Luxury 2BR Tanglin Orchard Apartment: Surabaya's Best Kept Secret!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the "Luxury 2BR Tanglin Orchard Apartment: Surabaya's Best Kept Secret!" and frankly, after this deep dive, you might just agree it should be kept a secret…or maybe shouted from the rooftops! Let's get real, shall we? Forget the pristine brochure, I'm talking real experience.
First Impressions & The "Accessibility" Tango (and Why It Matters)
Alright, so "Accessibility." This is where things get a little…complicated. The listing claims certain things. But, and this is a big but, you know how these things go. It says "Facilities for disabled guests." That's…vague. No specific mention of ramps, elevators with braille, or anything concrete. So, if mobility is a significant concern, DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Call them. Ask specific questions. Don't take the word "accessible" at face value. Seriously. It’s like dating – assume nothing until you have proof.
The Techie Stuff: Wi-Fi, Internet & The Modern World's Addiction
Okay, let's get the basics out of the way. "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" Hallelujah! I’m a digital nomad trapped in a human body, so a strong Wi-Fi signal is practically oxygen. And, praise the tech gods, it seems to be a good one. There’s also "Internet [LAN]" if you're still rocking that old-school wired connection (respect!). They also offer "Internet services," which I assume means they'll help you find a local SIM card if you're desperate. Now, "Wi-Fi in public areas." That's a must. You know, gotta post those Instagram stories of your amazing breakfast buffet (more on that later…).
Things To Do & Ways To Relax: From Scrubbing to Sauna-ing
This is where the "luxury" starts to peek through. Deep breath. Okay, so we have:
- Spa/wellness: Body scrub, body wrap, foot bath, massage, sauna, steam room, spa. Sigh. Sounds heavenly. I'm picturing myself swathed in mud, letting all my worries melt away.
- Fitness: Fitness center, gym/fitness, swimming pool, pool with view. Now, I say I'm going to the gym on vacation. I always say that. But let's be honest, the only exercise I'm doing is the walk from the pool to the bar. Still, it's there.
- Pools: Oh, I love the pool. I'm a bit of a mermaid at heart. But a pool with a view? Now we're talking.
Cleanliness & Safety: Because, Well, We're Living Through It
This is huge right now, right? The listing boasts a lot:
- "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," "Rooms sanitized between stays," "Staff trained in safety protocol," "Hand sanitizer," and all that jazz. Sounds reassuring, but… I'd still bring my own wipes, just in case.
- "Physical distancing of at least 1 meter" and "Safe dining setup." Okay, good. But let's see how it actually plays out.
- "Room sanitization opt-out available." I like this. Gives you a choice, which is always nice.
- "Cashless payment service." Smart.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Let's Talk Food, People!
Okay, this is where my inner foodie gets excited. Deep breath again.
- Restaurants: Multiple, it seems! "A la carte in restaurant," "Asian cuisine," "International cuisine," "Vegetarian restaurant," "Western cuisine." Okay, options. I like options.
- Breakfast: "Breakfast in room," "Breakfast takeaway service," "Breakfast [buffet]," "Asian breakfast," "Western breakfast." Buffet! Yes! This is a vacation must!
- Drinks: "Bar," "Poolside bar," "Happy hour," "Coffee/tea in restaurant," "Bottle of water." I see you, cocktails! And coffee. Essential.
- Snacks: "Coffee shop," "Snack bar," "Desserts in restaurant," "Soup in restaurant," "Salad in restaurant." Okay, I'm starting to see a pattern here…
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Make Life Easier
This is where a hotel can really shine, or spectacularly fail.
- The Essentials: "24-hour front desk," "Concierge," "Daily housekeeping," "Doorman," "Elevator." Good. Good. All good.
- The Extras: "Air conditioning in public area," "Currency exchange," "Dry cleaning," "Ironing service," "Laundry service," "Luggage storage," "Safety deposit boxes." Okay, this is getting fancy.
- Business traveler? "Business facilities," "Meeting/banquet facilities," "Meetings," "Xerox/fax in business center." They got you covered.
- For the Lazy (like me): "Room service [24-hour]," "Food delivery." Yes. Just yes.
For the Kids: Babysitters and Fun
- "Babysitting service," "Family/child friendly," "Kids facilities," "Kids meal." They seem to be embracing the family vibe.
Getting Around: Airport Transfer, Parking, and More
"Airport transfer," "Car park [free of charge]," "Car park [on-site]," "Taxi service," "Valet parking." Convenient. Very convenient.
