Balikpapan's BEST Kept Secret: OYO 3807 Guest House 268!
Okay, strap in, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the… uh… secret that is OYO 3807 Guest House 268 in Balikpapan. Honestly, it’s a name that screams “budget traveler’s safe haven,” and after my recent jaunt, I'm here to tell you… well, it’s more than just that. It’s… complicated. Let's get messy, shall we?
First Impressions (and My Own Personal Chaos):
So, you're rolling into Balikpapan, right? Maybe you're a business traveler who’s seen one too many sterile hotel rooms (been there, felt that), or perhaps you’re a wanderluster just looking for a place to crash before you hit up something a bit more exotic in Borneo. Either way, finding OYO 3807 feels a little like a treasure hunt. The signage isn't exactly screaming "COME INSIDE, EXPLORE HAPPINESS!" more like a whisper of "Maybe…?" It's tucked away, which, I guess, explains the "secret" part.
Accessibility, Accessibility, Accessibility (and My Near-Disaster):
Okay, let's be real. Accessibility is a big deal, and a hotel should be easy enough to navigate. Sadly, the road leading up to the property had a slight incline, which caused a minor anxiety attack as I was driving the rental car up the driveway… The hotel itself seemed to have an elevator, so points for that. (I mean, I didn’t check out the stair situation, because, frankly, I was too afraid of heights.) I didn’t specifically look for wheelchair accessibility, but I know that the hotel does mention they have some facilities for disabled guests, so you might want to check the details to ensure the right amenities are available.
The Room: A Tale of Two Halves (and a Missing Plug):
Alright, the room. It wasn't a palace. Let’s establish that. Think… functional. Clean, though! And for the price, absolutely worth it. I had a perfectly clean room, with air conditioning, which is an absolute lifesaver in that heat. The mattress… well, it was decent. Nothing to write home about. But the pillows were fluffy enough, and I had some pretty decent blackout curtains that helped me to sleep in just a bit.
BUT! There are some issues. Some of the furnishings are quite old. And here comes the confession: I went to plug in my phone charger… and the outlet was, for lack of a better word, kaput. Dead. I had to find another outlet that was far away from the bed.
Internet: The Digital Tether (and the Occasional Meltdown):
Listen, I need Wi-Fi. I'm a digital nomad, a writer, an… internet addict. OYO 3807 claims to have free Wi-Fi in all rooms. And, yeah, it exists. Sometimes. It’s a bit… flaky. Speeds varied wildly. Some days, it was like trying to upload a video from a dial-up modem. Other days… not quite dial-up, but definitely not blazing-fast. The LAN connection was unavailable, but I didn’t even try it, I wanted ease of use. Consider it a digital detox challenge. Thank goodness I took my hotspot and the Wi-Fi did work in the lobby areas.
Let's Talk Food, Glorious Food (or, My Quest for a Decent Coffee):
Okay, the food situation deserves its own chapter. The guest house offers a “breakfast in room” option. And hey! You can get a takeaway breakfast too! But if you're expecting Michelin-star cuisine, you're in the wrong city, the wrong country, and possibly the wrong universe. What I did get was a very simple and tasty (if a little humble) Asian breakfast. The coffee, bless its heart, was… well. It was coffee. (I personally found this restaurant to be better than the one downstairs, and the staff made a much better coffee). But the menu also had an international menu, and they even had western cuisine. So that was nice.
The "Coffee Shop" (which is not always open) was sometimes a bit of a chaotic experience. However, the staff are all trained in the safety protocols. So there's that.
Services & Conveniences: The Small Things That Matter (Except the Dry Cleaning. Did They Even HAVE Dry Cleaning?):
Here's the deal: OYO 3807 offers a bunch of basic services. They have a 24-hour front desk (which comes in handy), daily housekeeping (thank the lord!), currency exchange, and luggage storage. Laundry service and ironing were available. I didn’t see a dry-cleaning service, however.
