Latest news with #Batam
CNA
3 days ago
- Business
- CNA
CNA938 Rewind - Heading to Batam or Bintan? Are ferry prices getting too expensive?
CNA938 Rewind Play A round-trip ferry ticket to Batam will cost you between 56 and 76 dollars – up from the 34 to 60 dollar range seen in 2021. Are ferry prices getting too expensive? Daniel Martin speaks to Benjamin Cassim, Senior Lecturer for Hospitality & Tourism Management, School of Business, Temasek Polytechnic.
Independent Singapore
12-06-2025
- Independent Singapore
Severely decomposed body of 70-year-old Singaporean man found in Batam home
Photo: Batam Asia News SINGAPORE: The severely decomposed body of a 70-year-old Singaporean man was found in his home in Batam, Indonesia. Local police has revealed that the man passed away about five days ago and has contacted his wife, who resides in Singapore. The body of the Singaporean, Mr Kamal Bin Ahmad, was discovered around 4pm on Saturday (7 June). Indonesian news outlet TribunBatam reported that Mr Kamal's neighbors said they hadn't seen him for nearly a week and began to smell a pungent odor coming from his home. They alerted the security guard, who called the police. The police broke into the home and found Mr Kamal lying on the floor, wearing only a shirt. The Indonesian police said that Mr Kamal suffered from chronic diseases and lived alone in the area. The police found a variety of medications in his home, including drugs to treat diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The police do not suspect foul play but are awaiting the autopsy results to confirm the cause of death. The local police has contacted Mr Kamal's wife and has urged her to come to Batam to handle the funeral arrangements.
Reuters
05-06-2025
- Business
- Reuters
DBS, UOB provide $411 million loan to DayOne-INA data centre project in Indonesia
SINGAPORE, June 5 (Reuters) - Singaporean banks DBS Group ( opens new tab and United Overseas Bank ( opens new tab said on Thursday that they had jointly provided a 6.7 trillion rupiah ($411 million) loan to finance a data centre campus in Indonesia. DBS and UOB are Southeast Asia and Singapore's biggest and third largest lender by assets respectively. The banks said in a statement that the loan for the project, to be jointly developed by Singapore-based data centre company DayOne and the Indonesia Investment Authority (INA), was the largest ever rupiah-denominated data centre financing deal. The funding comes at a time when investor appetite for data centres is growing in Asia, driven by demand for artificial intelligence and cloud computing-based services. The data centre project also marks INA's first investment in the sector and an expansion of DayOne in Indonesia, according to the statement. INA is Indonesia's sovereign wealth fund, wholly owned by the Indonesian government. Proceeds of the loan will be used to develop and operate three data centres located in the Nongsa Digital Park in Batam, according to the statement. Upon completion by end-2025, the campus will have a combined capacity of around 72 megawatts, which will account for around 5% of Indonesia's projected data centre capacity of 1.41 gigawatts by 2029, according to the statement. ($1 = 16,285.0000 rupiah)
Hospitality Net
03-06-2025
- Health
- Hospitality Net
94-Key The Westin Nirup Island Resort & Spa, Batam Opens
Westin Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy's global portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, proudly announces the opening of The Westin Nirup Island Resort & Spa, Batam, an oasis of well-being nestled on the breathtaking Nirup Island. Just a 20-minute ferry ride from Singapore's Harbourfront Terminal or 40-minute away from Harbour Bay Batam, this wellness-focused sanctuary spans the entire private island, offering an immersive escape where guests can recharge and reconnect through transformative experiences. From nature walks to snorkeling, wellness workshops and more, guests can rejuvenate themselves amidst lush tropical landscapes and pristine coastal beauty. Guests can enjoy a seamless arrival and exclusive access with on-site customs and immigration facilities, along with the convenience of exclusive yacht docking at the private marina, ensuring a smooth transition into paradise. A Serene Retreat Surrounded by Natural Beauty Designed to harmonize with the island's natural splendor, The Westin Nirup Island Resort & Spa, Batam features 94 spacious guest rooms and suites, along with 52 private villas, all offering expansive balconies, outdoor spaces or terraces that frame stunning views of the Singapore skyline. Each accommodation is thoughtfully designed to cultivate rest and renewal, featuring the recently launched next generation Heavenly® Bed, the Westin Heavenly Shower, and premium Westin Bath amenities. Embracing the essence of local heritage, the resort's architectural design draws inspiration from the Orang Laut community, seamlessly blending modern design with cultural authenticity. Whether seeking solitude or shared moments, the villas are arranged in clusters of two, providing an intimate setting for families and friends. A Nourishing Culinary Journey True to the Eat Well philosophy, the resort boasts a collection of distinctive dining experiences: Island Kitchen - A vibrant all-day dining destination where guests can savor locally inspired and international cuisines, crafted with fresh, nourishing ingredients and showcased through interactive live cooking stations. - A vibrant all-day dining destination where guests can savor locally inspired and international cuisines, crafted with fresh, nourishing ingredients and showcased through interactive live cooking stations. Nirup Social Bar & Lounge - A lively hub offering signature coffee creations, fresh juices, and crafted cocktails, transitioning from a relaxing daytime lounge to a sophisticated evening retreat. - A lively hub offering signature coffee creations, fresh juices, and crafted cocktails, transitioning from a relaxing daytime lounge to a sophisticated evening retreat. Salt Simply Seafood - A coastal dining haven that celebrates the freshest seafood, complete with an ocean-to-table experience, featuring panoramic sea views and an ambiance that embodies seaside elegance. - A coastal dining