Unbelievable Jogja Stays: With Friends Homestay's Secret Revealed!
Unbelievable Jogja Stays: With Friends Homestay's Secret Revealed! - A Messy, Honest Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on With Friends Homestay in Yogyakarta. And let me tell you, this isn't your perfectly polished, corporate brochure kind of review. This is the real deal, warts and all, fueled by way too much Javanese coffee and the lingering scent of frangipani. And trust me, you'll want to read this before you book anything!
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First Impressions (And My Panic Attack):
Landing in Jogja is a sensory overload. Think vibrant batik, sizzling street food, and a constant orchestra of motorbikes. The drive to With Friends was, shall we say, eventful. The taxi driver’s navigation skills were…generous. But finally, after what felt like a cross-country trek, we arrived. And the first thing that struck me? The sheer lush-ness. It’s like stepping into a secret garden, with more than a few hidden gems.
(Accessibility - The Good, the Okay, and the Uh-Oh):
Okay, let’s get the accessibility stuff out of the way. The website claimed "Facilities for disabled guests," which immediately made me hopeful, (remember, I navigate the world in a wheelchair). And, honestly? It's a mixed bag. Wheelchair Accessible areas… okay, on paper. Yes, there's an Elevator and ramps, but the execution? Some ramps were a bit steep, and navigating the pebble-stone paths (pretty but treacherous) was a workout in itself. So, while they tried, it’s not a 100% seamless experience. The Dining area? More accessible than the Spa and Fitness center.
(On-Site Restaurants & Lounges - Food, Glorious Food, and a Bit of a Wait):
The homestay boasts several Restaurants and a Poolside Bar. The food? AMAZING. (More on that later). The Asian cuisine was a highlight, especially the nasi goreng. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was constantly refilling, and the Bottle of water was always nearby. One slight issue? The service could be…relaxing. Let’s just say patience is a virtue you’ll need to cultivate. Expect to add a few extra minutes (or a handful) for your food.
(Internet Access - The Lifeline (Mostly)):
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Thank goodness for that! It was also available in Wi-Fi in public areas. Internet access was generally good. Okay, honestly, it was pretty solid. They also have Internet [LAN] in the rooms. There was a blip or two in connection at peak times but overall, it worked. And that Internet service was a real lifesaver.
(Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Paradise…with a Tiny Caveat):
This is where With Friends shines. The Swimming pool is gorgeous, that the Pool with view is really a treat! The Spa is a must-do. And don't even get me started on the Sauna and Steamroom! Heaven! I indulged in a Body scrub and a Massage, and let me tell you, I emerged feeling like a new person. The Foot bath was a lovely touch, too.
Here’s my confession: I was genuinely stressed about the Fitness center. I usually LOVE the gym, but I was worried about the lack of access. And, well…it's a bit of a climb if you have mobility issues. So, I skipped it. But still, all the available Ways to relax certainly makes up for it.
(The Messy Details: Cleanliness, Safety & the Pandemic Shuffle):
Okay, let’s talk COVID. Cleanliness and safety are clearly a priority. I saw Anti-viral cleaning products being used. They offer Room sanitization opt-out available and the Staff trained in safety protocol. Rooms sanitized between stays, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Professional-grade sanitizing services are all put in place. I found plenty of Hand sanitizer around, and there was a Doctor/nurse on call.
Eating Out During a Pandemic:
They offer a Safe dining setup and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, as well as Individually-wrapped food options and Breakfast takeaway service. As for the Breakfast [buffet], there's plenty of good food and drinks! I really loved the Asian breakfast and Western breakfast, too.
(Dining, Drinking & Snacking - My Stomach's Official Review):
Okay, food, food, glorious food! The A la carte in restaurant had me drooling. The Buffet in restaurant has a wide variety of options. The Coffee shop was my best friend. The Desserts in restaurant are to die for! The Poolside bar was perfect for a sunset cocktail. And yes, there's Vegetarian restaurant if that's your fancy.
That Nasi Goreng Incident (A Dramatic Play in One Act):
Picture this: Me, utterly exhausted after a day of exploring, and starving. I order the nasi goreng. Anticipation builds. The waiter brings it…and it's a masterpiece. I take my first bite. Pure bliss. Suddenly, a rogue mosquito dive-bombs my plate and perches… right on top of my rice. Cue my inner drama queen! Screaming inwardly, I quickly covered my food with my hands (it's the only thing accessible). I managed to flick the dastardly insect away. To my relief, the wonderful staff immediately replaced my meal at no charge.
What’s that? Additional Considerations?
