**Indonesian Tulip Treasure: Surabaya's Hidden Golden Legacy Revealed!**
Indonesian Tulip Treasure: Surabaya's Hidden Golden Legacy Revealed! - A Messy, Honest, and Utterly Unfiltered Review
Okay, friends, buckle up, because I just got back from a whirlwind trip to Surabaya, Indonesia, and I have a lot to unpack. Specifically, I stayed at the Indonesian Tulip Treasure, and, well, let's just say it was an experience. This isn't your glossy travel brochure review, folks. This is the raw, unfiltered truth, complete with awkward elevator encounters, questionable buffet decisions, and a lingering craving for Indonesian nasi goreng.
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First Impressions & the Elevator of Doom (Accessibility, Elevator, Check-in/out [express])
The lobby was… grand. A bit too grand, honestly, with enough marble to make a Roman emperor blush. Checking in was easy-peasy, thankfully. They had a dedicated desk for express check-in, which I loved after that grueling flight. And yes, the elevator… it was a gleaming behemoth, a testament to architectural aspirations that sometimes felt a little… slow. (Important note for those with mobility issues: Access seems pretty good! They list accessibility in the available in the room, and the rooms are non smoking, family/child friendly, and have internet access). Just saying, budget some extra time for the ascent. It was always a fun gamble if the doors would open, or if you’d get trapped with a stranger, forced to make forced small-talk.
Rooms: Cozy, Clean…and a Bit of an Adventure (Air Conditioning, Internet Access - Wireless, Non-smoking Rooms, Complimentary Tea, Daily Housekeeping, etc.)
My room was a haven, truly. The air conditioning blasted, which was a godsend after exploring Surabaya's heat. The Wi-Fi was blazing fast, a crucial necessity for anyone hopelessly addicted to the internet (ahem, me). They have complimentary tea and coffee, and they do give you a bottle of FREE WATER, which I am obsessed with. And the daily housekeeping? Impeccable. It felt like a new room every single day, the place was absolutely spotless. They have everything and are extremely attentive. Cleanliness and safety were a big priority, and it showed.
The bed was comfortable, if a bit…lonely. No one to share that extra-long bed with, sadly. They had blackout curtains, so I could fully embrace my vampire tendencies and sleep until noon. (Or, you know, until the phone rang with a wake-up call.)
I actually loved my room- maybe I'm just a sucker for a good place to hide.
Food, Glorious Food (Restaurants, Asian Breakfast, Western Cuisine, Room Service, Poolside Bar, etc.)
Okay, let's talk food. The hotel boasts a lot of dining options. A la carte in restaurant! I went down for the buffet breakfast, and… it was a mixed bag. On the positive side, there was a huge selection – both Asian and Western options. I went for the nasi goreng, which was heavenly, and then attempted a Western breakfast of eggs, bacon, and…well, let's just say I learned that "mystery sausage" is best left a mystery. (Buffet in restaurant).
The poolside bar? Pure bliss. Sipping a cocktail while watching the sunset… that’s living. (Poolside Bar). I mean, the views from the pool were something else. Breathtaking sunsets every evening- you just can’t beat it. They had some okay snacks I took in the meantime as well. (Snack Bar).
Room service was your typical pricey fare, but convenient when a late-night craving for instant noodles hit. (Which, let's be honest, it always does.)
The Spa: Promises, Promises (Spa, Massage, Sauna, Steamroom, Body Scrub)
I was so excited for the spa. After a week of city exploring, my muscles were screaming. But… look, I’m going to be brutally honest. The experience was not… transcendent. My massage was good, but nothing to write home about. The sauna and steam room were nice enough, but I expected a little more magic. I think I wasn't relaxed enough.
Things To Do & Ways to Relax: A Mixed Bag (Swimming Pool, Fitness Center)
The outdoor pool was pretty good. Really lovely to relax in. The fitness center was functional but not exactly inspiring. The gym was fine- got the job done. They just need to make it more inspiring.
Cleanliness and Safety: The High Points (Anti-viral cleaning, Sanitized Kitchen, Hand Sanitizer)
Given the current climate, I was very relieved to see the emphasis on cleanliness. Hand sanitizer was everywhere. Staff were wearing masks and maintaining safe distances. In the end, I was very impressed with the safety precautions.
Services and Conveniences: Standard, but Effective (Concierge, Laundry, Cash Withdrawal)
The concierge was helpful with recommendations. The laundry service was fast (and a bit pricey, but hey, convenience). They had a currency exchange (thank goodness!). All the basics were covered.
