Unbelievable Brits Hotel Pangkalan Bun: Your Indonesian Paradise Awaits!
Unbelievable Brits Hotel Pangkalan Bun: Your Indonesian Paradise Awaits!
Unbelievable Brits Hotel Pangkalan Bun: My Indonesian Paradise…Almost! (A Brutally Honest Review)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from Unbelievable Brits Hotel in Pangkalan Bun, Indonesia, and the word "unbelievable" is definitely apt… just maybe not in the way they intended. Look, the title promises paradise, and listen, it gets close. But let's be real, it's Indonesia, and paradise, like a good cup of kopi, can be a little messy, a little strong, and a whole lot unforgettable.
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First Impressions & the Access Blues:
Right off the bat, let's talk Accessibility. Now, this is where that "unbelievable" part started to wobble a bit. They say they have Facilities for disabled guests. And I saw an Elevator… but navigating some of the pathways felt like an obstacle course. The paths weren't always perfectly smooth, and the signage… well, let's just say you might need a Sherpa to find the Restaurants. (Which, ironically, are supposed to be Wheelchair accessible – something I couldn't fully assess due to… well, aforementioned path issues.) More on that later.
Rambling, digressing! Did I mention the humidity? Good lord, it's a thing. You step out of your room and you're instantly wrapped in a warm, damp hug. Makes everything feel a little… sticky. And that's BEFORE you hit the pool.
Inside the Fortress (My Room):
My room. Ah, my room. The air conditioning was a lifesaver (thank GOD for Air conditioning!), or I would likely evaporate. The Air conditioning was a life saver, because the rest of the room was perfect for a little nap after a long day sightseeing. They provided the basic necessities, including complimentary tea and bottled water, a desk, Wi-Fi [free], a safe deposit box, Bathrobes, hair dryers and towels. My room had satellite TV, I was able to watch anything I wanted on the satellite/cable channels, and the bed sheets and linens were absolutely spotless, I will say!
Now, the Bathroom – surprisingly decent, with that essential hot water and decent water pressure. They even had bathrobes! Slippers were a nice touch. The whole room felt clean and safe. They took hygiene seriously, I saw evidence of professional-grade sanitizing services, rooms sanitized between stays and staff trained in safety protocol. You could even opt-out of full room sanitization if preferred, but I opted in. I'm generally a germophobe anyway!
Dinner and Drinks: A Culinary Adventure (Mostly Good!)
Here's where things got interesting. The hotel offers a A la carte in restaurant menu and also a buffet in restaurant as well. Breakfast [buffet] was a highlight! Plenty of Asian breakfast, fresh fruit, pastries – the works! I loved the variety of coffee/tea in restaurant. I'm a sucker for a good cup of coffee, and theirs was decent, thankfully.
I tried the Asian cuisine for dinner one night, and it was fantastic. Seriously, the nasi goreng was out of this world. There's also International cuisine in restaurant available, but I never tried it. I also enjoyed the poolside bar. They serve a variety of cocktails for happy hour! I tried a few, let's just say. The snack bar was a good backup option. And there was a vegetarian restaurant on site.
I was absolutely obsessed with the Desserts in restaurant!
Now, a slight hiccup. One evening, I ordered room service (Room service [24-hour]). And… well, let's just say the food took a while to arrive. And when it did, it wasn't quite what I ordered. But hey, Indonesia! Things are done on Indonesian time, and it's all part of the charm, right? Sort of.
Things to Do (and Relax!)
The Swimming pool [outdoor] is gorgeous. Truly, postcard-worthy. The Pool with view is stunning! I spent hours just floating, staring up at the sky. Pure bliss. They also had a fantastic sauna and Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom. They offered sauna and spa treatments, I went in for a Body scrub and Body wrap treatment. It was heavenly!
They also have a fitness center and gym/fitness if you're feeling ambitious (I wasn't, but it's there!).
Safety and Cleanliness: They Really Tried!
This is where Unbelievable Brits really shines. They clearly prioritize Cleanliness and safety. I saw Anti-viral cleaning products being used everywhere. They had stacks of hand sanitizer, took Daily disinfection in common areas, and everyone was wearing masks which was very reassuring.
