Desaru's HUGE 36-Person Bungalow! Netflix & Water Park Fun Awaits!
Desaru's HUGE 36-Person Bungalow: Honest Review! (Netflix, Water Park, &… Mayhem?)
Okay, people, buckle up. We just got back from Desaru's HUGE 36-Person Bungalow. And "huge" doesn't even begin to cover it. Think less "cozy getaway" and more "epic family reunion/corporate retreat/bachelorette party on steroids." This isn't your average hotel review; this is a survivor's tale. And yes, it involved Netflix. And a water park. More on that later…
First Impressions (And a Slight Panic Attack):
Walking in, the sheer scale of the place hits you. It’s like a freaking mansion, plopped down in the middle of… well, Desaru. (Which, geographically speaking, is exactly what it is.) The exterior? Impressive. Like, “Instagram-worthy” impressive. But then you open the door and it's… whoa. There's room for, like, three families to get lost in here. Seriously, finding the bathroom after a midnight snack run felt like an Indiana Jones adventure.
Accessibility & Safety First (Kinda):
Let's get the practical stuff out of the way. Accessibility? Okay, so they say "facilities for disabled guests," but I didn't specifically test that. There is an elevator, which is a godsend if you’re dragging a suitcase the size of a small car. They’ve got CCTV everywhere, which is reassuring… until you realize you’re being watched while wrestling with a rogue pool noodle. Fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, the works. So, point for safety. Also a 24-hour front desk which is a relief when you realize you are lost with your kids looking for the bathroom.
Cleanliness? Well, they claim anti-viral cleaning products and rooms sanitized between stays. And look, it felt pretty clean. The daily disinfection in common areas and sanitized kitchen and tableware items gave me some peace of mind. I found myself checking the hotel around the resort and found a few hand sanitizer stations as well, but let’s be real - with 36 people, things get… messy. Rapidly.
Internet - The Essential Survival Tool:
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! Because, let's face it, trying to organize 36 people without Wi-Fi is a recipe for disaster. I needed that lifeline for internet access - wireless the whole time. It worked! Sort of. Sometimes. And the occasional internet access - LAN was also a good backup.
The Rooms (aka, Where Chaos Reigns):
The rooms… are actually pretty good. Standard amenities: air conditioning, air conditioning in public area, alarm clock, bathrobes (thank goodness!), bathroom phone (who uses those anymore?), blackout curtains, closet, coffee/tea maker (essential!), complimentary tea, desk, hair dryer, in-room safe box, internet access, ironing facilities (because, wrinkles), private bathroom, refrigerator, satellite/cable channels (Netflix!), separate shower/bathtub, shower, slippers, smoke detector, sofa, telephone, toiletries, towels, wake-up service, and Wi-Fi [free].
The biggest plus? The extra-long bed because you’re gonna need it after a day of wrangling toddlers and trying to decide who gets the master bedroom with the incredible view. The non-smoking rooms were a blessing; the soundproofing was… hit or miss. (See: 36 people.) We had also connecting room(s) available because people like to be close. It was the daily housekeeping that was a godsend.
Dining, Drinking, and… Well, More Drinking:
Alright, let’s talk fuel. The restaurants are decent. Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant were a nice touch. They had a bar and poolside bar, happy hour was a must. Breakfast [buffet], breakfast takeaway service were available - essential for feeding the beast. I tried the a la carte in the restaurant and loved it! Though my kids were more partial to the desserts in restaurant. It was a bit of a mad dash to get a table, but hey, that's part of the fun, right?
Things to Do (Besides Dodge Children and Keep the Peace):
Okay, this is where Desaru shines. The swimming pool [outdoor] is massive and stunning. I spent a solid two hours just floating and staring at the pool with view. Pure bliss. The water park… oh boy. It's epic. Slides, wave pools, the whole shebang. Expect lines, expect shrieking kids (and adults), and expect to have the best time of your life.
Ways to Relax (If You Can Find the Time…):
They have a gym/fitness, Sauna, and spa/sauna. I'm not gonna lie, I didn't get to any of those. The only "spa" experience I had was frantically applying sunscreen to a screaming toddler. However, they have massage, body wraps, and body scrub, so good for you if you get the time!
The Negatives (Because Let's Be Honest):
- The sheer size: It’s overwhelming. You'll be walking forever.
- Finding a quiet moment: Good luck.
- The food (sometimes). It could get repetitive.
- Pets? Not allowed and my kids were sad.
The Verdict: Is It Worth It?
Absolutely. If you’re planning a big group trip, this is it. It’s not perfect, it’s not always peaceful, but it's an unforgettable experience. The combination of the massive bungalow, the water park, and the sheer fun of being with a large group makes it a winner.
My Takeaway:
This is a hotel for adventure. It’s a hotel for making memories – even the messy ones. It’s a hotel for embracing the chaos. Just pack your sense of humor and a whole lot of patience.
