Yogyakarta's Hidden Gem: Stunning Siji Plemburan Vacation Home (Unit #2)!
Yogyakarta's Hidden Gem: Stunning Siji Plemburan Vacation Home (Unit #2)!
Yogyakarta's Hidden Gem: Siji Plemburan Vacation Home (Unit #2) - My Honest, Slightly Rambling, Totally Real Review
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from Siji Plemburan Vacation Home (Unit #2) in Yogyakarta, and I have… thoughts. And honestly, they're all over the map, just like my luggage after the flight. This isn’t a perfectly polished travel brochure; this is the lowdown, warts and all (and believe me, I’m good at finding warts!). Let's dive in, shall we? (And yeah, I'm including those annoyingly long SEO bits – gotta pay the bills, right?).
The Good – Oh, the Good Stuff!
First things first: CLEANLINESS! Praise be! My germaphobe tendencies were mostly appeased. They really seem to have taken the whole "pandemic" thing seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Professional-grade sanitizing services? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Check. I even saw staff actively disinfecting common areas. I mean, I saw a lady wielding a spray bottle of what I hoped was disinfectant with the intensity of a samurai warrior. I felt safe, which is HUGE these days. (And hey, they had hand sanitizer everywhere – my inner anxious hand-washer sighed with relief.)
Beyond that, the basics were remarkably solid. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms?! Yes, please! And it actually worked. Unlike some places, I'm looking at you [insert hotel name]!… they also have Internet [LAN], if you're a dinosaur like my uncle who still uses them. Air conditioning, because, hello, it's Yogyakarta! And Free Wi-Fi in public areas was a nice touch for a quick Instagram post.
Let's talk the pool. Because, let me tell you, after a day of dodging scooters, that Swimming pool [outdoor] was a life-saver. And the Pool with a View was exactly what I needed after a long day of exploring the city. I spent an hour just staring up at the sky whilst in the pool. Heaven.
Food, Glorious Food (and a few glitches!)
Okay, the Dining, drinking, and snacking situation? A mixed bag, people. The Asian breakfast was… well, it was something. Let’s just say I'm more of a "toast with smashed avocado" kind of girl. But they had a Western breakfast option, too, which I devoured. They also offered Breakfast in room (bonus points!), and Breakfast takeaway service for those early excursions. The Coffee shop was decent, if a little slow on refills, and the view from the Poolside bar made up for the wait. They even had Vegetarian restaurant options.
The Restaurants themselves were good (though I only tried the main one). A la carte in restaurant options meant I didn't have to commit to the full buffet, which was a relief. The Buffet in restaurant looked good from afar, but I never tried it . Room service [24-hour] – always a win for those late-night snack attacks! And they give you a Bottle of water daily, which is a thoughtful touch. I did hear a rumor about Happy hour, but sadly, my intrepid exploring took me elsewhere during those hours.
One small quibble: I wish the Coffee/tea in restaurant was a bit more accessible. I'm a caffeine addict and waiting for a coffee after you got up early for a sunrise excursion is not ideal.
The Room Itself - Cozy with a Side of… Quirks.
My room (Unit #2, duh!) was… charming. Let’s go with charming. It wasn’t huge, but it was clean, and for the price, it was a steal. The Air conditioning worked a treat (essential!), and the Blackout curtains were a godsend for sleeping in. Complimentary tea and Coffee/tea maker – YES! A Refrigerator was a HUGE plus for keeping my water cold (and hiding my snacks!). The Bathroom was nice. I didn't use the Bathtub, but I appreciated the Separate shower/bathtub situation.
Now for the quirks. The Internet access – wireless was a tiny bit spotty at times, but mostly okay. I had to do a little dance to get the signal going occasionally. Also, the Mirror was strategically placed in a spot that showed off all my morning-after hair messes. And the view from my Window that opens? Well, it wasn’t exactly a postcard, but it was real. And really, that’s what I’m after.
Getting Around & Other Practicalities
Airport transfer was a breeze (totally worth it after a long flight, especially with the insane Yogyakarta traffic). Taxi service was easy to find. They have Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site], but I didn't rent a car (dodging those scooters is enough of a challenge on foot!). The Front desk [24-hour] was super helpful, and the staff was generally friendly and helpful. Really, REALLY helpful.
Wheelchair Accessible & Facilities for Disabled Guests: I didn’t personally need this, but I saw evidence of it. The Facilities for disabled guests seemed decent – ramps, elevators, etc. A definite plus. Note to the wise, be sure to specify that you need a wheelchair assessable room when booking.
Other handy things: Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Laundry service (thank goodness – my packing skills leave much to be desired), and a Convenience store. Oh, and the Doorman was always there with a smile to greet me.
