Malang's Hidden Gem: OYO 90175 Tl Guest House Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Malang's Hidden Gem: OYO 90175 Tl Guest House Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Malang's Hidden Gem? OYO 90175 Tl Guest House: A Review You Won't BELIEVE (Probably)
Okay, deep breaths. Let me just say, diving into the OYO 90175 Tl Guest House in Malang was… an experience. Forget everything you think you know about pristine hotel reviews. This is gonna be messy, honest, a little bit (okay, a LOT) opinionated, and hopefully, somewhat helpful. Because let's be real, sometimes you just need a cheap place to crash in a new city, and you cross your fingers and pray for the best. And sometimes, you get…this. Buckle up, buttercups.
Accessibility & Getting There (Messy Start, Sorry Folks)
Right off the bat, accessibility deserves a mention. The website… well, it didn't scream "wheelchair accessible paradise." And honestly? I didn't see a lot of evidence of it on-site. I'm not in a wheelchair, but I did see a few stairs that might be a problem. Definitely check with the guest house directly if you have specific needs. Getting there? Well, good luck navigating the streets of Malang! It's a sensory overload of scooters, street vendors, and general chaos. Car park [free of charge] is available, but finding it can be an adventure.
Internet & Tech (Pretty Important, Right?)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! A godsend. And it actually worked. Mostly. Occasional buffering drama, but hey, it's free, and it's Indonesia. Internet access – wireless was solid, and I even caught a glimpse of Internet [LAN] in some rooms -- a relic of a bygone era, but hey, still an option. Wi-Fi in public areas was also available, but again, a little spotty.
Cleanliness & Safety (The COVID Reality Check)
Okay, the pandemic has changed everything, right? So, let's talk safety. I tried to look for the specifics: Anti-viral cleaning products? Couldn't confirm, but I saw cleaning happening. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Hand sanitizer everywhere? Indeed. Rooms sanitized between stays? I’m going to assume so, based on the overall vibe, but who knows! Staff trained in safety protocol? They seemed somewhat masked, which is something, I guess? Physical distancing of at least 1 meter? Yeah, good luck with that in the breakfast buffet line. Hygiene certification? Nope. Room sanitization opt-out available? Didn't see that either. They did try, bless their hearts.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (The Breakfast Buffets of Despair?)
Alright, this is a big one, because, after all, everyone needs to eat, right?
Breakfast [buffet]: Ah, the breakfast buffet. I wandered down in a state of bleary-eyed optimism. Think: a few lukewarm Indonesian dishes, some questionable-looking fruit, and a LOT of instant coffee. Asian breakfast and Western breakfast options were technically present. Breakfast service was there, I guess. Honestly? I wound up at the Coffee shop down the street the next day.
Restaurants: Yes, there ARE restaurants. I saw a Vegetarian restaurant nearby, and some that advertised Asian cuisine in restaurant, and a Western cuisine in restaurant. I ventured out of my comfort zone. It was good.
Room service [24-hour]: This was a lifesaver! After a long day of exploring, I was too knackered to go anywhere. The fried rice? Surprisingly good. The pizza? Let's just say it tasted like pizza that needed to be eaten yesterday.
Snack bar: Present and accounted for, though the options seemed a little limited.
Poolside bar: There wasn’t one.
Happy hour: Nope!
Bottle of water: Provided, which is always a welcome touch!
Things to Do (Beyond the Walls of the Guest House… Maybe)
Swimming pool and Swimming pool [outdoor]: Yep. There was a pool! And it looked vaguely… clean? I didn't go in. I just wasn't in the mood.
Fitness Center and Gym/fitness: There was a gym, but it was…well, it had equipment! It was definitely not a state-of-the-art facility.
The rest of the options like a spa or Massage or Body scrub? I definitely didn’t find them.
Services and Conveniences (The Perks and the Quirks)
- Air conditioning in public area: Yes, thank goodness.
- Cash withdrawal, Concierge: There are convenience.
- Daily housekeeping: They do a good job!
- Elevator: This is a good thing!
- Laundry service: Yes.
- Luggage storage: They’ll watch your stuff.
- Smoking Area: Yep. But I didn’t see the smokers there.
- Terrace: Pretty.
- Car park [on-site]: Yay. And a bunch of other things…
For the Kids (Family Fun?)
- Family/child friendly. Yes.
- Babysitting service: Not that I saw.
- Kids meal: Perhaps? Again, I can’t say with certainty.
Available in All Rooms (The Essentials - Or Not?)
This is where it gets interesting.
- Air conditioning: Thank god.
- Alarm clock: Yes!
- Bathroom phone: Seriously?
- Bathtub: Nope.
