Escape to Paradise: Berliant Homestay, Banyuwangi's Hidden Gem
Escape to Paradise: Berliant Homestay, Banyuwangi – My Honest (and Slightly Rambling) Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a little slice of heaven nestled in Banyuwangi, and I'm here to spill the tea (maybe with a side of Indonesian coffee, if you're lucky) about Berliant Homestay. They call it "Escape to Paradise," a bold statement, but after a week, I'm genuinely thinking they might be onto something. This isn’t going to be your slick, perfectly written travel blog – this is me, bleary-eyed and maybe a little sunburnt, giving you the real deal.
First Impressions & That Whole "Getting There" Thing (Accessibility and the Like)
Okay, truth bomb: getting to Banyuwangi isn't a cakewalk. But Berliant Homestay? They made it… surprisingly easy. They offer airport transfer, and while I didn't use it (I’m all about that budget life, even if it meant sweating in a bus for a bit), it's a HUGE perk. And once you're there, the homestay is generally accessible. I didn't notice a ton of specific accessibility features beyond the usual (and much appreciated!) elevator. But keep in mind this is a homestay, not a mega-resort. You're signing up for charm over cookie-cutter.
The Digital Nomad's Dream (Internet & All That Jazz)
I work remotely, so internet access is my oxygen. And Berliant delivered. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! I was able to survive (and thrive!) on my deadlines. I didn't even need to bust out the Internet [LAN], although knowing it was there was comforting. Just solid, reliable Wi-Fi, perfect for video calls and binge-watching questionable documentaries in the evening. Plus, they had Wi-Fi in public areas, which was great for a quick Instagram upload or two.
Food, Glorious Food (Dining, Drinking & Snacking - My Personal Favorite)
This is where Berliant really shines. Okay, the Asian breakfast was my jam every single morning. Think fresh fruit, spicy noodles, and strong, delicious coffee. Absolute bliss. I'm usually a coffee snob, but theirs was actually pretty decent. There's a restaurant with Asian cuisine (duh!), and I devoured everything. They had A la carte in restaurant options, so you could customize your order to your heart’s content. The breakfast [buffet] was a solid start to the day, but the Asian fare was the star. I mean, come on, who doesn’t love a good buffet. They also had a poolside bar, perfect for sunsets and a cheeky cocktail. The coffee/tea in restaurant was readily available.
Now, this is where I gush. Remember how I said this wasn't a cookie-cutter place? Well, they sometimes have a Vegetarian restaurant available! I felt like I stepped into another level of experience.
The Relaxation Station (Things to Do & Ways to Unwind)
I wasn't looking to be hardcore during my stay, so the presence of Sauna, Spa, and Spa/sauna was a huge motivator for me. But if you want to be extreme you can get that Fitness center in action!
Ahhh, the massage. My goodness. I'm talking a legit, muscle-melting massage. I'm not even exaggerating! I got a Body scrub too – which had all the dead skin cells thanking me. They even have a Pool with view.
Cleanliness & That Safety Stuff (Because Let's Be Real, It Matters)
Okay, so in the age of… well, you know, safety's a big deal. And Berliant Homestay took it seriously. They have Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff were wearing masks like pros. Room sanitization was a thing as well; they even had Room sanitization opt-out available, which is great. They even had a Doctor/nurse on call, thankfully I didn't need them. But honestly, I felt safe.
The Room Itself (Available in All Rooms - Let's Deep Dive!)
My room? My little sanctuary. I loved the Air conditioning, essential in the Indonesian heat. The free Wi-Fi worked beautifully. The Blackout curtains… oh, the blackout curtains! They were a lifesaver for sleeping in after those late-night cocktails. The Complimentary tea was a nice touch. The Desk was perfect for working. Extra long bed, because I'm a tall person. The Mirror was a must-have. The Non-smoking room. The Private bathroom was pristine. Honestly, I felt like I was living the life of luxury in that room. Pure bliss.
Services & Conveniences (The Nitty-Gritty)
They have Air conditioning in public area. There’s a Concierge, and they’re super helpful. Daily housekeeping kept my room spotless. The Elevator was a blessing. They provide Laundry service, which was a lifesaver. I love the Safety deposit boxes; super useful!
Alright, Let's Get to the Gut Feeling
Look, Berliant Homestay isn't perfect. It's a homestay, not a five-star resort. But that's part of its charm. It has a soul. It feels real. I felt like I was experiencing Banyuwangi, not just observing it from behind a hotel window.
