Unbelievable Jogja Stays: Your Dream Homestay Awaits!
Unbelievable Jogja Stays: My (Unfiltered) Homestay Adventure – You Won't Believe This… Seriously
Right, let's cut the crap. "Unbelievable Jogja Stays" – that's what they call themselves. And after a week, I'm still trying to figure out exactly what's unbelievable. Was it good unbelievable? Bad unbelievable? Or just… unbelievably average? Let's dive in, shall we? Buckle up, this is gonna be a bumpy ride.
Accessibility: A Mixed Ba… Bag.
Okay, first off, the whole accessibility thing. They mention facilities for disabled guests, which is a decent start. But the actual execution? Well, let's just say my clumsy self found myself constantly tripping over things. The pathways weren't exactly smoothed for wheelchairs, and while there was an elevator (thank God!), the lobby felt a bit… crowded. So, mixed bag, leaning towards "could be better." I did see a ramp, though, which is progress! Bonus points for trying.
Restaurants, Lounges & the Quest for a Decent Coffee:
The on-site "restaurants"? More like scattered food stations, to be honest. I spent a frantic morning trying to find a decent coffee and ended up practically begging for a cappuccino. The bar was… functional. Think, "cold Bintangs and a view." Not exactly a masterclass in mixology, but hey, you can’t complain. The "poolside bar" was… also a bar by the pool. Get the picture?
Wheelchair Accessible? - See above.
Connectivity – The Wi-Fi Wars (and my sanity)
"Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" the website boasted. Yeah, right. It was like a ghost. Sometimes it was there, mostly it wasn't. I'd pace around my room like a digital Gollum, clutching my phone and muttering about buffering. The "Internet [LAN]" was a relic from the dial-up era. Honestly, I think I got more reliability from carrier pigeons. They need to sort this out. I lost entire days battling the connection, which is a tragedy in a place as beautiful as Jogja.
And Speaking of Things To Do and Ways To… Relax… or Die Trying:
Okay, this is where "Unbelievable" started to feel slightly less… ironic. The pool with a view was genuinely stunning. One day, I swear, I saw a monkey peeking out from tree, like, "are you done yet, human?" which was pretty epic.
The Spa experience… or how I nearly combusted.
Let’s talk Spa. I booked a body scrub and a massage. The brochure promised bliss. The reality? Well, let’s just say I'm pretty sure the "professional-grade sanitizing services" didn't extend to the spa products. I emerged from my Body Wrap feeling like a slightly smoother, but also suspiciously sticky, mud-pie.
The sauna was… hot. The steam room promised relaxation, but felt more like a humid death chamber. My only refuge was the pool which I found myself escaping every day, to the point where I started to develop webbed feet.
The Fitness center, by the way? Let's just say the equipment looked like it was salvaged from a shipwreck. I managed to break a treadmill, and I'm pretty sure the staff was relieved when I was finally done. The Foot bath was nice – a cool respite from the heat.
Cleanliness and Safety: Did Someone Say "Germaphobe’s Dream?"
Okay, this is where "Unbelievable" actually earned its name… kinda. They were obsessed with cleanliness. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Double-check. Room sanitization between stays? Triple-check.
Now, I'm all for cleanliness, especially in a post-pandemic world. But the constant sanitizing felt a little… suffocating. Did I mention the hand sanitizer dispensers on every single surface? It was like living in a science experiment. The Staff trained in safety protocol. (I was basically interrogated every time I left the room, but hey, safety first, right?). They went over and above to make sure the guest were safe using things like, Smoke detectors, Fire extinguisher and CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property.
The Sanitized kitchen and tableware items was also reassuring.
The Physical distancing of at least 1 meter didn't always work well, but they really tried. I did appreciate the individual-wrapped food options and they even gave me an option to opt out of getting my room sanitized.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (of Sorts)
Breakfast [buffet]? Hmmm… Let's say I wouldn't write home about it. The Asian breakfast was okay, the Western breakfast not so much. The Coffee shop was a ghost town. I only saw staff making coffee when people were yelling, and that really didn't make for any good cappuccino.
They offered A la carte in restaurant which was nice, along with Salad in restaurant and Soup in restaurant. The Desserts in restaurant were also a highlight. They have a Poolside bar, which I already touched on. Restaurants are a plenty here. They even had a Vegetarian restaurant which was nice.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the "Wait, What?"