Things To Do? Relax, Maybe? (And My Failed Spa Dream):
Okay, let's be honest. Balikpapan isn't exactly Ibiza. There's not a ton of stuff inside the hotel in terms of fun. They have a fitness center. But, sadly, no spa. No sauna. No pool with a view (or any kind of pool, sadly). I came hoping, praying, for a sauna and a body scrub, or at least a decent massage. Nope. Dream shattered.
Safety & Cleanliness: Sanitized & Safe? (The Anti-Viral Cleaning Products Make Me Feel Better, TBH):
This is where OYO 3807 gets serious props. They are on it with the cleanliness. They use anti-viral cleaning products. Rooms are sanitized between stays. They have hand sanitizer everywhere. Staff wear masks, and the daily disinfection of common areas is evident. You feel safe. This is NOT something I take lightly.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Food Situation Revisited… Again:
There's a restaurant. A very basic restaurant. They offer Asian and international cuisine. There is a bar, but don't expect much more than the bare minimum. There is room service 24 hours a day! So that's a bonus!
For the Kids and Getting Around:
I didn't have any kids with me, but they do offer babysitting services. Now as for getting around, there is free on-site parking. They also provide a car park in case the other one is full. There are taxis available.
The Verdict & My Wild Offer (You've Been Waiting For It, Right?):
So, is OYO 3807 Guest House 268 perfect? Absolutely not. Does it have its quirks? Absolutely. Does it live up to the "secret" title? Maybe… a little bit. Is it a good value for the money? YES. It’s clean, safe, and the staff is friendly. It’s a solid choice for budget travelers who want a comfortable place to stay without breaking the bank.
Here's My Wild, Unedited, Totally Honest Offer: (Because Why Be Boring?)
Are you looking for a Balikpapan crash pad? Here's a deal: Book a stay at OYO 3807 Guest House 268 (because you know you want to!), send me a screenshot of your reservation confirmation, and I'll tell you the exact best spot for your coffee (because, let's be honest, the hotel coffee is… a work in progress). Plus, if you email me after your stay with your honest review (good, bad, ugly - I want it all!), I'll send you a custom Balikpapan playlist. Trust me, it's better than the hotel Wi-Fi.
Why Book Now?
- Budget-Friendly: It's not going to make your bank account cry.
- Clean & Safe: They're serious about cleanliness.
- Convenient: It's a good starting point for any Balikpapan adventure
- Because, Why Not? You might even have a good story to tell.
Head over to your booking platform and make it happen! And remember, the "secret" is out… but you're still in the know!
Escape to Paradise: Green Bird Inn Vernon, TX - Your Dream Getaway Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're about to dive headfirst into my Balikpapan adventure! This isn't your glossy brochure, promise. This is the REAL deal, the slightly panicked, occasionally joyous, mostly bewildered journey of one human through OYO 3807 Guest House 268, Balikpapan. Here we go… (Deep breath)
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Air Conditioner Panic
14:00 (ish) - Arrival at Sepinggan Airport (BPN): Landed! Bleary-eyed, sweaty, and already regretting all the spicy food I overindulged in before leaving Jakarta. The "airport shuttle" I booked? Still a no-show. Found a Grab (thank the gods for Grab!) and zoomed off to OYO 3807. The driver, bless him, kept pointing at things and saying, "Balikpapan! Keren!" ("Cool!")… I just nodded and tried to process the humid air.
15:00 - Check-in & The Room Revelation: Guest House 268. Okay, it’s… functional. Let’s just go with functional. The receptionist, a sweet, perpetually smiling girl named Maya, handed me the key. The room? Well. Let's call it "rustic." The air conditioner, however… was a disaster. A sputtering, wheezing, barely-there excuse for climate control. This is a problem, folks, because let me tell you, Balikpapan is HOT. I spent a solid HOUR manically fiddling with the remote, muttering curses under my breath, and finally gave up. Contacted the front desk and waited and waited. The technician eventually showed up, took ONE LOOK at the air conditioner, and just started laughing. "Problem!" he yelled, a grin plastered on his face. He did something, probably just a prayer, and the air conditioner breathed it's last and died on me. This is already an overused sentence. Now I wanted to buy a fan.
