Good Feeling Ijen

Came specifically to train in the Bali Strait conditions there are something else entirely. Staff here were unfazed by my 4am exits and actually knew a local fisherman who monitored the currents daily. That connection made three training sessions significantly safer. Did the Ijen tour on a rest day through them, affordable, completely different kind of altitude challenge. Dorm was quiet, recovery sleep was solid. Towel hook on the back of the dorm door was missing had to drape everything over the ladder which isn't ideal with wet gear. Minor but worth fixing. Otherwise genuinely excellent.

I booked a hostel near Boom Beach and ended up loving the fishing village atmosphere. The staff took us on a sunrise fishing trip we caught small tuna and grilled them for breakfast. The dorm had lockers big enough for backpacks. Constructive criticism: the mattress was too soft for my back. But the hot water was reliable, and they provided free coffee from local plantations. The owner even drove me to the bus station. Heartwarming hospitality.

the staff threw a surprise potluck on my last night because they knew i was leaving. someone made spicy mie goreng, another guest brought pineapple, and the owner's kid contributed a bag of chips crushed into dust. we ate on the floor laughing. the hostel doesn't have a bar or try to be cool, it's just warm. my bunk had a curtain that actually closed fully and a usb port that worked. i hugged everyone goodbye. cried a little on the ferry

The property has a great location away from the busy roads. I had a great time exploring the city and walking to the beach. They offer some tours and i enjoyed the sunrise Ijen tour. The staff is incredibly friendly and helpfull. Arwa was especially helpfull and a great conversationalist. She also provided some tips for traveling through Java and where to visit. All and all enjoyed a great stay for three days.

i showed up covered in bus sweat and the receptionist handed me a cold towel without me asking. the hostel's free afternoon snack was fresh young coconut with a straw. we sat in a circle sipping and comparing travel scars. the red island trip included a stop at a hidden cave only the driver knew about. we crawled through and emerged on a private beach with no one else. the bunk had a little shelf perfectly sized for my phone. thoughtful to the last detail