Balikpapan's Hidden Gem: Pelangi Guest House Review & Booking!
Balikpapan's Pelangi Guest House: A Review That’s Surprisingly Not a Tourist Brochure (And Why You Should Book It)
Okay, let's be real. You're trawling the internet, desperately seeking a decent place to crash in Balikpapan. You’ve probably seen a thousand polished hotel reviews, all glowing and generic. Well, buckle up, buttercup, because this ain't one of them. This is my actual, brutally honest, slightly chaotic take on Pelangi Guest House. And yeah, I'll get to the SEO stuff later, but right now, let's talk real life.
My First Impression (and a Minor Panic Attack): Accessibility, or Lack Thereof (Mostly)
First off, accessibility. I'm not in a wheelchair, but I am perpetually clumsy. Pelangi isn't exactly a haven for the mobility-impaired. There are stairs. Lots of them. And while I believe they have an elevator, I didn't use it. So, if you need that, double-check before you book, my friend. Car park [free of charge] is a huge plus, though, because driving in Balikpapan is a… journey.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges - Nope, no obvious accessible restaurants or lounges, so if mobility is a major concern, call ahead and see if they can make adjustments.
Internet, Glorious Internet! (And the Occasional Glitch)
Okay, let's talk internet. Because, let's be honest, we NEED it. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! HOORAY! Internet access – wireless in every room. YAS, QUEEN! And, you know, Internet access – LAN too, for the old-schoolers (or those who just prefer a wired connection). I will say, the connection wobbled a little bit during peak hours. A classic case of intermittent connection angst and just one small issue. But, hey, I survived, and you probably will too.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food glorious food! (and a couple of hiccups)
Alright, let's get to the grub. This is where things get interesting. Restaurants are definitely available! I tried the Asian cuisine in restaurant for breakfast one day. It was… okay. Not mind-blowing, but certainly edible. Breakfast [buffet] is your classic spread. They had a Western breakfast too, which I sampled. They had Coffee/tea in restaurant, which is essential for me to start the day. You can also get a bottle of water in your room, which is amazing, in the scorching weather of Balikpapan. I did not see a poolside bar but wish I had.
Now, the hiccups. Here's where the honest part of this review kicks in: I wasn't blown away by the food. It was adequate, but it wasn't the highlight of my stay. More a "fill-the-belly" kinda thing. I had some coffee/tea in restaurant one day but the coffee was not to my taste– but hey, that's subjective! I didn’t get any desserts in restaurant, or attempt any salad in restaurant, so my bad. I also didn’t see the Happy hour that they seemed to be advertising. On my last day, I ordered room service [24-hour] for a late-night snack and discovered it lacked a certain "oomph." But… hey, they were open!
What I loved: The room service [24-hour] availability. Seriously, life-saver. And a small fridge with a stocked mini-bar. (Always a win).
Ways to Relax and Unwind: Pool with a View (and the Occasional Mosquito)
The swimming pool [outdoor] is a definite winner, and they are always cleaning it! The view…well, it's Balikpapan, not the Maldives. I always enjoyed relaxing on the terrace. However, I will say…Mosquitoes. Bring bug spray. Seriously. They will find you.
Things to do - Not sure what there is to do on-site, but you're in Balikpapan, not Fiji! You can always order a massage there, and I got a fantastic one! Definitely ask about them because they were actually pretty good! Didn't try the gym/fitness but seemed to be up-to-date.
Cleanliness and Safety: Mostly Impressive (with a few caveats)
Okay, the important stuff. Cleanliness and safety are a MUST these days. And Pelangi seems to get it. They had Anti-viral cleaning products, which made me breathe a sigh of relief. Did I see them physically using them? No, but that's the world we live in. They take precautions. Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, and Staff trained in safety protocol.
Covid-19 specific stuff: They went the extra mile! I saw Hand sanitizer everywhere. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter was being honored (mostly). Safe dining setup, though, I could not see much of a difference. Shared stationery removed, which matters.
The Room: My Sanctuary (With a Touch of Quirks)
My room? It was… functional. Comfortable. Had Air conditioning, thank GOD. Especially loved the blackout curtains – crucial for sleeping after a long day of exploring or just recovering from the humid weather. Free bottled water. Always appreciated. The Internet access – wireless was generally good. I had a desk, which was handy for pretending to do work.
Things I loved: The Extra long bed were a blessing, the slippers were a nice touch, and the hot water.
Things that could be better: The lighting could be brighter, and the wall paint was a little bit faded. Also I had a small gripe, the mirror was bit shaky.
