Before I started my new posting at work, I told hubby that I wanted to have a short break. After researching on resorts nearby, we decided on Montigo Resort (Nongsa) at Batam.
Montigo Resort (Nongsa) is a mere 30min ferry ride away from Singapore. Before we realised it, we had reached the Nongsa ferry terminal. Compared to other ferry terminals in Batam, this was certainly alot less crowded. Within minutes, we cleared the immigration.
At the terminal, there was a counter for guests staying at Montigo Resort. Friendly staff swiftly ushered us into the bus that was waiting at the carpark.
Within minutes, we arrived at the resort and was welcomed by the airy and bright reception area. The resort spanned a rather large area. While walking from 1 end of the resort to the other was possible, buggy services were available. As hubby was doing the check-in, I was already looking at the area map and planning activities for the stay. Since we were only here for the weekend, we decided not to go to the towns and to stay in the resort to enjoy the facilities to the fullest!
Reception area 
Resort map
As we were early, our rooms were not yet ready. With the area map in mind, I suggested to hubby that we go to the restaurant for lunch first. The restaurant was also where the jetty, bar and swimming pools were located.
After some Indonesian cuisine, we strolled out to the jetty, with some hope to stroll on the sandy beach and feel the sea. However, if you are expecting to go into the sea like me, you would be disappointed. There was only a narrow stretch of beach next to the not-so-clean looking water, not quite the same as those I experienced at Desaru where I could even sit down to build a sandcastle. There were also no one else doing water sports, so we decided to give it a miss too. Instead, we found our way to the pool next to the bar. We dipped ourselves into the pool and enjoyed a drink while waiting for our room. Although it was quite an aimless morning, it was really relaxing. The point about relaxing is to do nothing, isn’t it?
Very soon, we were on the buggy on our way to our 1-bedroom suite with private pool! I had seen so many nice photos of the room before I came, I couldn’t wait to jump into the pool in our own room!
Our room was not that far away from reception. It appeared to be at the newer area where other rooms were still undergoing light construction. Fortunately, those were not noisy or disturbing. We were glad that our rooms appeared to be newer too!
Unlike most hotels or resorts we’ve been to where the beds usually are on 1 side of the wall. The special thing about this room is the double bed that was parked right in the middle of the room facing the sliding glass doors and the pool! The toilet was spacious with a standalone bathtub and separate shower area. I love the bathtub!
Of course, the other highlight of the room was the pool. It was designed like a mini infinity pool overlooking the sea. I borrowed a donut float from my friend for this purpose and couldn’t wait to inflate it so that I can float around in the pool!
Private pool 
Floating around while looking towards Singapore
As we were in frolicking in the pool, our door bell rang. Surprised, I opened the door and saw 4 hotel staffs, 1 with a cake, 1 with a guitar and another 2 singing to wish us on our anniversary! (Tip: don’t be shy to let hotels/resorts know about your special occasion. Larger hotels/resorts will have some surprises for you, while others may not. But it’s always ok to let them know. You’ll never know what they have planned for you!)
That night, we had our dinner at another restaurant just below the reception before turning in for the day.
Breakfast was included in our booking. We had a light breakfast before quickly returning to our room for some more pool time. I really couldn’t bear to leave this beautiful room. To make it less painful to bid goodbye, we decided to go for a spa in the resort before taking a ferry back.
Montigo Spa offered services from head to toe, from adults to kids. It was held at villas down a slope from our room. We had our very 1st couple massage, followed by manicure and pedicure. With a relaxed mind and body, we said goodbye to the resort.
The trip to Montigo Resort (Nongsa) was really a good respite for busy city-dwellers like us. It was convenient and fuss-free, to say the least. The time taken to travel there could be even shorter than the time we take to reach JB at times where there are long queues! The rooms may not be the most-budget option, but the services, facilities and amenities in the room were really worth every cent in my opinion!
Perrine Travels 