16:30 - The Search for… ANYTHING Cold: Decided, survival instincts kicking in. I needed a cold drink. Found a small warung (local shop) down the street. Ice-cold es teh manis (sweet iced tea) saved my soul. People watching, and watching the heat radiating off the buildings. This place is intense.
18:00 - Dinner Mishap & Mosquito Mayhem: Found a warung recommended by Maya (bless her heart). Ordered nasi goreng (fried rice – my safe food!). The food? Delicious. The mosquitoes? Ruthless. They swarmed. I spent the entire meal swatting, itching, and cursing my lack of repellant. Note to self: buy industrial-strength mosquito repellent tomorrow.
19:00 - Forced Relaxation (sort of): Back in my sweltering room. Decided to embrace the suck and try to nap. NOPE. Too hot. Too many mosquito bites. Too much existential dread about the state of the air conditioning. Watched some local TV, which was mostly loud singing and dramas with lots and lots of yelling. I think a cat got into the room and started wailing outside my door, which was also loud.
Day 2: Temples, Temples, and More Temples (Maybe?)
08:00 - Morning Meltdown: The air conditioner is (predictably) still broken. I feel it's like the world has abandoned me. I consider calling the hotel to complain again, but I am also starting to think they don't have any air conditioning! I start to consider my options, and decide, what's the point? I'm here, a sweaty mess, in Balikpapan. I drag myself out of bed.
09:00 - Breakfast – A Culinary Adventure (kinda): Ate the included "breakfast" – instant noodles and a banana. The banana was good, I must admit. Got another es teh manis from the shop, because, honestly, what else is there to do?
10:00 - Quest for Cultural Immersion (or at least, a map): Attempted to find a tourist information center. Found… a busy street. Found a shop that didn't sell air conditioners. Finally, using my phone, I found some attractions, but I am beginning to feel like a tourist on this trip. I think I just like the anonymity of being here. I think I also just want to hide from the sun.
12:00 - Lunch: Decided to head to a restaurant. This food is so good. I have no idea what everything is. It’s an adventure!
14:00 - The Search for Aircon (again): Okay, let me be honest. The heat is getting to me. I head back to the hotel, because I have nowhere better to go. I'm thinking of checking out, but I also don't want to spend all day moving my luggage and figuring out my next move. Time for a nap.
16:00 - Naps, the air conditioner, and more existential crises: I wake up. I'm still hot. I'm still in the room. I start to think I can fix the air conditioner. I look at the little hole where the key goes in, and I feel like I can just reach in there and fix it. Why am I this way?
18:00 - Dinner - Maybe I should go home? I don't feel like even eating. I start to pack my bag, and realize, this is going to be a long trip.
19:00 - Despair and Hope: I'm exhausted. I'm hot. I'm not sure if I like Balikpapan. But there's a weird tiny little part of me that thinks… maybe… I will miss this. Maybe. I will check out tomorrow.
(End Day 2)
Okay, that's as far as I've gotten. The rest? Who knows! Maybe I'll find a hidden gem, an amazing street food stall, or… a working air conditioner. Maybe I'll just spend the rest of my days in this room, slowly melting. Follow along… if you dare. I'll keep you updated. (Probably.) Wish me luck! And send air conditioning units!
Coralville Comfort Suites I-80: Your Perfect Iowa Escape!
OYO 3807 Guest House 268: The Unofficial Handbook & Survival Guide (and Why You Might Love It)
Okay, so…What *is* this "OYO 3807 Guest House 268" thing anyway? Is it…safe?
Alright, let's rip the Band-Aid off. OYO 3807 Guest House 268 in Balikpapan isn't the Ritz. Let's be brutally honest. It’s a budget guesthouse, and by “budget”, I mean you're not going to be showering beneath a waterfall. But is it *safe*? Yes, mostly. There's a front desk (sometimes staffed, sometimes…not) and basic security. Now, I'm not saying leave your Rolex on the nightstand. Use your common sense, people! I've stayed there a bunch, and never felt truly unsafe. The biggest threat is probably the rogue gecko that decides to hang out in your bathroom. He’s seen more than the front desk guy, trust me.
