Yogyakarta's Hidden Gem: OYO Flagship Tembok Batu Residence Review!
Yogyakarta's Hidden Gem: OYO Flagship Tembok Batu Residence Review! (Get Ready, This is Gonna Be a Ride!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans (and maybe some Bintang) on OYO Flagship Tembok Batu Residence in Yogyakarta. This ain't your cookie-cutter hotel review, honey. This is real talk, with all the messy, glorious, and slightly chaotic details that come with actually experiencing a place. And trust me, this place? It's an experience.
Let's start with the basics, because, let's be real, we need to know if we can actually get there and, you know, stay.
Accessibility & Getting There: (The Good, The Bad, and the Road Less Traveled…)
Okay, so getting to Tembok Batu? Easy peasy! Airport transfer? YES! (Thank goodness, the thought of haggling with a taxi after an 18-hour flight made me want to crawl back into my suitcase.) Car park [free of charge] & Car park [on-site]? You betcha. This is a huge plus if you are renting a car. Driving in Yogyakarta is… an adventure. Let's just say you'll learn to love your horn. Taxi service is readily available too, for those who want the less stressful route. Bicycle parking? Yep, for those who want to live their best slow travel life!
Accessibility for Everyone: This is where things get a tad… nuanced. Facilities for disabled guests are listed, but the specifics are, let's say, a little vague. I'd recommend calling ahead and asking about the specific room types and access features to ensure it fully meets your needs. While the elevator is a major win, definitely check the floor accessibility is important for you!
Internet, Internet, Internet! (Because, Let's Be Real, We Need It!)
Right, let's talk about the glue that holds our lives together: The Internet. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? HALLELUJAH! Seriously, that's a godsend. You can stream your guilty pleasure TV shows without racking up insane data charges. Internet access – LAN is also available, which is perfect for those who need a more stable connection. And the Wi-Fi in public areas worked pretty darn well, so social media scrolling by the pool? ✅
Rooms & Amenities: (My Room Had a View… Of The Wall Next Door. Kidding! Mostly.)
Okay, let's talk rooms. They're clean, spacious enough, and have everything you need. My room? Pretty good, they looked like the picture! I LOVED the blackout curtains – crucial for recovering from jet lag or staying out way too late exploring the city (hello, Jalan Malioboro!). Air conditioning is a MUST in this climate, and it worked like a charm. The mini-fridge was perfect for keeping my Bintangs chilled (essential!). The desk was perfect for getting some work done! The free bottled water was a nice touch, too.
Available in all rooms: A ton is listed here! We've got more than you can imagine, including the Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens, and more! Talk about a comprehensive list!
Food, Glorious Food! (Because a Girl's Gotta Eat!)
Okay, this is where Tembok Batu really shines. First, the Asian Breakfast is amazing. Noodles, rice, fruit, and all the deliciousness your heart desires. The Breakfast [buffet] is a solid way to fuel up for a day of exploring. They also offer Breakfast takeaway service which is amazing if you have to leave super early!
There's an A la carte restaurant, Coffee shop, and a Snack bar on-site. They have Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, and Vegetarian restaurant options. Room service [24-hour]? Yes, please! Especially after a long day of temple hopping.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: (Spa Day is a MUST!)
Okay, let's talk pampering! The Spa! The Sauna! The Pool with view? Yes, yes, and YES! After a day of dodging motorbikes, you deserve it. Foot bath, Body scrub, Body wrap, and Massage are also on the menu. Make sure to book in advance, because they're popular for a reason! Bonus points: there is **Swimming pool [outdoor] **, and even a Fitness center if you feel like earning your nasi goreng.
Cleanliness & Safety: (Because Let's Be Safe, People!)
The pandemic has changed everything, and Tembok Batu seems to take it seriously. They have Anti-viral cleaning products. The Breakfast in room and Breakfast takeaway service option is great in times of higher anxieties. The Cashless payment service is a nice convenience. They also have Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, and Sterilizing equipment. Phew!
The Quirks & Imperfections (Because Nobody's Perfect!)
Okay, the walls aren't soundproof. I could slightly hear the guy in the next room practicing the guitar. And, the pool, could get pretty lively with kids, so just be prepared (and maybe bring some earplugs).
Final Verdict: The Offer You Can't Refuse!