The Couple's room seems like a nice option. There are Non-smoking rooms. Smoking area is provided too if it applies. The Exterior corridor makes it easy to get to your room. Not sure how important it is, but there are Smoke alarms with a Fire extinguisher.
(Services and Conveniences - The Little Things that Matter):
I was delighted to find Daily housekeeping. The Concierge was SUPER helpful, and the Doorman was always smiling. There’s a Convenience store for those late-night snack attacks. There’s also Laundry service and Dry cleaning so one less thing to worry about. However, the Food delivery wasn’t available, which was a bummer.
(For the Kids - Not a Mom, But I See the Appeal!):
If you're traveling with kids, this place is a winner. Family/child friendly definitely scores points. They offered Babysitting service. Plenty of Kids facilities are in place, including Kids meal.
(Getting Around - The Jogja Boogie):
Airport transfer is offered, which is a lifesaver. The Car park [free of charge] is a bonus. The Taxi service is easy to get.
(Available in All Rooms - Room for Improvement…and Comfort):
My room was spacious, even with my wheelchair. Air conditioning was a godsend. There are Balcony and Terrace. Blackout curtains kept the light out. The Coffee/tea maker was well-used. The Bathroom phone was…interesting. I was happy to see Complimentary tea and Daily housekeeping. The Extra long bed made sleeping a dream. There’s a Laptop workspace available.
The Soundproofing and the Nighttime Symphony:
Soundproofing (pretty good). Honestly, I was able to sleep soundly. But! The real soundtrack starts at dawn, with the call to prayer from nearby mosques. This is the perfect way to start the day.
(My Final Verdict - The Honest Truth):
Would I return to With Friends Homestay? Absolutely, with a few caveats. I’d request a room near the main areas, to minimize the accessibility struggles. I’d also plan for that relaxed service pace. But the beauty, the delicious food, and the overall charm of the place more than make up for the minor hiccups. It's a unique experience. And, if you’re looking for an authentic Jogja experience with a touch of luxury (and are willing to embrace a little imperfection), book it! Just go with your own set of expectations. Now go, enjoy yourself, and tell me all about it!
Luxury Krasnodar Penthouse: Modern City Center Oasis
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! My "With Friends Homestay Jogja" itinerary isn't gonna be your sterile, perfectly-formatted travel pamphlet. This is the REAL deal. Brace yourselves for a rollercoaster. And maybe bring some antacids.
The Chaotic Chronicles of Jogja: A Homestay Hell-raiser (in the best possible way)
Day 1: Arrival and the Myth of Organized Plans (Spoiler: Plans Shattered)
- 7:00 AM (ish): Wake up on the literal wrong side of the (super comfy) bed at my place (far from Jogja!). I'd planned to wake up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Nope. More like bleary-eyed and regretting that fourth glass of wine last night. Pack the last few things with a frantic energy I can only describe as "organized panic."
- 9:00 AM: Airport transfer is a chaotic ballet of misplaced luggage, near-misses with rogue scooters, and the internal monologue of "Did I remember deodorant?" (Answer: Nope.)
- 12:00 PM: Arrive at With Friends Homestay. Ohhh, the air conditioning is a gift from the Gods. The place is adorable, instantly Instagrammable, and I'm already plotting which hammock I'm claiming as my own. The staff? Seriously, the nicest people on the planet. They greet me with a juice that tastes of sunshine and mangoes. My initial plan – "settle in, unpack, write the perfect itinerary" – goes instantly out the window.
- 1:00 PM: Meet the crew, a gaggle of fellow travelers, an eclectic mix of personalities. We are instantly a family.
- 2:00 PM: First meal. I'm here for the food alone! Gudeg… oh my god, Gudeg! The sweet, savory jackfruit stew is an absolute explosion of flavor in my mouth. I eat so much I'm pretty sure I'll need a wheelbarrow to transport me. I am already falling in love.
- 3:00 PM: The original plan was to visit the Taman Sari Water Castle. My energy crashes so hard I instead opt for a post-lunch nap in the ridiculously comfortable hammock. Bliss. Pure, unadulterated, hammock-induced bliss. Best decision I've made all day.
- 6:00 PM: Attempt to be culturally enlightened. Walk the streets of Malioboro Market. It's a sensory overload in the best way possible: the scent of incense, the chatter of vendors, the relentless stream of batik shirts. I buy a hat that makes me look like a glamorous farmer and bargain so hard I feel like a seasoned pro (though let's be honest, I probably overpaid).
- 8:00 PM: Dinner at a warung (local eatery). More nasi goreng (Indonesian fried rice) – because when a good thing happens, you double down. It's spicy, it's delicious, and I'm already plotting how to recreate this back home (spoiler: it won't taste the same).
