Unbelievable Bali-Style Luxury Awaits You in Cirebon: Hotel Bale Cangkring!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the swirling, opulent, seemingly-unending pool of luxury that is Hotel Bale Cangkring in Cirebon. And yes, you read that right, it promises "Bali-Style Luxury," so let's see if it holds up (and if this jaded travel writer can be impressed).
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First impressions? Stunning. Seriously, the architecture is like a Balinese temple had a passionate fling with a Cirebon batik artist. It’s immediately immersive. Driving up, there's a certain… vibe. A feeling. And I'm all about that.
Accessibility: Let's Get Real for a Second
Okay, so accessibility is key for a lot of people, and I'm glad to say they've put some serious thought into it. Wheelchair accessible? Yes! Ramps everywhere, which is music to my tired knees and a godsend. They have facilities for disabled guests which is a huge win. The elevator works (praise the heavens!), and they have facilities for disabled guests, although I'd need a deeper dive to truly assess the scope of those facilities specifically tailored. More on that later.
Arrival and the Glorious Internet (Because Let's Be Honest, We Need it)
Check-in was a breeze, contactless check-in/out – perfect for this germaphobe! The staff, from the doorman to the front desk, were smiling and genuinely helpful. The ever-present concierge is a godsend for finding cool stuff to do in Cirebon.
Now, the internet. Vital. They’ve got Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and Wi-Fi for special events! and Wi-Fi in public areas! They also offer Internet [LAN] in rooms for those of you who are nostalgic for the days of ethernet cables. The Internet services were decent, enough for me to upload my selfies to Instagram (priorities, people!).
The Room: My Personal Sanctuary
Alright, brace yourself. The room was… spacious. I’m not talking "slightly bigger than a shoebox" spacious. I'm talking, you could, hypothetically, hold a small yoga class in there. I loved the air conditioning blasting, the blackout curtains, and most importantly, the seriously comfortable bed. And the extra long bed was perfect for someone like me who stretches out like a starfish.
The bathroom? Oh, the bathroom! It felt like its own tiny spa. The separate shower/bathtub was a dream, and the fluffy bathrobes and slippers made me feel like I was living my best life. All the little things, like complimentary tea and free bottled water, spoke volumes. They even had a scale so I could track how many extra breakfast buffets I consumed. (Shh, don't tell anyone).
The "Things To Do" List (and the Ways to Relax)
This is where Bale Cangkring starts to pull out all the stops. I mean, the sheer number of options is almost overwhelming.
Ways to Relax? They've Got You Covered.
- Spa: This is where I spent a solid afternoon. They had everything! Body scrub, body wrap, foot bath, massage. I'm pretty sure I achieved a state of Zen I didn't know I was capable of.
- Pool with view? Yes, absolutely glorious. The swimming pool [outdoor] is massive, and the view is something else. Picture this: lounging by the pool, a gentle breeze, and the world’s worries melting away…
- Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom. I made good use of all of these and felt amazing afterwards.
- Fitness center/Gym/fitness For you fitness fanatics. I, um, may have skipped this. See: breakfast buffet.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Prepare to Unleash Your Inner Glutton!
Okay, this is where I really went to town. Bale Cangkring offers just about EVERYTHING.
- Restaurants: They have several. Asian cuisine in restaurant, international cuisine in restaurant, vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant. So, no matter your mood or cravings, you are covered.
- Breakfast? Oh. My. Goodness. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, breakfast [buffet], breakfast service, Breakfast takeaway service, Breakfast in room. The buffet was a feast. Fresh fruit, pastries, made-to-order eggs – you name it, they had it.
- Coffee/Tea? Yes, in the restaurants and the coffee shop.
- Bar? Yep, a very stylish one. The poolside bar was perfect for a pre-dinner cocktail. Happy hour made me even happier.
- A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant. I mean, seriously, the food options are ENDLESS. My stomach is still recovering.
- Bottle of water – a nice touch.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure
This is HUGE these days, and Bale Cangkring really nails it.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. It's reassuring to know they're taking this so seriously.
- Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit. Always a good thing to know.
