I'm gonna be seasick. Turns out, I'm fine on short trips. The sky was that perfect tropical blue though. So, the ferry ride… not too bad. Found a tiny, slightly-dodgy-looking snack bar and got myself a (terrible) instant coffee. Fuel for the day.
10:00 AM - Check-In and… Whoa! Planet Holiday is… well, it's something. Giant, slightly gaudy statues everywhere. Think Vegas meets Southeast Asia. I half expected Elvis to be in the lobby. The room itself was spacious, maybe a bit too spacious. The balcony looked out over… something. Couldn't really tell. Sun was in my eyes.
12:00 PM - Lunch is Life: Found this little seafood restaurant (forgot the name, of course) near the hotel. HOLY MOTHER OF GOD THE FOOD. Best grilled squid I've ever had. Seriously. Like, I'm daydreaming about it now. The restaurant owner kept trying to get me to try Durian. Nope. Absolutely not.
2:00 PM - Poolside Debacle: The pool was… crowded. And let's be honest, my swimsuit game is not strong. Spent precisely 10 minutes trying and failing to look relaxed before retreating to the safety of my room. The sun was brutal.
4:00 PM - Massage Mishap: Decided to be civilized and get a massage. It was… strong. The masseuse seemed to think she was wrestling a bear. I'm usually a fan of a firm massage but this was bordering on torture. By the end, I was laughing, partly from the pain, partly from the absurdity of it all.
7:00 PM - Dinner & The Karaoke Curse: Dinner at the hotel buffet. Fine. Forgettable, honestly. Then… the karaoke. Oh, the karaoke. Let's just say I may have gotten roped into singing a truly awful rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody" at 10 pm. The locals were very kind. I'm not sure if it was because they were being polite or because they were slightly terrified. I blame the free fruity cocktails.
11:00 PM - Bedtime Bliss: Passed out. Hard.
Day 2: Culture, Confusion & a Really Bad Shopping Experience
9:00 AM - Late Start, Big Regret: Woke up feeling like I got run over by a bus. I slept through the breakfast. I think I was still feeling the echo from the Karaoke.
10:00 AM - Temples & Taxi Fiascos: Tried to be cultured. Visited a small temple. It was beautiful and peaceful. Then got completely ripped off by a taxi driver. Batam taxi drivers, you’ve been warned. Lesson learned (maybe).
12:00 PM - Lunch in the City: Found a little warung (local eatery) and had some amazing noodles. Simple, delicious, cheap. This is the stuff travel dreams are made of. I could eat that for a month.
2:00 PM - Shopping Shenanigans (and Regret): Decided to brave the shopping malls. Mistake number one. The air conditioning was arctic. Impulse-bought a ridiculously sparkly sequined top that I’ll probably never wear. Impulse buying is my travel kryptonite. It's like my brain just evaporates in the face of a sale.
4:00 PM - Poolside Redemption: Back at the pool. This time armed with a book and a determination to actually relax. Managed to achieve a few minutes of blissful nothingness before the inevitable onslaught of noisy children.
7:00 PM - Dinner Disaster: Tried to eat at a nice restaurant that I saw online. It was closed. Went back to the hotel buffet. Again. Still forgettable. Ugh.
9:00 PM - Early to bed. Praying for a good flight tomorrow.
Day 3: Departure & the Bitter Sweet Goodbye to Batam (sort of)
9:00 AM - Farewell Breakfast & The Airport Rush: Another buffet. At least the coffee was decent today. Packed my bags (the sequined top was already glaring).
11:00 AM - Taxi to the Ferry Terminal: Okay, no swindling this time. Negotiated a (slightly) reasonable price. The driver was chatty. Said something about the island changing, which I guess it is.
12:00 PM - Ferry to the Airport & Last Glimpses: Ferry trip was fine, uneventful. Took a final look at the island as we pulled away . There were some genuinely beautiful parts that I didn't explore… I could've done a lot. Still, I'm not sure if I would go back.
1:00 PM - Flight: Made the flight. Exhausted. Half-expecting to find sequined top in my hand luggage once I’m back home
Overall Thoughts on Batam:
- It's… an experience. It's loud, it's busy, it's a bit rough around the edges. But the food is amazing! The people are generally lovely. And hey, at least it wasn't boring. I'd definitely recommend you go. Just don’t forget your haggling game, a good sense of humor, and maybe a friend to share the karaoke with, or at least to laugh at your terrible singing.
Disclaimer: This itinerary is based on my highly subjective and often-flawed memory. Actual times and experiences may vary. Side effects include excessive sweating, regretful shopping decisions, and a lingering desire for grilled squid. And maybe a touch of karaoke-induced trauma. You've been warned.
Chennai's Hidden Gem: Rathnavel Towers Annex - Unbeatable Luxury!
So, are you actually, like, *good* at cooking? Because I burned toast this morning. Again.