- Blackout curtains: Yep, a lifesaver.
- Coffee/tea maker: Yes!
- Daily housekeeping: Yep.
- Desk: Yes!
- Free bottled water: Always appreciated.
- Linens: Fine.
- Mini bar: Nope.
- Non-smoking: They try.
- Private bathroom: Yes
- Seating area: Yes.
- Shower: Yep.
- Slippers: No.
- Smoke detector: I think so.
- Soundproofing: Okay.
- Telephone: Yep, a phone
- Wake-up service: If you can get through to the front desk.
- Wi-Fi [free]: The savior!
- Window that opens: Yes!
Let’s Talk About the Rooms
Okay, the rooms… They were… basic. Clean-ish. The bed was comfy, which is all that really matters, honestly. Carpeting was present, and it looked like at one point, the hotel had updated. Mirror, of course. Socket near the bed - yes! Reading light - absolutely. Toiletries - the bare minimum. The shower got the job done, though the hot water was a bit… temperamental. Soundproofing ? I could hear EVERYTHING. The TV offered Satellite/cable channels; nothing special, but always a nice option.
The Unforgettable Moments (Or, When Things Get Weird)
Alright, here's a story. One morning, I was trying to get a taxi (I requested Taxi service). The front desk guy, who was otherwise friendly, started to tell me that I should haggle with the local taxi drivers. Then he disappeared for 10 minutes, only to return, telling me the negotiated price he could get me was almost double what a Grab would charge me. I just gave a chuckle, and booked my own transport.
Final Thoughts (The Verdict, Maybe?)
Look, the OYO 90175 Tl Guest House isn't the Ritz-Carlton. It’s not the most accessible; it’s a bit rough around the edges; the breakfast will leave you wanting more. And the whole experience is, let's say, character-building. However, for the price, and if you're looking for a cheap and relatively clean place to sleep in Malang, this is okay. It's a solid 6/10, with room for improvement. I'd stay there again if I needed to, but I'd BYO instant coffee and manage my expectations.
SEO & Metadata (I Tried!)
- Title: OYO 90175 Tl Guest House Review (Malang, Indonesia): The Unvarnished Truth!
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of OYO 90175 Tl Guest House in Malang. Discover the good, the bad, and the hilariously awkward in this candid assessment of amenities, cleanliness, and overall experience. Find out if this budget-friendly option is worth the stay!
- Keywords: OYO 90175 Tl Guest House, Malang, Indonesia, hotel review, budget travel, accommodation, cleanliness, safety, breakfast, Wi-Fi, accessibility, travel tips, Indonesia travel
- Tags: #Malang #Indonesia #HotelReview #Travel #
Okay, here we go. Buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your grandma's itinerary – it's a chaotic, love-hate letter to OYO 90175 TL Guest House in Malang, Indonesia. Prepare for tangents, regrets, and the raw, unfiltered truth.
The Malang Mayhem: An Itinerary (or, How My Brain Melted in the Tropics)
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread (Plus, the Search for Clean Sheets)
- Morning (approximately 8:00 AM): Touchdown at Malang Airport. Or, rather, a gentle bump onto the tarmac. I'm still not sure if the descent was intentional or if our poor pilot was just as disoriented as I was. The heat hits you like a physical object. Whoa. The kind of heat that makes your socks feel damp inside your shoes before you've even walked three steps.
- Morning (approximately 9:00 AM): Taxi ride to OYO 90175 TL Guest House. The driver, bless his soul, spoke about as much English as I speak Indonesian (which is, let's be generous, "terima kasih" and "nasi goreng"). The streets… well, they're a chaotic ballet of motorbikes, beeping horns, and stray cats. I swear, I saw a chicken cross a four-lane highway. Seriously.
- Morning (approximately 10:00 AM): Arrival. Okay, let's be real. My first impression of the Guest House? Meh. It's… basic. Like, "student dorm with a slightly depressing paint job" basic. The "lobby" felt more like a glorified hallway, and the receptionist seemed about as thrilled to see me as I was to find out my room didn't have air conditioning. (Note to self: read the fine print before booking).
- Late Morning (approximately 10:30 AM): The Room. Initially, the "room" wasn't as advertised. Instead of a "clean, modern room," it was quite dirty and the sheets weren't as fresh as promised. I started feeling a little bit homesick. After some haggling and (a few raised eyebrows) the staff changed my room and offered a discount.
- Afternoon (approximately 12:00 PM): Lunch! A local warung (small, family-run eatery) near the Guest House. I tentatively ordered "nasi goreng" (fried rice). Oh. My. Gods. It was divine. Spicy, savory, and completely worth the immediate sweat that broke out on my forehead. I could have cried with joy. This, this was why I came.
