Unbelievable Malang Mountain Views from THIS Apartment!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the Unbelievable Malang Mountain Views from THIS Apartment! experience. Prepare for a review that’s less "straight-laced travel blog" and more "chatty friend spilling the tea." And yes, I'm going to try and cram in EVERYTHING you asked for, even if it means my brain explodes.
Let's Start with the Vibe - Oh My Mountain! - The "Unbelievable" Claim
First off, the name is not kidding. Unbelievable. Malang Mountain. Views. From THIS Apartment! Seriously, the views are the real deal. Pictures don't do it justice. You're talking panoramic, jaw-dropping, "I need to Instagram this immediately" kind of vistas. I swear, I spent my first morning just staring out the window, completely forgetting I had a to-do list a mile long. (Okay, maybe not a mile, but definitely longer than my attention span). The air feels cleaner, the colours are brighter, and you just… feel better. It's the kind of place that makes you want to write a cheesy poem about the sunrise, even if you're not normally a "poetry" person. That’s a good start, right?
Cruising into the Details: The Accessibility, "Things That Work" Stuff. (And Some That Didn't…)
Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Accessibility, right? They claim it. Let's be honest, sometimes those claims are… optimistic. I'm not in a wheelchair myself, but I did notice:
- Elevator: The elevator is a lifesaver, especially if you score a high-floor room (which, by the way, you should AIM for! The higher, the better the view). Thank goodness, because lugging suitcases up five flights would have been a workout, and my glutes are not up for that level of torture.
- Facilities for disabled guests: They say they have it, and I saw a few things that looked like they'd be helpful. But I can't give a definitive "yes" or "no."
- Car Park [on-site], Car Park [free of charge]: Super convenient. Parking can be a nightmare in this part of the world, so this is a BIG win. Score.
- Wi-Fi [free] in ALL rooms!: YES! And it actually works! I'm talking streaming movies, video calls, the whole kit and caboodle. This is a godsend for anyone who needs to stay connected, like me. (Guilty as charged.)
Internet Saga: The Battle for Connectivity!
Okay, internet services are crucial, right? They offer the works…
- Internet: Available!
- Internet [LAN]: Yes.
- Internet access – wireless, Internet access – LAN: Fine here!
- Wi-Fi for special events: Okay, but I'm skeptical anyone held one.
I'm a slave to my phone, and if the Wi-Fi is a mess, I become a grumpy, caffeine-deprived gremlin. Luckily, the Wi-Fi was pretty solid. I even managed to do a few video calls without wanting to throw my laptop out the window (a common occurrence, trust me).
Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Hiccup)
Restaurants: They have them. Plural. That's a good start. I got a bit lost and ended up finding…
Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: Yes! I needed coffee. STAT. The coffee shop became my second home. The coffee was decent, and the staff were actually friendly (a rarity in some hotels, let's be real).
Breakfast [buffet], Asian breakfast, Western breakfast: Breakfast situation… mixed. The buffet was BIG, with a lot of options… which can also be a curse. Sometimes, choice overload is the enemy. I stuck to the basics: eggs, toast, and copious amounts of coffee. The Asian options looked interesting, though. The Western stuff was good to.
Poolside bar, Happy hour,: These are a plus. Need a drink after a day of… well, whatever you do on vacation? Perfect.
Room service [24-hour], Bottle of water: Room service was a lifesaver more than once, especially when the jet lag hit hard. Bottle of water always present.
A la carte in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant: I'm not going to lie; during my stay, I stuck to the Western cuisine and the occasional A la carte option.
The Relaxation Station: Spa, Pool, and All That Jazz…
- Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view: The pool area is stunning. HUGE. And the view from the pool… well, you already know. It’s “unbelievable.” I spent a LOT of time there.
- Spa/sauna, Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage: YES! I indulged. Big time. The massage was… divine. Seriously, I think I could sleep on a bed of nails after that massage. Definitely worth the money.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: I saw the fitness center. I did not use the fitness center. I was on vacation, people!
Here’s a random thought: I wish they had a "Do Not Disturb" sign that actually did something. I had a few early-morning visits from housekeeping, even with the sign up. Not ideal.
Cleanliness and Safety - The COVID-19 Considerations
Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room, the pandemic. They seem to be taking hygiene seriously, which is a huge relief.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer: I saw plenty of hand sanitizer stations, and the place felt clean.
- Rooms sanitized between stays, Room sanitization opt-out available: I appreciated this option.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Hopefully!
- Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Seemed legit.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: They tried. It's a bit tricky in the breakfast buffet jungle, though.
- Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit: Always good to have.
- Hygiene certification: I didn't see it, but I do hope.
- Cashless payment service: Convenient!
Things to Do! (Or Not – Your Choice!)
- Things to do: The area has stuff – hiking, temples, all sorts of things. But honestly? I spent most of my time just being there.
- Ways to relax: Nailed it.
The Rooms - My Mountain Hideaway
- Available in all rooms: Honestly, the rooms are… good. Okay, they're pretty great, actually.
- Air conditioning: ESSENTIAL.
- Air conditioning in public area: Thank goodness.
- Additional toilet: Nice, in a larger suite.
- Alarm clock: Useful.
- Bathrobes, Slippers: Luxe.
- Bathroom phone: Whaaat?
- Bathtub, Separate shower/bathtub: I had both!
- Blackout curtains: Yes – and they WORKED.
- Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Coffee/tea in restaurant: Nice touch.
- Daily housekeeping: Pretty good.
- Desk, Laptop workspace: Essential for me!
- Extra long bed: Bonus points.
- Free bottled water, Bottle of water: Hydration is important!
- Hair dryer: Did not use.
- High floor: Yes!
- In-room safe box: Always a plus.
- Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Wi-Fi [free]: Reliable.
- Ironing facilities, Ironing service, Linens: Okay.
- Mini bar: Not used.
- Mirror, Towels: Okay.
- Non-smoking: Yes.
- On-demand movies, Satellite/cable channels: Nice to have.
- Private bathroom, Toiletries: Fine.
- Reading light: Good.
- Refrigerator: Useful.
- Scale: NO. I did not use.
- Seating area, Sofa: Comfy.
- Shower, Smoke detector, Soundproofing, Soundproof rooms: Yup!
- Telephone, Wake-up service:: Did use.
- Window that opens, Open window: Perfect.
Services and Conveniences - The "Little Things"
- Breakfast in room: I didn't try it.
- Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange: Convenient.
- Concierge, Front desk [24-hour], Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private]: Service was good. Friendly but not overly chatty, which I appreciate.
- Convenience store, Gift/souvenir shop: Handy
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This itinerary is less "smooth travel brochure" and more "diary of a slightly chaotic soul in Malang." We’re talking Apartemen Begawan Malang View Gunung (Tropical), so fingers crossed the "tropical" part means more sunshine than sudden downpours. Here we go:
Malang Mayhem: A Human's Guide to Getting Lost (and Maybe Found Again)
Day 1: Arrival, Altitude Adjustment, and Anxiety
10:00 AM: Touchdown at Abdul Rachman Saleh Airport (MLG). Okay, first hurdle: finding the damn Grab or Gojek (Indonesian ride-hailing apps). I’d sworn off public transit but hey, budget, right? "Easy," they said. "Just tap the app." Famous last words. After sweating profusely (it’s already humid!), I finally get a driver. He smells faintly of kretek, a good sign, I think?
11:30 AM: Arrive at Apartemen Begawan Malang. HOLY. MOLY. The view is stunning. Seriously. Gunung (Mount) Arjuno glares majestically. But… the key situation. The concierge, a sweet teenager named Agus, fumbles with the keys. "Oh, sorry, Bu… ini complicated," he says, winking. He’s right. It's a maze of hallways and stairwells. It takes twenty minutes to find the right apartment. I’m convinced I've added a good 20 minutes of cardio. And my luggage is in a state of "existential angst."
12:30 PM: Apartment check-in and unpacking. The apartment is… adequate. Clean enough. The "tropical vibes" are a bit more "slightly faded floral curtains and a vaguely damp smell." I swear, it’s like the apartment itself is breathing. Quick note to self: find some air freshener, pronto.
1:00 PM: Lunch at Warung (Small local restaurant) near the apartment. Okay, this is where it gets REAL. I bravely order Nasi Goreng (fried rice). It's fantastic. And spicy. My face is turning into a tomato. I realize I have no idea what I'm doing, but the food is good. The friendly banter with the ladies in the Warung is good too. I think I just earned some local points.
3:00 PM: Nap time – a desperate attempt at mitigating the travel fatigue and spicy food coma. I am a champion sleeper.
5:00 PM: Evening walk. I’m attempting to get my bearings. I stumble upon a local market, a sensory explosion of fruits, spices, and the general buzz of life. I'm overwhelmed, but in a good way. I buy some rambutan, which are far more delicious than they are photogenic.
