Balikpapan Getaway: Borneo Bay's Unbeatable Cheap & Comfy Apartment!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just escaped from the clutches of… well, Balikpapan, and I’m here to lay down the unfiltered truth about the Balikpapan Getaway: Borneo Bay's Unbeatable Cheap & Comfy Apartment! It's a mouthful, I grant you, but trust me, after slogging through the Borneo heat, a comfy apartment is a godsend. This ain't your fancy-pants, overly-manicured hotel review. This is real.
First things first: Accessibility. Look, I don't need a wheelchair, but I appreciate a place that thinks about people who do. While specifics are a bit fuzzy (they do have facilities for disabled guests listed), I didn't see a detailed run-down on how accessible everything is. I'd recommend contacting them directly if accessibility is a major concern, you know? Better safe than sorry.
Inside and Out - Amenities Galore (Mostly Good!)
Okay, let's dive in. The Internet situation? Glorious. Seriously. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (They repeat this, and for good reason – it works). And if you're a relic like me, who still likes a good Internet [LAN] hookup, you’re in luck. No agonizing over buffering, which is a major plus when you're trying to binge-watch something after a long day of… well, whatever it is you do in Balikpapan. I was trying to binge watch something, let me tell you. The Internet services themselves were solid and it helped with my job and the family back home.
The Things to do / Ways to relax section is where things get… interesting. They have a Fitness center (I saw it, I considered it… let's just say the air conditioning in my room was more appealing), a Swimming pool [outdoor] (gorgeous, though a bit crowded at times), and a Spa/sauna situation. I didn't personally test the Body scrub or Body wrap, but I heard whispers of delightful, coconut-scented bliss. Consider me intrigued. I did, however, spend a concerning amount of time near the Pool with view, contemplating the meaning of life. I was also going to try the Foot bath, but I was scared of the germs (I'm a germaphobe, okay?).
The Dining, drinking, and snacking scene is pretty decent. They've got Restaurants, a Poolside bar (essential), and a Snack bar. I sampled the Asian breakfast, and it was actually surprisingly good! Way better than the instant noodles I'd been relying on. Coffee/tea in restaurant? Check. Coffee shop present? Double check. I didn't spot a Vegetarian restaurant, though, so keep that in mind if you're a herbivore. Also, the Happy hour was a solid deal. Essential to decompress after a long, sweaty day. The Buffet in restaurant was decent, but not quite as good as the A la carte in restaurant. I actually really liked the Desserts in restaurant and the Soup in restaurant! I did notice the Salad in restaurant was lacking, though.
Cleanliness and safety:
COVID-19 is still a thing, right? Well, good news – they're taking it seriously here. They list a ton of precautions: Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast [buffet] with Individually-wrapped food options, Daily disinfection in common areas, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, and the list goes on. I mean, they even had Hand sanitizer everywhere. I’m a fan. Staff were trained in safety protocol and it was apparent they cared. I am not a fan of the Room sanitization opt-out available though honestly, I would let them sanitize it.
Rooms, Rooms, Glorious Rooms!
Alright, the apartments themselves. Air conditioning? Crucial. Air conditioning in public area? Thank God. You'll die without it. They've got Non-smoking rooms, which is great. The Balikpapan Getaway apartments are, in a word, comfy. I'm talking soft beds, a decent Seating area, and a Refrigerator to stash your Bintang (or whatever your poison). The Free bottled water was a lifesaver. Complimentary tea and Coffee/tea maker were appreciated early mornings. The Bathroom phone and the Additional toilet were absolutely nice. Daily housekeeping meant a clean space to come back to after my adventures. The Free Wi-Fi was, again, a godsend. I loved the Internet access – wireless! The Blackout curtains were great for sleeping in, and the Desk and Laptop workspace were perfect. I loved the Shower. And, of course, there was a Mirror, because, you know, you gotta make sure you look presentable.
Services and Convenience – The Nitty Gritty
They've got pretty much everything you could want. Concierge? Check. Doorman? Check. Laundry service? Check. Cash withdrawal? Check. Currency exchange? Check. Car park [free of charge]? Double check! A Convenience store? Triple check.
Now, the Babysitting service caught my eye. I don't have kids, but the idea of someone else dealing with the little terrors while I sipped cocktails by the pool… tempting. They also have Business facilities and Meetings/banquet facilities, if you're, you know, working.