The pictures…they looked…basic. Is it *really* that barebones?
Oh, honey. The pictures are *generous*. Picture a room…a bed…maybe a rickety table. Don't expect fluffy pillows or a mini-fridge stocked with artisanal kombucha. My first time, I actually laughed when I walked in. I mean, genuinely. The air conditioning unit sounded like a dying walrus, and the TV – bless its heart – could only pick up like, three channels. But here’s the thing…I kind of dug it. There’s a certain…liberation…in embracing the bare minimum. You're not there to luxuriate; you're there…well, you're *there*. And honestly, the simple honesty of the place is kinda refreshing.
What about the bathroom? Please, tell me about the bathroom…
Okay, buckle up. The bathroom… it's…functional. Let me say it that way. Sometimes the water pressure could knock you into next week, other times…it's a sad trickle. Showering is an adventure. And the cleanliness? Let's just say, bring your own flip-flops. Though, I must say, I did find some good shower gel left behind by a previous guest on one trip. I can't deny the convenience. The first time I stayed there, I went in with the worst possible expectations, and I survived. It wasn't luxurious, but hey, I was clean! And that was the main thing.
Is breakfast included? Because I *need* coffee and *something*…
Breakfast? Let's just say you’re on your own, friend. No continental spread. No buffet. You’re more likely to find a stray gecko than a croissant. However, there are plenty of warungs (local food stalls) nearby. That’s the *real* breakfast of champions. I'd usually grab some nasi goreng (fried rice) down the street. Cheap, cheerful, and gets you going. Honestly, considering the price of the room, you really can't complain, can you?
What's the location *actually* like? Is it near anything interesting?
The location is…decent. It’s not beachfront…or even close. Don't expect to be waking up to the sound of crashing waves. It's more of a "walk to the main road" kind of location. But, Balikpapan isn't exactly sprawling. You can easily grab a taxi or a motorcycle taxi (ojek) to get around. It's in a quieter area, which is nice. And it's close enough to the markets and malls that you're not entirely marooned. I found it perfect base camp for a few days.
Any tips or tricks for surviving a stay at OYO 3807?
Oh, let’s talk survival! Okay, here's the gospel:
- Pack essentials: Toiletries, a towel (some might be provided, but…just bring your own), and maybe some earplugs. That walrus-AC can be loud.
- Embrace the chaos: Seriously. Things might break. The internet might fail. Just roll with it.
- Bring your own entertainment: Books, a laptop, podcasts – whatever keeps you occupied.
- Learn a few basic Indonesian phrases: "Terima kasih" (thank you), "Tidak tahu" (I don't know) – it'll get you a long way.
- Be prepared to haggle (if appropriate): Deals can be made…sometimes.
Are the staff friendly?
"Friendly" is a relative term. The staff are…present. They're generally helpful, if a little indifferent. Think of them as the unsung heroes of budget travel. They're not going to sing you a serenade at breakfast, but they'll probably help you out if you needed something. I once locked myself out of my room at 3 AM (don't ask) and the night staff, bless their cotton socks, got me back in. I'm eternally grateful for that. So, yeah, friendly enough when they need to be.
Is it worth the price?
This is the million-dollar question. And the answer? Yes, absolutely. For the price, it’s a bargain. You’re getting a roof over your head, a bed to sleep in, and a place to stash your stuff. That’s pretty much all you need. If you're looking for a luxurious getaway, go spend five times the price. If you're backpacking, on a tight budget, or just don't want to spend a fortune on a place you'll barely be in, OYO 3807 is a solid choice. It's no frills and no fuss. It's basic, but it's reliable. I'd stay there again in a heartbeat.
Okay, you mentioned something about a gecko? Tell me more!
Alright, fine. The gecko. Let's just say it was my first trip. I'd just moved into my room. The lighting was…dim, to say the least. I was unpacking, and I heard this *thump*. I turned around, and there it wasHospitality Trails