- Afternoon (approximately 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM): Attempting to explore. I swear, I walked five blocks and felt like I’d run a marathon. The heat was relentless. Found a little café for a desperately needed iced coffee. The WiFi was spotty, which was probably a good thing because I would've spent my entire afternoon doomscrolling.
- Evening (approximately 6:00 PM): Dinner back at the same warung (yes, I'm predictable). The "sate ayam" (chicken satay) was just as good as the nasi goreng. I'm starting to get a bit homesick.
- Evening (approximately 8:00 PM): Back to the Guest House. Watched some questionable Indonesian television. The bed, thankfully, was soft. Maybe this won't be so bad after all.
Day 2: Bromo Volcano (and the Near-Death Experience That Wasn't)
- Early Morning (approximately 3:00 AM): The dreaded wake-up call. The prospect of trekking to the summit of Mount Bromo was both exhilarating and terrifying. Coffee – a whole pot of the stuff – was my best friend.
- Early Morning (approximately 4:00 AM): A Jeep picked me up. Seriously. This jeep felt like it had seen more action than Indiana Jones.
- Early Morning (approximately 5:00 AM): A breathtaking hike up the volcano in the dark. The stars, the sheer expanse of the crater… it was stunning. Everything felt like slow motion.
- Morning (approximately 6:00 AM): Arriving at the summit and watching the sunrise. Okay, this might be the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. The way the light danced across the volcanic landscape, the swirling mists… speechless.
- Morning (approximately 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Exploring the surrounding crater and the Sea of Sand. This place screams "Lord of the Rings." Everything is so otherworldly. But the crowds! Oh, the crowds. I'm not sure I've ever seen so many selfies being taken in one place. The air was thin, the ground was dusty, and I was pretty sure I was going to cough up a lung.
- Afternoon (approximately 1:00 PM): Arrived back at the Guest House. I slept for the longest time. I had only been gone for two days, but the place now felt like a vacation home.
- Afternoon (approximately 3 PM): Went for a swim. The pool was "community size" and was filled with many kids and local families. It was fun to watch them.
- Evening (approximately 6 PM): Bought some street food, and met the locals. I was very lucky to meet the locals and enjoyed a friendly conversation about the area.
Day 3: Temples and Regrets (and a Battle With a Mosquito)
- Morning (approximately 9:00 AM): Slept in! Finally. Then, a slow breakfast of the now-familiar nasi goreng.
- Morning (approximately 10:00 AM): Decided to explore local temples. Went on a terrible ride.
- Afternoon (approximately 1:00 PM): Back at the Guest House. Ordered a massage, which was an experience. The masseuse seemed about as enthusiastic as I was and I slept for three hours.
- Evening (approximately 6 PM): Dinner at a "fancy" restaurant. The food was okay, but the prices made me wince. I wish I had just gone back to the warung.
- Evening (approximately 9 PM): Back at the "room" (let's call it that). The mosquito situation was getting out of control. I waged war – and lost. My ankles are currently a feast. I could feel myself getting more and more emotional.
Day 4: Departure (and Eternal Gratefulness for the Warung)
- Morning (approximately 8:00 AM): Last nasi goreng. I'm going to miss this. Seriously.
- Morning (approximately 9:00 AM): Packing. And trying to figure out how to fold a mosquito net. Still failing.
- Mid-Morning (approximately 10:00 AM): Check-out. Said a quick goodbye to the staff (they seemed relieved).
- Late Morning (approximately 11:00 AM): Goodbye Malang, hello new adventures. I am very grateful for the overall experience, and the food.
Final Thoughts (and Unsolicited Advice):
- OYO 90175 TL Guest House: It's basic. Manage your expectations. Bring earplugs. And maybe a hazmat suit for the mosquitoes.
- Malang: Beautiful, chaotic, and delicious. Embrace the chaos. Eat all the nasi goreng. And for the love of all that is holy, buy some mosquito repellent.
- Me: Still recovering. But I'd do it again. (Maybe next time I'll get a room with AC…)
Malang's "Hidden Gem" (Or Is It?): OYO 90175 Tl Guest House - The Unfiltered Truth!
Okay, spill it. Is OYO 90175 Tl Guest House ACTUALLY a "hidden gem" or a… well, let's just say *different* experience?
Alright, alright! Let's be real. "Hidden Gem" is a strong phrase. I’d call it… a *unique* experience. Look, the photos online? Maybe, *maybe* they were taken with some serious strategic lighting and a very, very flattering filter. It's like a blind date where the profile pic is from ten years ago. You’re expecting… something. And you get… something else. Let’s just say, some parts were charming, some… less so. And some… made me question my life choices for a solid five minutes.