The Big Takeaway:
If you're looking for a peaceful, authentic, and utterly charming experience, with good food, decent internet, and all the relaxation you could ask for, then book yourself a room at Berliant Homestay. You won't regret it.
AND NOW… MY SPECIAL OFFER (Because I Want YOU To Experience This!)
Book your stay at Berliant Homestay within the next month through [insert specific booking link/code] and receive:
- A complimentary massage voucher (because you deserve it!).
- Free airport transfer (if you're coming in, and I highly recommend it!).
- A guaranteed room with a view (because those sunrises are worth it!).
Don't miss out on this little slice of paradise. Trust me, you deserve it.
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Franca, Riolo Terme's Hidden Gem
Berliant Homestay Banyuwangi: A Messy, Beautiful Adventure (With Added Vomit)
Okay, so here’s the plan for my adventure in Banyuwangi, at the gloriously named Berliant Homestay. Let's see how much of this actually survives contact with reality, shall we? I'm betting not much.
Pre-Trip Anxiety Bonanza:
- Weeks Before: Obsessed with the weather. (Rain? Sun? Volcano-induced ash clouds? My paranoia is off the charts.) Packing and repacking my backpack. Am I forgetting anything? (Probably. My brain is a sieve, I swear.) Googling "Banyuwangi snakes" (regret). Booking everything last minute because I live for the thrill of the unexpected. Wait, did I book the wrong dates? Ugh.
- Days Before: Staving off the pre-trip dread with copious amounts of caffeine. Researching weird local customs and desperately trying to learn a few basic Indonesian phrases. ("Terima kasih" already seems like a Herculean task.) Scrolling endlessly through Instagram, getting a healthy dose of FOMO and comparing the perfect travel photos to my impending disaster-zone-of-a-trip.
Day 1: Arrival & Complete Overwhelm
- Morning (06:00): The dreaded flight! Arrive at the airport after fighting with the taxi driver who tried to swindle me. (Standard procedure, apparently.) Feel a general sense of "I'm gonna die of heat stroke" before I even leave the airport.
- Morning (09:00): The land of Indonesia. Air-conditioned airplane seats? Gone. Humidity? Oh, hello there!
- Morning (10:00): Arrive at Berliant Homestay after a sweaty, chaotic, and surprisingly charming taxi ride. The pictures online… were accurate. The air smells of jasmine and something faintly… earthy. (Hope it's not sewage. Pretty desperate to survive.)
- Morning (10:30): Check-in. The owner, Ibu Rini, is a total sweetheart. Smiles, smiles, smiles. Offers me a welcome juice that tastes vaguely of… something tropical and delicious. Feel a flicker of optimism. (It's probably going to be short-lived.)
- Afternoon (12:00): Lunch at a local warung (small restaurant). Managed to order something vaguely resembling "nasi goreng" (fried rice). It's… spicy. My tongue is on fire but I don't want to be a wimp, right? Tears are definitely streaming.
- Afternoon (14:00): Stroll around the local village, get hopelessly lost within twenty minutes. Ask a small child for directions. (He just giggled and pointed vaguely. Helpful.) Buy a ridiculously oversized straw hat. I look ridiculous. Don't care. The sun is punishing.
- Evening (18:00): Dinner at the homestay. Ibu Rini cooks a feast! It's another flavor explosion, and I am pretty sure it has a mild hallucinogenic effect. I can see the stars better than I ever did before. I suddenly feel like I'M a part of the landscape.
- Evening (20:00): Attempt to write in my travel journal. Fail. Mostly just scribbled "OMG, HOT" and a few random doodles. Collapse into bed, utterly exhausted and already loving this beautiful, chaotic mess.
Day 2: Kawah Ijen Volcano – The Inferno I Volunteered For
- Morning (01:00): The alarm clock goes off. ONE IN THE MORNING. (Why did I sign up for this?!). Cold coffee doesn't help.
- Morning (02:00): The pre-dawn adventure. I'm on a jeep to Kawah Ijen with a guide and a bunch of other bleary-eyed travelers. The drive is… winding. I begin to regret the pre-trip pizza. I begin feeling really sick.
- Morning (03:00): The hike! (or, more accurately, the trudge-up-a-mountain-in-the-dark-with-a-gas-mask-on-your-face). It's brutal. Upward at what felt like a 90-degree angle and with a bunch of screaming. It's DARK. The air is thick with sulfur. My lungs are burning. I'm pretty sure I'm going to die. People cough everywhere.
