I took the 1-hr ferry (Penguin) from Harbour Front, Singapore to Batam Centre (Singapore Dollars 22.00, return, plus $3.00 tax each way), stayed over-night and flew by Merpati Airlines to Tubing airport, Padang (1-hr flight, Singapore Dollars 175.00, return)

Padang is clean and has wide streets. It may not have a wide touristic appeal but is a good launch pad for the scenic islands and mountains around. I stayed at the Inna Muara hotel (discounted at 300,000 Rupiah / day). Do not miss the international-fame 'padang' dishes which have their origin here. Weave & carve-products are a shopper's attraction. http://www.indonesiaphoto.com/article187.html