Listen, OYO Flagship Tembok Batu Residence isn't the Four Seasons. It’s not trying to be! It's a fantastic option for budget-conscious travelers who want a clean, comfortable, and well-located base for exploring Yogyakarta. It's got charm, it's got amenities, and it offers an authentic Indonesian experience, at a price that won't break the bank.
My Offer: Book OYO Flagship Tembok Batu Residence NOW and get:
- A FREE upgrade to a room with a balcony (subject to availability!) - Imagine sipping your morning coffee overlooking the city, or chilling with your favorite drink in the evening.
- A voucher for a FREE massage at the spa! - Because, why not? You deserve it!
- 10% off all food and drinks at the hotel restaurant! - Fuel your adventures with deliciousness!
- Early check-in (subject to availability!) - Get settled in and start exploring immediately!
But wait, there's MORE!
Book now and be automatically entered into a draw to win a full-day guided tour of Borobudur and Prambanan temples (including transportation and entrance fees)!
Don't delay! This offer is only valid for a limited time! Click here to book your stay at OYO Flagship Tembok Batu Residence and experience the magic of Yogyakarta!
Disclaimer: These are my personal experiences and opinions. Your experience may vary. (And I am not affiliated with OYO or any of its partners.)
Rossford Getaway: Unwind at the BEST Country Inn & Suites (Toledo South)!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the beautiful, chaotic, and slightly-less-than-perfect reality of a trip to Yogyakarta, specifically centered around my humble abode: the OYO Flagship Tembok Batu Residence. Prepare for a rollercoaster, because that's just what travel is, isn't it?
Day 1: Arrival, Doubt, and the Search for "Proper" Coffee
- 6:00 AM (ish) - Departure from… wherever I was before: Okay, so the plan was to get up early, be all organized. Reality? Hit the snooze button thrice. My flight was supposed to be sleek, sophisticated, but instead, it’s me looking like a slightly panicked, coffee-deprived possum rolling into the airport.
- 10:00 AM - Arrival at Adisutjipto International Airport (JOG): Landed! Yogyakarta welcomes me with, you guessed it, humidity. It’s like a warm, sticky embrace. Found my ride – blessedly arranged beforehand. The drive to the OYO was… well, a sensory overload. Scooters whizzing, buildings a riot of color, and the air thick with the smell of… something? I'm sure it was lovely, but my brain was still running on airport fumes.
- 11:30 AM - Check-in at OYO Flagship Tembok Batu Residence: This place… it’s… charmingly basic. The room wasn't exactly what the pictures promised, but hey, the AC is blasting and the bed looks comfy. First impressions: not bad, not amazing, but definitely a base camp for adventure. The Wi-Fi, however? A complete mystery. Fingers crossed it gets better.
- 12:00 PM - Panic over proper coffee: Okay, this is officially a crisis. My morning coffee ritual is SACRED. The instant coffee in the room? Nope. Must… find… real coffee. The search begins!
- 1:00 PM - The Search for the Holy Grail: Google Maps led me astray. Twice. I ended up in a crowded market (amazing smells! Overwhelming noise!). The coffee shop I thought I'd found was closed. This is where my inherent stubbornness kicks in. I'm not giving up.
- 2:00 PM - Victory (Sort Of): Found a cafe! The iced latte was… okay. Definitely not the artisanal perfection I crave, but it hit the spot. A little bit of caffeine, a little bit of sugar, and suddenly the world seems a little less stressful.
- 3:00 PM - Exploring the Neighborhood: Wandered around the area, trying to get my bearings. Saw a bunch of kids playing, and I had a giggle. The local street food looked incredible (I'm talking about the meat cooking on the side of the road). The chaos is actually kind of beautiful, you know?
- 5:00 PM - Settling In: Showered (bliss!), and finally conquered the Wi-Fi. Now, starting to unpack, which is less about style and more about just getting it done.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner: Found a warung (local eatery) nearby. Ordered something totally unidentifiable, but it was delicious and cheap. The language barrier was hilarious. I probably ordered "chicken feet" instead of chicken satay, but hey - adventure!
- 8:00 PM - Back to the OYO: Planning to start making some plans for tomorrow. Probably. After I finish binge-watching whatever I'm suddenly inexplicably obsessed with.