Available in All Rooms: The Nitty-Gritty
Okay, here's the laundry list of what should be in your room:
- "Air conditioning," "Alarm clock," "Bathrobes," "Bathroom phone," "Bathtub," "Blackout curtains," "Closet," "Coffee/tea maker," "Complimentary tea," "Daily housekeeping," "Desk," "Extra long bed," "Free bottled water," "Hair dryer," "High floor," "In-room safe box," "Internet access – wireless," "Ironing facilities," "Laptop workspace," "Linens," "Mini bar," "Mirror," "Non-smoking," "On-demand movies," "Private bathroom," "Reading light," "Refrigerator," "Satellite/cable channels," "Scale," "Seating area," "Separate shower/bathtub," "Shower," "Slippers," "Smoke detector," "Socket near the bed," "Sofa," "Soundproofing," "Telephone," "Toiletries," "Towels," "Umbrella," "Wake-up service," "Wi-Fi [free]," "Window that opens."
The Anecdotal Bits & The Imperfections (Because Let's Be Real)
Okay, so I'm picturing myself there. Waking up in one of those "extra long beds" (bliss!). Coffee maker brewing, ready for a day of exploring. Maybe I'd hit that pool with a view, then treat myself to a massage.
But… and there's always a "but," isn't there? I'm a little wary of the "luxury" label. It can be code for "overpriced and underwhelming." The devil is in the details. Are the toiletries actually good? Is the coffee strong enough? Are the staff genuinely friendly, or just going through the motions?
The Quirky Observation: I'm particularly intrigued by the "Proposal spot." Is there a specific spot in the apartment, or the hotel in general, that's designed for proposals? I'm imagining a dramatic balcony overlooking something gorgeous…or maybe just a really well-placed potted plant. I need to know!
The Emotionally Honest Reaction: Frankly, I'm a little bit excited. The potential is there. The idea of being pampered, eating delicious food, and relaxing… that's the dream, isn't it? But I'm also a little bit skeptical. It's a hotel, not a magical portal to paradise.
The Messy Structure and Occasional Rambles: Okay, I'm getting ahead of myself. Let's just… breathe. Remember, this is supposed to be a "best-kept secret," so maybe it's too good to be true.
The Stronger Emotional Reactions (Good or Bad): The potential for a truly relaxing vacation is so tempting. The possibility of a truly terrible experience is also equally present in my mind.
The More Opinionated Language and Natural Pacing: Look, I'm not a travel blogger. I'm just a person who loves a good hotel, and this one has potential.
The Offer (Finally!):
Surabaya Calling! Escape to Luxury at the Tanglin Orchard Apartment!
Tired of the same old routine? Craving an unforgettable getaway? The "Luxury 2BR Tanglin Orchard Apartment: Surabaya's Best Kept Secret!" is calling your name!
Here's the deal:
- Unwind in Style: Indulge in luxurious amenities like a stunning pool with a view, a rejuvenating spa, and a state-of-the-art fitness center.
- Gastronomic Delights: Wake up to a delicious breakfast buffet (Asian
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're doing Surabaya, Tanglin Orchard Apartment (2BR, fancy pants!), and trust me, it's going to be a glorious mess. Let's dive in, shall we?
Surabaya: Tanglin Orchard Apartment (2BR) - The Unofficial Itinerary (aka, My Sanity's Last Stand)
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Noodle Debacle
- Morning (ish) - 10:00 AM: Touchdown in Surabaya! The air hits you like a warm, humid hug. Or maybe it's just the jet lag talking. Immigration? Smooth sailing, thank god. Baggage claim… well, let's just say my luggage had a longer layover than I did. Finally, it's here!
- Mid-morning - 11:30 AM: Taxi to Tanglin Orchard. The drive is a sensory overload. Motorbikes weaving, vibrant billboards, the relentless sun… I'm already sweating. The apartment itself? Gorgeous. Modern, clean, and the AC is a godsend. I feel a flicker of hope. Maybe this won't be a total disaster after all!
- Lunch - 1:00 PM: Okay, so I'm starving. I've heard whispers of amazing street food. The concierge recommended a place called "Warung Noodle Nirvana" (or something equally dramatic). I'm thinking, "Yes, please!" I get there, and it's chaos. Like, beautiful, delicious chaos. People yelling in Bahasa, steam billowing from giant woks… I try to order, but my Indonesian is… well, nonexistent. I point, I gesture, I make pleading faces. I end up with a giant bowl of noodles, swimming in chili oil that could melt titanium. It was so spicy, I swore I saw God.
- Afternoon - 3:00 PM: Retreat to the apartment. The AC is my best friend now. I spend an hour attempting to decipher the Indonesian TV channels. Fail. Then, I nap.
- Evening - 7:00 PM: Dinner round two. I thought I'd be adventurous and try to cook at the apartment. Turns out, I'm no chef. I managed to burn the rice and undercook the chicken. I think I'll stick to instant noodles for the rest of the trip.
- Night - 9:00 PM: Stare out the window. The city lights twinkle, and the sounds of Surabaya drift up. I feel a weird mix of exhausted and exhilarated. This is going to be an adventure, alright.