7:00 PM: Dinner. Another attempt at local cuisine. I opt for Sate Ayam (chicken satay). It's delicious but the portions are massive. I might have over-ordered. Oops. I start to feel that delightful fatigue, which is also a sign of my early bedtime.
8:00 PM: Early night. The humidity has zapped my energy. I'm in bed, listening to the sounds of Malang – motorbikes, stray cats, the distant call to prayer. Despite the minor mishaps, I'm strangely optimistic.
Day 2: Waterfalls, Temples, and Tourist Traps (Oh My!)
8:00 AM: Rise and shine…ish. Coffee. Heavily reliant on it. I'm determined to tackle Coban Rondo Waterfall. The drive is beautiful, but…
9:30 AM: The "Coban Rondo Waterfall Adventure!" The brochure promised "breathtaking views and jungle vibes." The reality? A crowded, slightly muddy track. The waterfall is beautiful, but the sheer number of people makes it hard to appreciate it. I take a quick dip (freezing!), take some photos, and then promptly get out. The "adventure" is more "mildly inconvenient hike."
11:00 AM: Okay, time to embrace the slightly embarrassing tourist in me. I decide to visit the Candi Singosari (Singosari Temple). It's impressive, with a rich history and some amazing architecture. I spend a long time just wandering around and absorbing the silence. I almost feel a spiritual connection, and then a tour bus full of selfie-stick-wielding tourists arrives and snap, the spell is broken.
1:00 PM: Lunch at a local eatery. I'm getting a bit more adventurous with my food choices. I order Bakso (meatball soup). It's delicious, and I find the locals watching my attempts to use chopsticks slightly endearing.
3:00 PM: Batu Night Spectacular (BNS). I knew this was going to be a little cheesy, but I am a sucker for a good light show. This place is a whirlwind of flashing lights, carnival games, and rides. It's a complete sensory overload, and I can't help but smile. I played some games and won a giant, ridiculously fluffy stuffed animal. I will probably regret this. Tomorrow.
7:00 PM: Dinner near BNS. The food is good, and I try to order something with a little less chili but the local flavor is always there from the spicy side.
9:00 PM: Crash. Totally. Exhausted. The BNS experience and all the walking is starting to wear down on me.
Day 3: Coffee, Culture, and a Moment of Zen (Maybe)
9:00 AM: Wake up slowly. Maybe. Coffee is a must. Today, I’m going to find the BEST coffee in Malang. Armed with a google map of "recommended coffee shops," I'm on a mission.
10:00 AM: I'm a coffee shop-hopping connoisseur. After three shops, I stumble upon a small, nearly hidden gem. The coffee is amazing! I'm talking rich, aromatic, life-affirming. The barista, a young man with a kind smile, explains the origin of the beans.
11:30 AM: Museum Brawijaya. A military museum that is surprisingly interesting. It's a good break from the tourist crowds.
1:00 PM: Lunch. A quick bowl of Mie Ayam (chicken noodle soup) from a street vendor. Delicious and inexpensive.
2:00 PM: Time for the only "relaxing" activity on this itinerary. A massage. I found a small spa, and it was exactly what I needed.
4:00 PM: Back to the apartment, a little meditation and quiet.
6:00 PM: Packing, getting ready for my flight. More coffee. Dinner. One last, lingering look at Mount Arjuno. I actually… kind of like Malang.
8:00 PM: One last Nasi Goreng at the Warung, now my go-to place. The women laugh and wave me off. Real connections, I realize.
9:00 PM: Early night and goodbyes.
Day 4: Departure and Reflections
- 6:00 AM: Last-minute packing, a final sweep of the apartment. And a final sip of coffee.
- 7:00 AM: Check out. The key situation is just as confusing as it was on arrival. Agus, bless his heart, is on duty and helps me with the process.
- 7:30 AM: Grab to the airport.
- 9:00 AM: Flight and goodbyes!
Reflections:
Malang was… messy. Beautiful. Hilarious. Full of surprises. I got lost, I sweat a lot, I ate some amazing (and some alarmingly spicy) food. I met some kind people, saw some incredible sights. Did I take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life? Yes. Now, I was ready to return to my life, a little more sunburned, a little more full of knew stories.
The travel brochure was the most honest part of the experience, the rest was… well, human. And that, I realized, is the best part of any trip.
Kaliningrad Lakefront Luxury: Stunning Apartments Await!
Okay, Seriously, Is the View *Really* That Good? I'm a Cynic.
