Escape to Paradise: Bali's Banana House Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Bali's Banana House Awaits! - A Review (With a Little Bit of Chaos!)
Alright, listen up, wanderlusters and burnt-out desk jockeys! You, yeah you, staring at that screen, dreaming of something more? Well, get ready, because I just got back from a trip to Bali, and I'm spilling the tea (or maybe it was the Bintang, who can remember?) on Escape to Paradise: Bali's Banana House Awaits!
First things first: The Vibe. This isn't your sterile, cookie-cutter resort. Nope. Banana House (and yes, I'm choosing to believe that name is as delightfully silly as it sounds) is… well, it's got a vibe. Think less "corporate retreat" and more "laid-back, slightly-bohemian-chic, where you can actually relax." I found some things super amazing and other things, well, we'll get to those…
Location, Location, Location (and Accessibility – Let's Get Real):
First off, the location is stunning. Palm trees swaying, the sound of the ocean whispering… classic Bali. Getting there was a breeze thanks to their airport transfer service. Now, the website mentions facilities for disabled guests, and that's important. While I don't have personal experience with this, I did notice elevators and what looked like accessible pathways around the main areas. So, kudos for trying to be inclusive! Just double-check directly with the hotel about specific needs – accessibility can vary, and honesty is the best policy, you know?
Rooms & Amenities: The Good, the Great, and the "Hmm…":
Okay, let's dive into the rooms. I opted for a room with a window that opens. I needed that fresh air, the musty scent of hotel rooms? Not my vibe. My room had air conditioning (thank god!), a comfy bed with an extra long option (score!), blackout curtains (essential for battling jet lag), and a surprisingly decent coffee/tea maker. Free bottled water was a welcome touch, because, seriously, Bali heat is no joke!
Now, the Wi-Fi… advertised as Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and Internet access – wireless, and it was… mostly good. There's also Internet access – LAN, which is a retro throwback. The speed wasn't blazing, but hey, you're in Bali. Don't spend your life glued to your phone! Free Wi-Fi in public areas was a bonus.
The bathrooms were clean and had separate showers/bathtubs. Nice. Bathrobes, I love a bathrobe. They also had hair dryers, which I always forget to pack. Little things, but they make a difference. Oh, and towels, because duh.
One thing I loved was the daily housekeeping. I mean, coming back to a fresh, clean room after a day exploring is a small luxury I'm happy to indulge in!
The "Hmm…" moments: The mini-bar was kind of… meh. And the on-demand movies? Let's just say the selection wasn't exactly award-winning. But hey, you're in Bali! Go outside!
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Fueled by Food & Adventure!
Okay, food. This is where Banana House really shines.
- Restaurants: They had a few restaurants.
- Breakfast: The Asian breakfast was amazing, with the buffet in the restaurant and International cuisine in the restaurant. and Breakfast service was solid. They had a Western cuisine in restaurant as well.
- Bar: Plenty of poolside bars.
- Poolside bar: Amazing for a few cold beers.
- Happy hour: This was a highlight!
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Always a win.
- Room service [24-hour]: Perfect for those lazy days.
I basically lived on their Asian cuisine, specifically the Nasi Goreng. A la carte in restaurant options abounded with the vegetarian restaurant as well. The poolside bar was a great spot to relax!
Something that stood out was the Safe dining setup, the Cashless payment service, and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. Individually-wrapped food options were a nice touch, too.
Things to Do (Beyond the Beach):
Look, you could spend your entire trip on the beach. No judgment. But Banana House offers so much more.
- Pool with view: The main pool is gorgeous, with a view.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Perfect for sunbathing.
- Fitness Center: I actually used the Fitness center a few times.
- Spa&Sauna: I didn't visit the Sauna, but I did indulge in the Spa. It was all lovely, with the Body scrub and all.
- Massage: The Massage was heavenly.
- Gym/fitness: I did enjoy the Gym/fitness.
- Body wrap: I skipped the Body wrap, maybe next time?
- Foot bath: It's a good way to spend a bit of time.