Good? Honey, define "good." I can make a decent scrambled egg, and I haven't poisoned anyone *lately*. So, take that as you will. Honestly, my kitchen journey has been more akin to a slow-motion train wreck than a Michelin-starred restaurant. There was this one time, though... I tried to make a soufflé. Picture this: me, a tiny kitchen, a recipe that sounded like it was written in ancient hieroglyphics. The instructions involved something called "folding the eggs." Folding! It sounded so elegant. My soufflé… well, it resembled a deflated, cheesy pancake that tasted vaguely of cardboard. The dog, bless her heart, wouldn't even touch it. So, "good?" We'll work on it.
Okay, fine. Where do I even *start*? Like, seriously, what's the first thing you should do when you decide to cook?
Okay, deep breaths. First, DON'T panic. Second, and I cannot stress this enough: **Read the entire recipe *before* you do *anything* else.** I cannot tell you how many times I got halfway through a recipe, only to realize I was missing a crucial ingredient, like, say, the chicken. Or even worse, the salt. Then, gather all your ingredients. Mise en place, they call it. Makes you sound fancy. Basically, just get everything ready. And for the love of all things delicious, *don't* start cooking when you're starving. Hangry cooks are dangerous cooks, trust me. They make questionable decisions. Like, "Hmm, should I use that leftover hot dog ingredient? YES." And then you’re eating a culinary abomination.
What's the biggest cooking mistake you've made? And be honest.
Oh, where do I *begin*? Okay, the time I set the oven on fire. It was Thanksgiving. I had a fully stuffed turkey, that was meant to be glorious. The smell was intoxicating! And then, *poof*. Flames. Everywhere. Smoke so thick I couldn't see my hand in front of my face. I opened the oven to see the inside completely engulfed. The turkey? Burnt offering. The kitchen? Smelled like a crematorium for days. My family's faces? Priceless. So yeah, maybe avoid stuffing your oven with flammable things . And maybe get a working smoke detector. I learned that day. And since then, I check the oven *every* time. Even when I'm just microwaving popcorn. Better safe than engulfed, right?
Okay, okay, point taken. Utensils are important. What are the absolute essentials, the must-haves?
Alright, don't go out and buy *everything* at once. Baby steps. First, a good chef's knife. Seriously, it's your best friend in the kitchen. Buy a decent one, and treat it right – sharpen it! You'll also need a cutting board (wooden is nice, but plastic is fine!). A few pots and pans – a skillet, a saucepan, a Dutch oven if you can swing it (or just use a regular pot!). Then some measuring cups and spoons, because, you know, following the recipe is helpful. Whisks are great for anything from eggs to pancake batter. Spatulas, both silicone and metal, are your friend, and always use a wooden spoon. And a can opener. You'll need a can opener. Trust me on this one. And, perhaps most importantly, some oven mitts that aren't burnt to a crisp.
What about recipes? Where's the best place to find them? Pinterest? Cookbooks? Grandma's secret notebook?
Oh, the rabbit hole of recipes! Pinterest is tempting. All those gorgeous pictures of perfect food! But be warned: the reality rarely matches the Instagram. Cookbooks are great, especially those with pictures, because seeing the finished result is important. Grandma's secret notebook is an absolute goldmine, but be prepared for recipes that are incredibly vague ("a dash of this, a dollop of that") and written in a handwriting that's only decipherable after a decade of study. I love the internet, though. Websites like Allrecipes or even YouTube are great. Always read the reviews! Some people *lie*. And if a recipe gives you trouble, *don't be afraid to ditch it*. Cooking is supposed to be fun, not a torture test.
I keep burning things. What am I doing wrong?
Burning things is practically a rite of passage. We've all been there. There are a few possibilities. You're using too high a heat. Turn it down! Seriously. Especially with the skillet. Then, are you paying attention? Because that's often the problem. Are you walking away from the stove? Staring at your phone? Nope, don't do it! It's only going to end badly. Set a timer! Better yet, get a recipe with a short cooking time. And if all else fails, invest in a non-stick pan. But be gentle with them. They're delicate flowers. And lastly, remember to stir periodically. You're making a burnt offering, not just making toast.
What's the best way to clean up after cooking, because, ugh, that's the worst part.
Cleaning? Blech. I despise it. It’s the post-party blues of the culinary world. Honestly, the best way is to clean as you go. Seriously. Wash those dishes while you're waiting for the water to boil. Wipe down the counter after you're done chopping. And the most important rule? Don't let the mess fester. The longer you leave those dishes, the bigger the mountain of despair. Get your partner involved, too! Because cleaning is *never* fun alone. Sometimes, I'll put on some upbeat music to make it feel less dreadful. And when all else fails... there's always takeout. I'm just sayin'.
I ordered too much food, what do i do?
This is the holy grail of the home cook. The golden question. What do you do with leftovers? First, cool them down as quickly as possible! Then store them in an airtight container. Put some of the food in the fridge, and the other food in the freezer to prolong its life. With leftovers to use next time? You got it! Leftovers are your friend. And in my opinion,Searchotel