haven that celebrates the freshest seafood, complete with an ocean-to-table experience, featuring panoramic sea views and an ambiance that embodies seaside elegance. Constellate Pool Bar - Perched at the island's highest point, this rooftop venue offers breathtaking 360-degree views, making it the ultimate destination for sunset cocktails and starlit gatherings. A Holistic Wellness and Rejuvenation Sanctuary Embodying Westin's Move Well and Feel Well pillars, The Westin Nirup Island Resort & Spa, Batam invites guests to awaken their senses and restore balance through an array of wellness-focused offerings: Heavenly Spa by Westin™ - A serene retreat designed to revitalize the mind, body, and spirit, featuring signature therapies such as Swedish-inspired massage, personalized treatments, and captivating views from each treatment room. WestinWORKOUT ® Fitness Studio - An innovative wellness space with ocean view, equipped with state-of-the-art Technogym equipment, Sculpt & Flow Kits by Bala, and Recover & Recharge Kits by Hyperice, ensuring an optimized workout experience. Fitness Studio - An innovative wellness space with ocean view, equipped with state-of-the-art Technogym equipment, Sculpt & Flow Kits by Bala, and Recover & Recharge Kits by Hyperice, ensuring an optimized workout experience. Outdoor Recreational Activities - Guests can immerse themselves in nature with activities such as sunrise yoga sessions, guided island treks, and invigorating water sports, embracing the island's untouched beauty and tranquility. A Productive and Balanced Stay The resort boasts an array of meeting and wedding spaces designed to accommodate events of every size and style. The 450-sqm Ballroom can host important occasions, ranging from corporate conferences to one-of-a-kind weddings. Three versatile meeting rooms provide an inspiring environment for creativity and collaboration, ensuring every event is a memorable success. For those seeking a more intimate setting, guests can exchange vows with breathtaking ocean views, creating an unforgettable backdrop for their special day. An Elevated Island Experience With its exclusive island setting, seamless access from Singapore and Batam, and immersive wellness programming, The Westin Nirup Island Resort & Spa, Batam is poised to redefine premium island escapes. From a rejuvenating retreat to a culinary discovery or an active outdoor adventure, the resort offers an enriching and fulfilling experience tailored to every traveler's well-being. The Kids Club is a haven for young explorers, offering a dedicated space that is both enchanting and engaging. Nestled amidst breathtaking natural surroundings, the club provides stunning views that captivate the imagination. Children can immerse themselves in a variety of fun and educational activities, all while being enveloped by the beauty of nature. This thoughtfully designed sanctuary ensures that even the youngest guests have a memorable and delightful experience, making it an ideal retreat for families seeking both adventure and relaxation. Guests can indulge in a variety of activities on the island, from guided nature walks, yoga sessions on the beach, and wellness workshops designed to rejuvenate the mind and body, promising an unforgettable escape that caters to every desire. Hotel website
CBS News
27-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
Indonesia reels in 2 tons of meth from fishing boat in country's biggest-ever drug bust
Pet raccoon caught with meth pipe during traffic stop in Ohio Indonesian authorities seized two tons of crystal methamphetamine hidden on a fishing boat and arrested six people in the country's biggest-ever drug bust, officials said Monday. The National Narcotics Agency, or BNN, said Thai authorities had notified them that the Indonesian-flagged vessel, sailing from the Andaman Sea to Batam Island, could be carrying a huge haul of narcotics. Indonesian authorities said they intercepted the boat in waters off the Riau islands last Tuesday, and found 2,000 packages of crystal meth stuffed into cardboard boxes hidden within the ship. "The result of the search is two tonnes of crystal methamphetamine," BNN chief Marthinus Hukom told a press conference. "This is the biggest haul in Indonesia's narcotics bust history." Authorities released images of handcuffed suspects wearing orange jumpsuits and face masks sitting in front of hundreds of packages of the alleged drugs. Suspects are seen alongside seized crystal methamphetamine during a press conference by Indonesia's National Narcotics Agency (BNN) officials in Batam, Riau Islands, on May 26, 2025, after they seized two tonnes of the drug hidden aboard a fishing boat following a tip-off from Thai authorities. ANDARU AK/AFP via Getty Images Marthinus estimated the drugs to be worth more than $4 million. Indonesian authorities investigated the case over the last five months, working closely with Thai authorities. The illicit drugs were produced in the "Golden Triangle" region where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet, and were smuggled by an organized crime group working with Indonesian traffickers, Marthinus said. Six people onboard the fishing boat were arrested, including four Indonesians and two Thai nationals. The crew told authorities they were fishermen recruited by the drugs syndicate which promised to pay them 50,000 Thai Baht ($1,500) and a $3,000 bonus. Marthinus said a fugitive from Thailand was behind the operation and that Indonesia would issue a red notice for the trafficker. Monday's drug bust was the second major drug seizure this month. Indonesian authorities previously seized 1.2 tons of crystal meth and more than 700 kilograms of cocaine inside a Thailand-flagged fishing boat near the Riau islands. Authorities said they arrested five people and released an image of the suspects on ship with packages of drugs and armed officers behind them. In a separate case, Indonesian authorities arrested an Australian on Monday for allegedly smuggling cocaine on the tourist island of Bali, a charge that could carry the death penalty, officials said Monday. Indonesia has extremely strict drug laws, and convicted smugglers are sometimes executed by firing squad. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
