Indonesian Homestay Paradise: EDUTAMA's Syariah Haven in Kediri!
Kediri's Syariah Haven: My Honest, Slightly Overenthusiastic (Maybe?) Review of EDUTAMA's Indonesian Homestay Paradise
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I've just emerged, a changed person, from EDUTAMA's Syariah Haven in Kediri. Forget your pristine, perfectly-reviewed hotels. This is going to be a messy, honest, and utterly subjective dive into my experience. Think less "TripAdvisor" and more "drunken journaling after two too many Bintangs." (Disclaimer: I didn't drink Bintangs. I'm just setting the vibe.)
First Impressions (and the Curse of Accessibility):
Getting there was an adventure in itself. Finding Kediri? Easy. Finding the Homestay Paradise? Slightly less so. The directions, bless their cotton socks, were… let's just say, "Indonesian adventure-esque." But, eventually, we made it! (Phew!) Now, about Accessibility. This is where things get a bit… complicated. The website says it has Facilities for disabled guests, but honestly, I didn't see a ton in the way of ramps or universally friendly pathways. The Elevator was a welcome sight, though! If mobility is a major concern for you, I'd definitely recommend contacting them before you book to clarify the specifics.
Cleanliness and Safety - A Pandemic Reality Check:
Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room: COVID-19. EDUTAMA seems to be taking things seriously. The staff are masked, there's hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE (which is fantastic!), and they're definitely making an effort. The Anti-viral cleaning products and professional-grade sanitizing are reassuring. I even noticed individually-wrapped food options, and they claimed to be doing daily disinfection in common areas. I’m guessing they were, based on how fresh everything felt, but my inner germaphobe still squirmed a little. They also offered Room sanitization opt-out, which is a neat little touch. I felt pretty safe, but honestly… I’m perpetually worried, aren't we all?
My Room: A Cozy Refuge (After a Minor Panic Attack):
The rooms! Oh, the rooms! We're talking Air Conditioning, thankfully, because Kediri is HOT. We had a non-smoking room (thank goodness!), a comfortable bed with extra long bed, and a safe box. The bathroom was… well, it had a shower. And toiletries. (These are essential details, people!) My room also came with a coffee/tea maker, a refrigerator, and a mini-bar (though I didn't partake. I'm a cheapskate!). And the window that opens! Oh, the joy of fresh air!
Now the imperfections….The first room the hotel staff assigned us to was not clean and very smelly, but after talking with the staff, they gave us another room, much better.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Buffet Bonanza (and the Quest for a Decent Coffee):
Their Asian breakfast buffet experience… oh my! It was a feast! A glorious, carb-laden, fruit-filled feast! I'm not even kidding. It went on forever! There was the usual Asian cuisine in restaurant, but also Western breakfast options, for those of us who secretly crave bacon (okay, maybe not bacon, but something). The breakfast service was plentiful, and the staff were incredibly attentive. The only downside? The coffee. Let’s just say, I'm a bit of a coffee snob. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was… mediocre. Definitely brought Instant Coffee for my next stay.
There's a Snack bar and a Poolside bar, but I mainly stuck to the buffet because… well, free food! The Restaurants offered A la carte and buffet in restaurant. Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference:
The staff were lovely. Truly, incredibly lovely. They offered daily housekeeping, and the rooms were always immaculate. There's Luggage storage which was essential, the gave free Wi-Fi in rooms and Internet access. They also have Car park [free of charge], and more.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax: My Personal Oasis (and a Sauna Debacle):
This is where EDUTAMA really shines. This is a Spa/sauna resort. The hotel has a lovely Swimming pool [outdoor] with a Pool with view that was perfect for a refreshing dip after a day of exploring. I’m not sure I got to experience the sauna as I was too shy, but the sheer promise of it was enough to bring me peace. In terms of ways to relax, I was able to enjoy a massage, which was absolutely divine. I felt like a limp noodle afterward. Bliss.
For the Kids (and the Big Kids at Heart):
They had Kids facilities, and the premises were generally Family/child friendly. I did see the Babysitting service, but I didn't have any kids with me, so, didn't check it out.
The Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Absolutely. Despite my minor gripes about the coffee and slight anxiety about the accessibility, EDUTAMA's Syariah Haven is a gem. It's clean, comfortable, and the staff are fantastic. It's a perfect base for exploring Kediri (or, you know, just lounging by the pool). I’m already mentally planning my next trip (and stocking up on my good coffee).
Final Thoughts (and a Plea to the Homestay Gods):
Dear EDUTAMA, please, pretty please, consider upgrading the coffee situation and maybe just double-check those accessibility features! Otherwise… keep doing what you’re doing. You’ve created a little piece of paradise. And if you see a slightly frazzled, perpetually hungry woman wandering around with a travel journal, that’s probably me. Say hello!
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the chaos that was my trip to EDUTAMA Homestay Syariah in Kediri, Indonesia. Forget perfectly polished itineraries. This is the unfiltered, slightly-stained, and probably-still-recovering-from-the-caffeine narrative.