Services and Conveniences: More than I Expected
Pelangi offers a surprising array of services. Concierge service was friendly and helpful, there’s the doorman which is always a plus. Laundry and dry cleaning are available (thank heavens). They even had a gift/souvenir shop if you forgot to buy a trinket.
For the kids: No kids so it's hard to say!
Check-in/out - Yes it was easy, and quick!
Security: They take their security seriously! There's CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Security [24-hour], and Smoke alarms.
Getting Around: Airport transfer is available. Car park [free of charge].
SEO Stuff (Finally!)
Okay, enough rambling. Let's hit those keywords:
- Keywords: Balikpapan hotels, Pelangi Guest House Review, Balikpapan accommodation, cheap hotels Balikpapan, best hotels Balikpapan, Pelangi Guest House Booking, Balikpapan travel, Indonesia hotels, family-friendly hotels Balikpapan, Balikpapan airport hotels.
- Focus on: Accessibility (mention the stairs!), food options, cleanliness, internet, amenities.
- Target Audience: Travelers looking for a comfortable, affordable stay in Balikpapan.
So, Should You Book Pelangi Guest House?
Look, it's not the Ritz. It's not the sexiest hotel in the world. But, here's the thing: It's clean, the staff is friendly, the location is decent, and the Wi-Fi is mostly reliable. It's a solid choice for the budget-conscious traveler who wants a comfortable place to sleep, shower, and base their Balikpapan adventures.
My Verdict: I'd stay again. It's a perfectly serviceable option in a sometimes-challenging city.
My Chaotic Call to Action (and a Money-Saving Hack!)
Book Pelangi Guest House NOW! And, here's a pro-tip: Check for online deals before you go. You might be surprised at the discounts you can get. And if you hate it, well, at least you had a story to tell.
Hope, AR's Hidden Gem: Motel 6 Review (You Won't Believe This!)Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your grandma's perfectly-formatted travel itinerary. This is… me trying to navigate the glorious mess that is Balikpapan, Indonesia, staying at OYO 3731 Pelangi Guest House. And you're all invited to witness the chaos.
My Balikpapan Bacchanal: A Slightly Unhinged Itinerary (Prepare for Turbulence)
Day 1: Arrival - Smell of Sambal & Existential Dread
- Morning (Like, REALLY Early): Land at Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Airport (BPN). Seriously, flights getting in at 6 AM? Brutal. The sleep deprivation is already kicking in. First impression of Balikpapan? Hot. Humid. And a whole lotta exhaust fumes. (Pro-tip: Pack a fan. Seriously.)
- Transport Tango: Grab a Blue Bird taxi. Hope against hope that they actually turn on the meter. Negotiating prices in a language you barely understand is NOT my idea of a good time.
- Mid-Morning: Check-In Catastrophe: Okay, Pelangi Guest House. Let's hope this lives up to the online photos. "Cozy" could mean "cramped." "Basic" could mean "bare bones." Pray for air conditioning! Internal monologue: Please be clean, please be clean, PLEASE BE CLEAN. Check-in goes… okay. The staff are sweet, though my attempt at Indonesian greetings probably sounds like a toddler gargling rocks.
- Late-Morning/Early-Afternoon: The Hunt for Breakfast (and Caffeine): The hotel "breakfast" is a… mystery. I'm talking, "a mystery you're afraid to solve" kind of thing. So, I brave the streets. Food stall reconnaissance! I am on a mission. Finally, I find a warung (small local eatery) bursting with life. The smell of sambal (chili paste) hits me like a ton of bricks. My stomach is already singing the blues. I point at a plate of something that looks suspiciously like fried rice. "Nasi goreng," they tell me. Glory be! And strong, sweet coffee. Internal monologue: Okay, surviving this travel is possible.
- Afternoon: The 'Do-Nothing' Session: This is the bit where I collapse in bed, blasting the AC (thank the gods!) and fight the urge to nap. Jet lag is a beast. There's a small balcony in the room. I drink, I read, I look at birds. I question my life choices.
- Evening: Warung Warfare & Sunset Stupidity: Time for dinner! Armed with Google Translate and a healthy dose of optimism, I stumble back out. More warung discoveries! This time, I’m feeling adventurous. I order… something. It tastes amazing. I have no idea what it is, but I'm pretty sure it involves noodles, meat, and a generous amount of spice. Sunset. I go to the beach. The sea is all dark and mysterious. I lose my balance and almost fall into the water. I laugh like a maniac. I think I'm in love.
