Indonesian Gem: Uncover Surabaya's Hidden Gosepa Ambengan Plaza (90147)
Indonesian Gem: Uncover Surabaya's Hidden Gosepa Ambengan Plaza (90147)
Surabaya's Secret Treasure: Unveiling the Gosepa Ambengan Plaza (90147) - A Messy, Honest Review
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the Gosepa Ambengan Plaza in Surabaya. Forget those pristine, robotic reviews. This is gonna be real, raw, and probably a bit… messy. Expect some rambling, some gushing (hopefully), and maybe a little bit of "WTF was that?!" thrown in for good measure. I spent a week there, and let me tell you, it was an experience.
Accessibility: Navigating the Maze - Kinda There, Kinda Not
Okay, let's start with the elephant in the room (or should I say, the ramp that might be a ramp?): accessibility. The Gosepa aims for accessible, but… well, let's just say it's a work in progress. The main areas seemed fairly navigable for wheelchairs, with elevators readily available, so that's a plus. However, navigating the outdoor spaces, especially around the pool, felt a little… challenging. Some pathways are definitely bumpy for wheelchairs, and I saw a couple of ramps that looked like they were designed by someone who'd never encountered a real wheelchair. It's a mixed bag: accessible-adjacent, I'd say.
On-Site Eats and Drinks - From Buffet Bliss to Questionable Cocktails
Food, glorious food! Let's be honest, a good breakfast can make or break a stay. The Gosepa offered a buffet, and oh boy, what a buffet it was! (Breakfast [buffet] - Asian and Western Cuisine, Asian breakfast,Western Breakfast). They had everything! Fresh fruit (seriously, the mangoes were divine), pastries that practically melted in your mouth, and a noodle station where a little old lady in a floral dress would whip you up the most incredible bowl of mie goreng. Seriously, it's worth staying there just for that woman and her noodles. ([A la carte in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Bottle of Water, Coffee Shop, Breakfast Service]). Now, the restaurants… There's an international buffet, which was good, for the type, and several a la carte restaurants, which had their hits and misses. The Asian cuisine, generally, was a home run. The Western stuff? Let's just say it wasn't their forte. And if you're thinking of hitting up the bar ([Poolside bar, Bar, Happy Hour]), tread carefully. The cocktails were… adventurous, shall we say? Let's just say I ended up sticking to beer after the first couple of "creations." The poolside bar was nice, though, great for a sunset beer, or twelve. [Room service [24-hour], Snack Bar, Restaurants].
Wheelchair Accessibility - A Mixed Bag, Sadly
As mentioned earlier, the wheelchair accessibility is a little… uneven. Inside the main areas, the elevators and hallways are generally wide enough. The outdoor areas, particularly around the pool, were more challenging, requiring careful maneuvering. [Facilities for disabled guests].
Internet – Bless the Free Wi-Fi, Despair at the LAN
Hallelujah for Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! ( [Internet access – wireless, Internet access – LAN, Internet]) It was surprisingly stable and fast, which is a lifesaver when you're trying to upload those Insta-worthy sunset photos. Now, if you’re like, really old school, they have LAN options, which, as I tested (don't judge, I like my connection secure), it was slow, like, dial-up slow. Just stick to the wifi.
Things to Do - Spa Day Dreams and Poolside Bliss
Alright, time to unwind! The Gosepa has a pretty impressive spa ([Spa, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Massage]). I indulged in a body scrub and massage, and it was pure bliss. They use local ingredients, and you leave feeling like you've been reborn. The pool ([Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view]) is another highlight. I spent a good chunk of my week lounging by the pool, reading, and sipping on those questionable beers. It’s an outdoor pool with a view, and you can always spot a nice family just having fun and enjoying their holiday.
