Banjarmasin's BEST Syariah Hotel Near Jalan Ahmad Yani: KoolKost!
Alright, alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the slightly messy, wonderfully imperfect, and surprisingly delightful world of KoolKost, your future home away from home (or maybe just your comfy weekend getaway) in Banjarmasin. Let's get this review ramen-style, meaning all over the place, a little bit spicy, and totally from the heart.
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First Impressions and the Great Arrival Debacle (Accessibility & Services)
Okay, first things first: getting there. KoolKost, situated conveniently near Jalan Ahmad Yani (and let’s be real, everything seems to be near Ahmad Yani in Banjarmasin!), gets a solid thumbs up for accessibility. The car park [free of charge] is a win. Finding parking in Banjarmasin is a blood sport, I swear. The lobby? Easy peasy. Elevator? Check. Now, I’m not a wheelchair user, but I poked around and saw friendly ramps and spaces, so looks like it. Facilities for disabled guests seem present and accounted for.
And then… the check-in. It's normally a breeze and is contactless check-in/out, which, in this post-pandemic world, is a godsend. However, on one occasion, the system hiccuped. Don't get me wrong, the staff (and this is important, folks) were genuinely apologetic, offered me a welcome drink, and eventually sorted it with a smile. It's not perfect, but real life never is. (Side rant: I wish I had a doorman to carry my luggage).
Rooms: My Sanctuary… Mostly (Rooms, Cleanliness, Safety)
The rooms? Ah, the rooms. I've stayed in a few, and they're generally clean, well-maintained, and surprisingly quiet. Air conditioning? Absolutely. Blackout curtains? YES, PLEASE. Crucial for combating that Banjarmasin sun. Wi-Fi [free]? Naturally! And it actually works. No more staring at a spinning wheel of doom. Oh, and the additional toilet is a luxury you didn’t know you needed.
Now, let’s talk cleanliness and safety. They're taking it seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and what I could see of the staff, they were all masked up and following protocol. There's a comforting presence of CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property. They also seem to follow the physical distancing of at least 1 meter rules and a professional-grade sanitizing services for rooms. There are smoke detectors and smoke alarms too. Plus, safety deposit boxes. Honestly, it felt reassuring. I've seen some sketchy hotels that look like they haven't been cleaned since the Indonesian War of Independence. This ain't one of them. Room sanitization opt-out available is a good option for those extra cautious.
Important note: While they mention Non-smoking rooms, I’m not seeing a dedicated smoking area so consider checking on this if you're a smoker.
The Food Fiasco (Dining, Drinking, and Snacking)
Alright, let's address the elephant in the room: food. Restaurants are present (they have several). A breakfast [buffet] is offered, sometimes a breakfast takeaway service. I've had both. The buffet is… well, it's decent. Asian breakfast options aplenty. There are even desserts in restaurant. However, on one occasion, I asked for a coffee and waited a long time. Like, long enough to reread the hotel rules and question my life choices. It was eventually delivered, cold (a slight disaster) and after a lot of apologies, but still, a coffee is a fundamental human right, people! On a better note, the coffee shop and poolside bar are nice additions, perfect for relaxing. I didn’t use the room service [24-hour] so I can't give a good or bad rating to it.
Oh, and the bottle of water they give you? Appreciated. Seriously, dehydration is a real threat in this climate. One thing I would have loved to see is a more extensive menu with more local cuisine. Yes, there is a vegetarian restaurant but a little more local Bangajmasin food would have been a fantastic addition!
Ways to Relax and Rejuvenate (Things to do, Ways to Relax)
Okay, now we're talking my language. Swimming pool [outdoor]? Check. It's lovely, and the pool with view is a real selling point. Just be aware that on some days, it's a little crowded (but what pool isn't?). They have a gym/fitness, a sauna, and a spa. I didn't have time for a body scrub or body wrap, but they're available! They go the extra mile with a foot bath too! I actually really liked the massage. It relieved the tension from all the travel.
Services and Conveniences
KoolKost offers a slew of services and conveniences, again making it a perfect place to stay in Banjarmasin. Their offering of Audio-visual equipment for special events, meeting/banquet facilities, and meeting stationery makes it a stellar location for business or pleasure. They also have business facilities like a Xerox/fax in business center. You can do cash withdrawal, use currency exchange, and even have the service of a concierge. Laundry and dry cleaning services are also options and come in handy.
For the Kids (Family/Child Friendly)
I don't have kids, but I noticed they have kids facilities, and I heard other guests mention babysitting service.
