Unbelievable Luxury! 2BR Green Pramuka City Apartment, Jakarta - Your Dream Home Awaits!
Okay, Buckle Up Buttercups: This Unbelievable Luxury! Apartment Review is Going to Get Real (and Maybe a Little Crazy)
Alright, Jakarta, here we go again. Another apartment review. Another chance to either be utterly disappointed or, well, unbelievably surprised. This time, we're diving headfirst into Unbelievable Luxury! 2BR Green Pramuka City Apartment. The name itself? A bold claim, I'll admit. But hey, a reviewer's gotta review, right? Let's see if this Jakarta dream home actually holds up.
First Impression: Green Pramuka City - The City Within a City
Okay, first things first. Accessibility is pretty solid. Getting to Green Pramuka City itself is fairly straightforward, easily accessible. Now, navigating the complex? That's a different story. It's HUGE. Like, "lost-my-way-for-an-hour-searching-for-the-pool" huge. So, while the concept of accessibility is there, be prepared for a bit of a hike to get where you're going within the confines of the complex.
For our friends with wheels: I didn't specifically check the wheelchair accessibility of the apartment itself, but the Green Pramuka City complex generally seems to try and accommodate. Elevators, ramps… they're there (though sometimes a little hidden). It's worth confirming directly with the property about the apartment's specifics, though.
Navigating the Tech Jungle: Internet, Wi-Fi, and the Glorious Absence of It!
Let's talk vital travel necessities: Internet. This is where things get a little… janky. They claim "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" and have "Internet access – wireless, Internet access – LAN" listed. Great, in theory! In practice? Look, I'm not gonna lie. The Wi-Fi was… iffy. Constantly dropping. Like a teenager pretending to be asleep. I ended up relying on my own data a lot. Internet [LAN] was another option for sure, but let's be honest, who carries a LAN cable these days? (Apart from me, now that I think about it, and that really dates me.) Internet services in general were probably what you would expect from a big complex, a bit scattered and inconsistent. Wi-Fi in public areas… I vaguely remember connecting for a few fleeting moments in hopes of a more stable connection, but I quickly gave up.
Things to Do (and How to Avoid Feeling Bored)
Green Pramuka City throws a LOT at you to keep busy, and it's a good thing, because you're basically staying in a small city. Let's break it down:
Ways to Relax, Relax, Relax: Alright, now we're talking! The Pool with view? Absolutely gorgeous. Especially at sunset. I may or may not have spent a solid hour just staring at it (okay, fine, I did). There's also a Spa, which is always a win. I skipped the Body scrub & Body wrap (too much fuss, I need a nap) and went straight for the Massage. And it was… blissful. Worth every penny!
Gym/Fitness & the Pursuit of Pump: The Fitness center is pretty decent, nothing groundbreaking, but gets the job done. I tried the Gym/fitness, but after the massage, all I wanted to do was eat and sleep. I'm not gonna lie, by the time I got to the gym I was already dreaming about the Asian dessert at the restaurant.
The Water Rituals: There's a Sauna – which is always a good time. There's a Steamroom, but I have to be honest, I prefer the sauna. The Foot bath was relaxing, the whole experience was a pretty great time.
Cleanliness, Safety, and the Peace of Mind Factor
Okay, let's get real here. Safety is huge right now, and the apartment seems to get it:
- Cleanliness and Safety: They take Covid seriously. They had "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," and "Room sanitization opt-out available" (though I didn't opt-out. Nope, no sir). They also have "First aid kit," "Hand sanitizer". The whole vibe was reassuring.
- The Little Details: "Shared stationery removed." - good. "Staff trained in safety protocol" - excellent. They are taking as much care as possible to keep the premise safe.
- Physical Distancing and More: They seem to be making an effort to maintain Physical distancing of at least 1 meter. I even noticed "Hot water linen and laundry washing". You can feel safe at this place!
- The Extras You Hope You Never Need: They have a Doctor/nurse on call, a Fire extinguisher, a Smoke detector, and Smoke alarms. Very important.
- Room Sanitization is Key: They even have "Rooms sanitized between stays" and "Rooms sanitized between stays"
Let's Talk Food, Glorious Food (and Maybe a Few Hiccups)
- Dining Experiences: The Restaurants are a mixed bag. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was pretty good, and the Asian breakfast was a highlight.
- Breakfast and More: I skipped the "Breakfast [buffet]" (too much decision-making before coffee!) and went for the "Breakfast in room" option one day. It was… okay. Not amazing, but serviceable. There's also "Breakfast takeaway service" which is a nice touch for those on the go.
- Snacking and More: Snack bar - essential. Poolside bar - also essential! The "Coffee/tea in restaurant" was decent, and a great way to start the day.
