Unbelievable Jogja Hotel in Bukittinggi: Your Indonesian Dream Awaits!
Unbelievable Jogja Hotel in Bukittinggi: Indonesian Dream? More Like a Spicy Adventure! (A Totally Honest Review)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the nasi goreng on my recent stay at the Unbelievable Jogja Hotel in Bukittinggi. The name's ambitious, right? "Unbelievable"? Let's see if it lived up to the hype.
(Metadata: Unbelievable Jogja Hotel, Bukittinggi, Indonesia, Hotel Review, Accessibility, Spa, Dining, Bukittinggi Hotels, Indonesian Travel, Family-Friendly, Cleanliness, Safety, Wi-Fi)
First Impressions: Arrival - The Good, The Slightly Bumpy… And the Amazing View!
From the get-go, the hotel's accessibility game was… well, it had some work to do. While they do have an elevator – a lifesaver for anyone lugging luggage (or, ahem, possessing a certain level of ahem… laziness) like myself – navigating the entrance with seriously bulky luggage was a minor challenge. No ramp that I could see, and that front step was a doozy! But hey, the doorman was super helpful, and hey, they have a car park [free of charge]. Bonus!
The Room: My Fortress of Comfy (with a Few Quirks)
My room (thank the heavens for air conditioning in tropical climes!) was… mostly fantastic. Air conditioning was a must. I'm a sucker for blackout curtains and a decent bed, and the Unbelievable Jogja Hotel delivered on both. The internet access – wireless, or Wi-Fi [free] - was a godsend. Also, the desk, and a laptop workspace was great for me, the occasional journalist. But wait, there’s more.
Okay, so the bathroom… It had a bathtub and a separate shower/bathtub, which is a win in my book. But the toiletries felt like the generic, budget-friendly kind. No fancy shampoo and conditioner here! And the mirror had ahem… a few smudges. (Okay, okay, I confess, I may have left a chocolate smudge of my own. Don’t judge!) The water was hot, but let’s just say the hot water linen and laundry washing didn't quite iron out all the kinks. In other words, it wasn't perfect.
There was an extra long bed, which was perfect to stretch out after a long day. And a refrigerator, which was useful to store some drinks. I might have had a sneaky peak at the complimentary snacks and bottle of water. Speaking of which, they did replenish the free bottled water religiously, which I totally appreciated. Daily housekeeping was on point, and the daily disinfection in common areas was a comforting touch after navigating the Bukittinggi markets.
Food, Sweet Food (and the Occasional “Why Did I Order That?” Moment)
Ah, the food. This is where things got really interesting. The breakfast [buffet] was… comprehensive. Asian breakfast and Western breakfast options galore. The coffee/tea in restaurant was decent (essential, really), and the breakfast service meant I could fuel up before my adventures.
I loved the desserts in restaurant and the Asian cuisine in restaurant. Their Soup in restaurant was perfect for those breezy evenings. The Restaurants in general, well, they were generally pretty good. The Poolside bar got lots of use from yours truly.
And for the picky eaters, they had alternative meal arrangement. It was really useful for people like my friend. But hold up! While there was a vegetarian restaurant, my vegan mate was left wanting a bit.
Then there was the room service [24-hour]… which was both a blessing and a curse. Ordering room service at 3 am after a few too many Bintang beers? Wise? Probably not. Delicious? Absolutely. I'm not proud of what I ate, but the salad in restaurant hit the spot.
Spa & Relaxation: Bliss… Mostly.
Okay, the spa situation was… almost fantastic. The massage was divine. Seriously, the masseuse knew her stuff. I went in a stressed-out, travel-weary mess and emerged feeling like a new woman. Amazing. They offered a body scrub and body wrap too – tempting, but I’m a simple gal.
I didn’t get around to the Spa/sauna, but the steamroom looked pretty inviting. The Fitness center, on the other hand… well, let’s just say it wasn’t exactly cutting-edge. The swimming pool, though? Beautiful, with a Pool with view that made all my stresses melt away. I loved it. But where was the Foot bath? Was it just me? I guess I should have known better than to not read all the details!
Things to Do: Exploring Bukittinggi and Beyond!
The hotel was a great base for exploring Bukittinggi. They offered airport transfer, which was a huge help. I didn't use the taxi service, because it was a bit overpriced than I wanted.