Day 2: Borobudur, Blunders, & Beauty
- 5:00 AM - The Rise (and the Fall): The alarm blares, and I have a brutal debate with my bed. Eventually, the lure of Borobudur wins. I have to see it at sunrise!
- 5:30 AM - Transportation Nightmare: Hired a driver for the day. He was 45 minutes late. I’m fuming! But the sunrise is my reward.
- 7:00 AM - Borobudur Temple: It’s… indescribable. I felt a powerful sense of serenity watching the sunrise over the stupas. It's genuinely breathtaking. The scale of the place, the history, the feeling of timelessness… wow. I totally lost myself in the moment.
- 8:30 AM - The "Oh Crap" Moment: Realized I’d left my phone, which I'd used to take photos, back in the car. Ugh, a classic rookie error.
- 9:00 AM - The Second Look: Thank God the driver waited! I took some time to soak in all the details of the ancient buildings, and it was amazing. I got some great photos of the carvings.
- 10:00 AM - Rambling Again: On the way back to the OYO, I saw some of the local shops and the side of the street. I really loved getting some of the local snacks.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch: Found a delicious, spicy dish nearby. The heat was intense, both in the sun and in the food. But, I loved it.
- 1:00 PM - Trying new activities: The local shops are nice, but a bit far. I have decided to try and learn Bahasa. I'm terrible at the language, but it's fun.
- 3:00 PM - More of the Area: I took a walk around to see some local shops, and buy some fun souvenirs.
- 5:00 PM - Planning my next trip: I realized that I had already spend too much time. But I'm not going to stress about it, and I'm just going to enjoy time in Yogyakarta.
Day 3: Temples, Tumbles & a Touch of Tragedy
- 7:00 AM - Breakfast, Finally: The OYO's "complimentary" breakfast was… well, let's just say it tasted like something cooked from a TV show. Scrambled eggs with a hint of sadness.
- 8:00 AM - Candi Prambanan: Another temple! This one is Hindu, and the architecture is so different from Borobudur. The carved details are stunning.
- 9:30 AM - The Great Faceplant: I tripped. Hard. Luckily, it was on grass, not on the temple steps. So no broken bones, but pride? Slightly fractured.
- 10:00 AM - Looking at the Art: There are many shops near Prambanan that sell art. I took a look, but decided to not buy anything. But it was still nice looking at the paintings.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch: Found a simple warung, and was happy to be in the AC. Ordered some food, and enjoyed my time. I did take the time to chat with my driver, and ended up making a small friend.
- 1:00 PM - Back to the OYO: I started to feel a bit sad. I realized that my trip was coming to an end. But, I shook it off, because I know how amazing the memories are.
- 3:00 PM - Farewell Dinner: At a local restaurant, I had a delicious meal. I was sad to leave, but it was a great trip.
Day 4: Departure
- 6:00 AM - Last-Minute Panic: My flight is at noon. I am still barely ready.
- 7:00 AM - Breakfast: I made some coffee in my room (the instant coffee was worth it), and enjoyed the last moments.
- 8:00 AM - Final Thoughts: I think I will be back soon!
- 9:00 AM - Check Out: The OYO experience was… well, it fit the bill!
- 10:00 AM - Farewell After a quick drive, it was time to go. This trip was amazing!
And that, my friends, is just a slice of the glorious, messy pie that is solo travel. Remember, the imperfections are the stories. The stumbles are the memories. And those moments of pure, overwhelming beauty? Those are the reason we travel in the first place. Yogyakarta, you beautiful enigma, I'll be back. Eventually. Hopefully with better coffee.
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OYO Flagship Tembok Batu Residence: The Honestly Messy Review - FAQs
Okay, so, *is* Tembok Batu a Hidden Gem? (And what *even* is a "Flagship" OYO, anyway?)
What was the *absolute* best thing about staying at Tembok Batu? (Besides, y'know, not being on the Malioboro strip.)
So, what about the rooms? They look decent in the pictures…
Speaking of the rooms...what about the *noise*? Is it a noisy place?
How about the *staff*? Were they helpful?
What about breakfast? Is it *worth* getting the included breakfast?
Okay, so, *should* I stay there? Tell me straight!
Any final tips or warnings before I book?