- Night: Mosquito Mayhem: The bugs! The never-ending battle against the mosquito squadron. I retreat.
Day 2: Monkeys, Markets & Mental Meltdown
- Morning: Wakey Wakey, Eggs & Anxiety: Breakfast at the same warung as yesterday. The food is still amazing. I still don't know what I'm eating. I decide to be brave and attempt the local egg dishes. It's a triumph.
- Late-Morning: Mangrove Madness: Trip to the Mangrove forest of Balikpapan. The air is less polluted here. I'm surrounded by the sounds of the jungle. I think I saw a monkey. I think I saw a monkey. I maybe dreamed the monkey. What a day.
- Afternoon: Market Mayhem: The local market! Sensory overload! The colors! The smells! The sheer organized chaos! I'm overwhelmed but strangely, strangely happy. I buy a ridiculously cheap batik shirt and a bag of something that smells divine. I have no idea what it is (again), but I will eat it. (Internal monologue: I am a culinary daredevil!)
- Early Evening: The "I Need a Massage" Interlude: My body is screaming. Feet hurting, back stiff. I seek out a massage. The woman is a miracle worker! Pure bliss.
- Evening: Reflection & Rambling: Back at Pelangi. I'm getting more comfortable. I’m actually starting to feel a genuine sense of calm. I sit on the balcony, looking at the stars. I write in my journal. I realize I'm starting to actually like Balikpapan. That the initial shock is wearing off. I am enjoying this life. I am happy. Then the mosquitoes attack again.
Day 3: Beach Bliss, Boat Brouhaha, and Departure Dread
- Morning: Beach Bliss: Head back the beach. I'm determined to actually enjoy it this time. I swim. The water is warm. I watch the local fishermen.
- Late-Morning: Boat Brouhaha: I decided to take a boat around. I almost forgot where I was going. I go to the wrong place. No, to the right place. I make a fool of myself. The waves are bigger than I thought. I almost lose my sunglasses. The scenery is gorgeous. I’m starting to get the hang of it. (Internal monologue: Please don't throw up on the boat…)
- Afternoon: Final Supper: One last meal at my favorite warung. I actually remember the name of the dish this time! (Well, sort of). Spicy noodles, delicious meat, and a cold drink… heaven.
- Late Afternoon: Packing Paranoia & Departure Dread: The dreaded packing. Did I buy enough souvenirs? Did I take enough photos? Did I actually experience Balikpapan, or did I just stumble around in a haze of jet lag and confusion? The answer, undoubtedly, is both.
- Evening: Farewell, Fair Balikpapan! Taxi to the airport. I say goodbye to Pelangi Guest House. I see it for the last time. Board the plane. As the plane takes off, there's a lump in my throat. "Thank you, Balikpapan," I whisper. "Maybe I'll be back."
Post-Trip Ramblings:
- Food: Spicy, exciting, delicious! I ate things I'd never even heard of. The food was, without a doubt, the highlight. Seriously, the food.
- People: The people are incredibly kind and patient. They put up with my terrible Indonesian and endless questions with a smile.
- Impression: Balikpapan? It's raw, it's real, and it's definitely an adventure. It’s not perfect, and it doesn’t try to be. It's got an edge, a certain something. It gets under your skin. And honestly? I can't wait to go back.
Final Thoughts (and a warning):
This itinerary is a suggestion, a starting point. Embrace the chaos. Get lost. Eat everything. Talk to everyone. And for the love of all that is holy, bring bug spray. Seriously. Also, don't expect perfection. Just expect… Indonesia. And you know what? That's more than enough.
(Disclaimer: Actual experiences may vary. Side effects may include jet lag, existential crises, and an overwhelming craving for nasi goreng.)
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Pelangi Guest House: The Unfiltered Truth (and How to Book!)
Okay, Spill the Beans: Is Pelangi Guest House REALLY a Hidden Gem?
Alright, alright, fine! Let me just say, the 'hidden gem' label is... well, it's *mostly* true. It's not exactly a secret anymore, thanks to the internet (and this review, I guess!). But, listen, if you're expecting some glitz and glamour, you're in the wrong place. Pelangi is more like… a cozy, slightly quirky, slightly imperfect, but utterly charming slice of Balikpapan life. Think "rustic chic" if "rustic" involved a leaky faucet and a stray cat who thinks it owns the place (which, by the way, it *might*). So, "gem"? Yeah, a rough-cut one, maybe. But definitely worth polishing.
