Indonesian Paradise Found: OYO 90065 Homestay Barokah Park Awaits!
Indonesian Paradise Found: OYO 90065 Homestay Barokah Park Awaits! - A Messy, Honest Review
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the heart of Indonesian hospitality with OYO 90065 Homestay Barokah Park Awaits! Let me tell ya, this review isn’t gonna be some cookie-cutter, rose-tinted brochure. I’m here to give you the REAL scoop, the stuff they won't put in the glossy pamphlets. So, yeah, it's probably gonna ramble a bit. Hey, it’s Indonesia, life is a ramble!
First Impressions (and a Slightly Awkward Check-In):
The name is a mouthful, innit? "Homestay Barokah Park Awaits!" Sounds promising, like something out of a Tolkien novel. First off, the place is a bit…umm, “rustic.” Let's call it that. Navigating there? Well, it's a bit of an adventure. Accessibility… well, let's just say if you've got serious mobility issues, call ahead and ask. The parking is free, though! Car park [free of charge] - score! Security [24-hour] is in place but feels a little relaxed, which is nice in a way. Think friendly neighborhood watch, not Fort Knox.
Check-in? Check-in/out [express] and Contactless check-in/out options are listed, which is great for speed. My experience… let’s say there was a slight language barrier. But the staff were incredibly patient and friendly, which is what matters most. The lobby area? Air conditioning in public area is a must-have!
Rooms - The Good, the Bad, and the Bathrobe (and the Free Wi-Fi!):
My room? Alright, alright! Available in all rooms: Additional toilet, 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. The Wi-Fi [free] is a lifesaver! Honestly, I’m addicted. I was streaming cat videos and posting on Instagram like nobody's business… until the power went out for a few minutes. Gotta love Indonesian electricity! Internet access – wireless, Internet access – LAN - good options.
The bed was comfy enough. Not luxury-hotel-fluffy, but perfectly adequate after a long day of exploring. And the bathrobes? Yes, please! I lived in that thing. The blackout curtains are essential for sleeping off jet lag. I appreciate there weren't any pets. Even though there isn't pet availability!
The bathroom… well, it’s a tale of two worlds. The shower? Could be better. The water pressure fluctuated. But the toiletries were surprisingly decent. And the daily housekeeping? Spot on! My room was always spotless and clean.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - A Foodie's Adventure (or at least, a moderately hungry person's adventure):
Restaurants on-site? Yes! A la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant. The breakfasts were a highlight. Western breakfast or Asian breakfast, it's all up to you, a buffet of delights. The coffee was decent, though you might want to sneak in a Starbucks if you're a serious caffeine addict. The poolside bar? Perfect for sunset cocktails. The bottle of water being left in my room daily was a great touch.
Things to Do (and Ways to Relax) - Spa-tacular or Just… Okay?:
Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor].
Okay, this is where things get… interesting. Let's talk about the pool. Yes! Swimming pool [outdoor] is a good size. It was clean, refreshing and a fantastic spot to chill after a day of exploring. The Pool with view is a nice touch.
The Spa is a mixed bag. Massage was offered, and the staff definitely tried, but it wasn't exactly a luxury spa experience. The Gym/fitness is more of an exercise-ish area. You probably won't find a gym rat’s paradise, but it has the basics, which is nice if you want to avoid gaining the extra kilos from the delicious Indonesian food.
Cleanliness and Safety - The Most Important Stuff
Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment are the current situation. They are working to prevent the spread as much as possible, which is appreciated. I felt safe.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter
Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center. The staff are happy to help with most of your requests. The Concierge was helpful. I used the laundry service once, and it was quick and efficient. The currency exchange was convenient, though the exchange rate was slightly worse than what I found at the airport.
For the Kids - Yay or Nay?
Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal. This place seems to welcome kids!
Getting Around
Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking. Getting around is pretty straightforward.
The Verdict:
Is OYO 90065 Homestay Barokah Park Awaits! perfect? Absolutely not. It's got its quirks, its imperfections, and its moments of… well, let's just call it "charm." But it's also genuine, friendly, and a great base for exploring Indonesia. I enjoyed my stay.
Who should book? Budget travelers, anyone looking for a taste of local life, and people who appreciate a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere.
Who might want to look elsewhere? High-maintenance travelers looking for five-star luxury.
Final Thoughts? I'd go back. In fact, I already miss it. There’s a certain… je ne sais quoi about this place. It's got soul. And sometimes, that’s all you need.
An Honest Imperfection: The Elevator Struggle On my last day, I was lucky enough to get the elevator. The Elevator is old and slow, but it works.
Quirky Observation: Staff are the real deal. They've always got a smile and are happy to help. They don't speak much English, but their intent to make you feel welcome is clear!
Overall: This location is a good place to stay, if you get the chance, stay here.
Quirky Observation: A Proposal Spot! I have never seen a proposal
Luxury 3-Bedroom Nha Trang Condo: Fully Furnished & Ocean Views!
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because we're diving headfirst into the glorious, chaotic mess that is my trip to OYO 90065 Homestay Barokah Park in Situbondo, Indonesia. Prepare for a rollercoaster. This ain't your sanitized travel blog, this is the real deal.
