There is always a first time in your life for everything. I had my another ‘first time’ today.

We missed the last ferry at 9.10pm back home even though we had our boarding passes. The ferry company refused to let us board citing a full ferry capacity. How can this be when we already have tickets? Despite our attempts to explain the situation, the reply was still a flat ‘no’.

My ticket still didn’t allow me to board the last ferry home

It was then that it dawned upon us that we were stranded at Batam. So close yet so far away from home. Stranded in a foreign land with little money left after a day’s fruitful shopping haul. The only consolation we had was the discovery that we were not the only ones who were turned away. There were at least three other families and couples who were also barred from boarding the ferry.

In adversity do you derive strength in numbers. I finally understood the meaning of this statement. We, the stranded people, quickly bonded together. Four of us bunched together and rationalised our situation. We could only make the trip back to Singapore tomorrow. So we were no other choice but to make advance bookings for the 6am (which was the earliest trip) ferry ride back the next day.

With the confirmed placements, we now had a bigger problem. How to survive the next 8.5 hours in a foreign land? We could share a room at the cheapest place or sit along the streets counting down the hours. Weighing our options and taking into consideration the perceived possible danger of being mugged and need to answer nature’s call, the four of us decided to bunk in at the cheapest hotel.

This is the motel we found. Hotel Permata. I wouldn’t call it a hotel at all. The name’s an irony. The room rate for 1 night? 120, 000 rupiah (approximately S$20).

It really looks rundown on the outside but we were in for a bigger ’surprise’ when we saw the room. Room 306 offered little comfort. In fact, it looked sad as the furnishings were definitely from a different era. Reminiscent of the 1980s.

The bed which was dirty and shaky at the same time

Stains on the already dirty towels…

Even the curtains look miserable being hung there next to the water seeped walls

The state of toilet with no flushing system made me appreciate home more

An unglamorous hole in the ceiling. This is just one of many in the room

When I saw this picture hung on the wall opposite the bed, I laughed. This place is not conducive for such passionate nights. I think even Hotel 81 or Frangrance Hotel fares better.

 An amorous night? I certainly don’t think the room sets the mood. Sorry!

 
The sofa which kept me company

On this sofa I sat writing this blog entry. Alternating between chatting, counting ceiling defaults, playing tic-tac toe, napping, waking, we waited till the break of dawn.

Batam. An experience I will never forget in my life time.

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