The Relaxation Factor – And the Missing Spa…
Okay, here's the one area where I was a teeny tiny bit disappointed. While the marketing photos showed off a swanky Spa and Sauna, in reality, it seemed like they had to still implement it or they hadn't perfected it. There was no Body scrub, Body wrap, or Steamroom. There was a Foot bath. I'm guessing this is because they were renovating.
But they did have a Fitness center (which I didn't try, because, you know, vacation). And with that Swimming pool, I could let go of things.
Safety & Security – Peace of Mind
This place takes Cleanliness and safety seriously. Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, CCTV in common areas, Security [24-hour], Safety/security feature, all good, and they make you feel safe. It also has a doctor/nurse on call.
Things to Do
Okay, while this is a resort and a great place to spend time relaxing, I also wanted to see Yogyakarta. But, I heard the Meetings, Meetings/banquet facilities, and the Seminars were a big plus, but I can't tell you for sure.
My Honest Verdict & Who Should Book This!
Okay, so Siji Plemburan Unit #2 isn’t perfect. But it’s a solid choice, especially if you’re looking for a clean, comfortable, affordable base of operations for exploring Yogyakarta. The staff are nice, the pool is divine, and the location is convenient.
Who should book?
- Couples looking for a romantic getaway
- Families looking for a safe and comfortable place to stay
- Budget travelers
- Anyone who appreciates a clean room and a seriously good pool
Who might want to look elsewhere?
- If you absolutely must have a high-end, luxurious spa experience (check on that before booking).
- Those who are looking for non-stop night life may want to look elsewhere.
- Perfectionists (nobody, including me, is perfect!)
Final Thoughts:
Would I stay there again? Absolutely! It's a great value, and yes, it really is a Yogyakarta's Hidden Gem. I was also so sad to leave, because this place is where you can recharge and feel cozy, even alone. And hey, who doesn't love good food, a clean room, and a gorgeous pool after a long day?
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Escape to the tranquility of Siji Plemburan Vacation Home (Unit #2)! Experience the best of Yogyakarta in a setting that prioritizes your comfort and well-being. Enjoy immaculate cleanliness with professional-grade sanitizing, and peace of mind with our 24-hour security. Relax and unwind by our stunning outdoor swimming pool with a view.
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Bangalore's HOTTEST Purple Paradise: Itsy Hotels Suites Await!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're heading to Yogyakarta! Specifically, Unit #2, Upper Floor, at Siji Plemburan Vacation Home. This isn't going to be some perfectly curated Instagram post, it's the real, slightly-chaotic, definitely-hungry, and overwhelmingly-delighted me experiencing Indonesian awesomeness. Prepare for the messy glory.
Day 1: Arrival & Finding Our Feet (and Mostly Losing Them)
Morning (or What Passes for It): Arrive at Adisucipto International Airport (JOG). The heat! Oh, the glorious, slightly-oppressive heat! Grabbed a taxi – the driver looked like he’d seen a thousand tourists come and go, probably because he had. Negotiating the price was a mini-battle of wills, ending in a slightly-overpriced but ultimately fair deal. Found Siji Plemburan. The website photos? Lies in the BEST possible way. The place is even prettier, all Balinese-y charm with a modern twist. Unit #2, upper floor, let's go! Okay, first impressions: clean, AC that actually works, wifi that may or may not cooperate, and a balcony that screams "sloth time."
Afternoon: The Great Warung Hunt & the "Almost Got Eaten by a Motorbike" Incident: Okay, so we're starving. Ravenous. First mission: find food. Armed with Google Maps and a healthy dose of optimism (and a desperate need for air conditioning), we ventured out. This is where the chaos began. Navigating the Yogyakarta traffic is like playing a real-life Frogger, but with more scooters and less cute amphibians. We finally stumbled upon a warung (local eatery). I dove headfirst into nasi goreng (fried rice), which, let me tell you, was a revelation. So much better than that sad pre-packaged stuff back home. Almost got run over by a motorbike attempting to cross the street after lunch -- a near-death experience for a first-time tourist.
Evening: Sunset & Regret (in a Good Way): Back at the villa, and exhausted. Sunsets in this part of the world are something else. Painted the sky in a kaleidoscope of colours. Sat on the balcony, nursing a local beer, and tried to process the day. Regret? Only that I didn't order two plates of that nasi goreng.
Day 2: Temples, Temples, Everywhere! (and My Quest for the Perfect Temple Photo)
Morning: Borobudur Temple. Prepare yourselves: it's breathtaking, gigantic, and a UNESCO World Heritage site for a reason. The sheer scale of it is insane. Spent hours wandering the different levels, soaking in the history and the details. The monks chanting added to the zen vibes, a stark contrast to the screaming children posing for photos nearby. The Quest for the Perfect Temple Photo: Impossible. The lighting is always weird, there's always a tourist in the way. Embrace the imperfection, kids. Embrace the tourist in the background. Accept the blurry, sun-bleached picture as a memory.