Cleanliness and Safety - A Little More Than Just a Feeling
I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so the cleanliness aspect was crucial for me. I was genuinely impressed by how seriously they took hygiene ([Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment]). They had hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff seemed on top of constantly cleaning and disinfecting common areas. [First aid kit, Doctor/nurse on call]. They also offered room sanitization opt-out, which is a nice touch. The rooms were regularly cleaned and everything, so I felt pretty safe. They had all the standard security measures, with smoke detectors, alarms, CCTV cameras everywhere. [CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Safety/security features, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms].
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - A Culinary Rollercoaster
The dining options were diverse, as noted above. [A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant]. The breakfast buffet could have been a standalone reason to stay, really. Room service was efficient and available around the clock. The snack bar was useful for a quick bite. The restaurants, though, were a mixed bag, as I said. The Asian stuff was generally good and they did have a vegetarian option, but the western stuff, wasn't the priority.
Services and Conveniences - A Mixed Bag
The Gosepa offers a ton of services ([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 concierge was helpful, laundry was quick and easy, and the daily housekeeping kept the rooms spotless. The business facilities were available. The gift shop was your typical tourist trap. The elevators were reliable, essential in a hotel of this size. I noticed that the currency exchange had a terrible rate.
For the Kids - Family-Friendly Vibes
Families, this place is [Family/child friendly, Babysitting service, Kids facilities, Kids meal] geared towards you. I saw a ton of children playing around, screaming and running around, and the kids' pool looked like a blast.
Access – How Easy Was It To Get Here
The Gosepa is pretty accessible. You can easily get the airport transport **[Airport transfer] **and the taxi service. [Taxi service, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Valet parking]. It's also a few minutes away from the center.
Available in All Rooms - The Essentials and Beyond
The rooms themselves ([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]) were generally spacious and well-equipped. The beds were comfortable, the air conditioning was perfect. I liked that they had free bottled water and a mini-fridge. The internet access was fantastic. The blackout curtains were a dream come true for my sleep schedule. The only thing I didn't like was maybe the lack of decorations.
**Getting Around - Navigating
Yancheng's Hidden Gem: Shell Hotel Tinghu District - Unbelievable Views!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. We're diving headfirst into the glorious chaos of Surabaya, Indonesia, with SPOT ON 90147 Gosepa Ambengan Plaza as our (hopefully) comfy base. Here we go:
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Noodle Hunt (and minor panic)
Morning (like, really morning - 6:00 AM): Ugh. Travel. That feeling of being crumpled up in a sardine can for 14 hours on my flight… Now I'm here. Surabaya. Indonesia. The air is thick, smells like a mix of exhaust and something deliciously fried. I'm delirious from lack of sleep. Reaching SPOT ON 90147 Gosepa Ambengan Plaza, and praying the room doesn't look like something out of a low-budget horror flick. Found it!! Surprisingly, the room is clean. Bonus. A/C on full blast. Absolute bliss.
Mid-morning (9:00 AM): Shower. Coffee. Trying to remember how to human. The hotel’s breakfast is…eh. Let's just say I'll need to find something more substantial.
Midday (12:00 PM): The GREAT NOODLE HUNT BEGINS. I’d heard rumors of the most incredible Mie Goreng (fried noodles) in Surabaya. This is now my mission. This is more important than knowing what street I'm on. Armed with a map (and a LOT of Google Translate), I venture out. The streets are a symphony of horns and scooters. It's utter beautiful madness.
- Anecdote: Found this little warung (small local eatery) tucked away in a side alley. The aroma… oh, the aroma! It smelled like heaven and MSG, which, honestly, is a combo I fully support. The stall owner just threw me a look of amusement when I pointed at the steam-filled pot, smiled. I ordered the Mie Goreng, and… it was a religious experience. Spicy, savory, the perfect amount of everything. Ate it so fast I almost choked. Worth it.
Afternoon (3:00 PM): My stomach had been telling to stop. Still, I'm back. The Surabaya Zoo. After walking through the streets, I had to take a break. They kept me so entertained that I was able to relax.
Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner, because I still was hungry. I went to a restaurant known by the locals, so the chef could make some of the best traditional foods in town.
Night (9:00 PM): Collapsed in bed. Jet lag is a beast. Still smiling about that noodle.
