Escape to Paradise: Pelangi Lake Resort & Hotel, Belitung's Hidden Gem
Escape to Paradise: Pelangi Lake Resort & Hotel - Belitung Bliss (and a few bumps along the way!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (and maybe a bit of Belitung sand) on Escape to Paradise: Pelangi Lake Resort & Hotel. This place, billed as a "Hidden Gem," is seriously trying to live up to the hype, and let me tell you, it mostly succeeds. But, like any good adventure, there are a few slightly wonky bits that make it, well, real.
Accessibility - It's a Mixed Bag!
Okay, let's be straight: if you're relying heavily on a wheelchair, this isn't a slam dunk. The website does mention facilities for disabled guests, but I didn't get a super clear sense of the extent of those. Plenty of steps around, especially to get to the lake itself. That said, there's an elevator, which is a HUGE plus. The staff, bless their hearts, are super eager to help – so do call ahead and confirm if you have specific needs.
Cleanliness and Safety – Pretty Darn Pristine!
This is where Pelangi REALLY shines. In the post-pandemic world, they're taking things seriously. HUGE props for the anti-viral cleaning, daily disinfection (you can practically smell the effort!), and staff trained like ninjas in sanitization protocol. They’ve got the hand sanitizer stations everywhere. I even saw them sterilizing equipment! It was almost… too clean. (Just kidding, I’m a germaphobe at heart!) The "rooms sanitized between stays" box is definitely checked. Plus, the staff wear masks and provide safe dining setup at the restaurant, too. I felt ridiculously safe.
Rooms - Cozy Chaos (in a good way!)
Here's the thing about the rooms: they're not starkly perfect, but they're comfortable. I opted for the "Non-smoking" room, because, well, I'm not a smoker. And it was great. The "Air conditioning" was a godsend in the Belitung humidity. I had a "Complimentary tea", "Coffee/tea maker", "Free bottled water". the "Slippers" were a nice touch, too. The "Bathtub" was spacious. I liked the "Alarm clock". It was everything and more. I also appreciated the "Smoke detector" and "Safety/security feature" – made me feel at ease. I'm a sucker for a "Blackout curtains" and a "Mini bar" too.
Internet – Wi-Fi or Woe-Fi?
Okay, so, the "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" is mostly true. Mostly. It worked fine in the lobby, but my room? Let's just say it was a bit… spotty. There was "Internet access – wireless", and "Internet access – LAN" available, but I got frustrated. My advice: embrace the digital detox. And, I hate to admit, it was kinda nice to disconnect.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – From Buffet Bonanza to Poolside Pondering
The "Breakfast [buffet]" was a beast. A delicious, sprawling beast! "Asian cuisine in the restaurant" was amazing with "Western cuisine in the restaurant". "Coffee/tea in restaurant" and "Coffee shop" were great for a quick pick-me-up. The "Poolside bar" was a haven of tropical drinks and snacks. I found myself spending hours at the "Bar". They had "Happy hour". "Room service [24-hour]" was a lifesaver after a long day of exploring. The "Snack bar" was great for a quick bite. On the downside, the "Desserts in restaurant" were "meh". "A la carte in restaurant" was my go-to. "Bottle of water" was easy to get.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax – Paradise Found (and Maybe a Little Overwhelmed!)
Okay, this is where Pelangi truly shines. The lake itself? Jaw-dropping. The "Swimming pool [outdoor]" was gorgeous.
- Spa Day Shenanigans: I dived headfirst into the "Spa". I went for a "Body scrub" and a "Massage", and it was blissful. I nearly fell asleep multiple times. I took a "Foot bath" too. I was in heaven.
- Sauna Sizzle: "Sauna" and "Steamroom" were available.
- Fitness Frenzy: The "Gym/fitness" area was there, but I’m not going to lie: I was too busy relaxing to actually use it. My idea of "Fitness center" these days is walking to the buffet and back.
Services and Conveniences – Sorted… Mostly!