The concierge was helpful with recommendations, pointing me towards the best local eateries and hidden gems. The gift/souvenir shop was handy for picking up last-minute presents (and the occasional impulse buy). Didn't go to the shrine, but it looked nice.
Cleanliness and Safety: Keeping it Real (and Safe-ish)
Okay, let's be real. Cleanliness and safety are huge concerns these days. Thankfully, the Unbelievable Jogja Hotel took things seriously. Hand sanitizer stations were everywhere. Social distancing of at least 1 meter was mostly observed. The staff [was] trained in safety protocol, which was comforting when I was trying to get a happy hour drink at the bar. They had the First aid kit to patch me up after I tripped over something in the market.
The Rooms sanitized between stays, I couldn't verify, but rooms sanitized between stays gave me some peace of mind. And they had, thankfully, smoke alarms, a fire extinguisher, and CCTV in common areas. It may not be 'unbelievable', but I was impressed.
For the Kids (and the Young at Heart)
They're Family/child friendly, with babysitting service if you needed it. They have kids facilities, which I didn't avail, but hey, points for trying, eh? I didn’t see any kids meal, however.
Services and Other Bits & Bobs
They had car park [on-site]. Oh, and the luggage storage was super practical for when I checked out. They had dry cleaning and laundry service, as well as ironing service. The convenience store came in handy for grabbing a snack.
The Verdict: Unbelievable?… Maybe Not Quite.
So, was the Unbelievable Jogja Hotel truly unbelievable? Not perfect. Not every inch was flawlessly finished. However, it was incredibly well-located, and I loved the views. The staff were incredibly helpful and friendly. The food was generally delicious. It had its flaws, for sure, but overall, it provided a comfortable and safe place to stay.
Did I have an amazing time? Yes! Would I recommend it? Yeah, absolutely. Just don’t go expecting perfection. Embrace the quirky details, the occasional smudge, and the sheer spice of an Indonesian adventure. You won't be disappointed. And make sure you treat yourself to a massage. Trust me.
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Bukittinggi Blues & Bliss: A Mostly Honest Itinerary (Hotel Jogja Edition)
Okay, buckle up buttercups. We're going to Bukittinggi. And by we, I mean me, and the slightly frayed edges of my sanity. This itinerary isn't polished, it's lived-in. Think of it as a travel journal that vomited on a schedule.
Day 1: Arrival & "OMG, It's HILLIER Than I Thought!"
- Morning (or Whenever My Flight Actually Lands, Pray for No Delays): Arrive at Minangkabau International Airport (PDG). The airport is… well, it's an airport. Try not to get lost in the sea of expectant taxiwallahs. Pro tip: pre-book your airport transfer to Bukittinggi. Negotiating after a long flight is a recipe for regret and a lighter wallet. The drive to the Hotel Jogja is supposed to be scenic. I'm hoping it's scenic enough to distract me from my usual travel-induced anxiety.
- Afternoon: The Great Ascent & Hotel Humility: Check into Hotel Jogja. First impressions? Charmingly… rustic. The room is clean, the aircon is working (praise be!), and the view… well, let's say the view is there. Overlooking… something. I'll figure it out later. The real shocker? Bukittinggi. Is. Hilly. Seriously, I thought I was in decent shape. I was sorely mistaken. My first attempt to explore resulted in me puffing like a particularly disgruntled pufferfish after just five minutes.
- Evening: Nasi Kapau & Culinary Confusion (Probably): Head out to find some Nasi Kapau. This is the supposed holy grail of Minangkabau cuisine. I have a vague image of mountains of deliciousness. I'm also terrified of accidentally ordering something with eyeballs. Wish me luck. Update: I survived Nasi Kapau! The food was phenomenal, a riot of flavors and textures. The "random assortment" of dishes the server gave me included something that could have been a spicy beef tongue, but honestly, after the effort to get there, I didn't care. The flavor was amazing. My stomach, however, might be regretting this later…
- Night: Room Service & Existential Dread: Back at the hotel. Maybe a beer from the mini-fridge while I check my bank account. (Travel always makes me paranoid about money.) The internet is… struggling. Perhaps this is a sign to embrace digital detox. Or maybe just complain loudly on social media. Decisions, decisions…
Day 2: Jam Gadang, The Canyon & A Very Aggressive Tourist Trap
- Morning: Jam Gadang & My Inner Grammar Nazi: Okay, let's tackle the iconic Jam Gadang clock tower. It's red, it's imposing, and it's surrounded by a bustling square. The sheer volume of people, hawkers trying to sell you something, is slightly overwhelming. But the tower itself? Pretty cool. I even managed to take a decent photo, which proves my photography skills are slightly better than my Bahasa Indonesia. Rant alert: I secretly judge all the Instagrammers posing with the tower. But I totally took a selfie there too. We're all hypocrites, let's face it.