Getting Around – The Big Picture
Airport transfer is a must, but I would have liked to see more available. The Car park [free of charge] is great and is Car park [on-site] too! I loved the Taxi service.
The Quirks, the Imperfections, and the Overall Verdict…
Okay, let's get real. This isn't the Ritz. It's a solid, comfortable, and cheap. And that's what matters. It’s not perfect. There were a few service hiccups (slow elevator at one point, and I had to chase someone down for extra towels), but nothing that ruined my stay.
The best part? The vibe. It’s relaxed, friendly, and genuinely welcoming. It felt like a place to breathe after the chaos of Balikpapan. Forget all that highfalutin luxury. This is real life, and the Balikpapan Getaway understands that.
My Score: 4 out of 5 stars. Would absolutely stay again.
The Unbeatable Offer: Your Balikpapan Adventure Awaits!
Tired of hotels that feel… sterile? Craving a comfortable haven in the heart of Borneo?
Then stop scrolling! Balikpapan Getaway: Borneo Bay's Unbeatable Cheap & Comfy Apartment! is calling your name.
Here's what you'll get:
- Unbeatable value: Seriously, you won't find a better deal for this level of comfort and convenience.
- Free Wi-Fi Bliss: Stream, work, or just catch up on cat videos – we’ve got you covered.
- A Comfy Retreat: Relax and recharge in one of our well-appointed apartments, complete with all the essentials and more.
- Delicious Dining Options: From Asian breakfasts to poolside snacks, satisfy your cravings without leaving the property.
- Seriously Safe and Sound: Relax knowing we're taking every precaution to keep you safe and secure with daily disinfection and staff trained safety.
- Your Gateway to Exploration: Convenient access to all that Balikpapan has to offer.
- Happy Hour: Enjoy the drinks
Limited-Time Offer!
Book your stay at Balikpapan Getaway: Borneo Bay's Unbeatable Cheap & Comfy Apartment! before [Date - maybe a week or two after the date of publish], and receive:
- Early Check-In (subject to availability)
- A Complimentary Welcome Drink!
Don't wait! Escape the ordinary and experience the best of Balikpapan. Book your adventure today! [Link to booking site].
P.S. – Trust me, after a long day of exploring, you'll be thankful for that comfy bed. Don’t miss out!
Ridor Guesthouse: Your Hong Kong Haven Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this Balikpapan itinerary is about to get… real. Forget those perfectly curated influencer trips. This is Borneo Bay Apartment, Comfy Cheap Space, Balikpapan, Indonesia, unfiltered. And frankly, I’m still trying to figure out where the heck I am.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Gecko Scare of '23
- Morning (Maybe? Hard to tell with the jet lag.) Landed at Sepinggan International Airport. Thought I'd be all cool, calm, and collected, you know? Nope. I immediately started sweating like a pig in a sauna. The airport was…busy. Very busy. Lots of people, lots of luggage, and a general air of “Where are we even going?” that I vibed with instantly. Grabbed a Grab (that's their Uber, for the uninitiated) to the Borneo Bay Apartment. The driver, bless his heart, didn't speak much English, but we managed to bond over a shared love of…well, pointing at things. He kept pointing at trees. I pointed back. Good times.
- Afternoon: Apartment Unveiling and Panic Mode. Okay, so the "Comfy Cheap Space" descriptor was…optimistic. It's definitely small. Definitely cheap. And… well, it's a space. I'll give it that. The aircon works, which is a miracle in itself. But then I laid eyes on the bathroom. Let's just say it's a symphony of dampness and potential plumbing nightmares. On the plus side, the view of the bay is actually pretty spectacular. The sun was setting, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple, and I thought "Okay, maybe this won't be a complete disaster." Famous last words. As I was unpacking, a large, green gecko decided to make its grand entrance, scuttling across the wall. I shrieked. Like, actually shrieked. I’m talking high-pitched, ear-splitting. I’m pretty sure the neighbors thought I was being murdered. It took me a solid hour to calm down, eventually convincing myself that it was just a small reptile, not a velociraptor. I called my best friend, Sarah, for reassurance. She's a city girl from Brooklyn, so her response was hysterical laughter.