Day 2: Temples, Traffic, and the Quest for Ice Cream
- Morning - 9:00 AM: Breakfast! I'm determined to conquer the art of making coffee. It turns out to be a disaster. The coffee tastes like mud. Oh well! I'll find a cafe, or die trying.
- Morning - 10:00 AM: I decided to visit the Cheng Hoo Mosque. It's beautiful, a splash of color and serenity amidst the city's hustle. The traffic getting there was a nightmare. Seriously, I think I aged a decade in that cab ride. But the mosque was worth it.
- Lunch - 1:00 PM: I'm officially obsessed with finding the best ice cream in Surabaya. I've heard rumors of a place called "Es Krim Zangrandi". It's supposed to be a Surabaya institution. The taxi driver doesn't understand me. After much pointing and gesturing, we get there. The ice cream is… okay. Maybe my expectations were too high.
- Afternoon - 3:00 PM: I spend the afternoon wandering around the old town. The architecture is stunning, and I feel a strange connection to the history. The heat is oppressive, though. I'm starting to feel like a wilting flower.
- Evening - 7:00 PM: Dinner at a local Warung. I'm feeling brave, and I'm determined to try something new. I end up ordering something that looks like fried chicken, but it's actually chicken feet. I try a bite. It's… interesting.
- Night - 9:00 PM: Back at the apartment, and I'm scrolling through Instagram, feeling a bit homesick. The culture shock is real, but I'm also starting to feel a tiny bit of belonging. Surabaya, you're a wild ride.
Day 3: The House of Sampoerna & The Unofficial Shopping Spree
- Morning - 9:00 AM: The coffee situation is still dire. I'm starting to think I should have brought a barista with me.
- Morning - 10:00 AM: The House of Sampoerna! This place is fantastic. The history of the clove cigarette industry is fascinating (even if I don't smoke). The architecture is beautiful, and the tour is really well done. I even get to see women hand-rolling cigarettes. Insane.
- Lunch - 1:00 PM: Street food! I'm getting braver. I try something that looks like a pancake, but it's filled with spicy meat. Delicious. I almost set my mouth on fire, but I'm starting to get the hang of it.
- Afternoon - 3:00 PM: Shopping! I head to a local market. It's a total assault on the senses. The smells, the sounds, the sheer volume of stuff… I get totally lost and end up buying a shirt that's two sizes too small. Oh well.
- Evening - 7:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant that actually has a menu in English. I order something that looks safe. It's surprisingly bland. I miss the spicy noodles from day one.
- Night - 9:00 PM: Packing. I'm leaving tomorrow. I'm exhausted, exhilarated, and already planning my return. Surabaya, you crazy place, I'll be back.
Day 4: Departure & The Final Reflection (Aka, The Post-Travel Blues)
- Morning - 9:00 AM: One last attempt at coffee. Still undrinkable.
- Morning - 10:00 AM: Check out. Goodbye, Tanglin Orchard! Goodbye, AC!
- Mid-morning - 11:00 AM: Taxi to the airport. The traffic is still horrendous. I'm starting to think it's a national sport.
- Lunch - 12:00 PM: Airport food. It's generic and overpriced. But at least the coffee is decent.
- Afternoon - 2:00 PM: Plane takes off. I look out the window at the city shrinking below. Surabaya, I'll miss you. The chaos, the food, the people… All of it.
- Evening: Back home. Reality hits. I'm already daydreaming about spicy noodles and the next adventure.
Final Thoughts:
Surabaya is not for the faint of heart. It's messy, intense, and often confusing. But it's also vibrant, delicious, and utterly unforgettable. This itinerary? It's more of a suggestion, a starting point. The real magic happens when you get lost, when you embrace the chaos, and when you're willing to laugh at yourself (and your terrible Indonesian). Go. Get messy. Have an adventure. You won't regret it.
Uncover Srinagar's Secret: Luxury Awaits at Snow Leopard Lodge!
Luxury 2BR Tanglin Orchard Apartment: Surabaya's Best Kept Secret! (Or Is It?) - FAQs from a Totally Real Person
Okay, spill the tea! Is this Tanglin Orchard place *really* as amazing as it sounds? Seriously, is it a scam?
Alright, alright, settle down, drama queen. Scam? Nah, not exactly. Amazing? Well… that depends. Let’s just say it’s a *journey*. I went in with these Pinterest-perfect expectations, you know? Open-plan living, infinity pool overlooking the city… (cue dreamy sigh). And, yeah, the *views* are stunning. Seriously, jaw-dropping. Especially at sunset. I swear, I spent the first hour just staring out the window, feeling like a ridiculously glamorous spy.