- Morning (04:00): Suddenly, I'M at the top! The view is… indescribable. The blue fire. The milky turquoise lake. The miners, carrying those massive loads of sulfur. It's mind-numbingly beautiful, and also deeply, profoundly sad. It's like staring into the face of a geological wonder.
- Morning (05:00): A tiny, unexpected incident. I cough. And cough. And cough again. And then… let's just say the pizza from the night before makes a hasty reappearance. (Sorry, Ibu Rini.) I spend the next 15 minutes gagging behind a rock. (Note to self: Pack more than one spare pair of underwear.)
- Morning (06:00): The climb back down is even more treacherous, made worse by my general state of nausea and existential dread. I am covered in sweat, sulfur dust, and shame. But… I survived. I made it.
- Afternoon (12:00): Back at the homestay, I collapse in a heap. Ibu Rini makes me a soothing ginger tea. I'm fairly certain she knows about the vomit. I don't care.
- Afternoon (15:00): Sleep. Blissful, dreamless sleep.
Day 3: Waterfalls, Rice Paddies & Complete Zen (Maybe)
- Morning (09:00): (Slept in! Victory!) Ibu Rini, bless her soul, has left fresh fruit outside my door. I feel slightly human again.
- Morning (10:00): Hire a motorbike (terrifying but essential). Brave into the backroads.
- Morning (11:00): Visit Jagir Waterfall. It's lush, green, and a welcome relief from the dust and sulfur. The water is cold and refreshing. I feel like I'm in a movie. Take an obnoxious amount of photos.
- Afternoon (13:00): Drive through rice paddies. The scenery is breathtaking. It's emerald green. The air smells… fresh. (No vomiting this time.) I feel a nascent sense of peace.
- Afternoon (15:00): Stop at a tiny roadside warung. Eat something spicy. This time, I handle it. Minor victory!
- Evening (18:00): Sunset. I watch the sun dip below the horizon, burning colors across the sky. I feel… grateful.
- Evening (20:00): Dinner with Ibu Rini and her family. (I understand about 10% of the conversation, but the smiles are universal.) Feeling good. Not sick. This is what travel is about, right? Not the picture-perfect shots on Instagram, but the messy, imperfect moments.
Day 4: Beach Vibes & Departure
- Morning (09:00): Relaxed breakfast. (No vomiting this time.) Pack my bags (again). Wonder if I'll ever learn how to pack properly.
- Morning (10:00): Visit Red Island Beach. Ride on a horse. The waves crash. I am a stereotypical tourist. I dig it.
- Afternoon (13:00): Enjoy some fresh seafood at a beachfront warung. The fish is amazing. The ocean is beautiful!
- Afternoon (15:00): Head back to the homestay. Say my goodbyes to Ibu Rini. I give her a hug. She’s like a walking angel.
- Afternoon (17:00): Taxi to the airport. Say goodbye to Banyuwangi. This place is amazing. Despite the heat, the spiders, the near-death experiences on a volcano, and the vomit.
- Evening (20:00): Flight home. The trip wasn’t a disaster, more of an adventure. The memories will last forever!
Post-Trip Fallout:
- Days After: Vague sense of sadness. Already planning my return to Banyuwangi.
- Weeks After: Still talking about the blue fire. Telling everyone about my near-death experience. They're probably tired of hearing it.
- Years After: Remembering the hot, beautiful chaos. Banyuwangi, you were messy, you were sweaty, and you were absolutely perfect.
Okay, spill the tea. Is "Escape to Paradise: Berliant Homestay" *actually* paradise or is it just a fancy Instagram filter?
Alright, buckle up, because the answer ain't a simple "yes" or "no" like you'd expect from some boring travel blog. Paradise? Maybe not *actual* paradise with winged cherubs and bottomless margaritas (though the last one sounds tempting!), but you know what? Berliant Homestay comes shockingly close. Here's the real deal:
First off, the vibe is EVERYTHING. Forget sterile hotel rooms. This place? It feels like you're crashing at your cool (and incredibly generous) aunt's place… if your aunt also happens to own a lush, tropical hideaway. It’s all bamboo, hand-carved furniture, and the kind of open-air spaces that practically beg you to slow down.