Air conditioning in public area - Yes! Business facilities - Yeah you bet! Cash withdrawal - Yes! Concierge - They tried. I needed help finding a local market, and the concierge got me directions to the one on the other side of the city. Convenience store - Yes! Currency exchange - Yep! Daily housekeeping - Yep! Elevator - Yep! Facilities for disabled guests - Hmm, see earlier. Food delivery - Yes! Gift/souvenir shop - Kind of! Laundry service - Yes! Luggage storage - Yes! Meeting/banquet facilities - Huh? Projector/LED display - Yes! Terrace - Yes! Wi-Fi for special events - I think?
For the Kids: Babysitting and Beyond
I don’t have kids, so the "Family/child friendly" part is lost on me, but they did have Babysitting service so that's a plus. I did see a little kid screaming at the pool, thought, so maybe it's more child-tolerant rather than child-friendly?
Rooms: My Temporary Prison (or Sanctuary?)
Okay, let's get real. The room. That's where you spend most of your time, right? Mine was alright. Air conditioning worked, and it was a lifesaver in the Jogja heat. Blackout curtains meant I could sleep in (bliss!). The Bed was comfy. The Free bottled water was essential. The Shower was good.
The Closet was big enough to hide in.
The In-room safe box – absolutely necessary. The Mini bar. The Non-smoking was nice. The Seating area was a bonus. The Toiletries were… well, they were there. The Towels were fluffy. The Wake-up service worked, though I think it's because I kept falling asleep in front of the TV. The Wi-Fi [free]…. Well, you know.
Getting Around: Transportation Tango
They offered Airport transfer, which was a massive relief after a long flight. Car park [free of charge] - always a bonus. They also have Taxi service.
Overall Impression: The Verdict
"Unbelievable Jogja Stays" wasn’t a disaster. It wasn't paradise. It was… an experience. I'd recommend it if you're:
- Craving a pool with a (slightly obstructed) view.
- Okay with a Wi-Fi connection that's more mythical creature than reality.
- A fan of aggressive cleaning.
- Not expecting gourmet food.
- Seeking a place with a soul, despite its imperfections.
Would I go back? Maybe. With lower expectations and a pocketful of data on my phone. It was an adventure, that’s for sure. And sometimes, that's all you need.
Escape to Tuscany: Borgo San Faustino's Luxury Relais & Spa Awaits
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your Aunt Mildred's pristine itinerary. This is my attempt at surviving a week in Jogja, Indonesia, based out of the City Stay Homestay. Prepare for chaos, caffeine jitters, and possibly a minor existential crisis or two. Let's do this thing!
Jogja Jaunt: A Slightly Unhinged Adventure
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Luggage Debacle (aka, What Have I Done?)
- Morning (ish - let's be real, it's probably closer to noon): Landed in Yogyakarta. Smells like… well, a warm hug of spices and diesel fumes. Immediately regretting not packing more deodorant. Also, wondering if I can still fit into my skinny jeans after the flight. The answer is a resounding NO. Finding the homestay is a bit of a scavenger hunt, involving a very bewildered taxi driver and me frantically waving my phone around like a lost tourist beacon. (Note to self: Learn even basic Indonesian greetings.)
- Afternoon: City Stay Homestay. Cute! Actually, really cute. The courtyard is lush, the staff are ridiculously friendly… and my luggage is MIA. Turns out, the airline decided my suitcase deserved a separate vacation. Cue the mild panic. Brief meltdown involving tears, chocolate, and the questionable internet connection. Thankfully, the homestay owner, a woman named Ibu (like, "Mama") Sari, is an angel. She helps me contact the lost luggage people, offers me tea, and assures me everything will be alright. (Bless you, Ibu Sari.)
- Evening: Wandering the nearby streets. The air buzzes with life. Motorbikes are zipping around like angry bees. The food stalls are calling my name! Settling on a warung (local eatery) and ordering… something. Pointing and hoping for the best. The spicy peanut sauce in the Gado-Gado almost brought tears to my eyes. Delicious, and a total triumph of the day.
Day 2: Borobudur, Bumps, and Buddhist Bliss
- Dawn (or, the Attempt Thereof): Wake up for Sunrise at Borobudur. The alarm blares. I groan. Roll over. Wake up AGAIN and drag myself out of bed. Still, despite the early hour, Borobudur is breathtaking. The stupas are massive, the carvings are intricate… I did not have that many stairs and was not that tired. The sunrise paints the temple in gold and orange. It’s quiet, peaceful, and utterly magnificent.
- Anecdote: I almost tripped over a sleeping stray dog. A near-disastrous start to a spiritual experience.