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(Disclaimer: Mayhem not guaranteed, but highly likely.)
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Get ready for a Desaru disaster… I mean, adventure! Here's the plan (such as it is) for our magnificent, spacious 36-person bungalow with Netflix near the water park. Wish us luck, because honestly, at this point, I'm mainly hoping no one brings durian.
Desaru Debacle: A Mostly-Planned, Highly-Likely-to-Go-Wrong Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Bungalow Bargain (with potential for chaos)
- Morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM): The dreaded pre-dawn wake-up call. Let's be real, this is when the pre-trip regrets kick in. Driving from wherever the heck we're all coming from. Gotta fight for the good seats. I'm calling shotgun!
- Anxiety Level: 10/10. Did I pack enough snacks? Did I forget my toothbrush? Am I even ready to be around 35 other people for more than a few hours?
- Mid- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The drive! Hopefully, the traffic isn't horrendous. Someone better bring the aux cable, and prepare the playlist for a riot!
- Anecdote Alert: Last time I went on a road trip with this crew, we ran out of gas in the middle of nowhere and had to push the car uphill. Good times! (Mostly sarcasm).
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Stop for lunch at a local warung. Gotta fuel up for the tidal wave of people coming to our arrival! Expect some delicious Malaysian favorites!
- Quirky Observation: I'm placing bets on who's going to order the spiciest dish and subsequently regret it. (My money's on Dave).
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Bungalow Check-in and Unpacking Mayhem.
- Emotional Reaction: OMG, is this place actually as amazing as the pictures? Wait, where do I put my stuff? This could go one of two ways: organized bliss or a chaotic free-for-all. I will be making a beeline for a bed near the aircon.
- Imperfection Alert: Someone, guaranteed, will grab the best bed. And there will be passive-aggressive notes about who used up all the hot water.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Explore the bungalow. Netflix and chill? or pool party?
- Stream of Consciousness: Netflix… sounds divine. But oh, the pressure! 36 people, what do we even watch? Marvel marathon? I am willing to make a compromise. But my inner introverted self is already screaming for a quiet corner and a good book.
- Evening (5:00 PM onwards): Dinner and Games. Prepare for a potluck!
- Opinionated Language: I'm making the brownies. Because everyone loves brownies. And any food I bring will be carefully hidden so the hanger cannot get the best of me.
Day 2: Water Park Warriors and Potential Sunburns
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark! Yippee! Sunscreen is mandatory, hydration is essential, and the fear of public water slides is real.
- Anecdote Alert: Remember that time we tried to build a sandcastle empire, and the tide took it out in like, five seconds? Yeah, expect something similar, only with more water slides.
- Emotional Reaction: Look, I'm not a huge fan of getting splashed in the face, but I am a huge fan of the adrenaline rush.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Lunch at the water park or eat at bungalow..
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Water Park Part 2! This time with more determination and less dignity.
- Imperfection Alert: Someone will definitely lose their sunglasses/towel/swimsuit during a particularly thrilling ride.
- Evening (5:00 PM onwards): Dinner and evening activities. BBQ time!
- Messier Structure: Okay, let's get real. By this point, we'll all be exhausted. But. The fun must continue! Expect tired grumbles mixed with laughter and the scent of grilled meat.
Day 3: Beach Bliss and the Bitter End
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Beach Relaxation. Or… more likely, a beach cleanup to counter the previous night's mess.
- Quirky Observation: The beach vibes are strong. Sun, sand, and the inevitable seagulls trying to steal your snacks.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Beachside lunch or at the Bungalow
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Last chance for souvenir shopping. Farewell photos.
- Opinionated Language: Look, I'm fully expecting the souvenir shops to be filled with overpriced trinkets. But I'm a sucker for a good fridge magnet, so I guess I'm in.
- Evening (4:00 PM onwards): The Depart. Cleaning the Bungalow, loading the car, and saying a mostly tearful goodbye as we depart.
- Stream of Consciousness: Are we really leaving already? Did we even do everything? Ugh, the drive back. I'm already tired just thinking about it. But hey, at least we have the memories (and hopefully, some decent photos).
Important Considerations:
- Transportation: Carpooling is essential. Someone needs to be the designated driver who actually knows how to navigate.
- Food: Potluck style. Everyone brings something to share. No repeats!
- Drinks: BYOB, duh.
- Emergency Fund: Set aside cash for the inevitable "oops" moments (lost wallets, forgotten essentials, emergency snacks).
- Entertainment: Games, music, and a shared Spotify playlist are vital. And a backup plan for when the power goes out.
Disclaimer: This itinerary is subject to change. And by "change," I mean, it will change. Expect delays, spontaneous detours, and a healthy dose of questionable decisions. But hey, that's the best part of a trip with this crew, right? Let the Desaru drama begin!