They were also big on the whole COVID thing, which I appreciated. I was eating at a Safe dining setup and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items were being used. They did well with physical distancing of at least 1 meter and even provided Individually-wrapped food options. If you are sick, they also offer a Doctor/nurse on call. Honestly, I felt safer here than I do in my own apartment back home!
Services and Conveniences: The Good, The Bad, and the Interesting
Lots going on here. They have a Concierge, Dry cleaning, Laundry service, Currency exchange, and even a Gift/souvenir shop. Handy! They also have Cash withdrawal.
Getting Around:
They offer Airport transfer, which is a must. And they have a Car park [free of charge]. They also have Taxi service if you need it.
For the Kids:
I didn't have kids with me, but they seemed pretty Family/child friendly. They offer Babysitting service and Kids meal, which is great.
My Verdict: Unbelievably Close to Paradise!
Okay, so Unbelievable Brits isn't perfect. It has its quirks (hello, confusing pathways!). But here’s the deal: it’s a fantastic base for exploring Pangkalan Bun and the surrounding area. It's clean, comfortable, and the staff is genuinely friendly and helpful. The food is mostly excellent, especially the breakfast and the local cuisine. The spa is heavenly. The pool is pure magic. Most importantly, they genuinely try. They are taking hygiene and safety seriously.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just be prepared for a few Indonesian-style "adjustments," embrace the messiness, and you'll have a truly unforgettable experience. Just maybe pack a good map and a sense of humor. And maybe a spare pair of shoes, because you'll be doing a lot of walking!
14-Day Quarantine Paradise: Luxury Chilgok Stay (Near Gumi!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, sterile travel itinerary. This is Pangkalan Bun, baby, in all its gloriously humid, mosquito-infested glory. We're staying at the Brits Hotel, because frankly, it's the only place that seemed remotely decent and had air conditioning. (Survival, people! Survival!). Prepare for a journey that's less "smooth sailing" and more "wild raft adventure down a river of questionable sanitation."
The "Maybe This Will Work" Itinerary: Brits Hotel & Pangkalan Bun, Indonesia
Day 1: Arrival and the Astonishment of the Brits (plus, a near-death experience with Indonesian traffic)
- Morning (like, really early morning): Arrived at Pangkalan Bun airport. Let's be honest, "airport" is generous. More like a large shed with a runway tacked on. The humidity hit me like a wet blanket. My hair immediately frizzed, and I started to feel like a wilted fern. Saw my first Orangutan, a very large one, right after leaving the airport, a statue, but was immediately thrilled by it.
- Transfer to the Brits Hotel: The ride was an adventure in itself. Our driver navigated the scooter-swarm of Pangkalan Bun like a caffeinated maestro conducting a chaotic orchestra. Seriously, I'm pretty sure I saw a chicken riding a motorbike. The traffic? Pure. Carnage. But hey, we survived! Miracle #1.
- Afternoon: Checked into the Brits. The AC blasted, and I immediately felt a wave of relief. The room itself was… well, it wasn't the Ritz, but clean enough. I'd give it a solid 6/10. (Let's be real, "clean enough" in Indonesia is a massive win.)
- Afternoon (continued): A quick foray to the hotel restaurant for lunch. The menu was in a language I can't even begin to decipher. I basically pointed at a picture of something that looked edible and hoped for the best. It was a spicy noodle dish. My mouth was on fire, and I loved it. This, I thought, is what travel is all about.
- Evening: Attempted a walk around the block. Bad idea. The heat was brutal. The air thick with the scent of exhaust fumes and…other things I couldn't quite identify. Retreat back to the Brits' air conditioning, watching some TV in the local language. The experience was, for some reason, very enjoyable, just because how strange it was.
Day 2: The Call of the River (and the Potential for Crocodile-Induced Panic)
- Morning: Woke up to the sound of… well, I'm not sure what it was, but it was definitely not a bird. More like a pterodactyl with a sinus infection. Ate the questionable hotel breakfast – a selection of things that looked vaguely familiar. (Rice. Fried egg. Some fried things. You know the drill.)
- Morning (continued): Booked a day trip up the Sekonyer River to Tanjung Puting National Park. The anticipation was building. I'd seen photos of Orangutans swinging through the trees, and I was determined to witness it with my own eyes.