Day 1: Arrival…or, The Great Luggage-Grasping Disaster
- Morning (Jakarta to Surabaya): Ugh, the flight. If I never smell airplane air again, it'll be too soon. Landed in Surabaya, sweating buckets already. The humidity here is like a warm, clingy hug you didn't ask for. But hey, at least the airport had free Wi-Fi, which is a definite win when you’re perpetually lost.
- Mid-Day (Surabaya to Situbondo): Okay, so the pre-arranged driver situation… let's just say "pre-arranged" doesn't always translate to "on time." After an hour of frantic phone calls and questionable Indonesian small talk (mostly me butchering the pronunciation of "di mana?"), our chauffeur finally materialized. The drive was a blur of rice paddies, vibrant roadside eateries (which I desperately wanted to stop at, but NOPE, gotta keep on schedule!), and the occasional water buffalo giving us the side-eye. Seriously, those animals are judging me.
- Afternoon (Arrival at OYO 90065 Homestay Barokah Park): The Homestay! Finally! I’d pictured a quaint little bungalow, a hidden gem. Reality… well, let's just say it's got "charm." The check-in was smooth enough, the staff are lovely, bless their hearts!
- Evening (Settling In/First Impressions): The room…it’s smaller than advertised. And let’s just say the whole place probably needs a good airing out. But hey, the air conditioning works! That's a luxury I wasn't expecting. I’ve decided to double down on my love for the tiny details here, like the little towel animals are left on the bed, oh, it's adorable. So, despite a few hiccups, I'm feeling optimistic. Situbondo, here I come!
Day 2: The Beach That Almost Broke Me (and Then Redeemed Itself)
- Morning (Local Market Fiasco): I woke up with a mission: experience the local market. I got up way too early and the market was a riot of sights, sounds, and smells. It was total sensory overload. Got ripped off for a mango (I swear, it was the size of my fist!). Learned a valuable lesson about aggressive bartering. Ended up with a bag of something that might be delicious or might kill me (I’m leaning towards delicious, fingers crossed).
- Mid-Day (The Beach Debacle): We tried to head to the beach, supposedly one of the best in Situbondo, but after one look at the murky ocean and the mountains of trash littering the sand, I had to turn back. It was genuinely heartbreaking. Maybe my expectations were too high. Maybe I'm just a fussy Westerner. But I couldn't put my feet in that water. I was so disappointed, I seriously considered just going back to the homestay and hiding under the covers.
- Afternoon (The Unexpected Savior): On the way back, we stumbled on a tiny warung (local food stall), run by the sweetest old woman. She barely spoke English, but she fed me the most incredible nasi goreng ever! She even gave me a little smile when the sun went down. It was a moment of pure connection, and suddenly, the beach disappointment didn't seem so bad.
- Evening (Homestay Hangout/Reflections): Back at the homestay, I sat on the veranda, listening to the call to prayer echoing across the town. Reflecting on how quickly things change. How the worst moments can morph into the best. The smell of the flowers, the sound of the insects. It's the stuff of life, isn't it?
Day 3: Adventures (and, Okay, Maybe a Little Bit More Disaster)
- Morning (Local Culture Dive): I got myself into a local dancing class. Who am I? I have no idea, but it was an experience. I could barely manage the steps, but the smiles from the instructor and the other students were infectious. I was a klutz, a sweaty mess, but I felt wonderfully welcomed.
- Mid-Day (Seeking Paradise): The beach let me down so I decided to find a less crowded beach. I went swimming. I tried to take a video of the waves crashing… But the water got in my phone. (Water damage: one. Me: zero.) Sigh. The struggle is real.
- Afternoon (Food Exploration – Take Two): I went through the local restaurant guides. The ones that looked authentic were closed earlier than expected and the ones that were open didn't look appetizing. I wasn't hungry, but I was sad. That's the kind of dilemma I get myself into.
- Evening (Homestay Vibes and Departure Prep): Dinner at the homestay restaurant. It wasn't gourmet, but it was cheap, the staff were super polite, and I'm starting to feel like a local. I'm packing everything up. It's a bittersweet moment. I'm ready to get out of here, yet, I would miss this little place.
Day 4: Departure and The Final (Sort of) Thoughts
- Morning (Last Indonesian Breakfast): Eggs and toast. The kind you get everywhere, and it's perfect. I'm not sure how to express how great this is.
- Mid-Day (Farewell to Situbondo): Leaving the Homestay. Saying goodbye to the staff. Feeling surprisingly emotional. This trip wasn't perfect, in fact, it was far from it.
- Afternoon (Getting Ready to Go Back): The airport. The plane. The slow start back to my ordinary life.
- Evening (Reflections): So, would I recommend the OYO 90065 Homestay Barokah Park? Hmm…. "Yes," I would, with a huge disclaimer. It's not luxury. It's not always perfect. But it's real. It's raw. It's got soul. And sometimes, that's more valuable than a five-star resort. I’m leaving Indonesia with a heart full of memories, some hilarious stories, and maybe, just maybe, a slightly wiser perspective on life. And a burning desire to come back someday.