- The Good Stuff: I had a good time indulging in the "Desserts in restaurant" and the "Salad in restaurant". The food was good and was something I would enjoy again.
- More Options: They have "A la carte in restaurant", "Alternative meal arrangement", "Bottle of water", "Buffet in restaurant", "Happy hour", "International cuisine in restaurant", "Room service [24-hour]", "Soup in restaurant", "Vegetarian restaurant", and "Western cuisine in restaurant".
Services and Conveniences: The Stuff That Makes Life Easier… or Not
- The Good Stuff: Free Car park is a godsend in Jakarta. Having a Concierge is super helpful. Daily housekeeping is always appreciated.
- The Potential Pitfalls: Getting the Dry cleaning done took a bit longer than I expected, but the service was good overall. Food delivery options might be limited depending on where you are in the complex.
- Convenience is Key: Cash withdrawal is available. Elevators are there, thank god!
For the Kids (and the Inner Child in All of Us)
- Family Friendly: Babysitting service is available. There are Kids facilities.
- Fun Time: I even saw a Kids meal. The Family/child friendly element is definitely there.
The Room Itself: My Cozy Cave
Alright, the heart of the matter! My 2BR? It was decent. Here's the lowdown:
- The Basics: Air conditioning (thank GOD!), a comfortable Seating area, and a functional Desk. The Closet was big enough to hold my ever growing mountain of clothes.
- The Little Luxuries: The Bathrobes and Slippers are lovely. Free bottled water is a must. I especially liked the "Complimentary tea". The Mini bar was pretty well stocked, too.
- Essentials that Matter: The Bed was comfortable, and the Blackout curtains were clutch for sleeping in. They had a Mirror and a Reading light that I absolutely needed.
- Little Annoyances: The Alarm clock was a bit finicky.
- Techy Stuff: The Satellite/cable channels were plentiful.
Getting Around: The Jakarta Shuffle
- Easy Transfers: They offer Airport transfer.
- Parking: Car park [on-site] is definitely a plus.
The Verdict: Unbelievable Luxury? Maybe… But Definitely Worth It!
Okay, so is this place truly "Unbelievable Luxury"? I'd say it's a very comfortable, well-equipped apartment in a massive complex that tries to cater to your every need. It's not perfect. The Wi-Fi can be a headache. Navigating the complex can feel like an Olympic sport. But! The pool is stunning, the spa is divine, the staff are friendly, and the apartment itself is a cozy retreat.
Here's the Deal-Closer (AKA the "Stop Reading and Book!" Section):
Escape to Paradise: Liu Yuan Green Villa Awaits in Taitung, Taiwan
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to plunge headfirst into my absolutely bonkers itinerary for a "luxury" (let's see about that) sojourn at the Green Pramuka City Apartments in Jakarta! This isn't your meticulously planned, perfectly-Instagrammable travel guide. This is the disorganized, caffeine-fueled, emotionally-charged diary of my Jakarta adventure. Prepare for the chaos…
The Green Pramuka City Debacle (aka My Jakarta Adventure): A Timeline of Mild and Utter Disaster… and Maybe Some Fun?
Day 1: Arrival, Apartment Intrigue, and the Quest for Coffee (and Sanity)
- 9:00 AM (ish) - Arrival at Soekarno-Hatta Airport (CGK): Whoa. Jakarta. Smells… interesting. The air is thick, humid, and smells mostly of exhaust fumes and something vaguely floral, like a dying orchid. Immediately regretting my choice of travel outfit (denim, really?!) and questioning every life decision that led me here. The taxi ride to Green Pramuka City is an adventure in itself – bumper-to-bumper traffic, scooters weaving like angry bees, and a dizzying array of colors and sounds.
- 11:00 AM - Check-in & Apartment First Impression: Finally! Green Pramuka City. The lobby looks fancy, with some shiny marble and bored-looking security guards. The apartment… well, let's just say the "luxury" aspect is being highly debated in my brain. It’s clean-ish, which is a win, but the decor is… well, it's like someone raided a thrift store and said, "MORE!" The promised “two bedrooms” are probably two closets repurposed as rooms. The view? Let’s call it “intimate – meaning, I can probably see into other people’s apartments which is not what i want.”
- 11:30 AM - The Great Coffee Hunt: Okay, panic sets in. WHERE IS THE COFFEE?! Google Maps informs me of a cafe down the road. The walk… Well, let’s just say it reconfirmed my denim-clad stupidity due to the heat. The cafe is a godsend. I inhale a double espresso like a dehydrated desert traveler. Back. To. Life.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch and Culture Clash (with a Side of Panic): Found a local warung (small restaurant) nearby. Menu is all in Bahasa Indonesia. Pointing and hoping for the best. Ended up with something that looked like fried chicken, rice, and… something green and mysterious. Tasted surprisingly good, though my stomach is currently staging a silent revolt. Learned that "pedas" (spicy) translates to "OH MY GOD, MY MOUTH IS ON FIRE!" but I survived. Barely.