- Steamroom: A great way to de-stress.
Cleanliness & Safety: A Breath of Fresh Air (Literally):
Okay, let’s be honest, Cleanliness and safety are huge for me, especially these days. Banana House gets it. They had Anti-viral cleaning products, the staff was trained in safety protocol, and there was Daily disinfection in common areas. They even have Sterilizing equipment on hand. I felt safe!
Things I Didn't Get to Do (But Sound Awesome):
- Babysitting service
- Family/child friendly for the kids
- Doctor/nurse on call
- Family/child friendly
- Shrine
- Couple's room
- Proposal spot
Beyond the Obvious: Services and Conveniences (The Little Things):
Banana House really caters to your every whim!
- Concierge: Super helpful with recommendations and bookings.
- Laundry service: Essential for travel!
- Luggage storage: So you can explore without dragging your suitcase around.
- Car park [free of charge]: Always a bonus!
- Dry cleaning: For the fancy folks.
- Currency exchange.
- Cash withdrawal: Good to have if you're like me and like to stick to cash.
My Big, Messy, Glorious Takeaway:
Banana House isn't perfect. No place is. But it's got soul. It's a place where you can actually unwind, embrace the chaos of Bali (which is part of its charm), and recharge your batteries. The staff is friendly, the food is delicious, and the setting is simply stunning. The Pool with a view is a must.
The Imperfections? The Wi-Fi could be better, and the mini-bar could use a makeover. But honestly? Those are minor quibbles.
Final Verdict: YES, BOOK IT!
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A Persuasive Offer: Escape to Paradise: Bali's Banana House Awaits!
Tired of the same old routine? Dream of turquoise waters, lush rice paddies, and nights filled with starlight? Then it's time to Escape to Paradise at Bali's Banana House!
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- Waking up to the scent of frangipani and the sound of the ocean.
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- Exploring the cultural wonders of Ubud, with our concierge handling the details.
- Enjoying authentic flavors at our restaurants, from fresh seafood to spicy curries.
For a limited time only, book your Bali getaway with us and receive:
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Indonesian Paradise: Unveiling Hotel Indiana Syariah's Hidden Gem (Mabuun)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get the REAL Nusa Penida experience. Forget those pristine, Instagram-filtered itineraries. This is the Banana House, and it's gonna be a wild ride.
The Banana House – Nusa Penida, Bali: A Messy, Beautiful Breakdown
(Let’s be honest, figuring out how to get to Nusa Penida is already a saga. The ferry from Sanur? Don’t even get me started. The waiting! The sun! The crushing weight of knowing you’re about to spend a small fortune on a glorified speedboat that probably isn't "sea-worthy" by Geneva Convention standards. But hey, the island is waiting!)
Day 1: Arrival & Utter Discombobulation
- Morning (ish - Indonesian time, remember): Finally, FINALLY, we arrive. The Banana House feels…well, like a banana house. Quirky, brightly colored, a bit ramshackle, but utterly charming. My little bungalow? Let's just say "rustic charm" disguises the fact that the mosquito net has seen better days. The view, though? BAM. Jaw-dropping Nusa Penida goodness. Ocean stretching as far as the eye can see, cliffs that look like they're about to fall into the sea (in an alluring way, of course). This is why I came.
- Early Afternoon: Lunch. Oh, the lunch. I ordered Nasi Goreng. Simple, right? Wrong. The portion size? Humungous. The spice level? "Subtle suggestion of fire." My stomach immediately protested, but DAMN, it was good. I ate until I could barely breathe.
- Late Afternoon: Scootering to the Temples (and Almost Dying…Several Times) Okay, scooter rental. The guy at the Banana House says, "No problem!" Me, a city slicker with zero experience? "No problem!" Famous last words. Nusa Penida roads are…well, let's call them "adventurous." Pot holes the size of craters, rogue chickens, and the constant fear of plunging off a cliff. But the temples! Pura Paluang (Car Temple) with its adorable, if slightly surreal, cars as offerings. And Pura Goa Giri Putri, a cave temple that somehow made me feel both claustrophobic and intensely peaceful at the same time. Getting there was terrifying. But being there? Magical.
