Part 1 of a mini-series of my short getaway to Batam.

The last time I went to Batam was a decade ago. My family and I had signed up for the annual youth camp (back when we were still attending the old church) held at the end of the year. I was rather excited as it was my first time travelling somewhere else besides West Malaysia.

However, due to the fact that I had major motion sickness when I was in my pre-teens, the ferry ride was most unpleasant with the constant nausea contained within the stomach.

The saddest part about attending church camps is that you’re stuck within the hotel/resort compounds, going for buffet meals, attending boring seminars and talks, interacting with your group, playing competitive games and tele-matches against other groups and having some free time to swim or relax in your room or just explore the hotel/resort.

The only other time that you’re allowed out of the compounds is when there is an arrangement for an afternoon of pure shopping in the city. However, that wasn’t the case for that particular year at Batam.

Anyway, I was really looking forward to this short trip—even though it was meant for work.