Day 2: Culture Shock (and Trying to Blend In)
Morning (7:00 AM): Woke up. Again. The A/C is still my best friend. Breakfast at the hotel… still a "meh". Needed the energy.
Mid-morning (9:00 AM): Time to tackle the city. I walked along the streets, visiting to see some museums and historical places.
Midday (12:00 PM): Lunch at a local restaurant. It was a little place, but they had great food. Found the best place to eat.
Afternoon (3:00 PM): Time to shop. I went to the mall to search for souvenirs. The city was more than amazing. I met a lot of people.
Evening (7:00 PM): After walking for a while, I decided to rest at the hotel.
Night (9:00 PM): Sleep.
Day 3: The Great Java Adventure and Departure (Almost!)
Morning (6:00 AM): Alarm. UGH. But hey, adventure awaits! I'd booked a day trip to Mount Bromo! The volcano. The sunrise. The Instagram fodder. Gotta happen.
Mid-morning (9:00 AM): Waiting. Waiting. Still waiting for the tour bus to pick me up. Starting to worry this whole thing is a scam. Finally, a battered old van pulls up. It's the tour. I’m in. And boy, is the drive… bumpy. Very bumpy. The roads are less-than-stellar, and I swear the driver's horn is his favorite instrument.
Midday (12:00 PM): Arrived. At the base camp. The air is crisp, clean. The landscape is unlike anything I've ever seen. A sea of volcanic sand. The journey continues.
- Quirky Observation: The jeep ride to the actual summit! It felt like a rollercoaster designed by a sadist. We bounced, we lurched, and I'm pretty sure I saw my life flash before my eyes (mostly because I was clinging for dear life). But the views…Oh, the views!
Afternoon (3:00 PM): Mount Bromo. Sunrise. It was absolutely breathtaking. The colors… the sheer scale of it all… I'm not a morning person, but I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
Evening (7:00 PM): Back in Surabaya. Exhausted, exhilarated, and covered in volcanic dust. Dinner was a simple nasi goreng (fried rice) near the hotel. Needed a good, solid meal.
Night (9:00 PM): Packing. The dreaded packing! Contemplating whether or not to ditch half my stuff.
Night (11:00 PM): Flight is supposed to be at midnight, but I just got a message that it's delayed! So, another cup of coffee and some YouTube!
Night (2:00 AM): Flight. Plane. Sleep.
Okay, Gosepa Ambengan Plaza… What *IS* it, Exactly? (And Should I Even Bother?)
Alright, buckle up, buttercup. Gosepa Ambengan Plaza (or 90147 – whatever that number actually *means* is a mystery for another day) is essentially a *market*. But not your manicured tourist-trap kind of market. This is a real, live, breathe-in-the-aroma-of-questionable-meats-and-sweat kind of market. It's in Surabaya, Indonesia. Think bustling, chaotic, and probably a little overwhelming at first. But trust me, within the chaos lies a certain… charm. I'm still deciding if it's 'good' charm or 'endlessly-fascinating-but-potentially-disease-ridden' charm, but hey, that’s life, right? My first time? I was *terrified*. Seriously. So much pushing, shoving, and the smells… oh god, the smells. But after the initial panic subsided, came a strange sort of… appreciation. Like, "Wow. This is *real*."
Is This Place Safe? (Because I'm Already Planning My Escape Route.)
Okay, let's be brutally honest. "Safe" is relative here. You're not exactly going to find pristine sidewalks and hand-sanitizer stations every five feet. Pickpocketing is definitely a thing, so keep a tight grip on your belongings. The food stalls? Let’s just say my digestive system and I had a *very* interesting conversation the day after I sampled some street food. But, like, I’m still here to tell the tale, right? And that's because, for the most part, people are just trying to make a living. They’re not out to get you. (Probably). Just use your common sense. Don't wander around flashing wads of cash, and maybe don't try to haggle someone down to a penny while wearing your designer sunglasses. You’re kinda asking for trouble.