For the Couple (Couple's Room)
You can also use a couple's room for your weekend getaway! Getting Around
A car park [free of charge] is a plus. Getting around is easiest with a taxi service, but I found the staff also very helpful.
Internet, Internet, Glorious Internet!
Let's talk tech. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yes! And it’s actually good, really good. I checked my emails, streamed some shows, and generally avoided the world. Internet access – wireless is the way to go. There is also Internet access – LAN, which is cool, should you want to be wired in.
The KoolKost "It" Factor: What Makes it Special
KoolKost isn't perfect, but that's part of its charm. It's clean, comfortable, and has a lot of great amenities. But what really makes it stand out is the staff. They're friendly, helpful, and genuinely seem to care. They are trained in safety protocol and the staff trained in safety protocol are very visible. They try their best during the hiccups, and they remember your name after a couple of days. That kind of personal touch goes a long way.
Okay, Here's the Pitch: Book Your Banjarmasin Escape!
Tired of the same old hotel routine? Craving a Banjarmasin adventure?
KoolKost offers a refreshing alternative. Near Jalan Ahmad Yani, easily accessible, with a pool that begs you to dive in, and staff that treat you like family (well, the good kind of family). We understand you and provide the facilities you need. This is Banjarmasin Accommodation at it's best.
Here’s what you get:
- Awesome Location: Close to EVERYTHING!
- Super-Clean Comfort: Rooms designed for relaxation.
- Delicious Dining: A satisfying breakfast to start your day, and a diverse range of options!
- Relaxation Central: Spa, pool, and all the things to help you recharge.
- Top-Notch Safety: So you can relax and enjoy your trip!
Book your stay at KoolKost today! Visit our website or book through any major travel platform. Experience Banjarmasin the way it's meant to be: comfortable, convenient, and memorable. You won’t regret it!
Final Verdict:
KoolKost is a solid choice for any traveler to Banjarmasin. It's not flawless, but it's got heart, good bones, and the kind of staff that makes you feel welcome. Just be patient with the coffee, and enjoy the ride (and the pool!). Highly recommend.
(P.S. Seriously, book it. You deserve a vacation.)
Escape to Paradise: Sunshine Coast's Pacific Paradise Motel Awaits!
Alright, buckle up Buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is… me in KoolKost Syariah near Jalan Ahmad Yani, Banjarmasin, Indonesia. And let me tell you, it's already a wild ride. Strap in.
KoolKost Syariah, Banjarmasin: Operation "Survive and Thrive (Maybe)"
Day 1: Arrival and Immediate Existential Dread (Plus, Street Food!)
Morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Ugh. The flight. Don't even ask. Let's just say I'm pretty sure my internal organs rearranged themselves at some point during the descent. Landed at Syamsudin Noor International Airport. First impressions? Humid. Like, "I could wring out my socks and make a small puddle" humid. Thankfully, the Grab to KoolKost was (relatively) painless.
(9:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Checked into KoolKost. "Syariah" is the key word here, people. Meaning, no hanky-panky, gotta respect the local customs, and the hotel probably has strict rules. I'll try to be good, but no promises. The room itself is…cleanish. Let's call it "rustic charm." The fan is my new best friend. The Wi-Fi? Well, let's just say I might have to gasp talk to people.
(10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Immediate existential dread kicks in. This is it. I'm in Borneo. Alone. What if I forget how to speak English? What if I get eaten by a komodo dragon? (Okay, maybe komodo dragons aren't in Borneo. My geography skills are, shall we say, improving.) Tried to meditate to calm the mind, but the incessant chatter of the local mosque distracted me. I'll get used to it.
(12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Food! Thank the heavens. Hit the streets around the hotel. Oh. My. God. The food. The colors. The smells! First taste of Soto Banjar. Spicy, savory, with a fried egg perfectly perched on top. Pure heaven. Almost forgot my existential crisis. Almost. I'm pretty sure I gave myself a mild stomach ache eating something that looked like little yellow balls from a nameless street vendor. No regrets. Every bite was a revelation.
(2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Siesta time! Attempted to sleep but it was too hot. This is the time when I had to stay in bed to recharge myself with the next days' experiences.
(4:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Spent hours searching for something I had lost at street food. I never found it.