- Morning: Back to the homestay. I was not prepared for the extreme amount of heat I would experience. After a shower and a nap, trying to find it, I have the strength needed to explore.
- Afternoon: Back to my accommodation, a local driver took me to a local restaurant. The driver's motorcycle skills are impressive – a mix of expert navigation and sheer, glorious recklessness. I feel like I am riding on a rollercoaster. The food is incredible, I was full, and everything was fantastic.
- Evening: I finally went back to the homestay after watching the sunset and drinking a cup of tea. I'm going to take a nap.
Day 3: Kraton & Batik Blues (and Unexpected Joy)
- Morning: The Kraton (Sultan's Palace). It's beautiful, but also… stuffy. Lots of red velvet and gold leaf. I'm not entirely sure what I'm looking at, but the gamelan music is beautiful.
- Observation: The guards in their traditional hats look impeccably regal. I wonder if I can pull off that look. (Probably not.)
- Afternoon: Batik class! This was supposed to be fun, a creative outlet, a chance to embrace Indonesian culture. Instead, it was a sticky, messy, wax-stained disaster. My batik, resembling a Jackson Pollock painting gone wrong, is laughably bad. But the teacher, a sweet old woman with a kind face and hands that moved like magic, just smiles and says, "Not bad, for first try." It's a moment of unexpected joy.
- Evening: Strolling around Malioboro Street. The crowds are thick, the vendors are persistent. Trying to master the art of polite "no, thank you" in Bahasa Indonesia. Buying a ridiculously cheap souvenir T-shirt. Realizing I have zero room left in my suitcase. Feeling a weird kind of happiness.
Day 4: Waterfalls, Whispers, and a Deep Dive into Food
- Morning: Tucked in by the waterfall. I was supposed to be a little more physically active, so I chose a waterfall hike. It was gorgeous! The air is crisp, the water is cool, and the jungle is all around. I'm sweating buckets, but it's worth it.
- Afternoon: This food tour is amazing! I felt like I needed to go, as I was having a great time seeing all of the restaurants and food stalls.
- Evening: I will be eating the local food, it is a must.
Day 5: Prambanan, Prayer, and Perhaps a Miracle? (Maybe…)
- Morning: Prambanan temple. The sheer scale of it is staggering. The intricate carvings are breathtaking. This time, I appreciate the architecture far more than I did at Borobudur, and I also learned from the mistakes that were made when I visited Borobudur (the sun, again).
- Emotional Reaction: Feeling a sense of awe and a deep respect. Also, a vague yearning to be able to pronounce "Prambanan" correctly.
- Afternoon: Another batik class! Maybe it was because I was getting more relaxed, or because I could laugh at the previous day's "art," but this time, my batik is slightly less terrible. Maybe, just maybe, it’s starting to look like something resembling a… design.
- Evening: I have discovered the joy of a full body massage (after all of the physical activities) and I will most certainly be back.
Day 6: A Day of Rest
- Morning: Some extra time to chill in a café.
- Afternoon: A day to relax at the homestay.
- Evening: Packing. This is going to take a miracle or two.
Day 7: Departure and Farewell to Jogja - The Messy, Wonderful Miracle
- Morning: The luggage delivery! My suitcase has finally been tracked back, a week later.
- Afternoon: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Said goodbye to Ibu Sari.
- Evening: Reflecting on my week. Jogja isn’t perfect. It's hot, it's chaotic, and sometimes, it feels a little overwhelming. But it's also incredibly beautiful, full of kindness, and utterly unforgettable.
- Final Observation: It was everything, and in the best way possible.
This is my Jogja story. Or, at least, a very small slice of it. I can’t wait to tell other people about everything I did. Now, time to go home!
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Hotel Silver Shine, Chhindwara's Hidden Gem!
Okay, Seriously, What Makes Unbelievable Jogja Stays SO Unbelievable? Is it just hype?
Alright, let's get REAL. "Unbelievable" is a BIG claim, right? Honestly, the name's a little much. Okay, a LOT much. But…(and this is where it gets messy). It's not JUST hype. It's the *feeling*. Remember that time you accidentally wandered into that hidden warung, and the family basically adopted you? That's kind of the vibe. It’s not always picture-perfect. I stayed at one place – the "Spice Route Retreat" – expecting Instagram perfection. Spoiler: the Wi-Fi was dodgy. But the owner, bless her heart, was like my Indonesian grandmother. Brewed me the strongest ginger tea I've ever tasted, and constantly fed me. Literally, she'd appear with plates of fruit, like, "Eat, you're too skinny!" So, yeah, the imperfections? The slightly wonky shower pressure? They disappear when you're knee-deep in local life.