I'm telling you, the first time I walked in, I swear I almost tripped over a rooster. Okay, maybe not *tripped*, but it was definitely strutting its stuff right in the middle of the path. And that’s part of the charm, right? No perfectly manicured lawns here, just REAL life. And speaking of real life…
One night, the power went out. Fully. Pitch black. Cue minor panic, because, you know, city girl and all that. But then... magic. The staff, the lovely, lovely staff, lit candles *everywhere*. Suddenly, our villa glowed with this gorgeous, flickering light. It was romantic, it was rustic, and for about ten minutes, I thought I was in some Indonesian rom-com. Then, the generator sputtered back to life, the lights flickered on, and reality (and the mosquito spray) quickly returned. But that little candlelit interlude? Totally made the trip.
Bottom line: It *is* beautiful. It *is* relaxing. It *is* a damn good escape. Just go in with the expectation that things might be a little…unscripted. And honestly, that's kind of the best part.
What's the deal with the food? I'm not about to survive on instant noodles.
Forget those bland hotel buffets, my friend. Berliant Homestay? The food's fantastic. Seriously. Think fresh, vibrant Indonesian cuisine, and lots of it.
Breakfast is included, and it’s a glorious spread. You get fresh fruit (that dragon fruit alone almost has me booking another flight), strong coffee (essential for mornings after exploring), and usually some variations of nasi goreng (fried rice) or mie goreng (fried noodles), which are both *amazing*.
Lunch and Dinner are available on request, and I strongly recommend you *request* them. The cooks are incredibly talented, and they'll happily cater to your cravings. I'm not a huge spice person, but I asked for something mild, and they nailed it. My partner, on the other hand, ordered something that probably would have blown the top of my head off, and loved it. They really know how to adjust the spice levels. Don't be afraid to ask.
One confession: I ordered a whole grilled fish one night. It was huge. And I *ate the whole thing*. Bone and all, practically. I felt a little guilty (and a bit overstuffed) afterwards, but it was so delicious, I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
The only *slight* downside? You might find it hard to leave the homestay to go exploring. The smell of that cooking…it just draws you back. And honestly, why would you want to?
Okay, you said it's "rustic". How rustic are we talking? Is it a mosquito-infested death trap?
Okay, okay, fair question! "Rustic" can mean a lot of things, and "mosquito-infested death trap" is definitely one of the less appealing options. Relax. Berliant Homestay is rustic in the *charming* sense, not the "abandoned shack" sense.
Yes, you'll be in nature. You will see insects. That's unavoidable. I saw a few geckos (they're harmless and adorable, I promise!), and a couple of little ants wandering around (they didn't bother me at all). The staff does a great job keeping things relatively bug-free, but accept that you’re in a tropical environment.
Each villa (and the entire property) is well-maintained, clean, and comfortable. The beds are comfy. The bathrooms are modern and spacious. The open-air design of some areas might give you a different experience (it's great for the breeze), but you feel safe and clean. They do provide mosquito nets over the beds, which is a huge plus. Use them! And bring the extra-strength bug spray, just in case.
And look, even if a mosquito *does* bite you? It’s a small price to pay for waking up to the sounds of birdsong and the smell of frangipani. Trust me.
How do I get there? And is it a pain in the butt?
Getting to Berliant Homestay is relatively easy, surprisingly. And I'm saying this as someone who gets lost in my own apartment.
The easiest way is to fly to Banyuwangi (BWX) airport. From there, you can arrange a transfer with the homestay. They can pick you up and drop you off. It simplifies things dramatically, and the drivers are super helpful. It’s a bit of a drive from Banyuwangi airport, but it’s not terrible. More of a scenic tour.
Alternatively, you could hire a private car or take a taxi. But really, for the ease and convenience, just let the homestay handle it. Less stress, more Bali Hai cocktails later on.
The roads themselves are good. There's no death-defying off-roading involved. The only thing that *might* be a pain? The time it takes to leave. I swear, I added a day to my vacation just to delay leaving. You'll see.
What's there to *do* in Banyuwangi, besides, you know, lounging around looking pretty? (Not that there's anything wrong with that!)
Okay, so you can definitely lounge around, looking pretty. And honestly, it’s highly recommended. Sometimes you just need to stare at a view and do absolutely nothing. But if you're the restless type, Banyuwangi has some seriously amazing things to offer.
First, the obvious: Mount Ijen, home of the famed blue fire. It’s a trek (early start and all that), but the sight of the blue flames at night… it's truly spectacular. I was exhausted, I was covered in sulfur, but I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Just be prepared for the smell of sulfur. It's intense.
Then there'sInfinity Inns
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