(7:00 PM Onwards): Dinner. More street food. I'm probably going to regret this. But look. If I die, I die happy, covered in delicious Indonesian spices. Found a little warung (small restaurant) run by a woman with a smile that could launch a thousand ships. Ate some kind of grilled fish. The fish stared me in the eye while I ate it. Bittersweet. Went back to the hostel, and the fan is STILL my best friend. Bedtime for this tired traveler.
Day 2: Markets, Monkeys and Melancholy
Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Woke up slightly regretful of my previous food choices, but alive! Found a small local supermarket. After all the street food, something was missing. A taste of home. Purchased some peanut butter and bread.
(9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Market madness! Visited Pasar Terapung (Floating Market), a must-see. This place is pure chaos, in the best possible way. Boats packed with vendors selling everything from fruit to fish, chickens to… well, just everything. The river traffic is crazier than a rush-hour freeway. I got jostled, sprayed with fish water, and haggled fiercely for a pineapple. Victory! I even managed to take some photos that weren't total blurry disasters.
(12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch. Back to street food, obviously. I'm pretty sure I'm developing an addiction. This time it was "sate ayam" (chicken skewers) with peanut sauce. So good it brought a tear to my eye. The humidity has definitely started affecting my emotional processing unit.
(2:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Went to a local park to see the monkeys! Ok, let's admit it, I was scared. I love animals, but these monkeys were fearless. They were practically mugging people for snacks. One grabbed a banana. I retreated to the bench and spent some time thinking. The day's events turned melancholy. I miss home. I miss routine. Maybe this solo travel thing wasn't such a bright idea after all…
(6:00 PM Onwards): Another street food adventure, searching for something to lift my spirits. Found myself wandering the street, lost in my thoughts. Maybe I'm just a big baby. Went to bed early.
Day 3: River Cruise and Rediscovering the Joy of Life!
Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Sun's out, feeling a bit more optimistic after a good night's sleep (and by "good" I mean "slightly less humid"). Breakfasted on my peanut butter and bread. High-class living.
(9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Embarked on one of the many beautiful river cruise tours this city has to offer. The boat ride was peaceful, and the scenery was absolutely stunning. I watched the city wake up along the river, watching the daily lives of the people who live near the river.
(12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Seafood lunch by the river. This time I made sure the fish didn't look at me while I was eating!
(2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Decided to seek out some souvenirs. The markets are filled with trinkets, but I wanted something special, something that told a story. I found a family workshop that specializes in intricate wood carvings. Watching the artisans at work was mesmerizing. I bought a small, beautifully carved bird, a reminder of the beauty I found here in Banjarmasin.
(5:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Went back to the hostel. Had a quick shower, and changed into some fresh clothes.
(7:00 PM Onwards): Dinner with some local people I met during the river cruise. It was nice to get to know new people. Bedtime.
Day 4: Departure
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Goodbye, Banjarmasin! Packed my bags, feeling a strange mix of sadness and relief. The city had challenged me, pushed me, and, yeah, occasionally terrified me. But it had also shown me beauty, kindness, and the joy of a really, really good plate of sate ayam.
- (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Checked out of KoolKost. The staff were incredibly friendly, though I'm pretty sure they still wonder about that time I tried to order "peanut butter and fried bananas" in broken Indonesian.
- (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Grab to the airport. One last look at the streets. I'm going to miss the energy, the colors, the chaos. And, yes, even the humidity.
- (12:00 PM Onwards): Flight. The flight back was less traumatic than the flight in. I'm already dreaming of when I can come back to this beautiful, messy, unforgettable place.
Final Thoughts (and a confession):
This trip wasn't perfect. I got lost. I ate questionable food. I had moments where I wanted to book the next flight home. But I also connected with people, saw incredible things, and learned a little bit more about myself. And that, my friends, is what travel is all about.
And… (whispers) I may or may not have smuggled a few bags of those little yellow balls from the street vendor in my suitcase. Don't tell anyone.
Escape to Paradise: Kandivali East's Hidden Gem Awaits!
Okay, so... KoolKost. Is it *really* the best syariah hotel near Jalan Ahmad Yani? Like, REALLY REALLY?
The Room: Is it spartan, or can you, you know, *breathe* in it?
Syariah-Friendly. What's that *really* mean? No music videos on the TV?
The Breakfast. Tell me *everything*. Was it edible? Was it free? Did it involve rice?
Location, Location, Location: Jalan Ahmad Yani. God help me. Seriously, what's it *really* like?
Staff & Service: Are the people friendly? Helpful? Or do they just look at you blankly?
The Verdict: Would you stay again? Be honest!