- Afternoon: The river trip began. The boat was called a "klotok," which sounds way cooler than it actually is. The heat was relentless, the sun was beating down, and the river water looked… murky. I kept imagining crocodiles. I kept thinking, "I hope I don't become lunch." Slightly panicked, but trying to act cool.
- Afternoon (continued): Saw Orangutans! Several of them! They were majestic, hilarious, and completely indifferent to our presence. One even gave me the stink eye, which I considered a personal victory. My heart swelled with joy and a touch of awe.
- Evening: Back to the Brits, utterly exhausted but completely buzzing from the Orangutan encounter. Ate dinner, which was… another spicy noodle dish. I am beginning to develop strong feelings about this.
Day 3: The "I Need A Nap and a Strong Drink" Day
- Morning: Slept in. Decided to skip the questionable hotel breakfast. The thought of more rice and fried things was enough to send shivers down my spine.
- Morning (continued): Wandered around the hotel pool. It was more algae than water, but the cool water was a nice respite from the heat.
- Anecdote: I was in the pool for about 30 seconds when a small boy tried to climb on me. I felt a bit annoyed, but then, I smiled at him and the boy. A few minutes later he and his friends were playing volleyball in the waters nearby.
- Afternoon: Did nothing. Absolutely nothing. Read a book, watched some terrible Indonesian soap operas. This was perfect.
- Evening: Went for a massage at the hotel spa. It was… intense. The masseuse was clearly very strong and probably had a side gig as a construction worker. My shoulder is screaming. But in a good way! It's a bit hard to explain.
- Evening (continued): Dinner at a local warung (small, family-run restaurant). Ordered something I couldn't pronounce. It was delicious and cheap. I felt a momentary pang of satisfaction. Then, some kind of insect decided to join me for dinner. Great.
Day 4: The "Goodbye, Sweet Pangkalan Bun" Day (and the Struggle to Leave)
- Morning: Woke up feeling surprisingly refreshed. The tropical haze had lifted slightly. Ate the hotel breakfast (I’m starting to acclimatize. It's a sign of my impending Indonesian citizenship).
- Morning (continued): Checked out of the Brits. Said a silent goodbye to the AC.
- Afternoon: Headed back to the "airport." Survived the motorbike apocalypse once more and made it to the terminal.
- Afternoon (continued): Saw more Orangutans, this time in the "Pangkalan Bun Airport Shop", but now the whole statue, for the airport was designed like the Orangutan's habitat.
- Evening: Plane delayed. Of course. Sat in the airport and waited. The humidity was back in full force. The air conditioner was… non-existent. I started to question all my life choices. I was ready to go home.
- Evening (continued): Finally, the plane arrived. Boarded. Took off. Goodbye, Pangkalan Bun! You were hot, mosquito-filled, and wildly chaotic, but also… strangely unforgettable. I'll be back (maybe).
Final Thoughts (and an overwhelming sense of humidity):
Pangkalan Bun is not for the faint of heart. It's a sensory overload, it's a logistical minefield, and it's guaranteed to leave you slightly frazzled. But it's also incredibly rewarding. The Orangutans alone are worth the trip. Plus, the food is amazing – even if it's a mystery every time you order. The Brits Hotel? Well, it's a place to rest your head. And that's enough sometimes. Just remember to pack plenty of bug spray, some strong-armed anti-diarrheal meds, and a sense of humor. You'll need it. Trust me. You totally will. And to wrap up: Indonesia, you're weird. And I love it.
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Unbelievable Brits Hotel Pangkalan Bun: The Truth (and Maybe Some Lies, Who Knows?)
Is this hotel *really* as amazing as the website makes it sound? Like, for real?
Okay, let's be honest. Websites are designed to make everything sound like a unicorn farted rainbows. Unbelievable Brits? The name itself is a bit much, isn't it? But... yeah, it's pretty darn good. I mean, I went in expecting a slightly grubby backpacker haven, and I ended up feeling like I'd stumbled onto a hidden gem. The website oversells *some* things, like maybe the "unparalleled luxury" (it's comfy, not Buckingham Palace), but the core experience? Solid. Definitely better than that cockroach-infested place I stayed at in Bali… ugh, the memories.
