A Morning Ride Before Departure
On December 27th, I woke up in Singapore with the knowledge that today I would be leaving for Indonesia. Yet before parting ways, the friend who had guided me through the city yesterday suggested, "Let's ride together once more before you go." His words made me feel a quiet warmth—I wasn't leaving just yet.
We set off together, pedaling through familiar streets until we reached a massive shopping center: Decathlon. His folding bicycle allowed him to carry it inside, something I hadn't seen much of before. He explained that in Singapore, many cyclists use folding bikes because they can be taken on trains, making commuting and cycling more seamless. I picked up some items I would need for the journey ahead, and we continued riding.
Along the Coastline Parks
We made our way to Singapore's long coastal park. It stretched endlessly along the sea, filled with runners, skateboarders, and fellow cyclists. The atmosphere was so relaxed that I caught myself thinking, "I could really live here." People seemed to move at their own pace, living freely without rushing. He told me that camping was even allowed here with permission.
Riding through the sea breeze, I felt grateful—not only for the beauty of the place but for the company that made it feel richer.
A Lunch Near the Airport
After about two hours of riding, we headed for lunch near the airport. On the way, a large dinosaur monument suddenly appeared. At first, I wondered, "What's with the dinosaur sign?" Then I realized it was placed humorously to say, "Don't enter this area—it's restricted." Even warnings here seemed designed with a playful, entertaining touch.
Finally, we arrived at a café, where I had his recommendation: chicken rice. It cost about 20 Singapore dollars—expensive compared to Malaysia—but it was delicious, worth every bite. By this point, riding and sharing meals together felt as though we had known each other for years, even though our friendship had only just begun.
Farewell at the Ferry Terminal
From there, we rode toward the ferry terminal for Batam Island. Tickets were available on the spot, so I purchased mine. We had some time before departure, so we sat in a café, talking about travels, about life, about simple things.
As always, goodbyes are difficult. Gratitude welled up inside me, and parting stirred an ache in my chest. "Thank you," was all I could manage, though it felt small compared to what I wanted to express. He had given me more than guidance—he had given me comfort and companionship in a foreign land.
Then, it was time. I checked in, waited, and finally boarded the ferry. There were only about ten passengers, which made the trip calm and comfortable.
Arrival in Batam, Indonesia
Before boarding, I had exchanged about 20,000 yen into Indonesian rupiah. Since I would be entering on a Visa on Arrival (VOA), I wanted to be ready with cash for the fee. Sure enough, upon arrival, I saw the VOA counter right away. The fee was 500,000 rupiah, and the process went smoothly.
From the ferry, my first glimpse of Indonesia unfolded—a tropical view that felt familiar, with an atmosphere somewhat like Malaysia. The languages were similar too, hinting at shared roots.
But Batam was busy. With Indonesia's population of over 270 million, the heavy traffic made sense, and motorcycles seemed to dominate the roads.
First Impressions of a New Country
After navigating the streets, I reached my hotel for the night. On the way, a man suddenly approached me, insisting on guiding me to "my hotel" but demanding money in return. He looked ordinary, yet his pushiness was unsettling. I refused and continued on my own, realizing that this new country might bring both adventure and unexpected challenges.
The hotel I booked was called Redoorz, a budget-friendly chain in Indonesia. The Wi-Fi was unreliable, but the price was fair, and I was glad to have a place to rest. After settling in, I went out for dinner.
A bowl of noodles cost about 200 yen, and the drink that came with it was generously filled to the brim, just like in Malaysia. Later, I picked up a beer for a similar price. The affordability reminded me how different life here would be compared to Singapore.
Looking Ahead
So here I am—finally in Indonesia, my sixth country on this journey. Today brought farewells, a warm friendship, and the first taste of a new land. Tomorrow, I will board another ferry, this time toward Jakarta, and continue the path that lies ahead.
