Indonesian Paradise Found: OYO 91536 Aulia Homestay's Samarinda Secret!
Alright, buckle up, fellow wanderers! You're about to get the REAL scoop on OYO 91536 Aulia Homestay's "Samarinda Secret" in Indonesia. Forget those perfectly polished travel blogs – I’m here to give you the RAW truth, the messy bits, the glorious imperfections, and whether or not this spot is worth your precious travel dollars. Because, let's be honest, we're all just trying to find a slice of paradise, right?
The Search for Paradise (and a Clean Bed): Accessibility, Cleanliness, and Safety - The Foundation (and Did They Pass?)
Okay, so first things first. Accessibility: The website vaguely mentions facilities for disabled guests. Hmm. That's a bit… vague. I couldn't dig up specific details on ramps or elevators, so I'd strongly recommend calling ahead if you have mobility needs. Be sure and ask detailed questions before banking on this spot.
Cleanliness and Safety: This area is crucial these days. The good news? They seem to be trying. Here's the checklist, folks:
- Anti-viral cleaning products? Yep.
- Daily disinfection? Bingo. Common areas are getting the scrub-down.
- Hand sanitizers? Everywhere, apparently. Good.
- Rooms sanitized between stays? Yes.
- Staff trained? They say so.
- And… the ultimate test: Hygiene certification? (Crickets… but they follow good practices).
They even have some of those COVID-era features that are probably here to stay! Think "Room sanitization opt-out available."
The safety features? Fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and 24-hour security. Not a bad base level to begin with.
My Verdict: A- for effort on cleanliness. They seem to be taking it seriously, which is a damn good start. (Because who wants to spend their vacation fighting off microscopic invaders?).
Getting Around & Around the Homestay: How's the Vibe?
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]. Score! Easy parking.
- Airport transfer? Yes, a lifesaver!
- Taxi service? Yup.
- Bicycle parking? (Probably, given the location.)
- Elevator? (It is noted!)
The Vibe: From the outside, it looked… inviting, with an exterior corridor.
My Verdict: Easy enough to get around. I have no problem with it.
Amenities: Beyond the Basics (and the Bare Minimum)
Okay, let’s dive into the fun stuff. This is where things get intriguing (and sometimes, disappointingly basic) at Aulia Homestay.
Internet: (The Crucial Stuff!)
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? YES! Praise be.
- Wi-Fi in public areas? Also yes, which is always a bonus if your room's signal is weak.
- Internet access – LAN? (You better believe there is.)
(Because, let's face it, in the modern era, Wi-Fi is as essential as oxygen.)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling Your Adventures
- Restaurants? Yes, plural!
- Restaurants: A la carte, Asian cuisine, International cuisine, Vegetarian restaurant… That's a solid start!
- Breakfast? You get options: a Buffet, Asian, Western. Great!
- Other: A bar. Poolside bar. A Coffee shop. Room service.
- My Verdict: A decent spread! You won't starve, that's for sure, and the variety is a nice touch.
Things To Do & Ways To Relax: (The Real Question)
This is where things get… interesting. The "Samarinda Secret" title had me expecting hidden waterfalls and secret temples. Let's see.
- Pool with view? Yep! (Always a win.)
- Swimming pool [outdoor]? Yes. Very good.
- Fitness center? Yes.
- Spa? Yep. With a Sauna, a Steamroom, and some Massage options.
- Body scrub and wraps? Yes, but limited details on the types.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference
- 24-hour front desk? Yes!
- Daily housekeeping? Yup.
- Concierge? Yes.
- Luggage storage? Good!
- Dry cleaning/Laundry? Excellent!
My Verdict: They’ve thought of most of the little things and the big things.
My Room: The Real Test! (And the Occasional "Oh, Dear" Moment)
Okay, let's get real. This is where a homestay either shines or crumbles. Now, the room listings are extensive, so let's rip through them:.
Air conditioning: Praise the Lord!
Coffee/tea maker: Essential for the caffeine-addicted among us.
Free bottled water: Hydration is key!
Refrigerator/Mini bar: Bonus points for chilling your Bintang.
Wi-Fi [free]: Double-check!
Safe Box: Nice for keeping your valuables safe.
Private bathroom/Shower: Essential.
Blackout curtains: Good for sleeping in after a long day of adventure!
And a LOT more… Including, and this is a great detail. Additional toilet, bathrobe, desk, non-smoking, reading lights, slippers, toiletries, and etc.
