Bandung Getaway: Stunning 2BR Buah Batu Park Apartment Near Toll!
Bandung Getaway: Buah Batu Park Apartment - My Honest (and Slightly Messy) Take!
Okay, so let's talk about this Bandung Getaway: Stunning 2BR Buah Batu Park Apartment Near Toll! because honestly, after a whirlwind trip, I'm still processing everything. It's a lot to unpack, like a suitcase overflowing with batik and instant noodles (yes, I brought my own, don't judge). This ain't your perfectly curated travel blog post – this is the raw, unedited truth, with all the quirks and questionable decisions included.
Accessibility - Can I roll with it? (Literally!)
Right, let's tackle the tough stuff first. "Facilities for disabled guests" is listed, which is a good start, but specifics? Not so much. And that's a bummer. I didn't specifically need full accessibility on this trip, but I’m always looking at it. The elevator is mentioned, but what about hallways? Are the bathrooms actually usable? I'd definitely want to confirm details directly with the apartment before booking if it was a priority.
Getting Around - Tolls, Taxis, and the Bandung Hustle
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Valet parking: Jackpot! This is a HUGE win for anyone renting a car (which I didn't, but good for you!). Parking in Bandung can be a nightmare. Valet is fancy, but the free / on-site option is way more my vibe.
- Airport transfer, Taxi service, Bicycle parking: All there, all good! I went for the taxi, which was a bit of a gamble navigating Bandung traffic. Seriously, be prepared for it. It's a vibrant, crazy dance of motorbikes and cars.
The Apartment Itself - My Temporary Fortress
Alright, the heart of the matter! The 2BR. "Stunning"? Well, it was certainly…big. And clean, which, after the travel fiascos, I was deeply grateful for.
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.* Okay, that's a LOT. Talk about bells and whistles. The blackout curtains? Godsend. Bandung’s sun is brutal. I loved the little things, like the complimentary tea and the slippers. These touches truly make a difference.
- Internet Access - Wi-Fi [free]: Amen to the free Wi-Fi. Worked like a charm, which was crucial for my frantic (and probably annoying) attempts to navigate everything. The LAN option is there too, but who uses LAN anymore?
- The Balcony Vibe: Okay, I’m a sucker for a balcony. The unit had one. Not exactly a breathtaking view (more a view of…other apartments), but perfect for early morning coffee and scheming. I did some serious planning out there.
Cleanliness and Safety - Living in the COVID Era
They really take cleanliness seriously.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays: Whew! This is the reassurance everyone needs right now. I actually relaxed (slightly) knowing they were covering all bases.
- Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment, Safe dining setup. Good. Very, very good.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - My Stomach's Adventure
- Restaurants, Coffee shop, Snack bar, Poolside bar, Room service [24-hour] Okay, the on-site food options were a bit of a mixed bag. Room service? Always a good thing, especially at 2 AM when you're fighting jet lag.
- Breakfast Service: They listed Asian and Western breakfasts. I did the buffet one morning. It was…fine. Nothing to write home about, but it did the job. I always recommend exploring local food outside of the hotel.
Things to Do - The Search for Relaxation!
- Pool with view, Swimming pool [outdoor]: The pool looked pretty decent. I saw photos. I was too busy running around and chasing down adventures to lounge by it, though.
- Gym/fitness, Spa, Spa/sauna: I’m not a gym rat, but this gets a thumbs up for those who are. The spa sounded heavenly. I fully intended to book a massage. I didn't. I was too busy. This is my biggest regret.
- For the kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: Families, they got you covered!
Services and Conveniences - The Extras
- Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Luggage storage, Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Convenience store: All essentials. The doorman was friendly and always willing to hail a taxi. Lifesaver.
- Business facilities, Meeting/banquet facilities, Internet, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center, Projector/LED display, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Seminars, Audio-visual equipment for special events: This thing is also a business hotel! Who knew?
- Gift/souvenir shop: Of course, there's a gift shop! Good for grabbing last-minute souvenirs (because I always forget!).
The Quirky Bits and Bobs
- Smoking area: I don't smoke, but it's nice to see it's designated.
- Pets allowed unavailable: So no furry friends. Okay.