The staff are incredibly helpful. The "Laundry service" and "Dry cleaning" were quick and efficient. "Daily housekeeping" kept my room pristine. "Cash withdrawal" was available, too. The "Concierge" was a fountain of local knowledge. They had "Luggage storage". They were "Meeting/banquet facilities" and provided "Meeting stationery". "Elevator" was a welcome sight. The "Valet parking" wasn't necessary because the "Car park [free of charge]" was plentiful.
For the Kids – Family Fun!
They’re definitely "Family/child friendly". "Babysitting service" is available, and I saw a “Kids meal” on the menu. They seem to cater for the kids.
Getting Around – Smooth Sailing (or Driving!)
The "Airport transfer" was a breeze. "Taxi service" available. Because I had a "Car park [free of charge]", it made things easy.
Quirks, Quirks, Everywhere!
- The Lake's Allure: The lake is the star. It’s that simple. I swear I spent half my trip just staring at the water, completely mesmerized.
- Staff's Sweetness: The staff. Honestly, they’re the best thing about this place. So incredibly friendly and helpful. Not just polite – genuinely warm and welcoming.
- Imperfections are Charming: There was a slight hiccup with the air conditioning one night. But it was quickly fixed, and honestly, the slight imperfection made it feel more… real. Like, this is a place where things aren't always perfect, but they’re doing their best, and that's kinda endearing.
The Bottom Line: Book It! (But Manage Your Expectations)
Escape to Paradise: Pelangi Lake Resort & Hotel is a fantastic choice. The pros far outweigh the cons. It’s beautiful, the staff are amazing, and the spa is divine.
Don't Miss Out! Your Escape to Paradise Awaits!
(Special Offer for a Limited Time!)
Ready to ditch the daily grind and finally Escape to Paradise? Book your stay at Pelangi Lake Resort & Hotel NOW and get:
- A Free Romantic Dinner for Two by the Lake: Imagine yourselves, dining under the stars, with the twinkling lake as your backdrop. Pure magic!
- Complimentary Spa Treatment: Melt away your stress with a rejuvenating massage or body scrub.
- Early Bird Discount: Save 15% on your room rate when you book by [Date]
- Free Wi-Fi (Mostly!): Stay connected (ish!) while you disconnect from the real world (Hey, it works for the most part!)
Why Choose Us?
- Stunning Scenery: Wake up to breathtaking views of Pelangi Lake and lush tropical landscapes.
- Unforgettable Experiences: From water sports to spa retreats, we offer a world of adventure and relaxation.
- Impeccable Service: Our friendly and attentive staff is devoted to making your stay exceptional.
- Safe & Secure: Relax knowing that we're committed to your health and safety with rigorous cleaning protocols.
Click here to book your escape today! [Link to Booking Site]
Don't wait! Paradise is calling! This is your chance to experience the magic of Belitung. Trust me. Your soul (and your Instagram feed) will thank you.
Escape to Paradise: Coconhuts Beach Resort, Neil Island, India
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! We're going to Belitung, Indonesia, and I'm pretty sure this itinerary is held together with the sheer force of my optimism (and maybe a healthy dose of caffeine). Let's see if we can wrestle this into something remotely resembling "plan".
The Belitung Bellyflop: A Hot Mess of an Itinerary (But Hopefully a Fun Mess)
(Day 1: Arrival & The Great Luggage Lament)
- Morning (8:00 AM, Jakarta - the dreaded "transit"): Fly out of Jakarta. Ugh, Jakarta. Let's not dwell. Just, pray for no delays, no screaming toddlers on the plane (though, let's be real, that's a gamble). Also, I need to check again because I tend to forget the essentials. Remember this is a solo trip.
- Afternoon (11:00 AM, Arrival at Tanjung Pandan Airport, Belitung): Sweet, sweet freedom! Or, at least, the promise of it. Grab a taxi to Pelangi Lake Resort. Pray the driver doesn't take me on a scenic tour of the entire island. (Note to self: haggle the price. I'm terrible at this. I'll probably end up overpaying and looking like an idiot).