But, and there's always a but, right? The “luxury” part? It's… nuanced. The marble floors? Gorgeous. The aircon? Sometimes temperamental. One time it decided to blast Arctic winds in the middle of the night. I woke up shivering, huddled under the duvet like a lost penguin. Classic. And the "fully equipped kitchen"? Yeah, it *has* a fridge. A very, very shiny fridge. I think it was more for show than actual cooking. Let's just say my culinary masterpieces were mostly delivered from GrabFood.
What's the actual *location* like? Is it easy to get around? I hate being stuck in traffic! (Who doesn't, right?)
Location, location, location! It's in a decent area, Tanglin. Close enough to the action (the shops, the cafes – essential!), far enough to feel a *little* bit removed from the chaos. Surabaya traffic is a beast, let's be honest. You'll learn to embrace the slow crawl. It’s kinda like a meditation, actually. You just… zone out. Or scroll through Instagram.
Grab is your friend, people. Embrace it. It's affordable, convenient, and gets you everywhere. Walking? Okay, *maybe* to the local warung for some nasi goreng. Anything further, and you'll be a sweaty mess. Surabaya humidity is no joke. Seriously, I've never sweated so much in my life. I felt like a walking water balloon.
The pool! Tell me about the pool! Is it as Instagrammable as it looks?
The pool… ah, the pool. Yes, it *is* Instagrammable. Honestly, it's probably the best part. Infinity edge, city views, the works. I spent, like, half my time there. Floating around, pretending I was a glamorous movie star. The water's clean, generally. Although… one time, there was a rogue leaf floating near the edge. The horror! (Dramatic gasp).
The problem is, everyone else thinks it's Instagrammable too. So, you're often sharing the space with, well, a lot of people. Kids splashing. Couples canoodling. The occasional influencer doing a full-blown photoshoot. Finding a quiet moment can be a challenge. But, hey, if you're into people-watching (and let’s be real, who isn't?), it’s prime entertainment.
Let's talk about the 2BR part. Is it actually spacious? Can you fit a family in there? (Or just me and my mountain of shoes?)
Two bedrooms, yeah. Spacious? Relative term, my friend. It's certainly bigger than a shoebox. You could probably squeeze a small family in there, *if* you're okay with close quarters. Think more "cozy" than "sprawling estate".
The master bedroom? Decent. Good closet space (important!). The second bedroom? Well, let's just say it's… functional. I used it as a glorified storage room/home office. (Don’t judge my organizational skills). The living area is a decent size, and the balcony offers more space to breathe. I spent many evenings there, sipping a G&T and watching the city lights twinkle. That, my friends, is true luxury, in my book.
What about the downsides? What should I *really* know before booking? Give me the dirt!
Okay, the dirt. Here we go. First, the Wi-Fi. It's… patchy. Prepare for moments of internet silence. And the elevators? Sometimes they decide to take a nap. (I'm not kidding, I walked up 15 floors one day. My legs still haven't forgiven me). The cleaning service? Hit or miss. One day, the apartment was sparkling. The next? Let's just say I found a lingering dust bunny the size of a small cat.
The "fully equipped kitchen" (I mentioned this, right?) – it's not really set up for proper cooking. Unless you're a minimalist chef who thrives on microwaving. The noise? Surabaya is a noisy city. You'll hear traffic, the call to prayer (which is beautiful, but *early*), and the occasional karaoke session from a nearby apartment. Bring earplugs. Seriously. And maybe a good book. Because you'll need something to occupy yourself during those elevator-induced delays.
Would you recommend it? Honestly, would you go back?
Would I recommend it? Hmm… It's complicated. If you're looking for a perfectly polished, flawless luxury experience, then maybe not. If you're looking for a place with stunning views, a great pool, and a bit of Surabaya charm (warts and all), then absolutely!
Would I go back? You know what? Yeah, probably. Despite the quirks, the occasional inconveniences, and the temperamental aircon, there's a certain something about the Tanglin Orchard Apartment. It's not perfect, but it's got character. It's a place where you can relax, unwind, and feel like you're living a slightly more glamorous version of your life. And who doesn't want that, even if it's just for a little while? Plus, that pool... I'd go back for the pool alone. And maybe to finally conquer that fully-equipped kitchen. Wish me luck!
What's the best thing about the apartment? And what's the worst? Be specific!
Okay, the *best* thing? The view. Hands down. Seriously, it’s worth the price of admission. I spent hours just gazing out, lost in thought (or, you know, scrolling through my phone, but the view was still pretty). The worst? The inconsistent Wi-Fi. It's like a moody teenager – sometimes it works, sometimes it throws a tantrum and disappears. Trying to work with that was a nightmare.
Any tips for making the most of your stay? Secret hacks?
Secret hacks! Okay, pay attention. 1. Pack earplugs. Seriously. You'llGlobetrotter Hotels
