Batam: Extreme sports at Asia’s first cable ski park
FOR those of you that have visited Singapore, its not exactly a city that oozes adventure (though it does offer so many other ways to play). But being at a strategic location to make day trips to both Indonesia and Malaysia means fast, furious, fun is right around the corner.
Lift off, where the show, or humiliation, begins....
An obvious choice for a kick of adrenaline is the first Cable Ski Park in Asia. Located in Batam, Indonesia, its just an hour ride by ferry from Singapore’s Harbourfront Centre. Waterfront City is a park built on reclaimed land offering numerous activities and various types of accommodation, but it’s at a man-made lake with an 800 meter cable circuit that most of the action happens.
Even though water activities are becoming more popular and provided for in Singapore, locals and tourists increasingly come here to get their outdoor action fix since it’s novice friendly and a great deal more affordable. While Singapore offers cable-skiing at a pretty steep hourly rate, Batam Cable-Ski Park provides value for money ‘day packages’ that include lunch, equipment and transfers to suit your schedule and skill, making the trip just that much more convenient and hassle free. Plus, tour operators are more inclined to teach you cool new tricks to those brave enough to take on the ramps and ski jumps.
The hardest part is the beginning. But if you can stay upright, the rest is a breeze.
Whatever your preference for an adrenaline rush, be it wakeboarding, wakeskating, knee boarding or double skiing, this is a great place to learn how to glide on water or polish those slick skills. Don’t fret though, if you find yourself hurtling head first into the water with a wakeboard rather than effortlessly zipping by. It doesn’t come easy so try your hand, or rather knees, at knee boarding first.
Determination is something you have to bring along on this trip!
If you end up in the water, you just swim to shore, which is always just a couple of meters away. A moped will probably be standing by (or headed your way) on a tiny path to pick you, and your board, up so you can do it all over again.
And finally, success.
With no limitations on how many rounds you can go on and no motorboats involved, it’s an affordable alternative for the individual seeking affordable watersports. It’s also a choice getaway to another country without causing you to bust your budget.