- Afternoon (12:00 PM, Pelangi Lake Resort Check-in, Lunch - the first test): Alright, here we go. Check-in. Hopefully, my room actually exists. I've read the reviews – fingers crossed it's not the one with the crumbling balcony. Lunch at the resort restaurant. Am I going to fall for the tourist trap and get served something truly awful? Or am I finally going to taste Indonesian deliciousness? The anticipation! I'm craving a gado-gado, even if it turns out to be a culinary disaster. Anxious me: Don't forget your essentials, you'll probably regret it later.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM, The Great Luggage Lament and Room Inspection - aka the Reality Check): Arrived at room. OMG, it's prettier than the pictures! And… where's my luggage? Oh dear. The dreaded baggage delay, the lost luggage, the whole shebang. Time to unleash my inner Karen (just kidding… mostly). Phone calls. Frustration. More deep breaths. (Maybe throw in some yoga. I will try to relax, at least in the moment; but it is difficult sometimes).
- Evening (6:00 PM - Late, Dinner & Sunset Gazing (Attempted)): Dinner at the resort. Maybe I'll find a good spot to watch the sunset over the lake. Actually, hoping to get my missing luggage. If it hasn't appeared, then I might have a massive meltdown. I'll buy the essentials from the souvenir shop nearby if things go the wrong path.
(Day 2: Island Hopping & The Snorkeling Scare)
- Morning (8:00 AM, Breakfast & the Promise of Paradise): Breakfast at the resort. Fuel up! Today's the day for island hopping!
- Morning (9:00 AM, Tanjung Kelayang Beach Departure): Take a boat tour from Tanjung Kelayang Beach. The brochures promise pristine beaches and crystal-clear water. They always do, don't they? Let's hope reality matches up. This is the real Belitung experience, apparently. I had better enjoy it.
- Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Island Hopping Extravaganza - Lengkuas Island (the Lighthouse!), Batu Berlayar, Kelayang Island): Okay, here's where it gets exciting! Island hopping time! The highlight? Lengkuas Island and its iconic lighthouse. Climbing to the top (hopefully not too many stairs). Getting the Insta-worthy shot – and breathing in the salty air. Then, the other islands: Batu Berlayar with its massive granite rocks and Kelayang Island, where it's said to look like a bird. Feeling like a proper explorer!
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM, Lunch on a Deserted Beach): Picnic lunch. Sandwiches, maybe some fresh fruit (if the fruit vendor is not overpriced), and the blissful sound of the waves. This is the moment to truly appreciate being alive.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM, Snorkeling (or, The Time I Almost Became Shark Bait)): Snorkeling! I'm not the most graceful swimmer, I'll admit it. And I'm slightly terrified of what lurks beneath. Hoping I don't bump into any… surprises. The thought of a jellyfish is a little off-putting. Take it slow, breathe, and don't panic.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Return to Tanjung Kelayang; beach relaxation): Beach time! Sun, sand, serenity (hopefully). Might even try my hand at reading (if I can keep my damn eyelids open).
- Evening (6:00 PM, Dinner & Another Attempt at Sunset): Dinner at a local restaurant. Seafood, please! And maybe a Bintang beer. Watching the sunset. Try to relax and reflect on the beautiful day. Make sure to take photos!
(Day 3: The Inland Adventure & The Market Mayhem)
- Morning (8:00 AM, Breakfast & the Quest for Coffee): Breakfast! And the serious need to find a decent cup of coffee. I'm a caffeine addict.
- Morning (9:00 AM, Visit Danau Kaolin (Kaolin Lake)): Danau Kaolin. Beautiful turquoise lake, apparently. Photos, photos, photos! A little bit of scenery, a little bit of wonder.
- Morning (11:00 AM, Visit to the Traditional Market): Exploring the local market in Tanjung Pandan. Dive into the real Belitung! The sights, the smells, the…potential for impulse buys. I need to be careful. Trying to remember how to haggle (I'll probably fail).