How does Unbelievable Jogja Stays find these, uh, "unbelievable" homestays? Do they just, like, Google "Awesome Places to Stay"?
Okay, no, thank goodness. I think. I honestly don't know the *exact* process. They're probably not typing "magical places with talking cats" into a search bar (although, wouldn't that be amazing?!). From what I understand it's a combination of word-of-mouth (which is huge in Jogja, everyone knows *everyone*), local connections, and maybe even just pure…luck? They probably have people sniffing out little gems. Because let me tell you, finding a truly authentic place in Jogja takes serious dedication. I tried it once. Failed miserably. Ended up in a hostel that smelled faintly of… old noodles. The point is, they're doing *something* right, because the places are generally amazing, and offer a different experience than what you'd find in a standard hotel.
What kind of people *actually* stay at these homestays? Backpackers? Honeymooners? Aliens disguised as travel writers?
A glorious mix, darling. A glorious, chaotic, beautiful mix. I've met solo travelers who'd just gotten over a bad breakup, couples celebrating anniversaries, families with kids, and, yes, probably a few disguised aliens. (You can't rule it out, right?) The common thread? A yearning for something…real. Not just another generic hotel experience. I met this couple at the "Rice Paddy Retreat" – they told me they had spent a fortune on a fancy resort in Bali, and were practically bored to death. Then they came to Jogja, stayed at the homestay and were absolutely beaming. They didn’t want to leave, they were laughing, they were *genuinely* happy. That's the magic. It attracts people who want more than just a comfy bed.
What's the biggest difference between Unbelievable Jogja Stays and, say, a regular hotel? Besides the lack of room service at 3 AM (probably)?
Okay, room service at 3 am? Yeah, unlikely. But seriously, it's the *connection*. In a hotel, you're a guest. At a homestay? You're practically family (maybe a slightly annoying younger cousin, but still family). The owners often live there, and they *care*. They want you to experience their life, their culture. I remember getting utterly lost trying to find the local market, and the homestay owner (the "Green Oasis Guesthouse") RAN out in her *sarong* to find me. That's not happening at the Hilton. Also, you learn so much about local life. Things you wouldn't discover in a tour book. It’s messy, it's unpredictable, but it's real. And that's something a sterile hotel room just can't offer.
Are the homestays all perfectly clean and fancy? Because… well, I'm a bit of a clean freak.
Um… clean? Let's just say the definition of "clean" might vary slightly depending on the homestay. Look, some are pristine, picture-perfect. Others have…personality. Sometimes a little *too* much personality. The key is to READ the reviews. Really, *really* read them. Look for words like "charming," "rustic," and "homely." (That can mean a LOT of things). If you need a sterile environment, maybe these aren't for you. I went to one place ("The Bamboo Cottage"), and there were geckos on the walls. I am not a gecko person. I spent the first night hiding under the covers. But after a few days, you adjust. You realize the geckos are just part of the furniture (literally). The point is to be prepared for something a bit less…polished, and a bit more… genuine. And sometimes, a little bit of dirt adds character
Speaking of details, how do I book a stay at Unbelievable Jogja Stays? Is it a secret society, or what?
No, it's not a secret society (thank goodness-- I'd never get in). They mostly have a website and various booking platforms. Seriously, it's not rocket science. You can also find most of them on any online booking site like Booking.com and Airbnb. But! Here's the pro tip, and the most important thing you need to know. CONTACT THEM DIRECTLY if you can. Email, WhatsApp, whatever. The owners are usually the ones managing everything, and you get a much better sense of the place. Plus, you can ask them directly about things, like, "How often do you get power outages?" (Important question!), or "Are the roosters REALLY loud?" (Also important). This isn't a chain; it's personal. Use that.
Cost-wise, are these places budget-friendly? Luxurious? Somewhere in between?
Honestly, it varies. And that's the beauty of it. You can find places that are incredibly affordable – think, like, backpacking-on-a-shoestring affordable. Then, you can go a bit upmarket and stay somewhere that's more, um, "boutique." They are generally much more budget-friendly than hotels, especially considering the unique experience you're getting. Think of it as paying for the experience, not just the room. You could find places for less than $20 or $30 a night. The cost will depend on the location and the facilities offered. Some homestays are located in more remote areas, so the transportation costs may be higher. Others are basic, but still charming. Overall, the price is usually the main reason to stay.
I'm worried about the language barrier. I barely speak English. Is that a problem?
It can be, let's beLocal Hotel Tips