Indonesian Paradise Found: OYO 90065 Homestay Barokah Park Awaits! (Or Does It?) - The Unvarnished Truth
Okay, so... Barokah Park. Sounds grand. Is it REALLY "paradise"? Because, let's be honest, marketing lies. So, seriously, what IS it like?
Alright, alright, settle down with the cynicism. Yes, "paradise" is a bit…aspirational. Let's just say, Barokah Park is… an experience. It's less "rolling hills and cherubs playing harps" and more "roosters at 5 AM and the charming aroma of cooking". The park itself? Well, it exists! It's basically a large, open-air area, more like a collection of open-air spaces really, with a few trees that provide some shade. Don’t expect manicured lawns and perfectly sculpted hedges. Think: vibrant chaos. It's Indonesia, baby. Embrace the controlled disarray.
I remember one time, I was there, trying to have a quiet moment in a little gazebo they had. Beautiful, right? Wrong. A gaggle of kids were playing hide-and-seek, and one of them, bless their heart, decided my flip-flops were the perfect hiding spot. I almost lost it laughing, but then I also almost lost my flip-flops! It’s that kind of place. You gotta roll with it.
The rooms, the *rooms*! What's the deal with the rooms at OYO 90065? Are they actually clean? Because I've read some things...
Okay, so, this is where things get… nuanced. Let’s be brutally honest: it's not the Ritz-Carlton. Cleanliness is… relative. I'd say they *try*. The sheets are *usually* clean. The floors, well, they develop their own unique ecosystem throughout the day. Think of it as a lived-in experience, a true immersion into the Indonesian spirit.
My advice? Pack some hand sanitizer. And maybe a travel-sized can of Lysol. Just in case. I swear, one time I found a small gecko on my pillow. He was adorable, honestly, but maybe not the *ideal* roommate situation. He scurried away eventually, though, the little rascal. So, yeah. Cleanish. Bring your own expectations.
What about the amenities? Is there Wi-Fi? A pool? Air conditioning? (Cries internally)
Alright, let's break it down. Wi-Fi? Yes. *Sometimes*. Expect it to be as reliable as a politician's promise, which is… unpredictable. You might get a blazing connection, you might get dial-up speeds from the 90s. Embrace the digital detox. A pool? Nope. Air Conditioning? (Deep sigh) In some rooms, yes. Definitely worth checking. Others? Embrace the equatorial heat, and the charm of the fans.
I remember one particularly sweaty night. The fan in my room sounded like a dying jet engine. Every time it tilted it would make a horrid noise. And the aircon? Had about as much power as a damp flashlight. I woke up drenched in sweat, convinced I was going to melt into the bed. But hey, it was an experience I will cherish. Mostly.
Food, glorious food! Are there restaurants nearby? What's the food scene like? And PLEASE, tell me they have good coffee...
Oh, the food! This is where things get interesting. There are definitely warungs (local eateries) nearby. And trust me, the food is GOOD. Don't expect Michelin-star dining, think authentic Indonesian cuisine. Expect rice, noodles, and a whole lotta spice. The satay is usually a winner, as is the nasi goreng.
The coffee, ah, the coffee. It's… variable. You might get a strong, rich brew that'll kickstart your day. Or you might get something that tastes like muddy dishwater. It's a gamble. My advice? Embrace the uncertainty, and be prepared to hunt down a good cup. There's one little place around the corner that makes a *decent* kopi tubruk. But shhh, don't tell everyone.
What's the staff like? Are they friendly? Can they speak English? (I'm so bad at languages.)
The staff? Usually lovely. Super friendly, always with a smile, even when you're probably making a complete fool of yourself. English? It varies. Some speak it fluently, some… not so much. Be prepared to use a lot of gestures and your phone's translation app. Or, even better, learn a few basic Indonesian phrases. "Terima kasih" (thank you) goes a long way.
I once tried to order a taxi using my best broken Indonesian. I ended up accidentally asking the front desk to teach me how to swim. They were incredibly patient, and we all ended up laughing. It was embarrassing, but also… endearing. It's part of the experience.
Okay, the big question: Would you recommend OYO 90065 Homestay Barokah Park? Be brutally honest!
Okay, SO. Brutally honest? It depends. If you're looking for luxury and perfection, run for the hills. Seriously. Find the fanciest hotel you can.
But... if you're adventurous, if you're willing to embrace the imperfections, the chaos, the potential for comical misadventures, AND, most importantly, if you are going to keep a positive attitude? Then, yeah, I'd say it’s an experience. It’s not perfect, it’s not always easy, but it’s *real*. And sometimes, those messy, imperfect moments are the ones you remember most fondly.
Look, I’ve had some dodgy moments there. Roosters at 5 am? Check. Questionable Wi-Fi? Check. A near-constant feeling of being slightly damp with sweat? Double-check. But amidst all of that, I’ve also had some of the funniest, most memorable experiences of my life. I've met some wonderful people, eaten some incredible food, and seen the true beauty of Indonesia. So, yeah. Go on, book it. Just… bring that hand sanitizer!