- Proposal spot: Proposal spot? Okay… romantic!
The Imperfections (Because Let's Be Real)
Look, it wasn’t perfect. The décor was a little…generic. It needed a touch more soul. And the location, while near the toll, required a bit of a drive to get to the main tourist sites. BUT those are minor quibbles.
My Emotional Verdict
Would I stay here again? Absolutely. Despite the minor drawbacks, the apartment provided a much-needed sanctuary after long days exploring the beautiful (and chaotic) chaos of Bandung. The cleanliness, the internet, and the sheer space were all huge wins. It's a solid choice for anyone wanting a comfortable base with good amenities. And hey, if you do end up booking, please get a massage for me! And maybe tell me how that "proposal spot" works out. I need details!
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Athena, Cervia's Hidden Gem
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into Bandung, the City of Flowers (allegedly!), and it's gonna be epic (or a glorious, slightly chaotic, disaster – we'll see!). This is my "Trip of a Lifetime" (that I'm probably gonna forget half of) to the Buah Batu Park 2BR Apt near Exit Toll By Travelio Bandung. Lord, please guide us… and maybe bring a decent cup of coffee.
Pre-Trip Anxiety & Apartment Shenanigans (AKA The Day Before We Leave):
- Morning: Woke up with a cold sweat at 3 AM. Did I pack enough socks? Are my passport photos current? Did I remember to warn the cat that I'm abandoning him for a full week? (Side note: He'll get revenge, I just know it.)
- Late Morning: Scrambled to finish packing. Found a mysterious box of chocolates I'd forgotten about. Score! Ate them all. Zero regrets.
- Afternoon: Double-checked all travel documents. Triple-checked everyone’s IDs. Started a frantic WhatsApp group chat with my travel buddies, filled with questions like "Are we sure we're going?" and "Did anyone remember to bring the mosquito repellent?"
- Evening: Landed at the apartment. Honestly? It looked… okay? The photos online were slightly flattering, but hey, it’s clean-ish. The air conditioning feels like a blessing from the gods. Unpacked (badly), then fell asleep on the couch fully clothed. Jet lag is a beast.
Day 1: Arrival & City Exploration (Attempted):
- Morning: Woke up with a serious pillow indentation etched into my face and the vague suspicion that I’d drooled on the nice white linen. Made some instant coffee in the apartment (it tasted like sadness, but it’ll do).
- Late Morning: Finally emerged from the apartment like a confused newborn. Decided to brave the local ojek (motorbike taxis) to get to Tangkuban Perahu - a volcanic crater. I have to confess, the ride there was terrifying, exhilarating, and I'm pretty sure I aged a few years; My driver kept waving hello to everyone and I was clenching on for dear life. But the view was amazing, and I kind of forgot I was worried about plummeting from a mountain. I’d recommend this.
- Afternoon: Lunched with a view of the crater. Ate some nasi goreng (fried rice) that was chef's kiss delicious. The air was crisp and clean, and I felt a strange sense of peace. I can totally get used to this.
- Late Afternoon: Got lost in the Cihampelas Walk area and gave into street food. My God, the street food! Satay, bakso, martabak manis… My stomach's a happy, greasy monster.
- Evening: Back home, exhausted. Played some cards. One person started snoring, another was glued to their phone, and I was contemplating ordering another martabak to the apartment.
Day 2: Culture Shock & Culinary Delights
- Morning: Woke up feeling like I'd been hit by a truck. (Thanks, jet lag and questionable street food!) Forced myself up, poured myself a cup of that sad coffee. Maybe I should have brought some instant coffee.
- Late Morning: Heading towards Kawah Putih, there were traffic jams and the constant honking of vehicles. Luckily, the drive towards the mountain gave us a beautiful view. The white crater and the sulfuric smell were… intense. But the photos will be amazing!
- Afternoon: Lunch at a local warung near the crater. It hit the spot, even in the face of the smell. Tried some soto bandung - a noodle soup.
- Late Afternoon: Back to the city. Went to the Braga Street - with pretty buildings and a lot of crowds. It’s a cool place, but it reminded me that I’d forgotten my sunscreen.
