Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Dewarna Hotel Arifin Malang - Your Indonesian Paradise!
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Dewarna Hotel Arifin Malang - Your Indonesian Paradise!
Unbelievable? Maybe. Luxury? Definitely. Dewarna Hotel Arifin Malang: My Indonesian Paradise… Sort of. (A Rambling Review)
Okay, so I just got back from Dewarna Hotel Arifin in Malang, Indonesia, and honestly, my brain is still processing. "Unbelievable Luxury Awaits" they say. Well, let's unpack that, shall we? Because, like any good adventure, it wasn't all roses and poolside cocktails. (Though there were a lot of cocktails. And roses, probably.)
Accessibility & Safety First (Because I'm a Worrier):
Right off the bat, I'm giving them props. The hotel claims to be wheelchair accessible. I didn't personally test it, but the website seemed to be on the level. There's a lift – a HUGE win. And SAFETY? HOLY MOLY. This place is FORT KNOX, but in a good way. CCTV cameras everywhere, a 24-hour front desk, and security guards who looked like they could wrestle a Komodo dragon if they needed to. Plus, all the modern hygiene certifications. They are REALLY trying to keep you safe during these crazy times. Plus, they have staff trained in safety protocol, and have anti-viral cleaning products, oh and a Doctor/nurse on call! It’s all very reassuring! Also, they are taking physical distancing serious. You can even skip having them clean your hotel rooms between stays. Big bonus.
Rooms: My Own Little Paradise (or Slightly Imperfect Cave):
The rooms. Oh, the rooms. My room was like an experience. Air conditioning blasting (thank GOD!), a huge comfy bed with extra-long pillows, and a window that actually opened (a rare and beautiful thing in some hotels!). And the blackout curtains? Forget the world! You could sleep for a year. This alone made me very happy.
The internet? Well, they had free Wi-Fi in the rooms! And LAN internet! Because, you know, choices. The internet was decent, but sometimes it hiccuped. Kinda annoying when you're trying to upload your epic Instagram stories from the pool. But hey, first world problems, right? Plus, it's available in all rooms. You get complimentary tea and bottled water! You can wake up to wake up services. You can enjoy the bathrobes. Slippers! Oh and a desk, a closet, a safe. So much stuff!
Little things, though, were a bit off. The grout in the shower wasn't pristine. And the "view" from my window was mostly the side of another building. Still, the room had that feel of luxury. That kind of "ahh, this is how the other half lives" vibe. Plus, they offer room sanitization opt-out.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Fueling the Holiday (or Maybe the Regret):
Okay, food. Important. They have a lot of options, I’ll give them that. Restaurants, a bar, poolside bar, snack bar – you name it! International cuisine, Asian cuisine, Western cuisine… you're covered. There's an a la carte menu, they do breakfast in the room, yes including breakfast. They have a cafe. I really, REALLY liked the coffee. Their breakfast buffet was excellent, including the option to get a breakfast takeaway service.
Now, for a little bit of a rant. I loved it and hated it at the same time. The food was mostly amazing, but a little bit of a "mystery" at times. Sometimes, the dishes tasted a little bit… off. I once ordered what I thought was a simple chicken dish, and it arrived looking like something out of a sci-fi movie. The taste? Also sci-fi. But, at any time you could have the bottle of water! Even those essential condiments. Another good thing about this place is, they offer alternative meal arrangements.
Things to Do (and How to Actually Relax):
This is where Dewarna really shines. They have a huge outdoor swimming pool! I spent a significant amount of time in it. It was pure bliss, and the view was amazing, especially at sunset. They also have a spa! The massage? TO DIE FOR. I even tried a body scrub and a body wrap. I felt like a new person. They have a sauna! They have a steam room!
They also have things you can do. Their fitness center, or gym is superb. They have a foot bath. Honestly, I didn't use the fitness center. On vacation, I'm all about the horizontal, you might have noticed.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter (or Annoy):
The list is endless. Daily housekeeping? Check. Concierge? Check. Laundry service? Absolutely. Elevator? Of course! They offer currency exchange and cash withdrawal. Car park is free. They have a convenience store!
The staff was generally amazing, super friendly and helpful. However, there were a few hiccups. The communication sometimes had a problem. I wanted to order food and was confused, but the staff was kind and helpful.
For the Kids (Because I Spied on Some):
They're definitely family-friendly. Babysitting service! Kids meals. Facilities for kids. I saw a few families around. It seemed pretty chill and fun for the little ones.
Getting Around (Because You Gotta Leave the Paradise Eventually):
Airport transfer! Taxi service! Valet parking! They make it easy to get in and out.