My Verdict: It sounds like they've crammed a lot of features into their rooms. I liked the sounds, but I'd like to note that I'd REALLY want to see the actual room before I committed.
For the Kids: (If You’re Traveling with Mini-Me’s)
- Family/child friendly? Yes!
- Babysitting service? Listed.
- Kids meal? Sounds about right for their audience.
My Verdict: Seems well-suited for families.
The Quirky Bits:
Here's where Aulia Homestay got me thinking:
- "Proposal spot?" (If you’re planning to pop the question in Samarinda, you're in luck!)
- "Shrine." (Unexpected! Gives the place a cultural touch.)
Overall Impression: Should You Book or Bounce?
Okay, here's the truth, in a nutshell. OYO 91536 Aulia Homestay’s "Samarinda Secret" is definitely a solid choice, especially when it comes to balancing safety, and amenities. It's not a five-star luxury resort, but it's a damn good value.
Here's my offer to you, the wanderer:
"Unlock Your Samarinda Adventure: Book OYO 91536 Aulia Homestay & Get Ready to Explore The Hidden Gems!"
Reasons To Book:
- Safe & Clean: Peace of mind in the face of modern concerns.
- Convenience is King: Airport transfer, easy parking, and a 24-hour front desk make your trip a breeze.
- Explore and Unwind: A beautiful pool, a spa, a fitness center, and plenty of restaurants await.
- Comfy Rooms: You will have a comfy, equipped, and a place to rest.
- Budget-Friendly Option: Get a lot for your money.
The "Secret" might not be a secret anymore, but the value? That's still a treasure worth finding!
Go Get Your Trip Started!
Escape to Paradise: Daebudo Dekapo Pension Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the glorious chaos that is my "trip" to OYO 91536 Aulia Homestay Syariah in Samarinda, Indonesia. Prepare yourselves, because this isn't your average, perfectly-curated travel blog. This is the raw, unfiltered, possibly-slightly-unhinged truth. Here we go…
Day 1: Arrival (Because, Duh)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Wake up in my actual real bed back home, feeling vaguely panicked. Did I pack enough socks? Probably not. Did I remember to print out the confirmation for the homestay? OH GOD I DIDN'T. Commence frantic email searching and a minor existential crisis fueled by lukewarm instant coffee.
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Flights. Airports. The usual purgatory of overpriced coffee and questionable airport food. Found a "healthy" sandwich that tasted like disappointment wrapped in slightly stale bread. But hey, the air conditioning was blasting, so… silver linings, people, silver linings.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Landing in Samarinda! The air hit me like a warm, humid hug. Immediately drenched in sweat. My glasses fogged up. Instantly felt a hundred times more alive than in the sterile, fluorescent-lit airport. The pick-up from the homestay, which I'd arranged about a week earlier through an app that I couldn't quite remember if I'd used properly, was…late. Very late. Starting to have serious doubts.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 4:00 PM): The pick-up finally arrived. Apparently, the "driver" was also doing someone else’s errand. The car was…characterful. Let's just say it had seen some things. And it was absolutely blasting some local pop music that was a pure earworm. I hated it and loved it simultaneously.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Arrived at OYO 91536 Aulia Homestay Syariah. First impressions: Clean-ish. A little…austere. But with a genuine warmth to it that's immediately, wonderfully disarming. The reception staff were all smiles (and the sweetest smiles), despite the very obvious language barrier. Check-in was… interesting. Took a few minutes, I swear I understood only half of what was said, using hand gestures to communicate with the reception. Finally, I was pointed towards my room!
- Afternoon (5:00 PM - 6:00 PM): The ROOM! Okay, so it wasn’t the Ritz. It was small, with a very basic bed (looked reasonably clean), a tiny desk, and a bathroom that… well, let's just say the concept of "plumbing" seems a little more flexible here. But it had air conditioning, which was immediately my best friend. Immediately flopped on the bed and let out a massive sigh of relief. This, my friends, was paradise.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Food hunt! Absolutely starving. Wandered around the immediate vicinity of the homestay. The smells! The sounds! Motorbikes buzzing like angry bees. Found a warung (small local restaurant) with a delicious Indonesian curry. Almost burned my tongue off, but it was worth it. Seriously, possibly the best thing I’ve ever eaten. Ended the day back in my room, battling the heat and trying, and failing, to figure out the local TV channels.