What Can You *Actually* Buy There? I'm Imagining Mostly Fake Rolexes and Questionable DVDs.
You’re not *entirely* wrong about the… shall we say, "unique" selection of merchandise. Yes, there's a healthy dose of knockoffs, but Gosepa Ambengan is so much more than that! Think fresh produce that’s fresher than anything you’ve ever seen at a supermarket. Spices that'll blow your mind (and maybe your sinuses). Fabrics that shimmer with colours you never knew existed. Seriously, the textiles are insane. I once bought a batik scarf so beautiful I almost cried. Okay, I probably did. And, yes, you *can* find the questionable DVDs. But also, electronics, kitchenware, clothing, shoes… It's like a giant, vibrant, slightly-dodgy version of Amazon.
Food! Tell Me About The Food!! (Because I Live To Eat, and I'm Already Hungry.)
Oh, the food! This is where things get *really* interesting. The street food is legendary, but also… let's just say it's not for the faint of stomach. There's everything from sate (grilled meat skewers, usually chicken or goat) to nasi goreng (fried rice) to gado-gado (vegetables with peanut sauce) to… things I couldn't even identify. The smells are intoxicating. The presentation is… rustic, shall we say. My advice? Find a stall that’s busy. Locals know best. And don’t be afraid to experiment! Just maybe start small, and carry some anti-diarrheal medication. (I speak from experience. A *very* unpleasant experience.) But the taste… the taste is often incredible, and definitely authentic. You just have to be ready to face the consequences. Or not. Depends how brave you are and how much insurance you want...
Haggling! Do They Expect It? And How Aggressive Should I Be? (Because I'm a Terrible Negotiator.)
Yes, they 100% expect you to haggle. It's part of the fun… or the terror, depending on your perspective. Start by asking the price. Then, offer something about 30-40% lower. Then, the real fun begins. Be polite, smile, and don’t be afraid to walk away if the price is too high. They'll often call you back. I once spent a solid 15 minutes arguing over the price of a pair of sandals, and in the end, I think I probably still got ripped off, but hey, that’s the experience. I remember the vendor's face lighting up as he finally caved. It felt like we had won a battle together.
What's The Best Time To Go? And How Do I Get There?
Early mornings are usually best. The heat is less oppressive, and the vendors are more likely to be in good spirits. Plus, you might catch a glimpse of the city waking up. To get there, well, it's in Surabaya, but navigating the local transport is a bit of an adventure in itself. Grab (the local ride-hailing app) is your friend! It's relatively cheap and easy to use. Be prepared for some traffic, though. Surabaya's a busy place. If you are after an adventure, then try public transport but if you are like me and terrified of a language barrier, then Grab. And remember to factor in the time it takes to adjust to the crowds, the smells and the general sense of glorious chaos. Honestly, just prepare for anything, and you’ll survive. And probably have a great time.
What Should I *Definitely* NOT Do? (Because I’d Rather Not End Up on a "Worst Tourist Moments" List.)
Okay, listen up. Don't be that guy. Don't dress like you’re going to a fancy gala. Leave your expensive jewelry at home. Don't be overly aggressive when haggling. Don't take photos of people without asking first (unless they do something particularly outrageous, then maybe you can risk it). Don't touch the food with your bare hands unless you're absolutely certain of its cleanliness (and even then, maybe use a fork). MOST importantly: Don't complain. Embrace the mess, the chaos, the smells, the general sense of "what the heck is going on." That’s the whole *point* of the experience.
Final Thoughts? Would You Go Back? (Or Are You Still Recovering?)
Oh, I'd absolutely go back. Maybe next time with less trepidation (though a little fear is probably healthy). Gosepa Ambengan Plaza isn't about pristine displays or polished service. It's about the raw, unfiltered experience of a place, of a culture. It's the hustle, the haggling, the sensory overload, The food… the food keeps me coming back; I like the thrill of the unknownEscape to Paradise: Eagles Falls Villa, Kandy's Luxury Golf Getaway
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