The Unexpected Delights (or Mildly Annoying Quirks):
This is where it gets interesting.
- The Shrine: Yes, a small shrine within the hotel grounds. A beautiful, peaceful surprise that definitely added some local flavor.
- The Soundproofing: Surprisingly good. I never heard a peep from the hallway. I slept like a rock.
- The Happy Hour: Always a winner. And the poolside bar was excellent.
The Bottom Line (and My Over-the-Top Feelings):
Would I recommend Dewarna Hotel Arifin? Absolutely. Despite the minor imperfections, it delivers a truly luxurious experience. It's not perfect, but that's what makes it real. It's the kind of place where you can genuinely relax, indulge, and forget about the world, at least for a few days.
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- Title: Unbelievable Luxury? Dewarna Hotel Arifin Malang Review - My Honest Take!
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars. (Subtracting a half-star for the occasional dodgy dish and the slightly-less-than-perfect grout). Go. Just… go. You’ll probably love it, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll also have a slightly bizarre, wonderfully imperfect, unforgettable experience.
Escape to Paradise: Neemrana's Kesroli Fort Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your meticulously planned, pristine travel brochure itinerary. This is life, Dewarna Hotel Arifin style. And trust me, it's going to be a mess.
Dewarna Hotel Arifin: My Malang Mayhem Itinerary (and probably my sanity's slow descent)
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and Ayam Geprek Assault
- 14:00 - 14:30: Arrival and the Great Luggage Tango. Okay, so getting to Malang was a NIGHTMARE. The train was delayed, I spilled coffee on my favorite shirt (the one I specifically packed for Instagram, you know, the shirt). Finally, I arrive at Dewarna, sweating like a pig in a sauna. The lobby gives off a pleasant sort of "old hotel but still trying" vibe. The bellhop (bless his soul) struggled with my suitcase. It's MASSIVE. I swear it's heavier than me.
- 14:30 - 15:00: Room Reconnaissance & Existential Dread. The room! It's… fine. Cleanish. The air con works (thank GOD). The view? Let's just say it overlooks a bustling street, and the sounds of Malang are not for the faint of heart. I unpacked, which is a messy affair, clothes everywhere. The bed looks comfy, but is it? Do I even deserve comfort? The travel anxiety is kicking in, I start getting paranoid about all the things I didn't pack.
- 16:00 - 17:30: Ayam Geprek Apocalypse. Alright. I'd heard rumors. Whispers of crispy, spicy chicken. The internet hype was REAL. So, I ventured out near the hotel, found a warung with a line, and dove headfirst into the Ayam Geprek. I ordered medium spicy. They said to order the amount of chili peppers, so I said, "4 chili peppers please", the guy pointed at me with his small, sooty hands and repeated in broken English, "4? You sure? Very hot!" I was like "Yeaaa… I'm sure." I was wrong. SO. WRONG. My mouth was on FIRE. Tears streamed down my face, and I swear I saw steam coming out of my ears. But, in the glorious aftermath of the heat - it was THE BEST CHICKEN I'VE EVER HAD! It was spicy, yes, and I was crying and wheezing, but it was also crispy and flavorful. What a perfect introduction! This is what I came to Indonesia for!
- 18:00 - 19:00: Digestive Struggles & Hotel Room Hysteria. Crawling back to the hotel, I was a mess. Stomach churning, but still smiling, I'm pretty sure. I drank about a gallon of water and watched some terrible Indonesian soap operas on TV, which, oddly, was strangely comforting. Feeling more like an idiot than a tourist. The view from my window, which was a busy road, made it all the better.
- 19:00 - 20:00: Bedtime. Went straight to bed, and fell asleep.
Day 2: Temples, Traffic, and a Thousand Scooter Dreams
- 07:00 - 08:00: Breakfast Debacle. The hotel breakfast is… let's say, varied. I'm talking Nasi Goreng (fried rice), weird pastries, and lukewarm coffee. I filled up on some Nasi Goreng and kept hoping, and trying, for the best.
- 08:30 - 12:00: Candi Singosari & Candi Jago Adventures. Okay, this was the "culture" portion of the trip. I hopped on a local bus with (very) enthusiastic locals heading to the temples. Traffic was insane. Like, a constant, slow-motion dance of scooters and cars, honking their way through the chaos. Candi Singosari was impressive, all ancient stone and crumbling grandeur. I tried to take some stunning photos, but ended up mostly getting photobombed by giggling school kids. Candi Jago was beautiful, but my brain was fried. I was hot, tired, and craving a cold drink.