Afternoon: Prambanan Temple. Another temple, another jaw-dropping experience. These temples feel like a different planet. Spent some time wandering the gardens, which were perfectly manicured and an oasis of calm. Did even attempt even one perfect picture of it, alas.
Evening: The Wayang Kulit Show (and My Deep Dive into Shadow Puppets): Okay, so I thought I'd just appreciate a shadow puppet show. I was wrong. It was captivating. The music, the storytelling, the intricate puppets… it was all mind-blowing. I got slightly obsessed with the characters and their meanings. Looked up the mythologies. Spent the rest of the night on Wikipedia learning about Javanese culture.
Day 3: Batik, Cooking Class & That Damn Motorbike Again
Morning: Batik Time: Visited a batik workshop. It's a lot harder than it looks. Hours of painstakingly drawing patterns in hot wax, dying the fabric, and then removing the wax. My result? A slightly wonky, but utterly charming, batik scarf. Something to treasure forever (or maybe use as a dust cloth, let's be honest).
Afternoon: The Culinary Chaos: Cooking class! I love to eat, but I'm not exactly a chef. We made gado-gado (salad with peanut sauce), sate ayam (chicken satay), and tempe mendoan (fried tempeh). The kitchen was a whirlwind of laughter, chopping, and the occasional near-disaster (I might have set off the smoke detector). Eating the results? Heaven.
Evening: So Close, Yet So Far: Decided to take an evening stroll in the neighborhood, just to see the local life. And guess what? Almost got run over by that same damn motorbike. They should rename it the "Death Scooter". I was so close, but still managed to jump out of the way in the knick of time. A few more incidents like these… let's just say my life might be cut short.
Day 4: Volcano Views & the "Lost in Translation" Incident
Morning: Sunrise at Mount Merapi: Woke up at the crack of dawn for a 4x4 tour up Mount Merapi. This volcano is still active, you know? The drive itself was crazy, bumping along volcanic terrain in a jeep that seemed to be held together by hope and prayer. Watched the sunrise from the top. The view? Unbelievable, otherworldly.
Afternoon: The "Lost in Translation" Incident: Tried to order a massage. My Indonesian is, let's say, on the "beginner" level. I thought I'd asked for a relaxing massage. What I actually got? A vigorous, almost painful, deep-tissue massage that left me feeling like I had been in a cage fight. A good massage or a bad experience? I still can't decide…
Evening: Food, Friends, and Reflecting: Back at the villa. Ordered some takeaway food and sat around comparing bruises and stories to share. Yogyakarta is truly amazing, even with all the almost-run-overs and the slightly-too-enthusiastic massage.
Day 5: Departure (And the Bitter Sweetness of Leaving)
Morning: Last-Minute Souvenir Hunt & the Tearful Goodbye to the Villa: One last scramble for souvenirs at Beringharjo Market. Bargaining is an art form. Spent too much money, bought too much stuff, and realized I'd need a whole new suitcase. Had a final coffee on the balcony, staring at the beautiful view. Said a tearful goodbye to the villa and (mostly) successfully navigated the taxi ride back to the airport.
Afternoon: The Long Goodbye: Waiting for the flight, trying to capture the feeling of this journey. The beauty of the temples, the taste of the food, the chaos of the roads, the joy of the people. It's all a memory now.
Evening: The Long Flight Home: On the plane, already planning my return. Because Yogyakarta, you've got me hooked. And one day, I will master that motorbike crosswalk. And hopefully survive.
Siji Plemburan - Unit #2: The Slightly-Off-the-Beaten-Path Paradise (or, Did I Just Get Lost in Paradise?) - FAQ!
Okay, First Things First: Is Siji Plemburan Unit #2 *Actually* a Hidden Gem? (Because, Let's Be Honest, Everyone Says That)
Look, I'm a cynical traveler. I've seen the "hidden gem" label slapped on everything from overpriced hostels to… well, let's just say questionable "cultural experiences." BUT, and this is a big BUT, Siji Plemburan Unit #2? Yeah, it's pretty darn close. It *feels* like a secret. Getting there is part of the fun (and potentially the mini-panic attack, depending on your navigational skills). You're winding through these rice paddies, the scooters whizzing by, and you’re thinking, “Seriously? This is it?” And then BAM! You round the corner, and it hits you. The view. That incredible pool. That… well, that's when you realize, “Yep. Gem.” The trick, I think, is defining "hidden." It's not unknown. It *is*, however, delightfully *off the radar* of the massive tourist herds. And believe me, that’s a victory.