The Little Things That Made a Difference & a Few Quirks
- The Staff: Honestly, the staff were amazing. Always polite, always helpful, always smiling (even behind the masks!). They were patient with my terrible Indonesian.
- The "Shrine": Randomly, there was a small shrine tucked away in a corner. I'm not entirely sure what it was for, but it added a certain… je ne sais quoi to the overall ambiance.
- The Coffee Shop: They had a great coffee shop, which was my savior every morning.
Final Verdict: Worth the Trip with a Few Caveats
Overall, the Indonesian Tulip Treasure is a solid choice. Clean, comfortable, and with a great location. However, the spa wasn't amazing, and the buffet breakfast needed some work. But for the price, and for the experience, it's worth it!
Would I go back? Yes, probably. I'd skip the mystery sausage and book a better massage. And maybe take the stairs if the elevator's being particularly temperamental. But, overall, I do not regret going.
Escape to Comfort: Your Denham Springs Motel 6 Awaits!
Alright, buckle up Buttercup, because we’re about to dive headfirst into the glorious, chaotic, and possibly slightly-too-enthusiastic adventure that is my “Golden Tulip Legacy Surabaya: Messy Edition” itinerary. Prepare for rambling, questionable decisions, and enough nasi goreng to fuel a small army.
Pre-Trip Mental Breakdown & Packing Panic (aka Day Zero)
Okay, so let’s be honest. Packing? My Kryptonite. I, as usual, left it until the last minute. Cue the mental gymnastics: “Do I really need those mosquito nets? (Probably.) What if I wear the same outfit three days in a row? (Highly likely). Oh GOD, did I remember my passport???” Sweating profusely, I cram everything (including three different pairs of shoes "just in case") into a suitcase that’s already threatening to explode. Final thought? “I’m clearly not prepared.” I'M SO EXCITED I WANNA CRY. AND PROBABLY WILL.
Day 1: Arrival, Orientation, and the Great Java Coffee Hunt
- 8:00 AM: Arrive at Juanda International Airport (SUB). Oh, the glorious humidity hits me like a warm, caffeinated hug. Immediately feel like I've been transported to a movie scene!
- 8:45 AM: Taxi to Golden Tulip Legacy Surabaya. The drive itself is a sensory overload – scooters zipping everywhere like caffeinated bees, vibrant street art exploding from every corner, and smells so tantalizing, my stomach rumbles.
- 9:30 AM: Check-in. First impressions? The lobby is HUGE. Like, "can I ride a bicycle across it?" HUGE. Plus, the staff are ridiculously friendly. Maybe I'll actually get some sleep.
- 10:00 AM: Room exploration and mini-meltdown. My room is… surprisingly nice. A comfortable oasis from the chaos. I check out the view (decent, but not "postcard-worthy" material). I start to wonder if I'll ever manage to unpack. I haven't managed to unpack in the last 3 countries I've visited!
- 11:00 AM: The Java Coffee Hunt BEGINS. Surabaya is apparently serious about its coffee. I'm serious about drinking it. First stop: Local warung (small, family-run cafe) recommended by the hotel staff. I order a Kopi Tubruk (Indonesian coffee) and… wow. Strong. Real strong. My eyes are now the size of saucers, and I think I'm already addicted.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a local warung. Honestly, I have no idea what I ordered, but it was delicious. I managed to point at something on the menu, smile vaguely, and somehow ended up with a plate of something suspiciously yummy. Language barrier is real, folks!
- 1:30 PM: Explore the area around the hotel. Lost in the maze of side streets and alleys, absolutely captivated by the vibrant chaos. Found a beautiful temple and spent an hour just sitting there, taking in the atmosphere.
- 3:00 PM: Back to the hotel for a nap. Coffee coma is kicking in.
- 5:00 PM: Head out for dinner. Found a restaurant with great Trip Advisor reviews. The food was good, but something was missing. I think my expectations were too high.
- 7:00 PM: Try to get some work done. Fail. The allure of the comfy bed is too strong.
- 9:00 PM: Collapse into bed. Dream of perfect coffee and chaotic streets.
Day 2: History, Heroes, and a Very Questionable Shopping Trip
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. Realize my face is covered in mosquito bites. Note to self: Apply insect repellent.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. The buffet is a glorious, carb-laden monster. I strategically load my plate with everything… rice, noodles, fruit, fried eggs… I feel like I'm preparing for a marathon.
- 10:00 AM: Visit the House of Sampoerna. This place is amazing! The architecture is stunning, and the history is really fascinating. I learn all about the clove cigarette business. I feel a bit bad about my own smoking habits.
