We woke up even later than the previous day. As we arrived at the restaurant, we hurriedly got enough food before the staff started to pack up the buffet table.
We checked out late (as wife was still busy) even though it was unavailable. Thankfully there weren’t any calls to chase us. We went back to the same library to settle the bill and that’s when we gave displeased feedback in which they provided a free transfer back to the terminal. As we boarded the private car, the driver handed to us the boarding tickets that was handled by the resort as part of their customer service. The drive back was very different from the first, as the driver sped to the terminal.
As we arrived at the ferry terminal, there was already a long line queuing to get through immigrations. We proceeded to the counter in front of Bintan lounge just beside the long queue and was pleasantly surprised to find that Emerald class tickets holders just need to check in their baggage at this counter and to top it all, the staff will take care of the passport stamping as well. All we need to do was to relax at one of their table within the lounge and drink the free hot drinks (Lipton tea bags etc) and wait for the delivery of the passport and the call for boarding. Definitely a plus point for passengers with baby as it removed the hassles of queuing ang crowding with the rest of the passengers. Jr. was not sleeping but wasn’t fussy either and so all was fine, even though the lounge was a tad bit crowded and slightly noisy though it looked bigger than the one in Tenah Merah. Similarly, it was a direct boarding from the lounge concept and the walk to the ferry is very much closer compared to the one at Tenah Merah. The ferry trip home was eventless.
While at the arrival hall, it was manageable as knowing the efficiency of our immigrations officers, we got through pretty quickly. There was a duty free shop and I picked myself one vodka, having met the criteria of overseas travel beyond 48 hrs. After picking up luggage, we had to go through a Xray scanner and that’s when it was a messy. I had to removed all the things in my pockets (handphone, wallet, keys, etc) and at the same time manage the 4 bags onto the Xray and queue to get through the body scanner. The timing was misaligned as my personal belongings went through the scanner first and for a short time, I was concerned that these would be taken away by someone else if I didn’t watch out for it. Fortunately, it was there after I reached the other side.
Packed everything into the car that was parked for 2 days already and drove back, paying just about $44 for the parking fees.
This trip was a first for us, and an easy one since it was only mostly a overseas staycation. However, I didn’t enjoy the trip since there was so much limitations to
where and when we could go and what we can do. These limitations were mostly from 2 contributions, the baby and the wife.
With the baby, you will be already tied down by his needs, such as sleeping and feeding. It really depends on the baby’s ability to adapt, and if he is able to sleep anywhere and anytime, that would give you flexibility in your travel. For feeding, preparations are important and if managed well, you get more flexibility as well.
With the wife, it depends on whether the baby is breastfeeding mainly or on formula milk. With formula, there are no limitations except for the amount of warm water to bring. But breastfeeding wifes present the most challenge to the flexibility of the trip. Because on top of meeting the baby feeding needs, there are also the need to express milk and keep them frozen. This cannot be done without a freezer, portable pumps and portable keep-it-cold bags. On top of that, if the wife does not breast feed and/or carry out milk expression in public places, then you are more or less confined to the room for certain period of the time. Other than that. there are some who require “hot compression” in order not prevent breast engorgement. This only meant more time was required to be stuck in the room, with me taking care of Jr. and my wife taking care of herself.
Unless there is a drastic change to the current routine, this trip proved to me that it was just too challenging to go on another trip. Looked like we just had to wait it out before resuming our travels.