Day 2: Local Exploration & That One Time I Got Massaged By an Auntie
- Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Woke up feeling utterly discombobulated. Jet lag is a beast. And the sounds of the city started at dawn. Breakfast was…interesting. Offered some rather suspiciously-shaped fruit (dragon fruit, I think…?) and some coffee that tasted like burnt tires. Refused politely (using hand gestures, again.)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Decided to be a "cultured tourist." Walked around and got lost. Constantly asked for directions (a lot of gesturing and laughing on both sides). Saw a mosque! (Amazing). Got completely lost in the local market, which was a sensory overload in the best possible way. The smells… fish, spices, things I couldn't even begin to identify. Almost bought a live chicken. (Regretted it later.)
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch at another warung. This time I tried a noodle dish. Spicy. More spicy than the curry. My face went red. I started getting tears, but, I persevered through the pain. I might not be able to walk again.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): This is my, potentially, most favorite part. I was wandering around the area, when my shoulders tightened up, and I couldn't take the ache anymore. Then, I randomly came across a small massage place. No frills, just a sign. I was desperate. Inside, was a small room. The only person there was a very kind elderly woman - let's call her "Auntie." She didn't speak a word of English. I didn't speak much Indonesian. But somehow, through gestures and smiles, we communicated. And then… the massage. Let me tell you, Auntie worked wonders. She knew where the knots were. She knew where it hurts. I moaned, I possibly snored, (probably) I did some serious muscle-untying. It was a full on hour of blissful agony and relaxation. I have no idea what she was doing, but it was pure magic. I left feeling like a brand new human. That massage was worth the entire trip, itself.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Back at the homestay. Feeling a little shaky from the massage. Ordered room service (fried rice, which was pretty good). Switched on the TV and somehow, miraculously, found a comedy show. Laughed until my stomach hurt. Drank some water. Wondered if it was safe.
Day 3: Water & Reflection
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): I needed a lazy morning, so I did just that. A few laps, a local newspaper, and a whole lot of staring out the window. It was really beautiful, and it let me just be.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Went to a local waterpark. It was nothing like the one I expected. It was more like a local park, near a market, with water slides. Not the most glamorous experience, but I had a blast. Fell off the water slide multiple times, swallowed a generous amount of chlorinated water, and laughed until my cheeks hurt. I was surrounded by locals who are always so happy and friendly. The memories were really wonderful.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 8:00 PM): I spend the evening in the homestay. It was the last day of my trip - and I didn't want it to end. I spent the entire time looking out the window, and let the thoughts travel back into my memories. It was peaceful and quiet, the noise of the city had quieted down. It was wonderful.
Day 4: Departure (…and, possibly, needing another massage?)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Woke up. Sad. Packed. Ate some of the suspiciously-shaped fruit (it was actually pretty good this time). Checked out. Said goodbye to the lovely people at reception. The whole goodbye process was slow since no one spoke a word of English, but we were able to say goodbye with smiles.
- Morning (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Transportation to the airport in a similar car, but this time I was mentally prepared. Still, the driver found a different, equally earworm-y song to blast the entire way
- Afternoon (12:00 PM): Back. Home. Feeling completely exhausted, slightly sunburnt, and utterly, utterly changed.
Overall Thoughts:
OYO 91536 Aulia Homestay Syariah: Not perfect, but it was a perfectly imperfect place. It was clean, had good service, and it was right in the middle of the city. I had some amazing experiences - the curry, the massage, the waterpark. I got lost, I ate some questionable food, I almost bought a chicken. I’d do it all again in a heartbeat. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just…be prepared to embrace the mess. Embrace the unexpected. And maybe, just maybe, find yourself an Indonesian Auntie to work her massage magic on you. You won't regret it.
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Indonesian Paradise Found: OYO 91536 Aulia Homestay's Samarinda Secret! - The Chaotic FAQs (AKA, My Brain Dump)
So, is this place…actually paradise? Because "secret" and "Samarinda" don't exactly scream "luxury getaway" to me.
Okay, okay, "paradise" is *my* word, alright? Look, you're not getting the Four Seasons. You're getting…well, you're getting Samarinda (a city that, bless its heart, isn't exactly on every travel blogger's Insta feed). But hear me out! It's a *secret*, alright? You get inside the Aulia Homestay, and the Indonesian-ness hits you – the smells of clove cigarettes (I’m not a smoker, but it’s part of the Samarinda ambiance!), the friendly smiles, the constant chattering of Indonesian that I only vaguely understood. It's a world away. "Paradise" is in the… authenticity, I guess? The realness of it all. Not in the marble and the champagne buckets. Though, if you're bringing champagne, I'm volunteering to test the theory.