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Desaru's Colossal Crib: 36 Souls, Netflix & the Waves! (FAQ & My Mental Breakdown)
Okay, 36 PEOPLE?! Seriously? How did you even *find* a place that big?! My brain hurts just thinking about it.
Alright, deep breaths. Finding this behemoth was... an ordeal, let's just say. Picture this: me, scrolling through Airbnb, convinced I'd need to build my own resort. I was looking to organize a company retreat of 30 employees, a few spouses, a handful of kids, and some of the employee's parents. Every property with a decent capacity was booked solid, or it was a tiny apartment claiming to have a "sofa bed," which really meant a glorified torture device. Then, *bam!* This thing popped up. Seemed too good to be true. Turns out, it almost was. The pictures looked amazing, all sleek and modern, but the description... "Ideal for large groups." Understatement of the year! My first thought was "Cha-ching!" The second was "Oh God, the cleaning bill." But, against my better judgment, after my initial panic attack, and a few emails back and forth with the owner and a LOT of begging, we booked it.
So, what's it *actually* like, this ridiculously large Desaru bungalow? Is it as fabulous as the photos? Or is it secretly held together with duct tape and dreams?
Okay, okay, the pictures *mostly* didn't lie. It's...big. Like, seriously, you can walk around for five minutes and still not see everyone. The main living area? Huge. The rooms? Varied. Some were swanky, the kind of rooms you'd expect to spend a fortune on, other rooms were nice, but not special. Like the type of rooms you put the "less important people" in. The pool? Glorious. (Important side note: get the pool heater, because Desaru weather can be a fickle mistress). The kitchen? Well-equipped, good enough for 36 people, but your first meal there will be a disaster. I'll address the issues that popped up in a minute. The furniture was modern, the lighting was good (thank god, because some places skimp on that), and the Netflix situation? Absolutely on point. That was a godsend. Especially when the kids started losing their minds after being in the Water Park for 6 hours. Overall, the bungalow? It's pretty good. But...
Let's talk about the practicalities, shall we? How was the kitchen situation? Did anyone accidentally start a forest fire cooking for that many people?
The kitchen… Ugh. Okay, it *looked* impressive. Two ovens, industrial-sized fridge, the works. But the first meal we attempted? Chaos. Absolute, glorious chaos. Picture this: 10 cooks frantically trying to maneuver around each other, fighting for space at the stove, while the kids are running amok, and someone accidentally turned the smoke detector on. It took about an hour to figure out how the ovens worked. Then another 30 minutes to connect the gas supply. There were no basic staples like salt and pepper. We learned the hard way you MUST plan ahead and bring EVERYTHING. I swear, I think we went through like ten rolls of paper towels in the first 12 hours. And the cleanup? That was like a never-ending quest. We ended up ordering take-out for half the meals. Lesson learned: hire a chef. Or be prepared for culinary Armageddon.
Speaking of chaos... 36 people, water park, Netflix. What was the *worst* thing that happened? Be honest!
Okay, brace yourself. It wasn’t one thing, it was a collection. First, the toilet situation. 36 people = constant toilet traffic. And the plumbing wasn't exactly top-notch. We went through a ridiculous amount of toilet paper. Another incident that comes to mind is the the water heater. It wasn't sufficient for the amount of people in the bungalow, so we had a handful of cold showers on Sunday morning, and you can imagine how unhappy that made the employees. But, the worst? The kid incident. One of the kids, a little rascal, lost his parents on the first day. We spent a full hour trying to retrace his steps, and it turned out he had merely gone to the water park. That was a good lesson for all the parents present. Always keep an eye on your young ones. Oh! And the WiFi! It sputtered and died at the most inconvenient times. I had to hotspot from my phone a lot.
Okay, so, the good stuff. What was the *best* part of the experience? The one thing that made all the logistical nightmares worth it?
Ah, yes. The good stuff. The *best* part? The *memories*. Seeing all those people – employees, their families, relatives – relax, laugh, and genuinely connect with each other. Watching the kids run wild in the pool, covered in chlorine and pure joy. The late-night conversations around the makeshift bonfire, sharing stories that ranged from hilarious to heartfelt. The feeling of everyone coming together and having a good time. Despite the minor inconveniences and the minor mishaps, it was all totally worth it. The Netflix binges were pretty rad as well.
Would you recommend this giant bungalow to others? Or are you still recovering from the sheer scale of it all?
Alright, here's the truth: I'm still a little traumatized. I'm not sure my sanity has fully recovered. But, would I recommend it? *Maybe*. If you're prepared. Be ready to:
- Bring EVERYTHING. Seriously. The kitchen is not your friend.
- Over-prepare. Double your estimations for food, toilet paper, and sanity.
- Accept the chaos. Embrace the mess! It's inevitable.
- Hire help. Seriously, get a chef, a cleaning crew, and maybe a personal assistant.
- Have a good sense of humor. You'll need it.