- Evening: Noodle Soup and Existential Dread. Venture into the city, and it was even more thrilling. The traffic was a chaotic ballet of motorbikes, cars, and what appeared to be farm animals casually crossing the street. Found a street food stall selling soto ayam (chicken noodle soup). Omg. The broth, the noodles, the shredded chicken, the lime… it was heaven. I ate it sloppily, slurping loudly, and instantly deciding that Indonesian street food was the meaning of life. Walked around the Balikpapan Trade Center, and saw some locals playing. In the way back to the apartment, I started ruminating on whether I should go back home anytime soon, if I should take a language course, and if I'm actually a "traveler".
Day 2: Monkeys, Markets, and the Great Durian Debate
- Morning: Hiking Misadventures and Monkey Mania. The plan? A hike. The reality? I got lost immediately. Decided to get myself together and looked for the local trails, and they were steep! After 30 minutes, I was covered in sweat and questioning all my life choices. BUT! The view from up there was amazing! I saw some grey monkeys scamper across the trees - definitely a bonus.
- Afternoon: Pasar Klandasan & The Durian Fight. Pasar Klandasan is a chaotic, glorious assault on the senses. Spices, fruits, vegetables so vibrant my eyes hurt, and enough locals to make one feel like he's in a movie. I bought some rambutan, the hairy red fruit that looks like an alien's eyeball. Tried the durian - that infamous fruit that smells like gym socks and tastes, depending on your bravery levels, like either custard or vomit. (I’m leaning towards the latter, but I'm still not sure.) I saw a local man eating the durian with gusto, and his smile showed he loved it, in that very moment. I made a face of disgust, and he laughed, and the moment felt so real.
- Evening: Balikpapan Beach and the Sunset of Solitude. Took a walk on the beach after a failed attempt to find a local restaurant. The sand was black and gritty, the sea was a murky brown, and the sunset was…well, it was a sunset. It was beautiful and I needed to think, and I walked by myself. Watched the sunset and wondered what I was doing in this remote place, on the other side of the world. Thought of calling Sarah again. Decided against it. This was good. This was what I needed. Went back to the apartment, took a shower and realized how good it felt to be clean.
Day 3: The Oil Drilling and the Great Espresso Quest
- Morning: Oil Industry and the Big City. Went off to look at the oil-drilling industry. Didn't have access to the drill, but it was interesting to see. Balikpapan is an oil town, and it shows. The prosperity it brings is obvious, and the city feels energized, as if the oil brought life.
- Afternoon: Caffeine Emergency and the Espresso Hunt. Need. Coffee. Like, a serious, caffeine-withdrawal-induced need. The Indonesian coffee is…robust. Let's just say, "robust." So, I embarked on the Great Espresso Quest. Turns out, finding a decent espresso in Balikpapan is harder than taming a gecko. Wandered around, asking bewildered locals, mostly getting blank stares. Eventually, I found one, a small cafe in the middle of a busy street. The espresso? Divine. Absolutely, unbelievably divine. I swear, it tasted like liquid gold, and a great wave of relief came over me. Feeling human again, I got on with it.
- Evening: Noodles and Reflections. Back to the street food, for dinner,. And then I got to write about this wonderful adventure.
Day 4: The Great Escape.
- Morning: Departure! I left. No regrets.
Final Thoughts:
Balikpapan: It's a place. It's raw. It's challenging. It’s beautiful, sometimes. It’s a place where geckos roam free, where the durian divides, and where a decent espresso is a treasure worth fighting for. It's a place where you can feel utterly alone, and completely grateful for it. Would I go back? Maybe. Probably. Eventually. After a long shower and a very strong cup of coffee. And definitely after mentally preparing myself for those geckos. They. Are. Relentless.
Good luck on your travels, and enjoy Balikpapan. May your noodles be plentiful, your geckos stay away, and your espresso be strong. And for the love of all that is holy, bring bug spray (and maybe a friend who can handle the geckos). Cheers!
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Balikpapan Getaway: Borneo Bay's Unbeatable Cheap & Comfy Apartment! - Seriously, FAQ?
Alright, alright, before you dive into paradise (or at least Balikpapan), let's get the nitty-gritty out of the way. I've been there. I've *lived* it. I've sweated in that Borneo heat and emerged victorious (and slightly more tan). So, here are the real deal FAQ's about Borneo Bay's apartments. Brace yourselves, it's not all perfect sunshine, you know...