- Cashless payment service.
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms. They’ve actually gone the extra mile, which gives you real peace of mind.
Going Beyond the Basics: Services and Conveniences
- Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center. They thought of everything.
For the Kids (and the Young at Heart):
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal. Perfect for families.
Getting Around & Practical Stuff
- Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking. Getting to and from the hotel couldn't be easier.
The Little Things That Make a Difference
- Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, 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. Yep, all the usual suspects, done exceptionally well.
Anecdote Time!: The Poolside Incident
Okay, so here's a slightly embarrassing story. I was lounging by the pool, blissfully content with my book and my mango juice. Suddenly, a rogue gust of wind decided to play havoc, and my towel went flying. Straight into the pool. Mortified, I dove in to retrieve it, fully clothed (yes, I was wearing clothes). The staff, bless their hearts, just smiled and offered me another towel. Talk about grace under pressure. This highlights a truly fantastic service and how things are managed perfectly.
The Verdict: Is it REALLY Bali-Style Luxury?
Honestly? Yes. Absolutely, yes. Bale Cangkring has nailed it. It’s a luxurious, relaxing, and incredibly well-thought-out hotel. The staff are amazing, the food is divine, and the facilities are top
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Hotel Bale Cangkring: My Cirebon Confession (and a Lot of Bakmi)
Okay, so here's the thing. I'm writing this from a slightly sweaty, mosquito-bitten perch in the lobby of Hotel Bale Cangkring in Cirebon. The aircon is doing its best, but honestly, it feels like a lukewarm hug. And you know what? That's kind of fitting for this trip. Because just like the aircon, it's been…well, a mixed bag. Let's dive in.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Bakmi Hunt
- 1:00 PM: Arrived at Kertajati International Airport (which felt suspiciously international for a flight from Jakarta). Finding a taxi was an adventure in itself – a sweaty, frantic negotiation involving a lot of pointing and the phrase "Bisa kurang?" (Can it be cheaper?). Lesson learned: brush up on my Bahasa.
- 2:30 PM: Check-in at Bale Cangkring. The hotel is… rustic. Let’s leave it at that. The lobby is beautiful though, all carved wood and that calming Indonesian scent that smells like jasmine and…old wood. And the woman at the front desk was a goddess. She smiled at me, even though I was clearly a hot, flustered mess. Bonus points for her.
- 3:00 PM: Room. Okay, it’s clean. Sort of. The bathroom is…interesting. The shower is a little unpredictable and some of the fixtures remind me of my grandmother's house. Fine. It’s clean.
- 3:30 PM - Onward: The Bakmi Hunt Begins. This is the whole reason I came to Cirebon. I have read endless articles raving about the local noodle dishes. This is a QUEST. First stop: Bakmi Djampang. Oh my God. Seriously. I’m still dreaming about it. Soft, perfect egg noodles, a rich, savory broth, tender chicken…I inhaled it. The spice level was just right and I seriously contemplated ordering a second bowl. Regretfully, I resisted.
- 5:00 PM: Stumbled around the local markets getting lost in a sea of colours, smells (Durian! My nemesis!), and the vibrant bustle of local trade. I'm pretty sure I bought a bag of something that I couldn't identify which is probably fine. It was delicious. Found some local children playing what looked like a mix between cricket and dodgeball. They laughed at me, and I laughed along.
- 7:00 PM: Tried to find a nice cafe. Failed. Ended up back at the hotel, eating the questionable market snack. Feeling slightly defeated, and very aware that I probably sweat through my shirt in the taxi.
Day 2: Kesultanan and the Curse of the Blister
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast! The hotel breakfast is… okay. The nasi goreng (fried rice) is decent, but the coffee tastes like dishwater. I'm starting to get a caffeine headache. I can't be too picky though, as I'm starving.
- 10:00 AM: Visit the Kraton Kasepuhan. Wow. Just… wow. The colours, the history, the opulence… It's like stepping back in time. I got a guide and he was amazing, telling me all the secrets. The stories of the sultan and his wives were fascinating. The whole complex feels like a living, breathing museum. I spent hours wandering through the courtyards and getting lost in the beauty of the space.