- Afternoon: Sianok Canyon & The Call for a Jeep: Took a jeep to see the Sianok Canyon. Stunning. Absolutely breathtaking. Pictures don't do it justice. I could probably stare at it for hours. I had this perfect vision of a peaceful hike through lush greenery, but the reality was a sweaty climb up steep paths, with the constant feeling of being watched by monkeys.
- Evening: The Tiger Zone (A Very Aggressive Tourist Trap): A visit to the Ngarai Sianok area led me to the "Tiger Zone." Big mistake. Huge. This is a place designed to separate tourists from their money. The whole "tiger" theme is cheesy, it was crowded and the "tigers" are just bad animatronics. I wanted to leave after five minutes, but somehow I spent like three hours there.
- Night: More Nasi Padang & Attempted Cultural Immersion: Another round of Nasi Padang, this time from a less frantic establishment a few blocks away. Trying, really trying, to grasp some basic Bahasa Indonesia. “Terima kasih” and “air putih” are my current superpowers. Hopefully I won’t accidentally offend someone.
Day 3: Lake Maninjau & The Perfect Sunset
- Morning: The Road to Paradise (or at least Lake Maninjau): Hire a car and driver for a day trip to Lake Maninjau. The drive is… winding. Lots and lots of hairpin turns. Made me feel a little green around the gills. Pro tip: if you're prone to motion sickness, pack the ginger candies, my friend.
- Afternoon: Lake Maninjau - Worth the Travel: Arrive at Lake Maninjau. And… wow. The lake is serene, the air is fresh, and the views are postcard-worthy. Spent some time chilling by the water, soaking up the atmosphere. Tried to take some photos, but nothing did it justice.
- Evening: The Perfect Sunset, Finally: Back at Hotel Jogja and made it. The sunset over the valley was one of those moments that makes travel worth it. That perfect golden light, painting the clouds in vibrant colors. Worth the hassle, the expense, the near-death experience on the winding roads. I had a small Bintang, and just breathed. No words. No need for them. This is the kind of moment you want to remember forever.
- Night: Packing & The Upcoming Flight Home: Spent the evening packing. I am leaving tomorrow. The hotel is fine, it is simple but enough. I am thankful for the opportunity to travel.
Final Thoughts:
Bukittinggi is a place that both charms and challenges. It's chaotic, and the hills will punish you. But the food is amazing, the scenery is breathtaking, and the people are generally friendly. Would I come back? Absolutely. But next time, I'm bringing better hiking shoes and a travel-size bottle of sanity. Now, let's get to the airport before I get lost again.
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Unbelievable Jogja Hotel in Bukittinggi: Your Indonesian Dream Awaits! (Or Does It?) – A Messy FAQ
Okay, so it's called "Unbelievable Jogja." Is it *actually* unbelievable? Like, genuinely, mind-blowing?
Hoo boy. Unbelievable? Well, let's just say the marketing department went a little *wild*. I mean, the view? Yes. Unbelievable. Like, jaw-droppingly beautiful. Looking out at the Sianok Canyon with the morning mist swirling? You'll swear you're floating in a watercolor painting. I'd actually say more 'believable' than 'unbelievable' in terms of general hotel-ness. More like "Pleasantly Surprising Jogja Hotel" But hey, I'm splitting hairs. The Canyon view? Absolutely steals the show. (Also, prepare for some serious Instagram envy from your less-adventurous friends. You've been warned.)
The location... Is it actually *in* Bukittinggi? Because sometimes "near Bukittinggi" means "a two-hour taxi ride on a goat track."