1. IS IT REALLY "UNBEATABLE CHEAP"? 'Cause my wallet is currently resembling a deflated balloon.
Okay, let's get real. "Unbeatable" is a strong word. It's like those "World's Best Coffee" signs – someone always has something better, somewhere. BUT, for what you get, yeah, it’s *damn* good. I went expecting a shoebox. I got…well, it wasn't a palace, but it was bigger than my shoebox apartment back home! Think functional, clean, and a definite win for your bank account. I remember one time, I spent a week there and the total cost, including some truly regrettable (but delicious) street food, was less than what I'd pay for a weekend in a fancy hotel. Plus, hello, a kitchen! Microwave meals for the win! Just...don't expect solid gold taps, alright?
2. "COMFY"? Define *comfy*. I'm accustomed to fluffy cloud beds.
Look, I'm a comfort snob. I *need* a decent bed. And the beds at Borneo Bay? They're... fine. Not a memory foam hug, but not a rock either. Think… sleep-able. Clean sheets, decent pillows. You'll get a good night's sleep, especially after a day spent exploring. The AC is a lifesaver, trust me. That Borneo humidity? It hits different. A word of warning though - my first night, I was SO exhausted from travelling that I passed out on the bed fully clothed, shoes and all. Woke up the next morning with a crick in my neck and a vague feeling of shame. Learn from my mistakes, folks. Take your shoes off, at least.
3. How's the location? I want to eat all the delicious Indonesian food.
Location, location, location! It's pretty darn decent. You're not *right* in the heart of the action, which is a plus for noise levels, trust me. But, easy access to taxis and Grab (the local ride-hailing app) means you're a short hop from everything. And the food? Oh, the food! Street food is a MUST. Seriously. Wander around a bit, get lost (briefly!), and you’ll stumble upon culinary gold. I remember this one little warung (small restaurant) I found around back – the nasi goreng was *divine*, and the price? Practically criminal. Warning: the chili can be lethal. I learned the hard way. My mouth was on FIRE. But, worth it. Totally worth it.
4. Are there any hidden fees I need to know about? I hate those sneaky buggers!
Look, generally, no. They are pretty transparent with costs. But always read the fine print, yeah? And check the utility usage. If you use a LOT of electricity (like, leaving the AC on full blast 24/7), they might charge extra. Be mindful dude. Electricity is pricy, like, where my money is concerned. I did some dumb calculations about electricity costs and I had to pay 300,000 rupiah extra... which is not a total dealbreaker, but still a pain. Don't be like me.
5. What's the Wi-Fi situation? Gotta stay connected!
Okay, this is where things get a *little*… unpredictable. The Wi-Fi can be a bit temperamental. Think of it as a free-spirited Indonesian teenager: it shows up when it feels like it and sometimes throws tantrums. It's usually adequate for basic browsing and social media, but if you need to do a massive video upload… well, prepare for some patience. I spent one afternoon trying to upload a vlog and it took about eight hours. I ended up just wandering down to the beach and drinking a Bintang. Problem solved. Embrace the slow internet, people, and enjoy the real world for a minute!
6. What kind of amenities are included - the apartment kind?
Alright, let's talk about what you get IN the apartment itself. You can expect the essentials. Air conditioning (thank GOD), a small kitchen area (expect a fridge, some basic utensils, and maybe a microwave. Don't try to make Thanksgiving dinner, you won't have that stuff), a TV, and a basic bathroom. Cleanliness is generally good. My time there, the apartment itself was immaculate. They don't have a pool, which is kind of a bummer (especially in the heat). There are some small shops nearby for essentials, but don't expect luxury amenities. This is budget-friendly adventure, people! Think more "practical" than "pampering."
7. Is it safe? I'm a worrier.
Balikpapan is *generally* safe. However, yeah, always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. The apartments generally feel secure, with security guards, but just use common sense. Don't flash cash, and stay in well-lit areas. If you're wandering around unfamiliar areas late at night, stick to busy streets or use a taxi or Grab. The locals are friendly, but you know... be smart. I had a slightly unnerving experience one night when I got lost and ended up walking down a dark alley. Nothing bad happened, but I definitely felt my heart rate jump. Stick to the well-trodden paths, especially at night. You'll be fine.
8. What's the best way to get around? I'm not planning on renting a car.
Oh, good choice! Traffic can be a nightmare. Grab and taxis are your BEST friends. They're readily available, cheap, and easy to use. Just downloadHotel Search Tips