What's the location *really* like? Away from the glossy photos, tell me.
Pangkalan Bun. Let's be real. It's not the Maldives. It's… well, it's a bit dusty. It's a town, not a postcard. But the hotel itself is strategically nestled, a little oasis of calm. I remember arriving after a grueling flight, sweating like a pig, and immediately feeling this… *chill*. The pool area is genuinely lovely. You're close to the airport, which is a huge plus, and, obviously, the gateway to Tanjung Puting National Park. Which is why you're *really* here. Don't go expecting a bustling nightlife though. Think more "relaxed evening stroll" than "dance 'til dawn." You can find food and some places to drink, but the hotel is your best bet for a comfortable stay and they even have live music sometimes which, can be hit or miss.
The Pool! Is it actually swimmable, or just for Instagram?
Okay, this is important. The pool is glorious. It's clean, it's refreshing, and it's the perfect antidote to the humidity. I spent a *serious* amount of time in that pool. One day, I swear, I nearly lived in it, ordered my meals poolside, and just… existed in that blissful blue. I saw a couple of kids splashing around, and honestly, I just felt a wave of pure, unadulterated, jealousy. I'm not usually a pool person, but this one? This pool is a game-changer. Take a dip late at night, there are lights in the pool and I was able to relax properly with a few drinks. Definitely a highlight.
What about the rooms? Are they actually clean? (Asking for a friend... me).
The rooms are… mostly. (Sorry, I can't give a guarantee). Okay, let's be realistic. You're in Indonesia. Perfection isn't the aim, and sometimes you're just going to find something a little imperfect. My room was clean enough, but I did spot a teeny, tiny ant parade one morning. Nothing a good squish of a bug spray can't handle! But seriously, the rooms are comfortable, the aircon works (a lifesaver!), and the beds are decent. I'd say a solid B+ in the cleanliness department, which is a win in Indonesian hotel standards. The hot water was... well, hot. And that's all that matters after a day in the jungle.
The food! Is it just standard hotel fare or something… else?
The food… hmm. It's not Michelin-star stuff, that's for sure. But it's surprisingly good! They had a decent selection of Indonesian dishes, and the breakfasts are pretty solid. I had the nasi goreng (fried rice) multiple times – a classic. The coffee was… acceptable. (I need my coffee, people!). The restaurant area is open-air and pleasant. One tip: try the local fruit juice. Freshly squeezed, delicious, and cheap. I spent a bit, but its worth it. I wish they'd had more variety, I could be picky sometimes. overall, not bad at all.
How's the service? Indonesian hospitality is legendary, but sometimes...
Indonesian hospitality? It's real. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. A little bit of broken Bahasa Indonesia goes a long way, but even if you just stick to English, they're accommodating. I remember I was completely lost trying to arrange a taxi one morning and they helped me out immediately. They genuinely seem to want you to have a good time. It's that classic Indonesian warmth that's just… lovely. They're not hovering, but they're there when you need them. And trust me, after a long day of orangutan spotting, you'll need them.
Is it actually "unbelievable" in any way, shape, or form?
Okay, "unbelievable" is a strong word. But… the location, for most people, especially the primary target -- the gateway to Tanjung Puting, absolutely! The service is amazing. The pool is amazing. It's a genuinely pleasant place to stay. It's not the Ritz, but it's a world away from the budget options that you might find in Pangkalan Bun. I think the "Unbelievable" part is more about the *contrast* – the fact that it's such a comfortable and convenient base in what can otherwise be a fairly rustic area. So, yeah, I'd recommend it. Just don't expect miracles. Expect a good hotel, a good stay, and a potentially life-changing orangutan encounter!
Is it a good place to book your tours to Tanjung Puting from?
Definitely! They can help you arrange everything. They will recommend good tour companies, arrange your pick up and drop off, take your luggage, and much more. You will feel much more comfortable booking with them than trying to find a tour company yourself. They will keep things simple and easy.
Any dealbreakers? Anything I should BEWARE of?
Okay, a few minor things. The Wi-Fi can be a bit… patchy. Don't rely on it for important work stuff. Embrace the digital detox. Sometimes there will be noise from the street, but its never excessive. And, this isn't really a 'dealbreakerBangalore's Dreamz Lux Stay: Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!
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