What's the vibe? Like, is it a hostel, a fancy hotel, or something else entirely?
Vibe? Okay, picture this: you wander into a place that *thinks* it's a boutique guesthouse, but secretly, it's a really friendly grandma's house that accidentally got listed on OYO. There's a certain, shall we say, *lived-in* feel. Think slightly mismatched furniture, a faint echo of what might have been fresh paint a *while* ago, and a lingering scent that's a blend of incense, dust, and… well, let’s call it ‘local spice’. Not a bad smell, necessarily! Just… present.
Let’s talk about the *room*. Was it clean? Did it have… everything?
The room. Oh, the room. Okay, so “clean” is relative. Like, 'clean' compared to a deserted alleyway? Absolutely! 'Clean' compared to a five-star hotel? Let's just say, pack some Clorox wipes. The sheets… well, they *looked* clean. And the bed… the bed was a sturdy, if slightly creaky, platform. It certainly *held* me! My main issue? The bathroom. The shower… let's just say the water pressure was a suggestion. More of a gentle drizzle than a cleansing deluge. And the… well, I’ll leave it at: inspect the bathroom *thoroughly* on arrival.
And the staff? Are they friendly? Helpful? Do they speak any English?
The staff! This is where things get interesting. The *people* themselves? Absolutely lovely. Heart of gold, beaming smiles… They're trying *so hard*. The language barrier *can* be a bit of a hurdle. Imagine doing charades to explain you need more toilet paper. Now, I'm not fluent in Bahasa, and their English wasn't award-winning, but their genuine kindness more than made up for it. They were genuinely concerned about my well-being, which, after that shower, was a legitimate concern.
The location? Is it central? Easy to get around?
Location, location, location! Technically, yes, it's *in* Malang. It's a bit… off the beaten path. Let's just say you'll get to know the local Gojek drivers *very* well. And they may get to know *you*. Think narrow streets, a maze of alleys, and the constant hum of motorbikes. It’s not *ideal* if you’re expecting to walk everywhere. But, hey, you're experiencing the *real* Malang, right? Embrace the adventure! (And download those Gojek and Grab apps *before* arriving!).
Did you eat there? Breakfast? Anything?
Breakfast! Ah, that brings back memories. The breakfast situation... well, let's just say it was... included. There was an option. I *think* it changed daily, but I’m not 100% sure. The first morning, I got a plate of Nasi Goreng (fried rice), which was actually pretty good. The next day? Uh, let's just say it involved a rather suspicious-looking scrambled egg and some toast that was bordering on stale. My advice? Grab some street food nearby. Trust me. It's probably better and far more adventurous.
Okay, the big question. Would you recommend staying there? Honestly.
Okay, deep breath. Honestly? It depends. If you're on a super tight budget, and you're looking for the *absolute* cheapest option in Malang? Yeah, maybe. Just temper your expectations. *Bring your own toilet paper*. And maybe some earplugs. And a flashlight. And, honestly, a hazmat suit wouldn't go amiss... Kidding! (mostly). If you're after luxury, impeccable cleanliness, and a seamless travel experience? Absolutely *not*. But, if you're an adventurous traveler with a sense of humor who's not afraid of a little… character? And you want a story to tell? Then, you might just find the experience… memorable. I'm not saying it was *great*, but I'm also not saying I regret it! It's those little imperfections that make a trip truly… *interesting*, right?
Tell me one SPECIFIC hilarious thing that happened. Go on, I'm nosey.
Alright, alright, fine. You want a good story? Okay, buckle up. This one involves the aforementioned precarious *shower*. So, I'm in there, right? Trying to get clean under what can only be described as a gentle mist. Suddenly, the water temperature plummets. Goes ice cold. And *stays* ice cold. For a good five minutes. Now, I'm shivering, teeth chattering, contemplating my life choices - which, at this point, all seem to have led to this moment of arctic misery. I frantically start fiddling with the taps, thinking I've done something wrong. Suddenly, I hear a knock on the door, followed by a tentative "Hello? Ok?" from the staff member (who clearly understood absolutely none of the English I was shouting). Turns out, the water heater had decided to take a break. Five minutes later, the water comes back on, scalding hot this time! I was like a lobster. I spent the rest of the day trying to find a happy medium, and the staff were so, so sorry. I think they were mortified. It became a running joke. Every time I saw them, they'd smile and ask me "Ok? Hot water ok?". It's a memory I'll cherish forever... mostly because I'm still traumatized by the cold shower. Seriously though, it was hilarious, in a "this-is-so-bad-it's-good" kind of way.
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