Okay, so this is where things get a *little* subjective. Technically... yes. It’s *in* the Bukittinggi area. But it’s not slap-bang in the heart of the action. Think… a pleasant ten-ish minute drive to the main square. Which, honestly, is a blessing in disguise. Bukittinggi can get *intense*. The hustle and bustle! The traffic! The persistent (but ultimately friendly) vendors! Being a little removed is *fantastic* for decompressing after a day exploring. Just don't expect to stumble out of the hotel at 2 AM and find a bustling nightclub. Unless... there's a *really* well-hidden one. I wouldn't know about that.
What are the rooms like? Are we talking luxury suites or student hostel chic?
The rooms… they’re… comfortable. Let's go with comfortable. They're not dripping in gold leaf, put it that way. But they’re clean, spacious enough, and the beds are decent. I had one of those moments where I thought I’d actually found a perfect pillow. (Those are rare, people! Cherish them!). The *real* star here? The balcony. Absolutely *MUST* get a room with a view of the canyon. Seriously. Don't even argue, just do it. I spent hours just... staring. Which is time well spent, frankly, in this very stressful world.
The food! What's the deal with the food? Indonesian cuisine is both glorious and… potentially spicy.
Ah, the food. Look, the breakfast buffet is included. It is… standard. I'm a big breakfast person, and I had a moment of intense disappointment - I was dreaming of Nasi Goreng and fresh mangoes, but the fruit, while present, was… not the ripest. And the eggs? Let's just say they weren’t exactly Michelin-star worthy. But! (And this is a big but) the on-site restaurant serves some *delicious* Indonesian dishes for lunch and dinner. Seriously, the Rendang? *Fantastic*. Perfectly tender beef in a rich, coconut-milk based sauce… my mouth is watering just thinking about it. And the sambal? Definitely spicy, but the *good* kind of spicy. The kind that makes you appreciate the ice-cold Bintang that washes it all down. Just… maybe tell them to go easy on the chili if you're not a spice fiend. Or don't. Live dangerously! (Just have some milk handy.)
Is the staff friendly? Because a grumpy hotel staff can ruin an entire vacation. (Trust me, I know.)
The staff? Bless their hearts. They are *incredibly* friendly. They're genuinely lovely, helpful, and always smiling, even when you're fumbling around trying to order something in broken Indonesian. (Which I did. Repeatedly.) There was a young lady at the front desk who remembered my name after the first day. That made me feel like a VIP even though I'm *definitely* *not*. They're the kind of people who make you feel genuinely welcome. That alone is worth a star or two, right?
Any hidden costs? Are they going to hit me with a bill for everything?
Generally, no nasty surprises. The advertised price is pretty much what you pay (unless you go HAM on the minibar, which, let's be honest, is tempting when you're jet-lagged and surrounded by Bintang). Parking is included, which is a bonus if you're renting a car (which you totally should, by the way, to explore the area!). Just double-check everything on your receipt, like you should with *any* hotel, because let's face it, mistakes happen. But overall, they were pretty transparent.
What about amenities? Do they have a pool? A gym? Will I have to sacrifice my fitness regime?
They have a pool! It's… nice. Clean, refreshing, and a welcome respite from the Bukittinggi heat. It’s not the biggest pool in the world, so don't expect to be doing laps. It's more of a "lounge around with a cocktail and soak in the sun" kind of pool. Which, honestly, is sometimes *exactly* what you need. As for a gym? Nope. Sorry, fitness fanatics! I did, however, see a tiny, sad little thing that might have been the remnants of exercise equipment. I pretended I didn't see it. The food… (see above) and all the walking you do in Bukittinggi, will probably counteract any fitness endeavors you might've attempted, anyway.
Would you go back? Actually, *honestly* would you?
Yes. Absolutely. The view alone warrants a return trip. And the staff's kindness? Priceless. Okay, so it’s not perfect. The breakfast could be better. The pool could be bigger. But the pros far outweigh the cons. It’s a comfortable, well-located hotel that's a great base to explore an amazingly beautiful part of the world. Plus, let’s be real, I’m still dreaming about that Rendang. And, just maybe, I will go back someday. Because, you know, “Unbelievable” or not, it was *actually* a pretty great experience. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to book my flight! Seriously though, consider this place. You won't regret it. (Probably).
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