How Do I Actually *Book* This Elusive Place? Because the Website is Giving Me Anxiety...
Booking… oh, the booking situation. Okay, deep breaths. Forget those fancy online booking platforms. Honestly? It's usually best to contact them directly. I’m not going to lie, I tried booking online first, and it led me down a rabbit hole of dead links and unanswered emails. Eventually, I found a local friend who used the phone. The *phone*! It felt delightfully old-school. Find a phone number if you can, and call! The owner, Ibu Ani, is lovely, but her English isn't perfect. So brush up on your basic Indonesian, or be ready for some delightful (and sometimes hilarious) miscommunications. But persist! It's worth it. Or, if you are feeling less adventurous, a booking agent might be able to help.
What are the Rooms *Actually* Like? Be Honest! Are We Talking Roaches?
Okay, bracing myself for this... The rooms are… basic. Don't expect five-star luxury. Think clean, but a little bit… lived-in. My room had a comfy bed (the most important thing!), a fan that sounded like a jet engine (but hey, it worked!), and a bathroom that... well, let's just say the water pressure was *character-building*. And about those roaches… Look, I didn't see any. But let's be real, you're in a tropical country! Embrace the potential for some tiny, unwanted roomies. Bring some bug spray, just in case. I mean, I had one little gecko that was my friend. It kept the other buggies away. So, it’s all about perspective, right?
Is the Location Good? Do I Have to Walk Through a Jungle to Get There?
Location-wise, Pelangi is surprisingly good! It's tucked away from the main road, so it’s blissfully quiet at night. You won't be fighting for space with the bustling city life. You *can* walk to some local shops and restaurants, which is always a plus. I actually stumbled upon the most amazing Warung just a few minutes away with some amazing rice cakes. It's not right *on* the beach, but it's a short Grab ride away. And honestly, that's perfect. You get the peace and quiet without feeling completely isolated. Just don't expect to be right in the heart of the action. Which, for me, was a huge plus! I wanted to escape, not be bombarded.
The Breakfast... What's the Deal? Is it the Highlight or a Hangover Helper?
The breakfast… Okay, here's the tea. It's *included*, which is awesome. It's also… simple. Think Indonesian staples like nasi goreng (fried rice), mie goreng (fried noodles), or maybe some toast with a fried egg. It's home-cooked, so it varies slightly depending on the day. I actually got some really amazing pancakes one morning! I'm still dreaming about them! Don't expect a buffet-style extravaganza, but it's filling, tasty, and a great way to start the day. And the coffee? Strong enough to wake the dead. Which, let's face it, is sometimes necessary after a long day of exploring.
What About the Staff? Are They Friendly? Will They Understand My Terrible Bahasa Melayu?
The staff! This is where Pelangi really shines. Ibu Ani and her team are absolutely lovely. They're incredibly welcoming, helpful, and patient. They put up with my atrocious attempts at Indonesian with a smile. Honestly, their friendliness alone almost justifies the stay! They'll go out of their way to help you, whether it's arranging a taxi, giving you directions, or just sharing a friendly chat. Don't be shy! They're the heart and soul of the place. And don't be afraid of your language barrier. You’ll find you communicate more with smiles and gestures than actual words!
Okay, Fine, I'm Thinking About It... What's the *Worst* Thing About Pelangi? Be Brutally Honest!
Alright, alright, here's the catch. You’re really pushing it now. The *worst* thing… Probably the lack of consistent Wi-Fi. It’s there, *most* of the time, but it can be a bit… spotty. If you absolutely *need* to be connected 24/7, this might not be the place for you. I mean, I'm a digital nomad, I *need* the internet. So, there were a few evenings where I was screaming at my laptop. But honestly? It forced me to disconnect. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need. Also, the mosquitoes. Bring repellent. Seriously. Lots of it. Ibu Ani provides them, but the battle is real!
Is it Worth It? Would You Go Back?
Absolutely. Yes, a thousand times yes! Despite the wonky Wi-Fi, the slightly rustic charm, and the occasional mosquito attack, I absolutely *loved* my stay at Pelangi. It’s not perfect, but it's real. It's authentic. It's got character. It's got a soul. Seeing the sunset over the porch, drinking the local kopi, and just *being* there... it was magical. It's a place where you feel like you're getting a glimpse into the real Balikpapan, not just the touristy version. I'd go back in a heartbeat. In fact, I'm already planning my return! Just… bring bug spray. And maybe learn a few basic Indonesian phrases!