What's the BEST thing about Aulia Homestay? GIVE ME THE GOODS!
Alright, buckle up! The *best* thing? Oh man, that's a tough one. But I think it's the… the **lack of pretension**. No one's trying to be fancy. They’re just…being. The staff, bless their souls, are ridiculously welcoming. I swear, they'd offer you the shirt off their backs (and probably some amazing Indonesian snacks too). And the price! Are you kidding me? It's practically highway robbery *in your favor*. You can stay here for days and not break the bank. Which means more money for… well, more exploring and, let's be honest, more *nasi goreng*! (I'm addicted, it's a problem).
Okay, spill the tea. What are some of the flaws? Nothing’s perfect, right?
Okay, real talk. The internet… well, it’s there. Sometimes. Don't expect blazing-fast streaming. And the "hot water" situation in my room? Let's just say lukewarm was a *generous* description. There was a moment where I nearly gave up on the whole shower situation. However, with a sigh and a bucket of water, I took a refreshing shower, and it was more than enough. Also, the walls aren't exactly soundproof. You *will* hear the symphony of Samarinda waking up – the calls to prayer (beautiful, but…early!), the mopeds, the general hustle and bustle. If you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs. Trust me, I learned that the hard way. But you have to appreciate these small imperfections in the face of cultural experience. And hey, that's part of the charm, right? Right?
The Rooms! Give me detaiils on the rooms…how comfortable are they?
Okay, room details…They’re… basic. Let's be honest. Clean, yes. Comfortable, in a "traveler's-on-a-budget" kind of way, also yes. Think simple beds, maybe a small desk. I remember there was a tiny little TV – I didn't watch it, because honestly, why would you? You're in **INDONESIA**! But it was there if you needed it. Some rooms have air conditioning (bliss!), some have fans. Check the description when booking. The sheets? Clean, and hey, if there’s one thing they excel at, it's always making sure you can sleep on a clean bed. Basically, you're trading luxury for authenticity. Are you okay with that? Because honestly, you *should* be. It's part of the adventure!
Food! Is there food? What should I eat?
Okay, this is where things get *really* good. There's usually breakfast included! It's a simple Indonesian affair: maybe some *nasi goreng* (I told you!), maybe some *mie goreng* (noodle version of gloriousness!), or maybe some toast, and always, *always*, strong, sweet coffee. But the *real* fun is outside the homestay. Samarinda is a foodie paradise, seriously. Go explore! Eat everything! Try the local street food. Don't be afraid to point at stuff you don't recognize. Just…be careful with the spice levels. (My advice: *always* ask for "sedikit pedas" – a little spicy – unless you have a fireproof mouth). And drink the fresh fruit juices! They are a game-changer. My first day, I had a juice made from three different fruits. I almost cried.
What's the location like? Easy to get around?
The location… it’s good! Pretty central. You can easily get around Samarinda using a *ojek* (motorbike taxi – a truly Indonesian experience, and not for the faint of heart!), or you can hail a taxi. It is a city however, so expect the usual city sounds. It’s safe though! I felt safe. You can get to the main attractions, like the Mahakam River (go for a boat trip!), pretty easily. And there are plenty of little warungs (local eateries) nearby. It’s a good base for exploring. Plus, it’s a great place to witness the Indonesian way of life. It's pretty incredible.
What’s the vibe there? Is it chill or… busy?
The vibe? Definitely chill. Laid-back. It's not a party hostel, that's for sure. It's more about… relaxing. Chatting with the staff (they’re lovely!), reading a book on the little porch, sipping your coffee and watching the world go by. It’s a place to decompress after a day of exploring. I spent many evenings just…sitting, listening to the sounds, and absorbing the atmosphere. It's a place of quiet, and it’s good. You can think, read, or relax with a cup of coffee. It really is paradise.
Okay, the single most impressionable moment you had in the Homestay?
Wow, okay… picking *one* is impossible, but there's a moment that stays with me. I was struggling with the local currency (the Rupiah - honestly, the zero-itis is real!), and the staff member, a sweet young woman named Anisa, noticed me looking utterly bewildered. She didn't speak much English, and I knew maybe five words of Bahasa Indonesia, but she sat down with me patiently, showed me how to count the money, and even drew pictures to help me understand the exchange rates. It wasn't just aboutHotel Deals Search