- 3:00 PM - Apartment Reconnaissance and the Internet Crisis: Spent an hour trying to figure out the washing machine (victory!). The internet, however, is another beast entirely. Speed is slower than a sloth on tranquilizers and the password is a cryptic series of numbers with no explanation. I’m considering sending carrier pigeons a note to my friends at home so I can communicate.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner Attempt & Street Food Exploration: Decided to be brave and venture out for street food. Found a bustling night market. Tried some grilled skewers (satay) and a sweet pancake-like thing (Martabak Manis) that was pure heaven. Got totally lost in the process and almost bought a tiny dragon fruit for the way home because it looked so cute. This is what I like! This is when the trip feels more real!
Day 2: Jakarta's Chaotic Charm & The Bus That Shall Not Be Named
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast Debacle, Round 2 The hotel restaurant advertised "western-style breakfast." Found an assortment of sad pastries and undercooked eggs. Briefly considered kidnapping the wifi router and fleeing Jakarta. Decided coffee was the only solution.
- 10:00 AM - The National Museum – History and Humidity. Okay, the museum actually impressed me. The exhibits were fascinating, the ancient artifacts… well… old. But I needed to dry my pits. The sheer volume of people was stunning.
- 1:00 PM - The Bus That Shall Not Be Named (and the Near-Death Experience): Decided to embrace the local transport and board a public bus. Mistake! The bus was packed. The driver’s driving style? Let’s just say I’m pretty sure he’s secretly auditioning for a Fast & Furious movie. The air conditioning barely works. The journey felt like a rollercoaster ride combined with a sauna. I'm pretty sure I lost an eyebrow.
- 3:00 PM - Shopping Mall Shenanigans: Needed some retail therapy after the bus experience. The shopping mall was a sensory overload of bright lights, blaring music, and a hundred thousand different brands I have never seen before. I'm not sure whether I loved it or hated it… possibly a bit of both. Came away with a questionable t-shirt.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner & Karaoke Night: Found a local restaurant and ate more indonesian food (I'm getting used to it!). Then, inspired by my adventures in the country, convinced my friends to go karaoke. No comment. My voice is the sound of dying cats, but I loved it.
Day 3: Temples, Traffic, and the Search for Serenity (Spoiler Alert: It Failed)
- 9:00 AM – Temple of Serenity (lol!). The traffic? Monstrous! I spent 2 hours crawling through Jakarta traffic to get to this beautiful, serene temple. But the serenity only lasted until I saw my bus. I nearly threw up. The temple, though, was beautiful. Really beautiful. The gold leaf detail? Immaculate. I lit some incense and tried to center myself even though my nerves were shot from the bus from hell.
- 1:00 PM - The Food Court Fiasco: Decided to explore a local food court after the temple. Everything looked… delicious. Ordered way too much food. Ate it all. My stomach now hates me, again.
- 3:00 PM - Back to the apartment. Sanity check:
- Laundry is still a disaster.
- Wifi is still nonexistent.
- The apartment is still… well, it’s still the apartment.
- Contemplating checking out early and moving to a remote island.
- 7:00 PM - Farewell Dinner: Found a fancy restaurant for a celebratory final blow-out meal. Ate way too much. Now I'm in a food coma with a tinge of despair.
Day 4: Departure – And a Sigh of Relief (and a faint Smell of Exhaust Fumes)
- 9:00 AM - Final Coffee Run & Last-Minute Souvenir Hunt: One last burst of caffeine. Scrambled around for souvenirs (probably got ripped off).
- 11:00 AM - Check-out and Farewell to the Green Pramuka City (Thank Goodness!).
- 1:00 PM - Airport Arrival: The flight back home… well, it’ll be a welcome escape, even if it means more airplane food.
- 2:00 PM - Reflection (Maybe): Jakarta. Chaotic, frustrating, hot, loud, intensely interesting. I’m exhausted and my stomach is still recovering. Would I go back? Probably. Because despite the chaos, the questionable apartment, and the near-death bus experience, the city has something… a raw energy that is addictive. Okay, I am ready to go home.
This itinerary… or lack thereof… is a testament to the unpredictable nature of travel. It’s not perfect, it’s not glamorous, but it’s real. Jakarta, you were… something. And Green Pramuka City, well… let's just say you provided an unforgettable, occasionally terrifying, backdrop to my adventure. May your wifi someday improve. And now, I am going back to sleep!
Unbelievable Dehradun Luxury: Hotel Samrat Awaits!
Okay, I'm *thinking* about sourdough. Is it actually as hard as everyone says? Because, like, I barely manage to make toast without burning it.
