Mad about Montigo (2D1N) - why we love this white-washed kids-friendly resort in Batam

Nongsapura Ferry Terminal

We decided to do a short vacation at Montigo Resorts in Batam for my birthday last year.  In Batam, it's not like in Bintan where you are spoiled for choices for quality resorts to stay in.  We decided on Montigo after goggling around.  It's new and reviews are good.  We paid around SGD400 per night which was good value considering the size of the villa.

In a mini van on our way to resort

To get to Montigo, you first take a Batamfast ferry from Tanah Mearah Ferry Terminal to Nongsapura Ferry Terminal.  If you are just going to stay 2 nights in Batam, it makes sense to drive and park your car at the public carpark there, if you are not staying in this part of the island.  Parking charges are capped at $20 per 24 hours block, so it only works out to be slightly over $40 for ours which is almost the same as our taxi fare to and fro.  Beware the long queues for taxis after you alight from the ferry which explained why we decided to drive and park instead.  Alternatively, you can take public transport but it's not so convenient.

From Nongsaura Ferry Terminal, land transport is provided by the resort (to and fro).  It's only a short 8 minutes' drive away.

Finally we arrived.

 

Sound the gong for our arrival!

Check-in lobby

Check in was slow.  As we arrived early in the morning, the room was not ready.  I'm sure the resort was not full, so don't ask me why they needed such a long time to check us in.  We were on holidays, so no rush.  Everywhere we went, there was buggy to fetch us around.  It's villa service :)

Adults only pool

Breakfast area at TADD'S

Kids pool

As our room was not ready, we decided to check out the Olo Kids Club.  When we arrive, there was just this one other Indian family who left shortly after.  It was then the whole place to ourselves with 2 attendants serving us.  The little lion dancer enjoyed himself so much that he refused to go when it's time for lunch.

You can see from the photos below the activities available for kids to enjoy, including swimming, beach volleyball and tennis.  There are also art and craft and cookie baking lessons.  There is a wet play area and a playroom equipped with PS3, XBox, Wii, soccer table (fussball) and mini billiard.

The whole place is constructed using wood in the fashion of a 2 storey wooden hut; it's so unique.

The wet play area

Are all these mine, Mummy?

Poolside dining at TIIGO - the restaurant is next to the adults only pool.

 

We moved to TADD'S for lunch.

Finally, we can check in after lunch.

We booked the Hilltop Villa and it's rather near to the reception.  It is huge.  It feels empty for our family of 3.  Actually, there isn't much difference in the layout and configurations of each villa.  The difference is the location within the resort.  Spa Villas are closest to the Montigo Spa and each come with a spa cabana.  Sea Front Villas are situated on the sea front of the coast and offer unobstructed sea views.  Hilltop Villas are situated at the highest point, where you can enjoy sea views on one side and the greenery of the neighbouring golf course on the other.  Hillside Villas are situated in the middle row, tucked in between the Hilltop and Sea Front Villas.

Living area

 Each villa comes with a huge living room, dipping pool and bathroom on Level 1, 2 bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms for each bedroom on Level 2 and a rooftop area for BBQ / hanging out in the evening on Level 3.  Each villa can allow up to 5 pax to stay in.  There is free wifi for all guests. 

Master bedroom bathroom with skylight. You can suntan without leaving
your room.

Though the villas were so new, we found stain marks already on the floor, most likely caused by wine spillage.  God knows the kind of happening things that have taken place here.

 

The TV that was never switched on during our stay.

Dipping pool on Level 1 with a dining area on the balcony

 The dipping pool can be too deep for a young kid so please take care.  Lock the balcony door to avoid them wandering out to this area without adults' supervision.

Master bedroom with a dresser at the back of the bed.

Sofa bed in master bedroom

When it rains, it floods - a design flaw of the villas.

Second bedroom with twin beds and it's own ensuite bathroom.

 

Rooftop on Level 3, it's HOT!!

Don't attempt to go up to the rooftop in the hot sun without your shades.  The white colour of the villas reflect the sunlight so well, I was nearly blinded by spending 10 minutes there taking photographs.  If you are going with large groups, it's worth renting the BBQ set at almost SGD100 which comes with the BBQ pit, charcoal, fire starter, tongs, the set-up and clearing of the grill.  You can bring your own raw food but there is no freezer or fridge to store them in the villa.  Alternatively, you can order from resort.  Prices are not cheap, that's why I say only if there is large group :)

View from our rooftop

Spa Villas with their own cabana

 

With time on my hand, I decided to check out The Spa for its massage while my husband took a nap with the little lion dancer.  It's my birthday afterall.  I paid around SGD70 for an hour massage.  I must say the massage is very good!

Pool at the Spa

We decided to take a dip at the kids pool to stave off the heat.

Private jetty - not sure if it's still in use.

I think he prefers to stay in his air-conditioned room rolling on the poster bed.

We ate at the PANTAI restaurant twice during our stay because I simply liked the food so much.  It's priced for Singaporeans by the way, if you know what I mean.

My favorite dish! I can't recall the name but it's oh so delicious. 
Simple food is sometimes the best.

Next day breakfast at TADD's.

Do you feel like leaving? :)

 

The iconic Montigo Resort tree.

It was a relaxing 2D1N stay at Montigo, despite the slow check-in on Day 1.  Other than that, it was enjoyable.  There are many other activities which we did not have a chance to try, but you can refer to their website for more info.  If you do decide to check out the place after reading this blog, we hope you have fun!