- 12:00 PM: Head to the Tugu Pahlawan (Heroes Monument). This monument is awe-inspiring and really humbling. A reminder of the sacrifices made during Indonesia's fight for independence. I stood there for a good while, just quietly reflecting.
- 1:30 PM: Lunch at a warung near the Heroes Monument. They served the best nasi goreng of my life! The secret? Probably the fact that it was cooked over an open fire and the perfect amount of spice. I'm already planning my next meal there.
- 3:00 PM: The Shopping Debacle. I thought I’d go souvenir shopping. I get myself into a modern shopping mall, and I feel like I'm transported to a different planet. Overwhelmed, I buy… a fridge magnet. My shopping skills clearly need work.
- 5:00 PM: Escape the mall and return to the hotel, defeated.
- 7:00 PM: Head out for dinner with some new local friends. We decide to go to a "fancy" restaurant. The food is great and we had an amazing time. I'm so happy to have made new friends!
Day 3: Food Glorious Food! (AKA The Nasi Goreng Obsession)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. Repeat previous mosquito avoidance strategy.
- 9:00 AM: BREAKFAST. Repeat. This time, I'm loading up on fruit.
- 10:00 AM: Nasi Goreng quest intensifies! Today's mission: Find the best Nasi Goreng in Surabaya. Armed with a map and a ravenous hunger, I venture forth. This is my main reason for being here!
- 10:30 AM: Visit a local market. Buy some fresh fruit. I try to haggle, but I probably look like an idiot.
- 12:00 PM: First Nasi Goreng attempt. It was okay.
- 1:00 PM: Second Nasi Goreng attempt. Better, but not the one.
- 2:00 PM: Third Nasi Goreng attempt. Success!
- 3:00 PM: Nap. I have eaten so much, I feel like I might actually burst.
- 5:00 PM: Evening market. I end up haggling the price down for a bright yellow shirt.
- 7:00 PM: The Nasi Goreng mission continues. Tonight, I return to my favorite warung from yesterday and indulge in a second, even better, plate.
Day 4: Departure (AKA The Sad Goodbye)
- 8:00 AM: Final breakfast at the hotel. I feel a pang of sadness as I pack up the last of my nasi goreng.
- 9:00 AM: Wander around the area one last time.
- 10:00 AM: Head to the airport, heart full of amazing memories.
- Goodbye Surabaya! Your chaos, your coffee, your nasi goreng, and your warmth have captured my heart. I'll be back! (Probably sooner rather than later, to be honest).
The Imperfections, the Rambles, and the Emotional Rollercoaster:
- The Language Barrier: I'm awful at languages. I rely heavily on pointing, gestures, and a lot of smiling. It works, surprisingly!
- The Mosquitoes: They. Are. Relentless. I feel constantly itchy.
- The Food Comas: They are real, and they are glorious.
- The Over-Enthusiasm: I get super excited about everything. It's both a blessing and a curse.
- The Unexpected Moments: Discovering a beautiful temple, unexpected friendliness, and making new friends. That's what makes these trips memorable.
- The Goodbyes: They're always the hardest part.
This itinerary is my own personal blend of planned activities, spontaneous discoveries, and a healthy dose of self-deprecation. It may be messy, but it's definitely mine. And hey, if things don't go according to plan (and they rarely do), that's half the fun!
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Indonesian Tulip Treasure: Surabaya's Hidden Golden Legacy Revealed! - A Messy FAQ
Okay, Okay, So What *IS* This "Tulip Treasure" Anyway?! I'm Allergic to Hype!
Alright, settle down, Grumpy Pants. I get it. Buzzwords are the worst. But seriously, this "Tulip Treasure" thing? It *actually* kind of lived up to some of the hype. (Don't tell anyone I said that – I'm usually a cynic.) Basically, Surabaya, this surprisingly cool city in Indonesia, has a hidden history linked to the Dutch colonial era, and *a lot* of gold. We're talking, like, massive amounts. Think shimmering, glinting, *unbelievable* amounts. And apparently, it all kind of ties into tulips… and I swear, that's where it starts to get *really* bonkers.
I’d heard rumors for *years*. Whispers from my grandmother, who, bless her gossipy heart, knew *everything*. She’d mutter things about ‘tulip bulbs and buried riches’ whenever she thought I wasn’t listening. Turns out, Grandma wasn't entirely senile (mostly! Love you, Mbah!). It involves this fascinating, and frankly, baffling, link between the Dutch East India Company, Surabaya, and a bizarre obsession with tulips. Who knew?!