- Anecdote: One time, in a Moroccan souk, I tried to haggle for a rug and ended up getting completely ripped off, but the seller, bless his heart, gave a great compliment on my efforts to haggle. I feel that experience will come in handy, somehow.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM, Lunch at the Market): Trying some local street food at the market. The possibilities! Let's see what kind of things I'll try.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 3:00 PM, Visiting Rumah Adat Belitung (Belitung Traditional House)): Immerse myself in local culture. Admire the architecture, learn about the history.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Back to the Resort - Pooling & Packing): Pool time! And the soul-crushing act of packing (gosh, I hate packing on any trip).
- Evening (6:00 PM - Late, Farewell Dinner & Another Sunset Attempt): One last delicious dinner. Another sunset attempt (still chasing that perfect view). Reflecting on the trip. Maybe a few tears of joy.
(Day 4: Departure & The Post-Belitung Blues)
- Morning (8:00 AM, Breakfast & The Final Farewell): Last breakfast. Savor it.
- Morning (9:00 AM, Check-out): Check-out time. Make sure I haven't left anything behind.
- Morning (10:00 AM, Airport Drop-off): Heading to the airport.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM, Fly from Tanjung Pandan Airport, Belitung): Back to the real world. The post-vacation blues setting in.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM, transit in Jakarta): Hopefully the plane isn't delayed. Jakarta, ugh again!. Wishing to be somewhere else. Praying the plane is not delayed.
- Evening (5:00 PM, Arrival back home): Reality has arrived! Start the laundry (the unending cycle). Thinking about the next trip. Wishing I was still in paradise.
Important notes:
- Flexibility is Key: This is just a suggestion. Be prepared to change things. The weather, my mood, the local bus, the unexpected, anything.
- Embrace the Mess: Things WILL go wrong. That's part of the fun. Try to love the chaos; just roll with it, and don't allow it to get you down.
- Drink Water! Seriously.
- Enjoy!: This is your adventure. Make it YOURS.
- Remember to take photos. The memories are wonderful to keep.
So there you have it! Send me luck. And perhaps a spare suitcase, just in case the first one decides to play hide-and-seek. Wish me luck, I'm going to need it. Time to dive into this
Al Nabarees Palace: Your Arabian Nights Await in Saudi Arabia
Okay, Spill the Tea: Is Pelangi Lake Resort *Really* Paradise on Earth?
Alright, alright, settle down. "Paradise"? Look, the brochures LIE. They ALWAYS LIE. But...Pelangi Lake? Okay, it's got some of that paradise *vibe*. Picture this: arriving after a crazy, bumpy ride from the Belitung airport (seriously, hold on tight!), and BAM! This ridiculously blue lake hits you square in the face. Honestly, my jaw DROPPED. Like, legit dropped. I’m not even a water person, water freaks me out a tiny bit, but this… this was something else. It's like someone photoshopped reality and then printed it on this massive canvas of water and lush green. But paradise? Let's not get carried away. We'll circle back to that...
What’s the Vibe, Man? Is it a Romantic Getaway Spot? Family Friendly? Or Just… Weird?
Vibe check! Good question! It's aiming for ‘romantic getaway’, for sure. Think couples strolling hand-in-hand, gazing at the sunset… Which is all well and good until little Timmy from the next bungalow starts SCREAMING because a bug landed on his ice cream. (Timmy, if you’re reading this, I feel you, bugs are monsters). So, yes, family-friendly, sort of. There's a kids' pool, but it's not exactly Disney World. The vibe genuinely leans towards chilled-out. You can chill by the pool (which, admittedly, is *gorgeous*) or take a kayak out on the lake. Just… try to ignore Timmy. Honestly, it's a bit of a hodgepodge: couples, families, even a group of very enthusiastic birdwatchers. It's more "relaxed Indonesian holiday" than "ultra-luxe retreat." And I digged that, a lot.