EDUTAMA & Kediri: A Messy, Wonderful Adventure
(Day 1: Arrival & The Great Wifi Hunt)
Morning (5:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Okay, so the flight itself was a comedy of errors. Let's just say I mistook "comfortable shoes" for "stylish boots that actively try to murder your toes" and my luggage decided to take an unauthorized detour to… somewhere. Didn’t matter, because after flying, I found myself in a cramped airport. The "Welcome to Kediri!" sign was probably the most grammatically incorrect thing I'd seen all morning.
- Anecdote: The taxi driver… bless him. He spoke about 3 words of English, and I, blessedly, spoke even less Bahasa. We relied entirely on frantic hand gestures, Google Translate, and the unspoken bond of mutual confusion. It was beautiful.
- Emotional Reaction: Relief. Pure, unadulterated relief as the taxi bumped me closer and closer to EDUTAMA. I needed a shower, a nap, and to stop smelling like airport stale muffins.
Afternoon (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Arrived at EDUTAMA! It’s… charming. Very clean. Very… quiet. Which, after the travel pandemonium, was a huge plus. The staff greeted me with smiles that seemed genuinely welcoming. Check-in was smooth, which was another relief. Room was small, but cozy. And the air conditioning worked! (Praise the travel gods!)
- Quirky Observation: The patterned tiles in my room looked vaguely like a hallucination of a chessboard. Kept expecting a giant chess piece to waltz in.
- Important Task: Wifi. Or rather, the relentless, desperate hunt for it. "Good wifi" and "Indonesia" have never really been BFFs from my experience.
- Impression: Everything seemed really great except the wifi. A solid 7/10, but the wifi was holding it back.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Attempted to find lunch. The guide on my phone said: "Warung Bu Sulastri". It was closed. Okay, now what? Wander aimlessly for a bit. That's a tourist's mantra.
- Minor Category: Eating at a local warung! I found a small local establishment, and, after much pantomime with the owner, managed to order some Nasi Goreng (delicious!). It was spicier than nuclear fire, but I loved it. The heat built slowly, but the flavor was worth it
Evening (4:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Rest and get more organized. Trying to be smart about this trip, even though I feel like a complete mess.
- Emotional Reaction: I’m tired, but the anticipation is starting to build.
(Day 2: Temples, Monkeys, and the Quest for the Perfect Kopi)
Morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Temple time! The guide books said I had to see the ancient ruins. The local temples looked beautiful. It was hot though, and the hike was a bit of a slog in the heat. The monkeys, however, were the real stars. Hilariously cheeky little thieves, sizing you up for snack opportunities
- Anecdote: One bold monkey tried to steal my water bottle. I yelled, it screeched, and then we both realized we were two idiots in the hot sun. We decided to call it a draw.
- Opinionated Language: The temples were amazing but it’s also a bit of a tourist trap. I felt like I was walking through an Instagram filter.
Afternoon (10:00 AM - 2:00 PM): Coffee! The eternal quest for the perfect cup. Tried several local cafes, each with its own distinct vibe. Found one place that served the most incredibly smooth, rich Kopi Tubruk. I was in heaven.
- Focus: The entire afternoon was dedicated to coffee. Every sip, every aroma, every slight tremble of caffeine-induced joy.
- Stream-of-Consciousness: I think I’ll come back just to drink more coffee. I mean, how did I live before discovering this stuff? Every other cafe and establishment just seemed to be nothing more but an idea for a coffee.
Evening (2:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Back to the homestay. Took a walk around the neighborhood, seeing Kediri in a different light. The staff kept smiling. What were they thinking? Taking notes on the Westerner?
- Emotional Reaction: Feeling settled, and surprisingly happy. This place has a certain… charm.
(Day 3: Departure & The Verdict)
Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Breakfast at EDUTAMA. Very simple, but the staff's genuine warmth made it special. Last-minute attempts to capture the essence of Kediri. Buying souvenirs that I’d probably regret later.
- Minor Category: Packing. Not my strong suit. Managed to squish everything back into my bag with the grace of a Tetris champion.
- Messy, Honest, and Funny Observation: I swear my socks are going to be lost forever in some random corner of the room.
Late Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Check-out. Said goodbye to the staff. They were all lovely. I was sad to leave.
Afternoon (12:00 PM onward): Headed back to the airport. Hoping my luggage had a better trip this time.
- Emotional Reaction: A mix of sadness, gratitude, and the overwhelming urge for another cup of coffee.
The Verdict: EDUTAMA Homestay Syariah?
Look, it wasn't perfect (that wifi, though…). But EDUTAMA was a genuinely welcoming place. It was clean, comfortable, and the staff were absolutely wonderful. Kediri itself surprised me. It's not a city you'll find written about in many tourist magazines, but that's part of its charm. It was… real. Messy, beautiful, chaotic, and unforgettable. I would return. As long as they fix the wifi. Seriously, EDUTAMA, fix the wifi! Otherwise, 9/10, would absolutely recommend. And bring me some Kopi Tubruk!