HARD? Honey, let me tell you about my starter, "Harold." (Don't judge the name. It was a desperate moment, okay?) Harold was a *nightmare*. He smelled vaguely of old socks and disappointment. Then, just when I thought I'd FINALLY coaxed him into something resembling life, BAM! He exploded all over my kitchen. Literally. Like, a sourdough volcano. So, yeah. In answer to your question: it can be. But don't let that scare you! It’s trial by fire, more or less. There's a learning curve, sure. Think of it less as "hard" and more as "a relationship that requires constant tending and occasional sobbing." But when Harold finally made a decent loaf... oh, the glory. The smell. The triumphant feeling that I hadn't completely failed at life. Totally worth the sobs.
What do you *actually* need to get started? I'm already overwhelmed. Help!
Okay, deep breaths. You need: flour, water, a jar to house your future monster (a.k.a., your starter), a scale (trust me on this), and patience. LOTS of patience. And maybe a therapist. (Just kidding... mostly.) You'll also need a Dutch oven or a baking stone, a decent knife, and the *will* to keep going when your first loaf comes out looking like a sad, flat pancake. And while you're there, get some parchment paper. You'll thank me later. I skipped the parchment paper for a long while and it was torture.
My starter smells… funny. Is it supposed to? Because it's kinda like old gym socks mixed with… I don't even know. Is it safe to feed this thing?
OH, the smell. The *smell*! Yes, it's supposed to smell... interesting. Think "fermented." Think "slightly alcoholic." Think "a little bit of something that perhaps someone shouldn't admit to tasting, out of morbid curiosity." If it smells truly *rancid*, like, truly, offensively bad and you've already had a few weeks with the starter, you might be on the brink of a starter disaster. But a bit of twang is actually a good sign. If in doubt, just feed it and see what happens. Sourdough is like a rebellious teenager; you can only control it so much.
How often do I have to feed the darn thing? This seems like a lot of work!
Okay, so this is where it gets... complicated. During the initial stages, you're basically playing God for your tiny bacteria colony. Twice a day, maybe? Then, once it's established, it depends on your sanity level. If you have a schedule, you can usually get away with feeding it once a day, maybe every other day. But here's the *real* secret: Sourdough is forgiving. REALLY forgiving. I've left Harold in the fridge for weeks and he's still bounced back (eventually). It's really about finding a rhythm that works for *you*. I go for "once a week if he acts nice, twice if he's feeling ungrateful."
What if my sourdough loaf looks... flat? Like a depressing, bread-shaped pancake? What do I do wrong?
Ah, the pancake loaf. The bane of every sourdough baker's existence. There are a million reasons why your loaf might be a flop. Starter not active enough? Over-proofed? Under-proofed? Bad technique? (Me, mostly.) Don't worry, it's normal. REALLY, REALLY normal. My first five loaves were basically hockey pucks. First, ensure your starter's doubled in size after feeding. Then, be patient! Let your dough rise properly. If your starter is good, proofing time is right, it's likely *you* that is the problem. I still routinely mess up. The important thing is to keep going. Seriously. You'll learn. Eventually. And when you finally pull out that perfectly risen, crusty loaf, you'll be ecstatic. It's hard to explain the feeling other than a feeling of actual pride that you created something that is edible.
Sigh... my loaf looks good, but it's dense and chewy. What's going on *now*? I'm starting to take this personally.
Look, you're not alone. Dense and chewy usually mean the dough isn't proofed enough. OR, it could be that you didn't develop your gluten enough through the bulk fermentation stage. OR, your starter may be too weak. Or you could be a little too much gluten. OR there's something else entirely! This is where the real detective work begins. Keep track of your process and adjust batch after batch. And don't be afraid to experiment. (That's code for "make mistakes.") The more you bake, the more you'll understand. Also, it's probably a bit of everything. Maybe you didn't stretch and fold enough. Maybe you didn't give it a long enough bulk fermentation. Or maybe the yeast gods are just messing with you. Don't give up! Just keep trying. And, honestly? Sometimes even a dense loaf tastes amazing with enough butter. I mean, it’s still bread.
Okay, okay, you've scared me slightly. But I'm still intrigued. Should I actually DO this?
Look, here's the truth. Sourdough is frustrating. It's messy. You'll want to throw things. You'll question your life choices. You'll probably burn yourself on your Dutch oven more than once. But... when you finally get that perfect loaf? That crusty, tangy, beautiful loaf? It's like a tiny miracle. It's like a hug from the universe itself. It's... addicting. You'll never look at store-bought bread the same way again. And, yes, you'll definitely start subtly bragging about your baking prowess to everyone you meet. So, yeah. You should probably do it. Just, you know, be prepared for the emotional rollercoaster. And maybe invest in some good oven mitts. And wine. Lots of wine.