- Evening: The night market adventure. Lights, noise, and the tempting aroma of everything fried. Ended up buying a weird hat and a bunch of snacks I have no idea what they are. Ate a whole deep-fried banana and then decided that my life was complete.
Day 3: Shopping, Stressed Out, & Sweet Relief:
- Morning: Realized I had no clean clothes. Panic set in. Did a load of laundry. The machine was in Indonesian, so crossed my fingers and hoped for the best.
- Late Morning: Shopping spree in factory outlets. Okay, maybe spree is too strong a word. I bought a t-shirt that says "Bandung, Never Forget." I probably will forget, but whatever.
- Afternoon: Almost had a meltdown in a crowded mall. The humidity, the traffic, the sheer volume of people… It was too much. Needed a break.
- Late Afternoon: Found solace in a small, quiet cafe near the apartment. Ordered a kopi susu (coffee with milk) and watched the world go by. Felt my blood pressure return to normal. Found out later the coffee was extremely strong. No regrets.
- Evening: Ordered in. Ate on the balcony and watched the sunset. The moment was perfect, and it’s just the type of thing I would remember a lot.
Day 4: Day Trip Disaster & Unexpected Beauty:
- Morning: Planned a day trip to a waterfall. Found out that the transportation was canceled. So we stayed home.
- Afternoon: Watched a film in the apartment.
- Evening: Went out to a local restaurant. Found the food to be a bit bland.
- Late Evening: Decided to walk to the hotel.
Day 5: Departure Anxiety & Contemplation:
- Morning: Woke up with a headache.
- Afternoon: Packing. More frantic than the first time. Did I forget anything? Did I buy enough for my loved ones? Should I just stay? Found the mysterious chocolates again. Ate them all.
- Late Afternoon: Said farewell to the apartment, with a bittersweet mix of relief and a strange sense of nostalgia. Bandung, you crazy, chaotic, delicious, beautiful city, you stole my heart (and probably my stomach).
- Evening: Waiting at the airport, feeling the familiar pre-flight jitters. This trip… it wasn’t perfect. There were breakdowns, missed opportunities, questionable food choices and a whole lot of sweaty moments. But you know what? It was real. It was mine. And I wouldn’t trade it for all the perfectly curated Instagram posts in the world.
Final Thoughts:
Bandung, you surprised me. You challenged me. You fed me some incredible things. You tested my patience (with traffic, with the heat, with my own lack of planning). And you left me with a feeling that I need to come back. Maybe next time, I'll bring better coffee. And a bigger suitcase.
Now, to find my passport… and maybe another deep-fried banana. Adios!
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Nacional Inn's São José dos Campos Oasis Awaits!
Bandung Getaway: Buah Batu Park Apartment - Ask Me Anything (Seriously!)
Okay, so, Buah Batu Park... is it *actually* near the toll? Because Google Maps has lied to me before.
Alright, let's cut the crap. YES. It IS near the toll. Like, *super* near. You can practically smell the exhaust fumes... (kidding! Mostly). It's bananas convenient. We were zipping in and out of Bandung like seasoned pros because of that toll access. Honestly, that was half the reason we booked it. My wife HATES traffic (who doesn't, honestly?), and this place delivered. I mean, don't expect to roll out of bed and be *on* the toll, but it's close enough you're not going to spend half your holiday stuck in a car. Trust me, the toll access is a HUGE win. Saved our sanity, for sure. That alone made the trip worthwhile.
The apartment – Two bedrooms, huh? Was it actually *spacious* or just "technically" two bedrooms?
Okay, this is where things get a little... nuanced. "Spacious" might be stretching it slightly. Look, it's an apartment, not a mansion. The bedrooms weren't enormous, but they were perfectly adequate. We had two kids, and the kids' room was a bit of a strategic Tetris game to get everyone's luggage in, but it worked. The master bedroom was definitely more… comfortable. I mean, you could actually, you know, *move* around in there. We had the master bed all to ourselves, and it was GLORIOUS. Seriously, after a day of wandering around Bandung, that bed felt like a cloud. The living area was decent too. Plenty of space to chill and watch TV (which, let's be honest, is essential after trekking around all day). So, not palatial, but definitely comfortable and functional. And for the price? Absolutely worth it. Plus, think about it from a parent's perspective: two bedrooms means a modicum of peace and quiet from the kids (mostly!).
