All about Karimum Island

[red baron]

All about Karimun Island / Tanjong Balai.

Exchange rates base on – SGD 1 = RP 5500 & RM 1 = RP 2500

A 2 way ferry trip from Singapore( Water front ) will set you back about SGD $ 46 inclusive of Singapore port tax.
A 2 way ferry trip from Malaysia ( Kukup )will set you back about RM $ 80 inclusive of Malaysia port tax.

For money changers there are a lot in T.Balai. Just within the customs complex there is already one. Within town there are at least 10 more. As to which give the best rates ? These is very skeptical. The operating hours – 8 am till 8 pm. In the worst scenario, you can change it at the front desk of most hotel but sometimes the rates they offer isn’t too attractive.

Hotels in T.Balai can cost anything from RP 100k ~ RP 300k ( SGD 18 ~ 54 or RM 40 ~ 120 ). Prices of hotel room is inclusive of a reasonable breakfast.

Public transports there are vans/mini-bus and motor bikes (old jack ) and of cause the local guide’s MPV.

A one way trip on board the van/mini-bus cost RP 2000 anywhere around town.
A one way trip on board the motor bike cost RP 10,000 anywhere around town.
The local guides will mostly have a transport of their own usually a MPV, to bring you around during your stay in Balai. Their prices is pretty much open. Before engaging on anyone of them always negotiate the prices. Is usually around RP 50,000 ~ 100,000 per day. Their services to transport you around is unlimited and they are of services to you almost 24 hours. For me I have always use the service of a certain local guide by the name of Kofa. He comes highly recommended even from the locals as a diligent and trustworthy chap.

On average a person makes about 9 trips on public transport a day, plus one final trip to the jetty on our last day. Public van/mini-bus usually don’t make the trip to Rukko and Villa. Only the motor bikes and guides do.

01- Jetty to hotel
02- Hotel to Villa and Rukko
03- Villa and Rukko back to hotel
04- Hotel to lunch
05- Lunch to hotel
06- Hotel to dinner
07- Dinner back to hotel
08- Hotel to Disco
09- Disco back to hotel

So if one makes 9 trips a day on motor bikes that will set him back around 9 trips X RP10,000.
Which is RP 90,000 a day. So is engaging a guides services there worthwhile ? I leave that to you. There are many personal views on such things. Just go with what you are comfortable with.

Most hotels also do provide their own MPV to take you around. But the draw back is getting back form your destination after you are done. The hotel’s vehicle don’t wait for you to finish your chores. Upon alighting you they move back to their respective hotels. So you must either call back to your particular hotel for their transport or take the public transports back.

Food availability there is plenty. They have lots of Chinese and local Indonesian food.
On average a single meal for 2 person can cost you anything from RP 20,000 to RP 300,000.

Beers there on average cost your about RP 6000 a can. Cigarettes cost about RP 9000.

As for the main topic “ Woman “. They can cost you anything from RP 200,000 ~ 450,000 for a LT. Prices for ST is usually half the price of LT. Do remember beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. The girls at these places have their right to reject offers form any customers, they are not oblige to our offers. Upon taking them do treat them with respect and you will be rewarded. Before they leave the next morning about 8am local time do remember to tips them. On the average we give them RP 50,000. If we are very satisfied with their companionships for the past 20 hours we will give them a minimum of RP 100,000 as tips.

Places for a good time there.
Discos there are Bravo, Santana and Wiko. Bravo is the bigger of them. Wiko has the best interior design. All does not have cover charges. Do remember that we are not allowed to bring our cameras into the premises.

KTV pubs.
01 - 5th level of Gambion Hotel
02 – 7th level of Maximillion Hotel
03 – 1st level of Padi Mas Hotel
04 – 1st level next to Wiko 2 Hotel

Of the 4 the Maximillion`s & WIko`s has the best design and good air circulation. The one with the best looking waitress is in Gambion Hotel. But the air ventilation there is terrible, hot and stuffy. The girls at these places can also be had for a ST. Prices range from RP 150,000 ~ 250,000. These girls are freelancers so there is a drawback here. If they were to misbehave or steal things from you, you have but yourself to blame. Unlike girls from proper establishments like Villa and Rukko. They are under strict orders not to touch nor steal customers stuffs, if that so happens you can seek their respective establishments for an answer.