- 9:30 PM: Beers with the gang. Laughing until my stomach hurts. It's a perfect ending.
Day 2: Temples, Transportation, and the Threat of Sunburn
- 7:00 AM: Early start! (ish). Actually, "early" is a relative term. I drag myself out of bed with the memory of that hammock still fresh in my mind.
- 8:00 AM: Coffee, breakfast, and the logistical nightmare of hiring a car (because, apparently, I'm not adventurous enough to rent a scooter…yet).
- 9:30 AM: Borobudur Temple. Oh. My. God. Seriously. This is a bucket-list moment. The sheer scale, the intricacy of the carvings, the way the sun hits it… the spiritual energy is palpable. I climb, panting and sweating, almost forgetting to appreciate the view. I find myself getting a little emotional. The sheer age and history of the place hits me really hard and I start to cry. I blame the emotion on dehydration.
- 12:00 PM: The driver (bless him) takes us to the smaller but equally impressive Mendut Temple. It is a nice break from the crowds.
- 1:30 PM: Lunch. More gudeg. I am a creature of habit.
- 3:00 PM: Prambanan Temple. This is the most beautiful temple I've ever seen. Each temple is so meticulously carved. The stone is so smooth it feels like velvet under my fingertips. We're told this might be the best temple in Indonesia. We are awestruck. A quick aside: sunscreen is critical. I look like a lobster who has seen the light.
- 6:00 PM: Return to Homestay. Everyone is exhausted. We collapse by the pool. I am now considering staying here forever and becoming a professional hammock-dweller.
- 7:00 PM: Another warung. I've lost track of how many nasi gorengs I've consumed. No regrets.
- 8:30 PM: Music. We're treated to a performance of traditional Indonesian music with traditional Indonesian food. The food is delicious, the music is beautiful, I'm still a little sunburnt, I'm happy.
Day 3: Exploring the City, Losing the Plot (Metaphorically), and Souvenir Shopping
- 8:00 AM: Wake up feeling better than expected. Must be the magic of the Homestay.
- 9:00 AM: Explore the city. We wander the streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the city. I almost get lost… (who am I kidding, I did get lost). It was an experience in itself.
- 10:30 AM: Keraton Yogyakarta (Sultan's Palace). Getting up close and personal with Javanese elegance and history - a true, proper immersion.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a place recommended by a local. I tried something completely new – sate ayam (chicken satay). Delicious!
- 1:30 PM: Shopping spree at Malioboro Street Market. I buy way more souvenirs than I should. And I probably overpaid.
- 4:00 PM: Coffee time. I find a little hole-in-the-wall cafe, and the coffee is strong.
- 6:00 PM: We meet a group of locals and talk for hours. They make us feel like we're part of the community.
- 7:00 PM: Farewell dinner. More gudeg, naturally. We eat, drink, and share stories.
- 9:00 PM: I don't want to leave! The Homestay has become my sanctuary.
Day 4: Departure and the Promise of Return
- 7:00 AM: Bitter-sweet goodbyes. Hugs all around. I'll be honest, shedding a few tears.
- 9:00 AM: Last breakfast. I cram in as much gudeg as humanly possible.
- 10:00 AM: Airport. This is it. Final goodbyes, promises to return, and the melancholy of leaving paradise.
- 12:00 PM: Plane.
- The End:
Final Thoughts:
This itinerary is a mess. It's chaotic. It's imperfect. It's the most amazing trip I've ever taken. Jogja, the Homestay and the people here made me laugh, cry, and experience life in a way I never anticipated. I'll be back, Jogja. That hammock is calling my name.
P.S. Don't be afraid to get lost. Embrace the chaos. Eat all the gudeg. And for the love of all that is holy, wear sunscreen!
Escape to Paradise: Hua Yue Hotel, Taoyuan's Hidden Gem
Unbelievable Jogja Stays: With Friends Homestay's Secret Revealed! (Or At Least, My Messy Attempt To)
Okay, spill it. What’s *secret* about With Friends Homestay? Seems pretty basic from the photos…
Alright, alright, settle down, Sherlock. 'Secret' might be a *slight* exaggeration for clickbait, but trust me, there's something… more. It's not a speakeasy with hidden rooms. It’s more like… the *vibe*. The photos? They’re the tip of the iceberg. They can't show you the constant cicada symphony, the smell of the rain on the terracotta tiles after a downpour, or the way the owner, Mas Budi, will make you feel like you’re family, even if you're still half-asleep at breakfast. It's the genuine, lived-in Indonesian experience. My first thought was, "Oh, this is nice," my second thought was, "Wait, am I accidentally living here now?" - because it feels so… comfortable.
