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Yet another failed real estate development in downtown Batam. On the ferry from Singapore, I only saw Indonesians and Singaporeans. No white people. Arrived, I had to walk a couple miles to find a bar, and the eateries had no prices. Many didn't even have a menu.

Ugly, modern buildings and grandiose, shadeless plazas have practically eradicated all of the bustle and charms of old Asia from Batam.



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