- Evening: Sunset and Spicy Regret: Back to the Banana House, just in time for sunset. The colors exploding across the sky are unreal. I grab a bintang (or three), completely forgetting about that fiery Nasi Goreng. Regret hits me. BIG TIME. But hey, the view makes it a little better. Dinner is simple - some gado-gado. Light and inoffensive. I collapse into bed, utterly exhausted, covered in dust, and buzzing with the day's adventures. My only thought: "Tomorrow cannot possibly be this intense, can it?"
Day 2: Diving into the Deep End (and Possibly Getting Eaten)
Morning: Okay, diving. This is the MAIN event, the reason I blew my entire budget. Manta Point! The place of legends! And here's where things get REALLY messy. We arrive, the boat's a bit rickety. The guide is chill, but his English is…well, let's say we're communicating via interpretive dance. We jump in, and the current is insane. I swallow half the ocean. Cold, salty, and full of…stuff. But then. The mantas. Giant, majestic…space-faring creatures (probably). They glide, they dance, they almost swim right into you. It's breathtaking. Pure, unadulterated awe. For about five minutes. Then the current kicks in again, and I'm fighting for my life. I see my life flashing before my eyes. I grab the guide's hand. We survived!
Afternoon: Broken down Scooters and Hidden Beaches: After the diving adventure. We needed to dry off so we took the scooter again to find a secret beach, this time to diamond beach. The road was even worse this time and it's like the locals had forgotten the roads but we keep moving…and our scooter broke down. We were stuck. We are on the island! It's great! After an hour or so a kind local managed to help us push start it by pushing the scooter downhill at 60mph. Great help. But after that we managed to get to the beach and we could swim for a while. It's a great beach.
Evening: Feast… and Feeling of Satisfaction: Back at the Banana House. I am exhausted but exhilarated. We are all exhausted. The next day. We are going back home after all of this.
Day 3: Farewell, Nusa Penida - You Crazy Island
- Morning: Wake up. Coffee. Gazing at the ocean one last time. That view! I'll miss it.
- Late Morning: Ferry back to Sanur. The same chaotic journey as before. The boat's still probably not sea-worthy. But this time, I'm not as terrified. Nusa Penida, you magnificent, crazy, slightly dangerous place. You broke me, rebuilt me, and gave me memories I'll never forget.
- Afternoon: Sanur. Civilization. Real food. I'm exhausted. I'm sunburnt. My clothes are probably still salty. But I'm also…elated.
- Evening: Bali. I'm on the plane home. Nusa Penida, you'll be waiting for me. I will be back.
Final Thoughts:
This isn’t a polished travelogue. It’s a messy, honest, and hopefully hilarious account of what it's like to stumble through an extraordinary adventure. Nusa Penida will challenge you. It will exhaust you. It might even scare you. But it will also blow your mind. Embrace the chaos. Go with the flow. And for the love of all that is holy, wear sunscreen.
Hickory's Hidden Gem: Sleep Inn's Unbeatable Comfort Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Bali's Banana House Awaits! – (Mostly) Honest FAQs
Okay, seriously...is it *really* paradise at the Banana House? Like, Instagram-filter-level paradise?
Alright, let's be real for a sec. Instagram? Lies. (Mostly.) It's gorgeous sure. Picturesque? Absolutely. But "paradise" is...a work in progress. Remember that time I thought I’d be lounging by the infinity pool 24/7, gracefully sipping coconut water? Nope. More like me, desperately trying to swat away a rogue wasp while simultaneously splashing the kids BECAUSE NO ONE TOLD ME THEY’D HAVE A KIDDIE POOL. Turns out, paradise comes with tiny humans and buzzing insects, which is a combo nobody prepares you for.