Is it actually *with* friends? I’m a solo traveler, will I be awkwardly alone?
Look, the name is, admittedly, a little… optimistic. It's not like a constant party with spontaneous group hugs. But the atmosphere *is* incredibly conducive to making friends. I went solo, and within a day, I was chatting with other guests about nasi goreng and where to find the best batik. Mas Budi's hospitality breaks down those awkward solo travel barriers. He’ll invite you for a communal meal, a coffee, whatever. Honestly? I left with more friends than I anticipated. It really felt like a mini-community, a little haven. I’ve heard of people planning return trips *together* after staying there. That’s… pretty cool.
What’s the *food* situation? Please tell me there's good food.
Okay, now *this* is important. The food. The *food* is… glorious. Breakfast is included, and it's not some sad toast and instant coffee situation. Think fresh fruit, local coffee (the strong, dark kind that'll wake you up *and* get you talking), and a variety of Indonesian dishes. You might get nasi goreng (fried rice, of course!), mie goreng (fried noodles), or a rotating menu of deliciousness. And the *best* part? Mas Budi’s wife makes the most amazing peanut sauce. I swear, I could eat the peanut sauce with a spoon. Seriously, after one breakfast there I was in heaven. They will cater for dietary restrictions. I'm not even going to lie, I miss the food *so much.*
How's the location? Is it easy to get around?
The location is pretty fantastic. It’s close enough to the main tourist attractions like Malioboro Street (though, be warned, Malioboro can get *intense*), but far enough away to be peaceful. Getting around is super easy. You can hire a scooter, which is the local way to do it. Or, if you're a wimp like me, you can use Grab (the local ride-hailing app). It’s also within reach of Prambanan Temple and Borobudur Temple, the magnificent temples - but you'll likely need a driver or a guided tour for those. But yeah, location? Thumbs up. Unless *you* get lost. Then, well, good luck. Honestly? It’s a pretty safe area. I’m terrible at navigating, and even *I* managed. (Most of the time).
What's the room situation like? Are they clean? Air-conditioned?
The rooms are… well, they're not the Ritz. But they're comfortable, clean, and perfectly adequate. Don’t expect modern, minimalist design. It's more traditional Indonesian style. Some rooms have air conditioning, some don’t. Check when you book! If you *need* AC, make sure you request it, especially if you're going during the hotter months. The beds are comfortable enough, and the bathrooms are functional – important! You can usually get hot water, which is a blessing after a sweaty day of exploring. It's not luxurious, it's rustic charm. It's clean. I saw someone sweep the floors daily and take care of everything meticulously, including the communal areas.
Tell me about Mas Budi! You seem to have a thing for him.
Okay, fine, I'll admit it. Mas Budi is a gem. He's the heart and soul of the place. He's not just a host; he's a genuinely kind and welcoming person. He speaks great English, which helps if your Indonesian is, like mine, non-existent. He'll give you local tips, help you arrange tours, and generally make sure you feel comfortable and safe. He's also got a great sense of humour. I remember, one morning... it was during my second coffee... I told him about how I got lost the day before, and the look on his face… oh, the *look* on his face! Pure, unadulterated amusement. He just laughed and offered to drive me back to the city center. I think I might have embarrassed myself a bit, in hindsight, but he handled it with grace. Mas Budi also knows *everyone*. Need a driver? He knows one. Need a massage? He knows someone. Need a good joke? He’ll find one to tell you over dinner. He’s just a great guy.
Any downsides? Because nothing's perfect…
Alright, let's get real. It's not all rainbows and peanut sauce. The Wi-Fi, while available, can be a bit… temperamental. And, of course, there are the usual suspects. You're going to hear the call to prayer from the nearby mosque at various times of the day, starting early. It is a loud and very insistent call. So, bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper, or embrace it. Also, the location, while generally good, can be a bit noisy at night, especially if you're in a room near the road. There can be a lot of motorbike action. The rooms themselves are more basic than modern. If you require a sparkling clean environment then it may not be the right choice. But frankly, those are small prices to pay for the overall experience.
Okay, so… is it worth it? Should I book?
Absolutely. Without a doubt. Yes. Book it. Seriously. If you're looking for an authentic Indonesian experience with a genuine sense of community, and you’re not overly obsessed with luxury, then With Friends Homestay is a fantastic choice. It's not just a place to sleep; it's a place to connect, to relax, and to experience the real Jogja. I left there with a full stomach, aWeb Hotel Search Site