The Vibe. What's the Vibe? (Because, Let's Be Honest, Vibe is EVERYTHING!)
Okay, the vibe. Picture this: You, lounging by a stunning infinity pool (seriously, the photos don't do it justice), gazing out at lush green rice paddies, with the sounds of nature serenading you. Birds chirping, the distant call to prayer…and maybe, just maybe, a cheeky little gecko deciding to make its home on the beam above your head. (He was friendly, though. I named him Kevin). It's…peaceful. Incredibly peaceful. It's the kind of place where you can actually *unplug*. I mean, the Wi-Fi is okay, but you won't *want* to spend your life glued to your phone. You'll want to… breathe. And maybe drink a Bintang or three. It's rustic but refined. Luxurious but not pretentious. It's…soul-soothing. Just bring bug spray!
The Pool! Tell Me About The Pool! (Swimming Pools are My Love Language)
Okay, the pool. Let's give it its own category. I’m a pool snob. Judge me. This pool… this pool is a contender for the "Best Pool Ever" award. It’s infinity edge, looking over those rice paddies. The water temperature is perfect. It's clean. And, you know what's the most amazing part? You're not fighting with other people for space! During my stay, I had it basically to myself. Glorious, I tell you! Glorious. I spent hours in that pool. Floating, reading, staring. I may have even shed a joyful tear or two. One small, tiny, almost-too-insignificant-to-mention imperfection? The sun only hits it *fully* in the morning. But hey, that just encourages a lazy morning swim, right?
Is it Easy to Get There? Because, Let's Be Real, "Hidden Gems" Sometimes Require An Expedition.
Ah, the *journey*. The journey is part of the experience! It's a bit…adventurous. My GPS, bless its little digital heart, decided to take me through a series of increasingly narrow roads that made me question my life choices. Seriously, I’m pretty sure my rental scooter earned a “Most Valuable Player” award for surviving the trip. If you are not entirely confident in your scooter skills, consider using a local driver. But hey, it adds to the charm, right? The slightly bumpy ride, the feeling of getting truly *away* from it all... It’s character-building. Bring a good map (or, you know, a better GPS). And try not to panic when you think you've taken a wrong turn. You haven't. (Probably.) Just trust the process, embrace the (slightly) chaotic beauty, and you'll find yourself at paradise.
The Rooms! What are the Rooms Like? (Because Nobody Wants to Sleep in a Dungeon)
The rooms are lovely! I stayed in Unit #2, and it has this cool, airy vibe. Everything's clean, the bed is comfy (a HUGE plus!), and the bathroom is open-air-ish, which is AMAZING. You can shower while feeling like you're almost outdoors. Just… don't forget your shampoo in the rain! The mosquito net over the bed is a nice touch. They totally got the balance right between luxury and rustic charm. One slightly… odd observation? The mirror seemed to amplify my morning face. But hey, maybe it was just the lighting. Or the lack of sleep. Or the sheer joy of being there.
The Food! Can I Eat Delicious Food? (Because, Obviously)
Um, YES! Breakfast is INCLUDED and it's AMAZING. Fresh fruit, eggs, toast, coffee... it was the perfect start to each day. You can also arrange for lunch and dinner. Honestly, the food was so good I considered staying there indefinitely just for the culinary experience. The staff were amazing and always ready to help, from recommending local warungs (small, family-run restaurants) for authentic Indonesian cuisine to helping me figure out how to ride my scooter. (Seriously, the scooter was a saga itself…) They can help you arrange a driver/guide for day trips as well, if you're not feeling the thrill of solo adventures (like me!)
What's the Deal with the Staff? Are They Nice? (Because, Rude Staff Can Ruin EVERYTHING)
The staff are *wonderful*. genuinely lovely people. They're friendly, helpful, and go out of their way to make your stay special. Seriously, they felt more like friends than just hotel staff. I mean, I had some scooter issues (let's just leave it at that), and they not only helped me sort it out, but they did it with cheerfulness and genuine concern. They remembered my name, my coffee preference, and even my ridiculous attempts at speaking Indonesian. They truly make the experience.
Any Negatives? (Because, Nothing's PERFECT, Right?)
Okay, fine. Here's the brutally honest truth. The AC in the room could get a bit…iffy at times. Not terrible, but not the crisp, Arctic blast I'm used to. However, the fans were effective and with the doors open, it's a beautiful airflow. Also, the aforementioned journey. It’s not easy. Especially at night. Seriously, download offline maps and maybe a prayer. And, maybe, maybe, I wish the water pressure was 100% stronger in the shower. And, (IHotels Near Your
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