The Banana House is stunning, don't get me wrong. The villa? Breathtaking. The staff? Super helpful. BUT...the internet? Sometimes, it's like a grumpy sloth on dial-up. I had to download a whole movie to watch on the iPad for the kids while they were waiting to go to the pool. Ugh! And the AC in my room… it’s a bit like trying to cool down with a wet noodle. Still, the view of the rice paddies from the balcony while drinking the local coffee? Worth it. Seriously, the coffee is STRONG.
What's the deal with the "Banana House"? Is it actually, you know, *banana-themed*? (Asking the important questions here!)
Okay, this is where I have to confess… I was hoping for a giant inflatable banana slide into the pool. Sadly, no such luck. There are subtle touches, though. Like, the banana leaf-shaped placemats at breakfast…the way the sunlight hits the walls, making them look like they're filled with liquid bananas (kidding)... and the name. It's mostly a regular, fancy villa. But the name sticks though, and you'll be calling it "the Banana House" before the day is through. Trust me!
Side note: I totally bought a banana-shaped floaty for the pool. My kids loved it. I, on the other hand, spent a good hour fishing it out from under the giant lily pads. Lesson learned: always double-check that "adorable" is also "easy to retrieve."
How's the food? Because, let's be honest, the food situation can *make or break* a vacation.
The food is...a rollercoaster. The breakfast? AMAZING. Fresh fruit, homemade pancakes, the best coffee in the world (that I already mentioned), and the staff is super accommodating when I asked for a whole tray to take back to my room (don't judge me). But the rest? A gamble. Sometimes it’s stellar. Other times, it was… well, let's just say I developed an unexpected fondness for instant noodles at 2 AM.
The local warungs (small restaurants) are great, though. Definitely explore those. And for the love of all that is holy, try the nasi goreng. I had at least one plate every day, no regrets. My advice? Be adventurous! And maybe pack some familiar snacks, just in case your adventurous spirit gets a bit…shy.
What's the deal with the staff? Are they actually as amazing as everyone says?
Okay, the staff. Seriously. These people are angels disguised as humans. They're attentive, friendly, and genuinely want you to have a good time. Seriously, they handled my kids' meltdowns with more grace than I could muster after two minutes without coffee! BUT, because I am human, I have to get real: I once accidentally spilled an entire glass of red wine on a pristine white tablecloth at dinner (it wasn't me, it was one of the kids). The staff's reaction? Utter calm. They just calmly wiped it up (I couldn't even look at the poor person's face), and they immediately brought out a fresh tablecloth, like it was nothing. I, however, still get the sweats thinking about it. But then, that's Bali for you... a place where you do dumb stuff and people still keep smiling at you. (Thank you, staff!)
Okay, let's talk about location. Is it easy to get around Bali from the Banana House?
The location is...interesting. It's a bit tucked away, which is nice for privacy, but means you'll need to budget some transport time (and money). Taxis are readily available, and the staff can help arrange drivers. The traffic? Oh. My. Word. Expect to spend some quality time staring out the window, contemplating the meaning of life (or just watching the scooters weave through the chaos).
I recommend hiring a driver for a full day if you plan to explore. Way less stressful than trying to navigate those roads yourself. Plus, they know all the best spots, including the secret warungs with the incredible food. The travel can be long, but hey, it's worth the time getting to see the landscapes, and culture! Don't forget the sun cream.
What's the one thing you'd tell someone before they go to the Banana House?
PACK BUG SPRAY. Seriously. You'll thank me later. And an adapter! Also, embrace the chaos. Bali is a place of contradictions: serene beauty mixed with relentless energy, and tranquil zen with an overwhelming cacophony of scooters. It's an experience. It's imperfect. It's beautiful. And at the Banana House, it's kind of perfectly messy. Try to have fun and be open-minded. That is all.
Would you go back?
Honestly? One hundred percent. Even with the slightly-dodgy internet, the occasional wasp, and my wine-related incident. The Banana House has this magic, this something that gets under your skin and makes you want to stay FOREVER. So, yeah. I'm already planning my return trip. Maybe this time, I'll actually learn how to surf...though I'm probably more likely to end up face-planting in the sand. But hey, at least the staff can clean me up after. 😂