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Welcome to EDUTAMA's Syariah Haven in Kediri: The Unfiltered FAQ!
Okay, spill the tea! What *is* EDUTAMA's Syariah Haven, anyway? Sounds... pious.
Alright, alright, picture this: a homestay in Kediri, Indonesia, that's playing the Islamic card – or at least, *trying* to. They're aiming for "Syariah," you know, following Islamic principles. Think separate prayer rooms for men and women, no alcohol readily available (or, let's be honest, *no* alcohol!), and hopefully, a general vibe of… well, not wild partying. My initial thought? "Sounds… peaceful. Maybe a tad boring?" But hey, everyone needs a break from the chaos, right? It's EDUTAMA, a name that I still can't quite pronounce properly, which promises education (EDUTAMA!) and a haven. Let's see if they deliver.
So… is it *actually* syariah? Like, am I going to get side-eyed for wearing shorts?
That's the million-dollar question! Honestly? It depends. I saw women wearing headscarves, and some didn't. I saw people being respectful of each other. I wore shorts, and no one yelled. I wouldn't wear *skimpy* shorts, but I think if you try to be respectful of the local customs, you'll be fine. It’s not *hardcore* strict, which is a relief for this casual dresser. It's more like… a gentle nudge towards modesty and respect. I’d say lean conservative, but don’t stress. If someone looks disapprovingly at your floral Hawaiian shirt and board shorts, just smile and nod. That usually does the trick!
Let's talk about the rooms. Are they clean? Comfortable? And… do the beds sag?
Okay, the rooms… that's where things get *real*. Cleanliness? Mostly. Let's just say it wasn't *spotless*– you know, dust bunnies weren't extinct, but they weren't staging a coup either! Comfortable? The beds…. that's a gamble. My bed? Okay. My friend's? A definite sag situation. Think more "slightly used" rather than "luxury resort." The AC worked, which, in Kediri heat, is basically a miracle. The bathroom was… functional. Let's leave it at that. I've seen worse, I've seen better. Manage your expectations on this one, folks.
FOOD! What's the grub like? Do they cater to Western tastes, or am I eating *nasi campur* for every meal?
Food... ah, food. You're in Indonesia, so expect *nasi campur* (mixed rice) to be your constant companion. But EDUTAMA’s? They offered a decent variety, *surprisingly*. Breakfast was usually something simple, like nasi goreng (fried rice) or toast. Lunch and dinner… that's where things got exciting. Well, mostly. They had a restaurant, which offered the standard Indonesian fare, plus a few… let's say, *venturesome* dishes. I remember the *gulai ayam* (chicken curry) - rich and flavorful, I ate three helpings, while the *sop buntut* (oxtail soup) was a little… well, I'll call it an acquired taste. Don't be afraid to try everything - you might find something you love. And if you can't stomach it, there's always instant noodles. (I swear, I lived on them sometimes.)
The *atmosphere*… What's the vibe like? Is it social, or are people just hiding in their rooms avoiding eye contact?
Okay, the atmosphere… *it depends*. There were moments of genuine connection, chats in the common areas (which, admittedly, weren't the most comfortable), and laughter. Other times, it was eerily quiet. People kept to themselves, which is understandable in a place like this. It depends who you are! If you're outgoing and like to chat, you'll find opportunities. If you prefer your own company, you won’t be bothered. The staff were lovely, though, always smiling and willing to help. I found myself developing a proper love for the people working at the homestay and a genuine, deep adoration for one particular lady who always smiled at me. That made up for a lot.
Is there anything *to do* in and around the homestay? Or am I just stuck looking at the walls?
Kediri isn't exactly known for its bustling nightlife, people! Within the homestay itself, activities were… limited. They might occasionally have some workshops or talks related to Islamic studies, but don't expect a jam-packed schedule. The real adventure is exploring Kediri. Visit the Simpang Lima Gumul Monument (it's a bit like the Arc de Triomphe, but, you know, in Kediri), the Mount Kelud volcano, and local villages, and markets. Take a *becak* ride, eat *sate kambing* (goat satay) until your belly bursts. Embrace the local vibe. If you're looking for wild entertainment, you're in the wrong place. But for a taste of Indonesian life and a bit of quiet reflection? Absolutely right.
Let's talk about the staff. Are they friendly? Helpful? Or do they give you the side-eye for being a foreigner?
The staff! Oh, the staff. This is where EDUTAMA shines. Generally, they are incredibly friendly, helpful, and welcoming, which is precisely what you want, and the reason I adored the experience. They all went above and beyond to make you feel welcome, though I had trouble communicating as I didn’t speak any Bahasa. They were patient with my terrible attempts at Indonesian, always smiling, eager to help, and genuinely interested in making your stay pleasant. I honestly felt like I was staying at a friend’s house. So, yes, big thumbs up and love to the staff at EDUTAMA. They really make the difference.
Did you have any *memorable* experiences, good or bad, while you were there?
Snooze And Stay