For you daily needs no worries there are several mini supermarkets and pharmacies all over T.Balai. The biggest supermarket is located just opposite Padi Mas hotel.

During day time there is a natural water fall to visit, it is located about 30 minutes from town. Do make all necessary arrangements for your transport there one day in advance. There is a entrance fee of RP 1000 per person. Food and drinks stall there is plenty so no worries here. Just bring along some extra clothes.

There is also a lake in there, is about 15 minutes from town just after the main general hospital of T.Balai. there you can rent peddle boats or do fishing.

For a splendid view to T.Balai, you can get up early in the morning go climb the mountain ( Gunung Jantan ). The view form atop is simply spectacular and the morning air is so fresh.

For those who are more spiritual, T.Balai do have several Chinese temples. Some of which has been around for ages. There are also 2 Christian churches in Balai.

When you are all done in T.Balai just tell the friendly hotel receptionists to make your reservation seat for and timing for your home bound ferry. There is a service charge of RP10,000 but it is all worthwhile to pay.

Do reserve a further RP 10,000 for port tax as you enter the custom office.

Go have fun in T.Balai it is a worthwhile laid back town to relax , have seafood , get some beers in the company of a nice girl.

If you decided not to go back but to Island hop, no worries there are ferries in T.Balai that travels to many surrounding small islands. But if Jakatar or Medan etc…. is on your mind …. No worries they do have Big Liners that harbors at T.Balai waters to take you there. But do inquire from the local hotel the timings and rates of such traveling mode.


Cheers mates

[piccatc]

Senior Red Baron, can give/pm me contact no. of Kofa...maybe can use his guide in future. Thanks, bro.

[Thaipussy]

Good report RB.

All about Karimun Island / Tanjong Balai.

Exchange rates base on – SGD 1 = RP 5500 & RM 1 = RP 2500

A 2 way ferry trip from Singapore( Water front ) will set you back about SGD $ 46 inclusive of Singapore port tax.
A 2 way ferry trip from Malaysia ( Kukup )will set you back about RM $ 80 inclusive of Malaysia port tax.

For money changers there are a lot in T.Balai. Just within the customs complex there is already one. Within town there are at least 10 more. As to which give the best rates ? These is very skeptical. The operating hours – 8 am till 8 pm. In the worst scenario, you can change it at the front desk of most hotel but sometimes the rates they offer isn’t too attractive.

Hotels in T.Balai can cost anything from RP 100k ~ RP 300k ( SGD 18 ~ 54 or RM 40 ~ 120 ). Prices of hotel room is inclusive of a reasonable breakfast.

Public transports there are vans/mini-bus and motor bikes (old jack ) and of cause the local guide’s MPV.

A one way trip on board the van/mini-bus cost RP 2000 anywhere around town.
A one way trip on board the motor bike cost RP 10,000 anywhere around town.
The local guides will mostly have a transport of their own usually a MPV, to bring you around during your stay in Balai. Their prices is pretty much open. Before engaging on anyone of them always negotiate the prices. Is usually around RP 50,000 ~ 100,000 per day. Their services to transport you around is unlimited and they are of services to you almost 24 hours. For me I have always use the service of a certain local guide by the name of Kofa. He comes highly recommended even from the locals as a diligent and trustworthy chap.

On average a person makes about 9 trips on public transport a day, plus one final trip to the jetty on our last day. Public van/mini-bus usually don’t make the trip to Rukko and Villa. Only the motor bikes and guides do.

01- Jetty to hotel
02- Hotel to Villa and Rukko
03- Villa and Rukko back to hotel
04- Hotel to lunch
05- Lunch to hotel
06- Hotel to dinner
07- Dinner back to hotel
08- Hotel to Disco
09- Disco back to hotel

So if one makes 9 trips a day on motor bikes that will set him back around 9 trips X RP10,000.
Which is RP 90,000 a day. So is engaging a guides services there worthwhile ? I leave that to you. There are many personal views on such things. Just go with what you are comfortable with.

Most hotels also do provide their own MPV to take you around. But the draw back is getting back form your destination after you are done. The hotel’s vehicle don’t wait for you to finish your chores. Upon alighting you they move back to their respective hotels. So you must either call back to your particular hotel for their transport or take the public transports back.