- 12:30 - 14:00: Lunch & Meltdown. I needed food, and the nearest option seemed to be a tiny warung with questionable hygiene standards. But, I was starving. Best Nasi Pecel I've ever had, though! The peanut sauce was something else. But the sun, the heat, getting lost (again), and the constant horn-honking began to chip away at my resolve. I nearly had a full-blown meltdown in a public bus stop. I calmed myself down, and took a moment to assess my life choices.
- 14:00 - 16:00: Scooter Fantasies & Hotel Room Respite. I walked for an hour getting some fresh air off all those fumes. I'm pretty sure I was drooling at every single scooter I saw. The whole idea of zipping through traffic on one seemed so… freeing. So, I went back to the hotel. I took a nap on the incredibly comfy bed.
- 19:00 - 21:00: Evening Stroll and Random Street Food. Feeling a bit better, I decided to embrace the chaos. I wandered around, got lost (again), snagged some delicious street food. The random, deep-fried balls of something I later found out were bakso meatballs. They were amazing. People stared, it was fun.
Day 3: The Bromo Disaster (or, When the Volcano Didn't Cooperate)
- 02:00: Alarm Hell. This is what I call it. The alarm went off in the dead of night, I wanted to die. We arranged a Bromo tour, promising a sunrise over the volcanic landscape.
- 03:00 - 06:00: Bromo Bound (and a Near-Death Experience). The Jeep ride was a bone-jarring, nausea-inducing, freezing affair. The driver was a pro though. We battled our way up the bumpy roads in the dark. I was not prepared for the cold. I was not prepared for anything, to be honest. Arrived at the viewpoint. Clouded over. Couldn't see a thing. The sunrise was a no-show. Feeling beyond disappointed, but what could I do?
- 06:00 - 08:00: The Crater Climb & Muddy Mayhem. The walk up to the crater was a lung-busting hike through volcanic ash. It was tough. After the terrible weather and the bumpy ride, I didn't want to do it. I got the will to climb, the scenery was worth it, and I survived. My shoes are completely covered in mud.
- 08:00 - 10:00: Breakfast & Re-evaluation. Back at the base, ate some instant noodles and a very weak coffee. The volcano remained shrouded in clouds. I was cold, tired, and contemplating my life choices (see a pattern here?).
- 10:00 - 14:00: Return to Reality & Total Exhaustion. The Jeep ride back was even worse, somehow. Nausea levels went up, my back was killing me. Back at the hotel, I collapsed onto the bed and slept for 4 hours.
Day 4: Departure & The Vow to Return (Maybe, Someday)
- 08:00 - 09:00: Breakfast & Reflective Staring. The hotel breakfast still wasn't great, but I didn't care. My body was broken, my mind was buzzing, and I was beginning to adjust to the general chaos.
- 09:00 - 11:00: Final Souvenir Hunt & Panic Packing. Scavenged for the last of the souvenirs, buying some batik fabric and some weird, spicy snacks. My packing skills are still terrible.
- 11:00 - 12:00: Check-out and Farewell. The hotel staff was nice and helpful, even though I was a sweaty mess. I promised to come back. I'm not sure I was telling the truth.
- 12:00: Taxi to the Airport & The End (For Now). Off to the airport.
Post-Trip Thoughts:
- Malang is a sensory overload. The food is incredible, the people are friendly, and the traffic is insane.
- I need to learn how to pack before my next trip. And maybe how to drive a scooter.
- I'll never forget the Ayam Geprek, the temples, or the Bromo disappointment.
- It was messy, chaotic, and wonderfully human.
- Would I go back? Maybe. After a very, very long rest.
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Dewarna Hotel Arifin Malang - Your Indonesian Paradise! ... Or Is It? (Let's Get Real.)
Is Dewarna Hotel Arifin REALLY as luxurious as they say? Because, let's be honest, marketing is a LIE sometimes.
Okay, deep breaths. Yes, and also... maybe? The promotional photos? Immaculate. The marble? Gleaming. The staff? Overwhelmingly polite (a little too polite, sometimes – like they’re expecting the Queen). But here’s the REAL tea: Dewarna is luxurious, undeniably. But it’s a specific kind of luxury. Think less "Versailles Ballroom" and more "Opulent Indonesian Temple" in the best way possible.
I swear, the first time I walked into my room (the "Deluxe Garden View," because I’m not THAT fancy), my jaw actually dropped. The bed… a cloud. Seriously, I think I legitimately hugged the pillows. But then… the air conditioning. It took me a good hour and a half to figure out how to adjust it. I spent a solid chunk of that time sweating, muttering under my breath, and feeling completely incompetent. Luxury, right?