Alright, alright, I get it. "Unbelievable." "Spectacular." "Breathtaking." Blah, blah, blah. We've all heard it. Look, I've lived here for six months now, and I'm still occasionally stopping dead in my tracks, coffee half-raised, and just... staring. Yeah, it's *that* good. One morning last week, the light was hitting Mount Bromo just so, and the whole volcano lit up in this molten gold. I actually yelped. My neighbor, a grumpy old dude who's seen it all, even peeked out and grunted, "Not bad, eh?" So, yes. The view is a solid, solid reason to consider this place. Even if you ARE a cynic. Prepare to be... maybe not converted, but at least mildly impressed.
What's the Deal with the Sunrises/Sunsets? Do They Actually *Happen* Every Day?
Well, not *every* single day. Malang can be a bit moody, you know? Some days it's completely socked in with clouds. You'll wake up and it's like living inside a giant cotton ball. Then you weep. But, generally, yes! Sunrises are phenomenal. They paint the entire mountain range with these ridiculous pinks and oranges. Sunsets are even crazier. I’ve taken like, a thousand photos. They are my Instagram currency, really, because no matter what I do for a living, apparently I am a photographer now. Honestly, I sometimes forget to, like, *live* and just watch the sky. Not healthy, maybe, but also... WORTH IT. The best ones turn the sky on fire and reflect in the rice paddies. You’ll be chasing that high, trust me.
Okay, But What's the Catch? There's Always a Catch. (Besides the Rent, Obviously)
Okay, okay, the catch. First, the building sometimes has no water. The water situation needs work. It's not *every* day, but it happens. And the internet. It's Indonesian internet. Let's just say, you'll have to learn patience. Stream Netflix... forget about it. You’ll want to pull your hair out sometimes. Also, sometimes the neighbors are a little... uh... *loud*. Especially at 5 AM, when they decide to have a karaoke session. This happened last week. At first you’re like, “Oh, cute. They’re singing a sweet Indonesian ballad.” Then, at 5:15, after having been awake for longer than you wanted, you’re like, “ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?”
Oh, and the occasional cockroach. They're just...curious. And the construction work on the building next door can be a bit much, but they'll get done eventually, right? They're always saying. And then, there's the traffic to get to the city. That is a killer.
Can You *Actually See* Mount Bromo From the Apartment? Like, Clearly? Or Is It, Y'Know, a Tiny Speck?
Listen. One day, I was sprawled on the couch, completely ignoring the view because I was binging… whatever. Anyway, there was a noise. I looked up. Mount Bromo, which had been tucked behind a veil of mist from the day before, was just… there. Gigantic. Majestic. It was as if the mountain was like, “Hey. Remember me?” It was breathtaking! When the sky is clear, you have a REALLY good view. I mean, you'll see the crater. You’ll see the little puffs of smoke. You'll see everything. On a really clear day even… I think I caught a glimpse of the sea, but I could be wrong. I was probably still in a haze of sleep.
What is the weather like in Malang?
It's generally pretty lovely, but prepare for a curveball. Malang is known for being a bit cooler than other parts of Indonesia, so bring a light jacket. And always, always, bring an umbrella. Or two. Because the monsoon rains... well, they'll hit you sideways. You'll experience microclimates. You'll see the sun shining on your face and rain on your shoes. This can be cool or not-- depending on your state of mind. I usually welcome both.
What is life like inside the apartment?
Honestly, pretty great when you're not being yelled at by the neighbors for playing music too loud. The light from the view streams into the apartment, and you can see every single thing that needs to be cleaned. The mornings are a thing of beauty, and the evenings are great to share with your friends. It's cozy, and the vibe? Chill. I really enjoy it.
How close are the stores?
There is a warung (small shop) right around the corner that's perfect if you need anything. A lot of small shops and businesses are not as close as you might feel like, but are within a 15 minute drive from the apartment.
Have you ever seen a person in the building? Describe.
Oh man, yes. When I first moved in, there was this little old woman who lived on the first floor? She just used to sit on the balcony and watch everyone. Always. I never knew who she was, or what she was doing, but she would just sit outside, looking at us. She looked the same every day. Eventually, she was gone. Gone! But sometimes, when I'm sitting on the balcony, eating my noodles, I still feel like she's watching me.
Does the view ever get boring?
Boring? NEVER! Okay, maybe sometimes, when I have to write a 10-page essay on Indonesian politics, and I'm just staring at the mountains instead. But even then, the view is a source of something. I find myself getting lost in the ever-changing light, distracted and mesmerized. OneSleep Stop Guide