Food availability there is plenty. They have lots of Chinese and local Indonesian food.
On average a single meal for 2 person can cost you anything from RP 20,000 to RP 300,000.

Beers there on average cost your about RP 6000 a can. Cigarettes cost about RP 9000.

As for the main topic “ Woman “. They can cost you anything from RP 200,000 ~ 450,000 for a LT. Prices for ST is usually half the price of LT. Do remember beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. The girls at these places have their right to reject offers form any customers, they are not oblige to our offers. Upon taking them do treat them with respect and you will be rewarded. Before they leave the next morning about 8am local time do remember to tips them. On the average we give them RP 50,000. If we are very satisfied with their companionships for the past 20 hours we will give them a minimum of RP 100,000 as tips.

Places for a good time there.
Discos there are Bravo, Santana and Wiko. Bravo is the bigger of them. Wiko has the best interior design. All does not have cover charges. Do remember that we are not allowed to bring our cameras into the premises.

KTV pubs.
01 - 5th level of Gambion Hotel
02 – 7th level of Maximillion Hotel
03 – 1st level of Padi Mas Hotel
04 – 1st level next to Wiko 2 Hotel

Of the 4 the Maximillion`s & WIko`s has the best design and good air circulation. The one with the best looking waitress is in Gambion Hotel. But the air ventilation there is terrible, hot and stuffy. The girls at these places can also be had for a ST. Prices range from RP 150,000 ~ 250,000. These girls are freelancers so there is a drawback here. If they were to misbehave or steal things from you, you have but yourself to blame. Unlike girls from proper establishments like Villa and Rukko. They are under strict orders not to touch nor steal customers stuffs, if that so happens you can seek their respective establishments for an answer.

For you daily needs no worries there are several mini supermarkets and pharmacies all over T.Balai. The biggest supermarket is located just opposite Padi Mas hotel.

During day time there is a natural water fall to visit, it is located about 30 minutes from town. Do make all necessary arrangements for your transport there one day in advance. There is a entrance fee of RP 1000 per person. Food and drinks stall there is plenty so no worries here. Just bring along some extra clothes.

There is also a lake in there, is about 15 minutes from town just after the main general hospital of T.Balai. there you can rent peddle boats or do fishing.

For a splendid view to T.Balai, you can get up early in the morning go climb the mountain ( Gunung Jantan ). The view form atop is simply spectacular and the morning air is so fresh.

For those who are more spiritual, T.Balai do have several Chinese temples. Some of which has been around for ages. There are also 2 Christian churches in Balai.

When you are all done in T.Balai just tell the friendly hotel receptionists to make your reservation seat for and timing for your home bound ferry. There is a service charge of RP10,000 but it is all worthwhile to pay.

Do reserve a further RP 10,000 for port tax as you enter the custom office.

Go have fun in T.Balai it is a worthwhile laid back town to relax , have seafood , get some beers in the company of a nice girl.

If you decided not to go back but to Island hop, no worries there are ferries in T.Balai that travels to many surrounding small islands. But if Jakatar or Medan etc…. is on your mind …. No worries they do have Big Liners that harbors at T.Balai waters to take you there. But do inquire from the local hotel the timings and rates of such traveling mode.


Cheers mates

[orientalover]

Master of Tanjung Balai, RB,

Your details about Tanjung Balai ..... remind me .... I miss Karimum's girls so much !

[chyam71]

Master of Tanjung Balai, RB,

Your details about Tanjung Balai ..... remind me .... I miss Karimum's girls so much !

Oink Oink... teow chew mui..... teow chew mui....

Somehow... june seems like a few century in the future!! hehehe

Cheers! (err... RB... U charge royalty for this phrase too?) hahahha

[chyam71]

Good report RB.

hi tpc...

long time no news... been to haadyai lately?

hehehe so what is the verdict for haadyai vs balai... in term of costing?

Cheers!

[red baron]

Chyam71 you have a good debatable topic here.

Generally Hatyai will be more expensive. But Hatyai do have much more beautiful girls and wonderful food available for all. As for night life Hatyai again scores over Balai. But for prices of girls Balai definitely scores over Hatyai.

For a 3 days 2 nights fling I must say Hatyai is definately more expensive.

