Google 4.9 stars? This Batam KTV is a tourist trap. Dare to go?
qponx
2026-03-05
Don't be fooled by a 4.9-star Google rating! This article exposes a popular Batam KTV as a major tourist trap. Uncover the truth behind the glowing reviews, from shocking hidden fees that can double the bill to bizarre scams targeting foreigners and warnings of fake alcohol. It's a crucial read for any traveler looking to avoid a costly and frustrating night out, highlighting the red flags to watch for before you go.
Family, take a word of advice from me: if you're visiting Batam and you see this KTV called THRIVE, please, just walk away! Don't ask me how I know, let's just say I just crawled out of that trap… 😭
I was originally drawn in by its glaring 4.9-star rating (6000+ reviews!) on Google Maps, thinking it must be some kind of amazing place, but the result? Heh, reality gave me a huge slap in the face. This is no paradise; it's literally a "rip-off paradise" tailor-made for tourists.
An Immersive "Getting Ripped Off" Experience
The moment you walk in, the place is huge—KTV, pool tables, darts, everything. It looks really impressive. The KTV rooms are pretty spacious too, and even have private bathrooms[1]. The first impression seemed pretty good.
But as soon as you start singing, you'll know. The sound system... honestly, I think it's worse than some places I've been to that cost half the price[2]. But that's not even the main point! The most anjay part was, while we were having a great time, an employee suddenly ran over and seriously accused my friend of stealing their dice[3]! We were all stunned and tried to explain ourselves, but in the end, they "miraculously" found the dice in a trash can downstairs and insisted we threw them there. This whole act, isn't it a classic setup and extortion script? Specifically targeting us because we're foreigners. Mantap! 👍
The Bill Is the Real Scare
You think that's the end of it? The real climax comes when you get the bill.
The package price they verbally quoted us was around 1.7 million Indonesian Rupiah, but when the bill came, it was almost 3 million[4]! For just over an hour, my god! I was shocked. For that price, you could sing your heart out in Singapore. When we argued with them, they just mumbled about all sorts of unclear additional fees. It was obvious they were just trying to rip us off.
And the drinks, they tasted really off. Later, I went through the reviews and found that many people said they sell fake alcohol[5] at ridiculously high prices. It's literally paying to suffer.
Guide to Avoiding This Trap (Please Memorize)
I know some lokal friends might have been there and thought it was okay, and some reviews even say the staff's service is good and they speak fluent English[6] (I don't deny this, some of the waiters were indeed polite). But for us tourists, this place is just too shady, and the risk is extremely high!
In short, there are so many fun places in Batam. There's no need to come here to spend money just to get angry. If you want to Nongkrong and Chill, let's just go somewhere else, OK?
- 🚨 Price Trap: Never trust the verbal quote! The final bill will definitely give you a big "surprise".
- 🚨 Fake Alcohol Warning: If you care about the quality of your drinks, just skip this place. Don't waste your money on some unknown liquid.
- 🚨 Setup Scam: Be especially careful of scams like being framed for stealing things[7]. They specifically target tourists.
- 🚨 High-Rating Illusion: Don't believe the 4.9-star rating. Go read the one-star reviews below; those are the real, painful lessons.
- This massive KTV has more than just singing, with billiards, darts, and other games. We were ready for an all-night session[1].
- They quoted us 1.7M IDR, but the bill skyrocketed to nearly 3M! Not the kind of "surprise" you're looking for[2].
- Don't be fooled by the 4.9-star rating from 6,000+ Google reviews. We almost fell for the hype—it's a total rip-off[3].
Similar Articles
This viral Italian spot in Batam: Are you paying for the vibe or the food?
Is Batam's viral Italian spot, Piccola Stella, worth the hype? This place is famous for its incredible atmosphere—a stunning three-story retro building with a must-visit rooftop offering live music and chill vibes. While the ambiance is a guaranteed win, the food gets polarized reviews. This article dives into whether you're paying for the vibe or the food, revealing which dishes like the lasagna and pizza are safe bets for a great night out at this photogenic hotspot.
Burger: A Flop. Matcha: God-Tier! I have a love-hate relationship with this Batam cafe
Discover a cozy Batam cafe with a polarizing menu. While its famed Wagyu burger is a risky "blind box" experience, the real star is the phenomenal, ceremonial-grade matcha, hailed as one of the island's best. Settle into the homey, living-room-like atmosphere run by friendly owners. Beyond the matcha, the generous tiramisu and thick brioche kaya toast are also must-tries. It’s the perfect spot for dessert and drink lovers looking for a chill afternoon hangout.
Who says old-school spots can't Chill? This Batam dessert shop is something else
Think old-school dessert shops are boring? Think again! Batam's Balai Aboleng Mitra 2, a spot since 1990, has a stunning modern makeover perfect for chilling. While the vibe is contemporary, the flavors are classic. Dive into their signature Aboleng (glutinous rice balls) with warm ginger soup and don't dare skip the legendary crispy fried popiah. It’s the perfect blend of nostalgic tastes and a cool, comfortable atmosphere for your next hangout.
5.0 stars on Google, what's the deal with this Wharf Layer Cake?
Discover the secret behind Lamoist, the wildly popular layer cake shop at Batam's Harbour Bay Ferry Terminal that boasts a 5-star rating. This article unveils why their Kueh Lapis is a must-buy, highlighting its rich buttery aroma and incredibly moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Learn about the top flavors, from the classic Original to a special Coffee & Dark Chocolate, and get pro-tips on how to score the freshest cake for the perfect souvenir.