- 1:00 PM: Time for lunch. Found a local warung (small restaurant) nearby and the meal was amazing. It’s these unpretentious places that are the star of the show. The flavours were bold, the people were kind, and even the cat was friendlier than any cat I've met.
- 2:00 PM: The Curse of the Blister. Remember how I said I spent hours wandering the palace? Well, my shoes apparently weren't built for such rigorous activity. My left heel is now a throbbing, angry blister. I limped back to the hotel, muttering about the lack of proper footwear and the cruelty of cobblestone paths. This is not how I envisioned my day. I attempted to get some ointment from the hotel shop, only to discover that I had no cash.
- 3:00 PM: The Great Cash Hunt. The ATM outside wasn't working, so I was on a mission to find one that did. It felt like a scavenger hunt, wandering from street to street in search of a working ATM. Finally found one, right when I was about to give up.
- 4:00 PM: Afternoon nap. The blister, the heat, the emotional drain of the ATM hunt have taken their toll.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner: Tried another Bakmi place – Bakmi Jawa Pak Giyo. Still not as good as Djampang, but definitely worth a visit. Starting to get serious noodle fatigue, but I'm committed. I have a problem, I know.
Day 3: Batik and a Bittersweet Farewell
- 9:00 AM: More questionable hotel coffee. At this point, I'm considering just smuggling in my own instant.
- 10:00 AM: Visited a Batik workshop. Watching the intricate process of wax-resist dyeing is truly mesmerizing. The colours, the patterns… it’s a stunning art form. I even tried my hand at it, and the result… let's just say I should stick to buying the finished products.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a place recommended by the Batik man. The place was busy, and for a good reason: amazing food!
- 1:00 PM: Shopping! I actually found a Batik scarf that I love. And it’s not even too expensive. Score.
- 2:00 PM: Wandering around the city one last time. This time, I was a little more aware of my surroundings and enjoyed just watching the people. The way the city is evolving, the energy, the way each individual had their own unique perspective. It’s a very different experience than the first day.
- 4:00 PM: Packing. Realizing I haven't bought any snacks for the flight.
- 5:00 PM: Last-minute Bakmi, because, of course. I'm going to miss this city. Even with the blister, the slightly dodgy hotel, and the questionable coffee.
- 7:00 PM: Headed to the airport.
Final Thoughts:
Cirebon: it's not perfect. But it's real. It's raw. And for all its imperfections, it's got a charm that sneaks up on you. The people are friendly, and the Bakmi… well, that's worth the trip alone. Would I come back? Absolutely. Maybe with comfier shoes next time. And definitely more cash on hand. And another go at Bakmi Djampang. Always.
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Hotel Bale Cangkring: Cirebon's Bali-esque Hideaway - Your Burning Questions Answered (with a Side of Overthinking)
Okay, spill the tea: Is it *really* Bali-esque? Because I'm skeptical. Cirebon? Bali? Seems… far-fetched.
Alright, alright, *deep breath*. The skepticism is understandable. I went in expecting a glorified attempt, you know? Like, they'd sprinkle some frangipani petals and call it a day. *Wrong.* Bale Cangkring actually pulls it off, with a good amount of style and effort. Think lush gardens, those Balinese-style gates that make you feel instantly zen (or at least, less stressed from the Jakarta traffic you just escaped), and the overall vibe is *chill*. Now, it's not *exactly* Bali – hey, it’s still in Cirebon, and thank goodness for that, because I've never been so close to my favorite "Empal Gentong" and "Nasi Lengko" restaurants with such great atmosphere-- but it definitely channels the spirit. Picture this: Sitting on your balcony (I'm telling you, GET a balcony room), sipping freshly squeezed juice, and just… *sighing*. It’s that kind of place. The real test? I actually started craving a Bintang – now *that's* Bali-esque!
Let's talk rooms. What's the deal? Are they worth the hype (and the potential hole in my wallet)?