So, Tulips *and* Gold? Seriously? How's That Even Work?! Sounds like a terrible plot for a bad heist movie...
Look, I thought the same thing! I mean, tulips? Flowers? They’re pretty, yeah, but GOLD?! Here’s the gist, as best as I can understand it (and I *did* some digging – I even spilled coffee on several primary source documents. Oops.). The Dutch, back in the day, were obsessed with tulips, especially the ridiculously rare varieties that were worth more than houses! They *used* this craze—the "tulip mania"—to, shall we say, *acquire* a lot of wealth... and then, well, they needed a place to get that wealth *out* of the way during a major war. And Surabaya was the secret vault.
And the tulips? Legend has it that when a wealthy Dutch merchant died, he secretly buried his most beautiful tulip bulbs, *along* with his gold coins so they could be "remembered" by future generations. Think of it like a botanical time capsule, guarded by gold!
It’s a bit convoluted, I grant you. I spent, like, two days cross-eyed trying to decipher their accounting books. One guy clearly wrote "Tulips: very important - like, REALLY important." That was his entire description. Brilliant documentation, Dutchies!
Was it All Just a Fairy Tale, Or Did You ACTUALLY see anything? Tell Me Something Interesting!
Okay, FINE! I have stories. One of the most interesting things I saw…was a *map*. A really old, crumpled, water-stained map. It was hidden in the back of what appeared to be a dusty, abandoned library. I had to bribe a librarian to show it to me after I lost a staring competition with a particularly judgmental cat. Worth it.
The map itself was a mess. Almost indecipherable. But, underneath all the faded ink and wormholes, there were drawings of tulip fields, but the lines clearly led through old buildings, all suggesting underground areas. I mean, it could have been a doodle, but… the way the map was hidden made me think it was more than just that.
And the *smell* in that library! Musty. Of old paper, dust, and... something faintly metallic. Like a whiff of buried treasure itself. I get goosebumps just thinking about it (and wishing I had brought a mask!).
Do You Think There Was a "Real" Tulip Treasure?
That's *the* question, isn't it? I can't say *definitively*… but… I'm leaning toward YES. Call me a sucker for a good story (and a sucker for anything gold-related). I found too many breadcrumbs, too many whispers that turned into shouts. The map alone… it kept me awake for nights thinking about it. And I’m usually a very sound sleeper. Also, the look in the local historian's eyes whenever I mentioned the tulips…it was a combination of fear, excitement, and a hint of "I've seen things." My gut says there was something. Something big. Something shiny. I'm not saying I know *where* that treasure is, but I'm certain something's out there!
Did you try to find the treasure? If Not, Why?
Absolutely. One day after seeing that map, I felt a pang of frustration, almost like a force was pushing me forward. Like I *had* to find this thing. You know, the feeling you have when you're chasing a sale on a pair of shoes that you "don't need?" Yep, I felt that, times a thousand. I’m not going to lie; I got *obsessed*.I was spending nights poring over Dutch shipping manifests (which, by the way, are NOT written in helpful, easy-to-understand Dutch, who knew?!), and wandering around the streets, feeling like a character in an adventure film. So much for my carefully curated, Netflix-and-chill, lifestyle.
But… I had to back down. A combination of things, really. Limited time, the fact that I barely speak Indonesian (embarrassing, I know!), and the nagging feeling that I was probably, you know, trespassing. Also, I found out that a local gang with a serious interest in the "treasure" had a *very* keen interest in me and my belongings. Apparently they didn't like my "treasure hunt vibes". So, yeah, I got a bit... cautious. And I'm still a bit bitter that those smug guys probably *know* where everything is. Sigh.
So, What's the Biggest Letdown of the Whole Experience?
Oh, easy. The *wait.* The constant feeling there was supposed to be a "payoff" coming. The buildup of that anticipation... It felt like being a kid who was told that Santa was coming. And then he never showed, or, worse still came and gave you a bag of coal! The biggest letdown was not unearthing a chest overflowing with gold and tulip bulbs. I wanted to *see* it, to feel it. To take a picture! To do something, anything, other than just reading a stack of old papers and dodging sketchy characters.
The worst part? My dreams are now filled with Dutch merchants, hidden tunnels, and, of course, GIANT TULIPS. I haven't slept soundly in weeks. Thanks, Surabaya! I didn't need to know!
Any Tips for Someone Who *Does* Want to Hunt for the Treasure? (Besides "Don't!")
Okay, fine. If you absolutely INSIST on following my potentially reckless path, here's the onlyComfy Hotel Finder
