It’s been almost 30 years since I last set foot in Indonesia. The last time was way back in 1996, when three of my secondary school friends and I went on a graduation trip to Bali before starting polytechnic. Fast forward to today, and this time, I’m bringing my children along for a short getaway to Batam — one of the many Indonesian islands I had yet to explore.
Indonesia is truly a vast country, made up of 17,504 islands (yes, that many!) and boasting the second-longest coastline in the world. From Sumatra, Java, and Bali to Batam, Bintan, and parts of Borneo and New Guinea — each island has its own charm. Fun fact: Indonesia is also the only country where you can see Komodo dragons in the wild!
Now, I wasn’t about to embark on an epic jungle adventure to spot orangutans this time. Instead, I was looking for something more relaxing and indulgent — a quick luxury escape. Staying at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore for its iconic rooftop infinity pool can cost a small fortune. So I thought, why not book a resort where you get your very own private infinity pool?
Why Montigo Resort?
A few friends had suggested Bintan for its affordability and fun glamping options. But honestly, I wasn’t keen on sharing a pool. I wanted something a little more private and special. That is when I came across Montigo Resort in Batam — and it ticked all the right boxes.
The resort offers spacious villas with private infinity pools, multiple bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, and gorgeous sea views. Even better, Batam is slightly closer to Singapore than Bintan, which made the journey quicker and more convenient.
Instead of booking through a tour agency, I handled the ferry tickets and resort reservation myself online. It only saved me a little money, but at least I had full control over the details.
Visa
- Singaporeans: No visa needed.
- UK Citizens: A visa is required. You can apply on arrival at customs, but I preferred applying online in advance. It was instant approval, and it spared me the hassle of worrying about cash or card issues at the counter.
One tip: don’t apply too early. The visa is valid for three months, and theirs came through immediately.
Getting There: Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal
We headed to Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, which connects to Batam, Bintan, and even Desaru in Malaysia. From Tanah Merah MRT, it was just a short transfer — a quick underground crossing and then Bus 35 straight to the terminal. Simple and stress-free.
Although I booked our tickets through the Batam Fast app, I still had to collect physical tickets from the counter. Customs opened an hour before departure, and boarding started about 30 minutes before.
Since it was the low season, the ferry departed promptly once everyone was on board. Indonesia is one hour behind Singapore, so when we arrived in Batam, it was still 2 pm – bonus time to start our holiday!
First Impressions of Montigo Resort
Once we cleared customs, the resort staff was already waiting for us. They gathered the guests in a minivan, and within five minutes we were at Montigo Resort.
The first thing that greeted us? A stunning sea view. The second thing? The scorching heat! Thankfully, the resort’s reception was fully air-conditioned.
We were lucky enough to check in early, and the staff made everything seamless. The resort has a buggy service – just WhatsApp them, and they will send a buggy to take you anywhere on the grounds. Super convenient, especially under that tropical sun.
Our Villa
We booked a two-bedroom hillside villa. Honestly, it was massive for just the three of us. You could probably throw a party for a hundred people in there!
- Ground Floor: Spacious living room, a guest bathroom, and the star attraction — our private infinity pool. We wasted no time diving straight in. The pool was about a metre deep and wide enough for proper swims. We swam morning, afternoon, and night!
- Second Floor: Two large bedrooms, each with its own en-suite. The master suite had a king-sized canopy bed and sweeping sea views.
- Third Floor: An open rooftop lounge, perfect for chilling out in the evening with outdoor cushions and panoramic ocean views. It felt indulgent yet homely — just what I wanted for this trip.
Spa Experience
No trip to Indonesia is complete without trying a traditional Indonesian massage. Known for its deep tissue techniques and gentle stretching, it is meant to relieve tension, boost circulation, and leave you feeling refreshed.
The massage was indeed relaxing, but I did get bitten by some insects on my fingers! Oddly enough, my kids were left completely untouched. Lucky them.
Dining at Warung Montigo
When in Indonesia, eating local food is a must. At Warung Montigo, we feasted on authentic dishes like Gado-Gado Surabaya, Soto Ayam, Bakar Iga Madu, and Nasi Goreng Kampong. Everything was packed with flavour and absolutely delicious.
Our stay included breakfast, which was an extensive buffet spread. I was so excited to try all the dishes that I completely forgot to take photos (blogger fail).
Cashless Convenience
One thing I loved – I didn’t have to exchange any money. Everything at the resort could be paid for by card, making the whole trip smooth and fuss-free.
When it was time to check out, the resort staff dropped us back at the ferry terminal. Nongsapura Port has a handful of small shops, great for last-minute souvenirs before boarding.
Final Thoughts
Overall, it was a wonderful short break – a perfect mix of relaxation, luxury, and family time. The only downside was the heat and humidity, which made outdoor activities tough. Plus, my daughter (Ms C) is sensitive to bright sunlight, so long walks were not easy for her.
Still, having our own infinity pool, delicious food, and plenty of space made it a trip to remember. I am glad I chose Montigo Resort, and I had happily come back again for another quick escape.
