When staycations are mentioned, it’s usually hotels and resorts that come to mind. But if you’re bored of your usual staycation haunts and looking for a new type of experience, here’s one that might quite literally float your boat.
Just a short ferry ride away from Singapore, Gallia Phinisi in Batam lets you spend the night aboard a traditional wooden ship. And with rooms advertised from S$40/night, you can easily swap your typical hotel room for a cosy cabin overlooking the sea without burning a hole in your wallet.
Image credits: Booking.com
At Gallia Phinisi Batam, you’ll be staying aboard a phinisi, a traditional Indonesian wooden ship known for its distinctive design. The vessel itself is docked at Bengkong Laut, an urban village in the Bengkong district of Batam, and is designed specially to accommodate overnight guests.
From the outside, the wooden structure makes a unique backdrop for holiday photos fit for the ‘gram. Then step aboard, and you’ll find guest cabins, communal spaces, and outdoor areas where you can wind down and take in the sea scenery.
Image credit: Agoda
Just keep in mind that this is a stationary accommodation rather than a sailing one, so don’t expect to wake up in a new destination the next morning. Here, you get to experience life on a ship, minus the actual sailing. Think of it as a hotel with a nautical twist, rather than a cruise experience.
Image credit: Agoda
If your mental image of a ship’s accommodation is cramped bunk beds and shared toilets, fret not, as the ship comes with private guest rooms fitted with amenities.
For the budget-conscious, the 12sqm Standard Room is one to consider. It’s admittedly quite snug, but there’s room enough for a queen-sized bed and the typical essentials, like a private bathroom with a shower.
Image credit: Agoda
You’ll also get air-conditioning and a sea view, which makes this a perfect option for couples who want to explore the offerings of Batam without paying a more premium price tag for a proper hotel room.
Image credit: Agoda
Those who prefer more breathing room can look at the 25sqm Superior Room, which also features 1 queen-sized bed. Besides having more floor space, it also has a balcony and marina views, so you can step outside to enjoy the surroundings.
Image credit: Agoda
Alternatively, the Deluxe Room also offers 25sqm of space, sea views, but comes with additional comforts such as a king-sized bed. And if you’re after something even more spacious, there’s an Executive Room measuring 40sqm with the ability to host up to 3 adults.
Image credit: Agoda
Rooms start from around S$40/night for the Standard Room, S$74/night for the Superior Room, S$109/night for the Deluxe Room, and S$149/night for the Executive Room, at the time of writing. Take note that room prices are not fixed and may vary depending on the booking date.
Image credit: Agoda
There’s more to do at Gallila Phinisi than just enjoying its cosy cabins. You can also head up to the open-air sun terrace to lounge in the sun or under the stars, soak up the sea breeze, and snap some photos against the marine backdrop. Those whose staycations aren’t complete without a classic karaoke sesh will also enjoy the karaoke room on the premises.
Image credit: Agoda
If you’re adventurous, you might even want to check out its water activities, including fishing and canoeing, for an extra cost.
As for food, the ship also has a shared kitchen and offers complimentary breakfast depending on your booking, so you won’t have to worry about heading out for food first thing in the morning.
Image credit: Zoom Travel International
The fun doesn’t have to end at lounging in cabins with sea views, especially for those who fancy a good party. Right next to the ship is Blue Fire Beach Club, where you can spend the afternoon at the pool before partying into the night.
One of its main highlights is the pink sand beach area, which looks straight out of a Barbie film. The sand is artificially coloured, but still makes for a pretty photo-op, especially paired with waterfront views.
And, if you want to cool off in the Batam heat, there’s also a swimming pool surrounded by seating areas where you can take a splash, or kick back and relax.
Those who prefer some sports and action can try the beach club’s water sports, which include jet skiing, kart boating, parasailing, and more. However, do note that these activities all incur separate charges.
As the sun goes down, the club gets livelier. Expect live bands, DJs, and special performances, making it a convenient hangout for Gallia Phinisi guests who want a night out without having to worry about a trip back to their accommodation.
But one thing to consider before booking a stay at Gallia Phinisi is that with nightlife happening so close to the ship, music can sometimes be audible from the rooms till late. So, those who want to retire early for the night can consider bringing along earplugs.
Image credit: Agoda
Getting there is quite straightforward. From Singapore, hop on a 50 to 70-minute ferry to Batam from the new Singapore Cruise Centre or Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal. Once you’ve reached Batam, you can take a taxi or book a Grab ride to the accommodation in Bengkong Laut.
For reference, here are the approximate driving times to the property, as listed on Google:
| Arrival point | Estimated drive |
| Batam Centre Ferry Terminal | Around 20 minutes |
| Harbour Bay Ferry Terminal | 15 to 25 minutes |
If you’re looking to spice up your next staycay or Batam getaway, Gallia Phinisi offers something different from your typical hotel stay. Plus, with rooms from just S$40/night, staying on a ship won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Just remember to check the latest booking rates, as prices fluctuate, and enjoy your stay.
For more to do in Batam:
Cover image adapted from: Booking.com, Agoda, Zoom Travel International
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