So, yes, it’s luxurious. But prepare for a learning curve. And maybe bring your own translator app. (Kidding… sort of.)
What’s the deal with the food? I’m a picky eater. Is there anything actually edible?
The food... ah, the food. Let's be honest, food is important. Dewarna's breakfast buffet is a spectacle. Rows upon rows of… well, a LOT of Indonesian food. If you're adventurous, you're golden. The Nasi Goreng (fried rice) is phenomenal. The fruit? Exotic and delightful. The pastries? Flaky and dangerous to my waistline.
But if you’re like me, a creature of habit (read: chicken nugget enthusiast), it’s a bit of a minefield. They DO have Western options, but they’re… hit or miss. The scrambled eggs, on one particular morning I vividly recall, tasted suspiciously of… nothing. Flat, eggy ghosts. I nearly wept. I found solace (and protein) in the chicken skewers, which were, thankfully, reliably delicious. My advice? Embrace the adventure, but have some backup snacks stashed. You'll thank me later.
Are the staff friendly and helpful, or just… professionally polite?
Oh, the staff. They're amazing. Truly. They're the kind of people who smile even when dealing with a sleep-deprived, hangry idiot like me (apologies again, staff!). Always trying to help, always offering a genuine smile. But sometimes? Sometimes the level of politeness is… intense. Like, I felt bad asking for an extra cup of coffee because I felt I was inconveniencing them.
There was this one time I was utterly lost trying to find the pool. Seriously, I wandered around for like 20 minutes, looking like a confused tourist (because I was!). And finally, a staff member practically materialized from thin air, his smile absolutely unwavering. He spoke perfect English and guided me with such grace. He even offered to carry my (empty) water bottle! It was lovely, and a little bit… overwhelming. I mean, I'm used to being left alone to wander around (and inevitably get more lost), haha. They work hard, they really do, and it shows. Just… don't be surprised if they make you feel like royalty even if you're just trying to find the bathroom.
The pool… Is it as Instagrammable as it looks? And are there enough sunbeds? (Priorities, people!)
Okay, the pool. The holy grail of Instagram. It's… gorgeous. Seriously. The pictures? They don't lie. It’s a stunning, multi-tiered affair surrounded by palm trees and that perfect tropical vibe. Yes, yes, and yes.
But here's the REAL kicker: I’m usually a "sunbed hog" (judge me, I don't care!), and I actually didn't have any issues. Plenty of space, the towels were fluffy, and the whole atmosphere just oozed relaxation. Now, I went during the off-season, so your mileage may vary. But honestly, I’m going to give it a solid score for pool-related anxiety. So, yeah, pack your bikini, grab your book, and prepare for some serious chill time. Just… maybe bring a little sun cream. I got BURNED. (Oops.)
What are the rooms like? I'm terrified of tiny hotel rooms.
Rooms! Oh, the rooms are generally pretty great. I stayed in the Deluxe Garden View, which, as I mentioned before, came with a bed I wanted to move into. The space was good, not cramped, (but I'm not sure about the other types of rooms, so research them when you book your stay!). The decor is traditional Indonesian with a modern twist, so you get the luxurious feel but it doesn't feel old-fashioned at all. The bathroom was spacious, with a rain shower that was heavenly after a day of exploring.
However! (Yes, there's always a however.) The 'garden view' part? Well, it was more of a 'partially-visible-from-a-distance-of-some-plants' view. But hey, I wasn’t there to stare at the garden all day. Still, honesty matters. Don’t expect panoramic views. You’ll get… a nice view of some greenery. And the air conditioning, again . . . ugh take the earlier advice to heart.
Is the spa worth it? I love a good pampering session.
The spa… Oh, the spa. Absolutely, positively, unequivocally yes. Go. Just go. Treat yourself! I had a traditional Javanese massage (again, asking a staff member to translate) and it was pure bliss. The atmosphere? Serene. The massage? Expert. The oils? Divine.
I swear, I floated out of there. It was so good that I almost feel it's a requirement to be truly satisfied. Just be prepared to completely lose track of time and reality. I booked a 60-minute massage, but I legitimately thought I was in there for about 17 minutes. It’s a sensory overload in the best possible way. Worth every single penny. Seriously. Book it. Now. (And tell them I sent you… maybe I can get a discount on my next visit!)
What’s the location like? Is it easy to get around and see the sights?
The location is… okay, let's be real about this. It’s not smack-dab in the middle of everything. It’s a little outside of the main hustle and bustle, which, honestly, can be a blessing. It's in aEscape to Paradise: Your Dream Retirement Awaits in Seeg, Germany!
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