The Rooms: Worth the Hype (and the Price)?
Rooms? Okay, here's the deal. They range from "nice, clean bungalow" to "the kind of bungalow you dream about." I splashed out (which I might regret later, based on my bank account) and went for the lakeside villa. Oh. My. God. The view from my balcony! Pure, unadulterated, *whoa*! Morning coffee there was heavenly, until a lizard decided to join me, which was less heavenly (I told you I don't do water, I also don't do lizards). The rooms are… comfortable. Not five-star hotel comfortable, but perfectly adequate. The bathroom was spacious, the aircon worked (essential in that humidity!), and the bed was surprisingly comfy. It's not perfect, okay! Sometimes the hot water took a WHILE. And hey, don't expect brand-new everything. Some stuff felt a bit…vintage. But hey, it's part of the charm, right? RIGHT?! (I’m trying to justify the price, okay?)
The Food: Will My Stomach Survive?
Food… Okay, deep breaths. It’s… Indonesian food. Which means, if you *love* Indonesian food, you're in heaven! If you're… a picky eater who only eats beige food *cough, cough, me*… well, you might have some struggles. The breakfast buffet was a bit of a mixed bag. Some days it was amazing – fresh fruit, pastries, nasi goreng (fried rice - a lifesaver!). Other days… let's just say I relied heavily on the toast and jam. The restaurant food – while beautifully presented – was often a little bland for my taste. I'm a spice fiend! I need FLAVOR! But the local seafood was amazing. So, yeah, bring some snacks... and maybe some hot sauce. Speaking of which, I'll never forget the first time I attempted the local food, I was sweating and crying from the chili - it was hilariously awful!
Activities, Activities! What's There To *Do* besides Stare at the Lake (Which, Let's Be Honest, Sounds Pretty Good)?
Okay, staring at the lake IS a valid activity. And a highly enjoyable one! But if you're the type who gets itchy feet… kayaks! They have them. Paddle around the lake, feel the sun on your face, pretend you're an intrepid explorer. They offer boat trips to nearby islands (worth doing, the beaches are STUNNING). The little village nearby is very charming, to wander through, and get a glimpse of the real Belitung. Plus, the resort can arrange tours of the "iconic granite boulders" that Belitung is famous for. I did one tour. It was… fine. The boulders are pretty. But mostly, I just wanted to go back to the lake and chill. Honestly, the best activity is just *being* there. Disconnecting from the world, reading a book, and just… breathing. That’s paradise, right?
Any Hidden Costs or Annoying Surprises I Should Know About?
Oh, yes. ALWAYS. Welcome to the world of travel! While the resort itself is generally good value, be prepared for a few things. Firstly, getting around Belitung isn't exactly cheap. Taxis are pricey, so be prepared to negotiate or use the resort's shuttle. Secondly, the Wi-Fi. Let's just say it's… inconsistent. Embrace the digital detox! Thirdly, expect some bugs. It's tropical. They're everywhere. Bring bug spray, and learn to live in peaceful co-existence with the geckos who live in the roofs of the bungalows, because trust me, they are everywhere! And finally… the service. It's friendly, but sometimes a little… slow. Don't be in a rush. Enjoy the pace of life. This is a huge lesson I have learned after traveling to Belitung.
Okay, Seriously, What's the Biggest Downside? What REALLY Bugged You?
Alright, time for some truth bombs. The biggest downside? Honestly, the location. It's a bit… out of the way. You're pretty reliant on the resort for food and activities (and their prices aren't always the most budget-friendly). And honestly, the service, while friendly, could be a bit… patchy. Sometimes it felt like it took forever to get things done. Like, FOREVER. I asked for extra towels on day one, and I gave up on the third day. Then I just went without. And… I had a near-disaster with a mosquito net. It came down mid-sleep, like a ghostly shroud. I woke up in a panic! (I slept in a tee-shirt and jeans, which is my absolute worst nightmare) But in the end, you learn to roll with it. The view from my balcony? Worth it. Everything.