What was the vibe like? Modern? Homey? Did it feel like a hotel or more like a real home?
The vibe... good question. It definitely leaned modern, with clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic. Think IKEA-esque, but slightly more... polished. It wasn't overly sterile, though. There were some little touches that made it feel more homey – a few plants, some artwork. We actually liked the feeling. It was clean, comfortable, and uncluttered. It definitely felt more like a well-kept apartment than a cold hotel room. We could actually *relax* in there, and that was a HUGE deal. Plus, my wife, bless her heart, is a neat freak, so the cleanliness factor was a massive win. We definitely felt at home, even though we were thousands of miles from our *actual* home. That's the magic of a good Airbnb, am I right?
Okay, location, location, location! Besides the toll, any other perks of the neighborhood? Food? Shopping? Anything nearby?
Alright, location specifics! Beyond that toll (which, again, a massive win), the neighborhood itself was pretty decent. There were restaurants and cafes within walking distance – decent ones too! Nothing super fancy, but perfectly serviceable for a quick bite. We found a little *warung* (local eatery) that made the *best* nasi goreng – seriously, I'm still dreaming about it. Shopping was, well, there were some smaller convenience stores and markets around. For anything serious, we relied on Grab (the local Uber/Lyft, basically) to get us to bigger malls. So, it's not like you're right in the middle of all the action, but you also weren't completely isolated. It was a good balance. Plus, the quiet at night was fantastic. After a day navigating crazy Bandung traffic, that was a HUGE relief.
Was the Wi-Fi GOOD? (Gotta prioritize the internet, right?)
Wi-Fi... YES! YES, IT WAS GOOD! Okay, maybe my memory is slightly rose-tinted, but it was definitely reliable and fast enough. I was able to stream my terrible shows (a necessary evil, I tell you), and the kids were happily glued to their tablets. My wife even managed to get some work done (bless her tireless soul). Seriously, the Wi-Fi was a big stress reliever. No buffering, no dropped connections. A good Wi-Fi connection is a holiday essential, in my book. Remember the time we stayed somewhere with terrible internet? A disaster. Pure chaos. This place delivered.
Any downsides? Anything that REALLY annoyed you? Be honest!
Alright, alright, the *real* stuff. Okay, so... the air conditioning. It worked... *mostly*. We had one night where it decided to go rogue and just... give up. Bandung can get surprisingly hot and humid, so that wasn't ideal. It was a bit of a sweating adventure. I messaged the host, and they dealt with it pretty quickly, but still, a minor inconvenience. Beyond that, honestly, nothing major. Oh, and the elevator in the building was a little slow, but hey, at least there *was* an elevator. So, yeah, the AC hiccup was the biggest thing. Not a deal-breaker, but worth noting.
Would you stay there again? Seriously, would you recommend it?
Absolutely. 100% YES! I would definitely stay there again. The proximity to the toll was a game-changer. The apartment was clean and comfortable. The price was right. Yeah, that AC hiccup was annoying, but seriously, overall, it was a fantastic experience. I've stayed in far worse places for far more money. Would I recommend it? Without a doubt. If you're looking for a comfortable, convenient base to explore Bandung, this is a solid choice. Just pack some extra cooling towels, just in case the AC decides to stage a rebellion. But honestly? Go for it. You won't regret it. And tell the nasi goreng stall I said hi.
And lastly, did the kids destroy the place? Be honest! Did you have to pay extra?
The kids... oh, the kids. Let's just say they left their *mark*. There were a few mysterious stains on the carpet (not entirely sure what the culprit was, to be honest, possibly spilled juice? Who knows!). And the master bedroom seemed to be extra "interesting" with a few art works on the wall. But honestly, nothing major. I cleaned up as best as I could, and we definitely didn't get any extra charges! I think we were lucky. So, yeah, the apartment survived. The family? A little less so, sometimes. But hey, that's what family holidays are all about, right? The chaos and the memories. I would definitely stay there again. Worth it
Ocean View Inn