Hatyai is a well develop town in Thailand which caters to many locals, Malaysian and Singaporean taste. That explains all the night life available there. Even the beers there are much more expensive than Balai. Hatyai also happens to be the 2nd biggest and most populated town in Thailand, 1st being Bangkok. ( BANG COCK ).

For Hotel, Hatyai is again more expensive but trade off being much nicer and better.

As for traveling time I reckon T.Balai is nearer, if we make K.L our center. K.L to Bukit Kayu Hitam is about 550 km. Plus another hour from customs to Hatyai town. K.L to Kukup is about 380 km. Plus another hour of boat ride to T.Balai. Kilimeters per dollar, T.Balai is still cheaper.

The major difference between the 2 is the lifestyle. In T.Balai we step into a world of relax life pace. But in Hatyai is just like staying in any major Malaysian town. There are still News papers from both countries. The world of glittering and money splurging is always there and easily available. Without a clear perception we easily lavish away RM 500 in one evening ( Places where beautiful girls sing and dance on stage dressing in birthday suits, etc…Hansa Entertainment complex ). After a few beers and lustful thoughts we will be buying them flowers/$$$$. Unlike in T.Balai these sort of entertainments no longer exits. Previously in Balai there is also one such entertainment venue know as “ Pacino “ but it no longer operates today.

The average girls in Hatyai cost about THB 1800 ~ 2400 ( SGD 75 ~ 100 ). The model type of girls in Hatyai cost about THB 2800 ~ 5000 ( SGD 117 ~ 208 ). Model girls in maybe Pink Lady or chaopaya cost THB 2800 ~ 3500. But girls in Whale hotel cost a whopping THB 5000.

In T.Balai girls cost us about RP 200,000 ~ 450,000 ( SGD 36 ~ 82 ). See the contrast here.

At Hatyai there are many well develop shopping complexes that carries many branded brands of clothes and cosmetics. If the girls we are with wants to go shopping ????? Imagine the damage it would do to us. I would need a Amercian Express Black Card ........

If to chose a town in Thailand to compare with T.Balai ..... I would have to pick Sa Keow in eastern Bangkok near the Cambodia boarder. This place happens to have the biggest flea market in Thailand as well. One day on foot isn`t enough to cover all the stalls there.

Just imagine a hotel suite in Sa Keow cost me a mere SGD 45. A girl there cost me THB 800. A flower ring for the singer there cost me only THB 100 as compare to Hatyai`s Hansa Entertainment Complex, THB 500.

Cheers

[chyam71]

Oink Oink..... thanks RB..

by the way things are going... it's a matter of time... all of us here become accountant... hehehehe the calculative ones...

Cheers!

[wittaya]

So TB beats Hatyai, but how does it compare with Phnom Penh?

[orientalover]

he....he.....he....... OL still prefer Oriental's Lovers ..... China is the best for me !

[Thaipussy]

Hi Chyam my man..

No verdict yet as I havel cancelled my trip to Hatyai on May and to carried forward to first week of July. I have some conference to attend on May and on the other hand pretty tight with my schedule...

The FR will be ready to publish once i get from there. Let's me know if you able to join on July trip.

if not looking forward to meet up with u in Tg Balai on next.

TP

hi tpc...

long time no news... been to haadyai lately?

hehehe so what is the verdict for haadyai vs balai... in term of costing?

Cheers!

[chyam71]

he....he.....he....... OL still prefer Oriental's Lovers ..... China is the best for me !

Oink Oink....

Somehow... me prefers chinese... of any nationalities... hehehehe if given the choice... else.. any pussy is better than no pussy!!

Cheers!

[chyam71]

Hi Chyam my man..

No verdict yet as I havel cancelled my trip to Hatyai on May and to carried forward to first week of July. I have some conference to attend on May and on the other hand pretty tight with my schedule...

The FR will be ready to publish once i get from there. Let's me know if you able to join on July trip.

if not looking forward to meet up with u in Tg Balai on next.

TP

sure bro... works come first... no work no money, no money no pussy! hehehe

ok... will update u accordingly...

Cheers!

[red baron]

All talks about Thai is making me old engine reving .......




Cheers

[red baron]

Now after sampling the hot and spicy Thai dish we need some Korean KimChi as well......



Cheers