Okay, the rooms… yes. Yes, they're worth it. I opted for the superior something-or-other (I’ve blocked it out, the name of the room, because I'm clearly above remembering that level of detail), and I was seriously impressed. They’re surprisingly spacious, beautifully decorated (think wood, earth tones, and maybe a Buddha statue or two, but tasteful, not kitschy), and clean, *immaculately* clean. The bathroom? Now, the bathroom was the real winner. Huge, with a walk-in rain shower that made me want to just *live* in it. Honestly, I spent way too much time in that shower. My bad. I may have missed breakfast one whole morning. Totally worth it. And the balcony? As I mentioned before, grab a room with a balcony, like… don't even think about it, just do it. Watching the sunset over the rice paddies (yes, you heard me) from my balcony? Peak vacation vibes, right there. The only downside? Leaving!
Is the food any good? Because let's be real, hotel food can be a gamble.
Okay, the food. This is where things got a little… complicated. The breakfast buffet? Solid. Plenty of options, fresh fruit, and a made-to-order omelet station (always a win). But, and this is a big but, the lunch/dinner options at the hotel restaurant were… a mixed bag. Some dishes were divine – I still dream of the grilled fish – others… well, let's just say they weren't exactly memorable. The menu felt a bit generic sometimes; they had all the usual suspects, right? Nasi Goreng, Spaghetti, and so on. Honestly, I'd recommend venturing out and sampling some of the local Cirebon cuisine – the Empal Gentong, the Nasi Lengko, *everything*. Walk outside the hotel, it's a whole new adventure, a culinary feast. The Hotel just needs to step up that game for food, you know.
What about the pool? Because a Bali-esque hotel NEEDS a good pool. Can I actually relax by it?
The pool... Yes, the pool is glorious. Think turquoise water, plenty of sun loungers, and a general sense of peace. Again, very Bali-esque. I spent several afternoons just lounging by the pool, reading a book, and trying (and failing) to detach from the stresses of work. There was a little bit of "loungers booked with towels but unoccupied" situation going on, which is mildly annoying, but hey, I found a spot eventually. They could probably do with a few more of the umbrellas though, because the sun in Cirebon can be brutal (which is fine, so you can get a tan and bring it back to your friends). Overall? Pool = a definite YES. It’s exactly what you want.
Are there any other facilities? Like, a spa? I need a massage after that Jakarta traffic.
Ah, the spa. Yes, they have a spa. And yes, you *absolutely* need a massage. Seriously. Do it. The traffic alone warrants it. The spa itself is… nice. Clean, relaxing music, and the therapists are skilled. I had a Balinese massage, naturally, and it was divine. I'm talking, like, knots I didn't even *know* I had were unraveling. It was so good, I almost fell asleep during the massage (which, for me, is a sign of true relaxation). The only minor criticism? The lighting could be a *little* dimmer, but hey, I'm nitpicking. Get the massage. Thank me later.
Cirebon itself… is there anything *to do* there, or would I just be stuck in the hotel?
Okay, Cirebon. Let's be honest, it's not Bali. But that's part of its charm, you know? The city is full of great culture, like the "Keraton Kasepuhan" (Sultan's Palace), the "Keraton Kanoman". I mean, sure, some people say it's 'boring', some people just want to relax. But Cirebon really does have its own unique vibe. And the food! Oh, the food. And the Hotel is strategically located so that you could try on foot or by motorbike so many things near it, you know! So, no, you won't be *stuck* in the hotel. Explore! Get the food!
Anything *really* bad? Because no place is perfect, right?
Okay, the bad. Yes, there are imperfections. The service, while generally friendly, could sometimes be a *little* slow. There was one instance where I'd asked for extra towels, and they never showed up. I had to call, and then another time, you know. It happens. And parking can be a bit of a nightmare during the peak hours. Not the end of the world, but annoying. And honestly, I'm still a bit mystified by the lack of variety of the hotel food. If they fixed some of these things, it'd be *perfect*. But hey, no place is perfect, and these are minor quibbles really.
So, overall? Would you recommend it? And would *you* go back?
Okay, the verdict. Yes. Absolutely, *yes*. If you're looking for a relaxing getaway, a placeBudget Travel Destination
