Another Grandma's Home in Banyuwangi

Banyuwangi, once just a transit city from Java to Bali. Now, Banyuwangi has changed into one of main tourist destinations in Java, even Indonesia. As the easternmost part of Java Island, Banyuwangi has many variety of beauties that no one could ever imagine.

From the dense jungle wildlife with some secluded pristine beaches to dry savanna landscape as in Africa. From the deep blue underwater marine life to the cold breeze of mountain with dramatic crater lake. From the modern and sophisticated lifestyle to quiet and rural communities preserving their ancestor's cultures. That's all you'll get just in one region, Yes. One Region and it's called Banyuwangi.

As the tourism growing up rapidly here, Banyuwangi starts to develop itself and now it's becoming a precious jewel for Indonesia's tourism. Hotels everywhere, guest houses everywhere, homestays everywhere, so it's not too difficult to find a place to stay when you're visiting the Sunrise of Java a.k.a Banyuwangi.

If you're looking for a middle-up until high-class hotels, Banyuwangi has a lot of 3-5 Stars Hotels with excellent facilities and services. Don't worry if you're dreaming for your Luxury-Style of travelling since Banyuwangi is a world-class destination now.

How if you're on a budget, but still longing for going travelling? No need to worry because Banyuwangi also provides accommodation for Low Budget Traveller or Backpacker. There's a plenty of backpacker-style accommodation in Banyuwangi, such as homestay, guest house, and hostel. Afraid with the lack of facilities and services? Please have that mind away from yourself. This story will change your mind about the definition of Low-Bugdet Accommodation. Trust me!

After spending several days travelling around Banyuwangi in August 2016 and being impressed with its picturesque nature, my friend (call him Andres) and I decided to have some rest first before getting away to another destination. At that time, we were having a trip to Banyuwangi, Jogja, and Bandung. It's almost encircle Java Island, literally.

The trip in Banyuwangi was arranged by YukBanyuwangi, a tour agent specialising on destinations around Banyuwangi. Thank you for the great time and thank you for nice service guys!

Our decision is Rumah Singgah Banyuwangi (Banyuwangi Backpacker Home). Located near Karangasem Railway Station, the nearest railway station to Banyuwangi's downtown. We know the place from Internet (Thank God for the Internet's and Google's Inventors, they help much!) First time, it's quite hard to find it. We also asked help from the Angkot's driver and finally we could reach it safe.

In our first sight, we were confused. Was that the right place as we saw on Google? The facade is just like an ordinary house with huge garage and a plenty of motorbikes being parked around. We didn't want to be mistaken. It's already 7PM and all we need is shower and good rest, since we were taking local bus from Baluran National Park to Banyuwangi Bus Terminal, then changed to Angkot to reach Banyuwangi city.

If you don't try, you'll never know it. That's what's on my mind. I entered the house and saying a greetings, just to let the owner know if there were two young guys looked for a bedroom. And VOILA! The owner finally appeared. She was an old lady, but seemed she's still strong to do anything. Then she offered help. My friends and I explained our needs and she said the room is still available. Luckily, we were the only one(only two actually) guest there since some travellers had just left from there.

The house itself is huge inside. Our room is located in the backside of the house. The room is not too wide, but it's enough to accommodate two persons. There's only one bed, fan, and bathroom inside. Just basic, but it's totally able to fulfill our needs. Sadly I have no documentation of this accommodation since we were too tired to capture more photos at that time.

For the price, actually I also forgot the exact price. But, it's cheap and under Rp100.000,00. We stayed for two nights and just paying around Rp100.000,00 totally. I stayed with my friends, so just divide 100.000 into two. So, I just pay Rp50.000,00 for two nights. It's really cheap! But, actually there are still many accommodations cheaper than this. Check on a blog from friend of mine who also visited Banyuwangi and just paying Rp20.000,00 for staying in a guesthouse.

How about the location? It's strategically located just across Karangasem Railway Stations, all trains coming and leaving Banyuwangi make stops here. It's literally just a stone's throw away from the station. We can see the station just outside this lodgings. Oh, there's a lot of low-budget lodgings around Karangasem Railway Station and this one is the most strategic.

Though the facilities were basic, but the service is excellent! Why? Because I found the atmosphere of Grandma's House here. It's simply by the kindness treat from the Grandma or Mbah here. She's Mbah Atimah. She is friendly, humble, caring, and she just reminds me of my own Mbah/Nenek/Grandma.

Every day, she keeps talking with us. We were talking about anything, mostly about family, tourism, Banyuwangi, and lesson of life,-typical Grandma's conversation to her grandson/granddaughter.

We feel the warmth, passion, and love from her. She treats the guest not as strangers/guest, but also as her part of family. She allowed us to have dinner with her and tried her cook for free (Thank you for saving our budget Mbah! You really know us well), she also introduced her son and grandson, she also let us watch telly (TV) in family room. Simple acts, but really impress us. We will never forget about those things.

This is what I didn't get if we stayed in hotel. We probably be impressed by the complete facilites, the luxury of the hotel, but here I got the love, warmth, and acceptance feeling as a family. That's why I'd rather choose to stay in homestay, guest house, and hostel than hotel. You guys must try this one.

It's quite hard to leave her when it's time to leave. Banyuwangi is really impressing, not only by the magnificent natural beauties, but also the hospitality and warmth of the people. Mbah Atimah from Banyuwangi Backpacker House is the proof. Nothing can defeat the kindness right?

Nothing wrong if we choose this place as our stopover place in Banyuwangi. We really love to meet and know Mbah Atimah. We would definitely go back there if there is a chance to get to Banyuwangi. I simply would go back because this is just like my another Grandma's Home. Warm greetings to Mbah Atimah from Andres and I.

Thank you for everything Banyuwangi. Your charm is as fragrant as your name.

Rumah Singgah Banyuwangi (Banyuwangi Backpacker Home)

Location : (Just before Karangasem Railway Station) Bakungan, Glagah, Kabupaten Banyuwangi, Jawa Timur 68431 Banyuwangi, East Java, Indonesia

WA : +62 819 1391 4231

Instagram : @rumahsinggahbwi

Price : In 2016, just around IDR50.000-100.000, The price may change now. Contact the owner for further information.

Atimah and family yes