Unbelievable Bis Homestay Sumbawa: Your Dream Indonesian Escape Awaits!
Unbelievable Bis Homestay Sumbawa: More Than Just a Dream, a Rollercoaster of Indonesian Bliss (and a Few Hiccups!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans, the sambal, the whole darn Indonesian feast on Unbelievable Bis Homestay in Sumbawa. The name? Honestly, it’s kinda cheesy. “Unbelievable”? We'll see about that. But after spending a week there, I'm happy to say… mostly, yeah, it was pretty darn unbelievable. Think less pristine brochure, more vibrant, chaotic, and utterly charming Indonesian life, with a healthy dose of unexpected delights (and a few minor gripes.)
First Impressions & Accessibility: Smooth Sailing (Mostly)
Getting there? Airport transfer sorted! They scoop you up, whisk you away. That's a HUGE plus after a long flight. Especially because the road to Unbelievable Bis is… well, it's Sumbawa. Let's just say you'll get intimate with the bumpy bits. But the driver? Super friendly, offering me a bottle of water the moment I stepped out of the (slightly tired) van. Bonus points for the free parking when we got there, right outside the entrance. Accessibility? Now, here's where it gets a little… nuanced. Facilities for disabled guests are listed, which is a good sign, but I didn't see a ton of truly obvious accommodations. The lobby and common areas were relatively easy to navigate, but if you’re relying on a wheelchair, I'd recommend contacting the hotel directly and asking very specific questions about room access and bathroom facilities. They do have an elevator, thankfully (because trust me, after a day of exploring, climbing stairs is the last thing you want!), and the front desk [24-hour] is always staffed with smiling faces ready to help.
Rooms & Creature Comforts: A Mixed Bag of Paradise and… Well, Not Paradise.
My room? Ah, my little Sumbawa sanctuary… mostly. It was clean, which is always a huge win in my book. The air conditioning worked magnificently, a lifesaver against the Indonesian heat. Blackout curtains were a godsend for those jet-lagged mornings. The free Wi-Fi was… well, it was there. Sometimes fast, sometimes not so much. But hey, you're in Indonesia, not Silicon Valley. Embrace the occasional connection dropout!
The bed was comfy, with lovely linens, the bathroom was spotless. The shower was basic but functional. The slippers and bathrobes were a nice touch--especially after a dive in the pool. Speaking of which…
There was an interesting addition: Additional toilet in the room, that's a plus point. The mini-bar didn't have much (didn't they mentioned the bottle of water in this section?!), which was fine because I'm not a mini-bar kind of gal anyway. I did take advantage of the coffee/tea maker. And for this lazy traveler, the daily housekeeping was much appreciated. But the big draw? The view. My room looked out over the pool, which had a view of… well, let's just say it was stunning. Extra long bed, yessir (which is essential for tall people).
The pool… it’s a game changer. Seriously. The pool with view is EXACTLY what you see in the photos. Crystal clear water, that gorgeous infinity edge, and the feeling of pure, unadulterated relaxation. I spent HOURS there. The poolside bar was a great bonus. The cocktails? Delicious. The staff? Cheerful. The sauna? Yes! Then I learned that to use the sauna, you need to book in advance, so no good, unfortunately.
Food, Glorious Food (And an Unfortunate Incident with a Noodle)
Okay, food. This is where Unbelievable Bis really shines. The Asian breakfast was a feast, a massive spread of fresh fruit, pastries, rice dishes with a buffet in restaurant. The breakfast takeaway service? Brilliant for those early morning excursions! The restaurants offered a great variety of Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, and even a vegetarian restaurant, which was awesome. And the coffee shop was my daily haunt. I’m an addict. I also wanted to try the salad in restaurant.
But, and there's always a but, isn't there?
One morning, I ordered a bowl of noodles. Simple, right? Wrong. After the first bite, I noticed—I don't know how—at the bottom of the bowl, a literal housefly. I'm talking whole, preserved, very dead. My stomach did a flip. I didn’t make a fuss. I just sent it back, but honestly, that put a slight damper on my dining experience. Luckily, they were extremely apologetic, offered me a complimentary dessert (which I declined, of course), and the rest of the food was, thankfully, fly-free. This is where the hygiene certification should show its real value, but hey, stuff happens.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Dive, Dive, Dive!
Beyond the pool, Unbelievable Bis is perfectly positioned for exploring Sumbawa. The staff were incredibly helpful in arranging airport transfer. They offered massage. I had my first ever body scrub and body wrap session at the spa. The treatment was amazing! But the real star of the show is diving. Unbelievable Bis can hook you up with fantastic diving trips. The underwater world is incredible, the colorful coral reefs, and the playful marine life—wow!
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe(ish)
The homestay clearly took COVID precautions seriously. There's hand sanitizer everywhere! Their staff is trained in safety protocol. They follow physical distancing of at least 1 meter. Rooms [are] sanitized between stays. It’s all reassuring. The staff trained in safety protocol was quite visible, even though, on the other hand, they should be more discreet. There's also security [24-hour], which, again, is reassuring. I didn't feel unsafe at any point, but I did see the occasional mosquito, so keep that repellent handy!
Services & Conveniences: A Mix of Pros and Cons
They do offer Room service [24-hour], which is fantastic after a long day of exploring. Laundry service comes in handy. The concierge was incredibly helpful with booking tours and offering tips. There's a convenience store for snacks and essentials (though, you might find cheaper options elsewhere).
I'd also like to mention:
- Business facilities: They have the basics, but nothing fancy.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
They offer a car park [free of charge], which is great if you have your own transport. The taxi service is readily available.
For the Kids: Okay-ish
Unbelievable Bis is certainly family/child friendly. They had babysitting service, Kids facilities. However, it's not a dedicated "kids resort." Just a good, solid place that welcomed us with open arms.
In Conclusion: Go With an Open Mind and a Sense of Adventure!
Unbelievable Bis Homestay Sumbawa? Is it truly “unbelievable”? Not always. Is it perfect? Absolutely not. Are there a few minor hiccups? Yes. Will you have that fly-in-the-noodle moment to remember? Possibly. However, it's got massive charm, incredible food (mostly!), stunning views. The staff is lovely, the location is superb, and the overall experience? Memorable. It's a place that makes you feel like you're truly embracing Indonesian life, warts and all. So, go. Book it. And be prepared for adventure… and maybe pack some extra insect repellent. You won't regret it.
Escape to Paradise: Penhale's Luxurious Eastbourne Flats Await!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're not just visiting Bis Homestay in Sumbawa, Indonesia. We're living it. And trust me, it's going to be a glorious, chaotic mess. Prepare yourselves.
Day 1: Arrival - Lost in Translation (and Luggage)
- 8:00 AM: Touchdown at Sumbawa Besar Airport (SWQ). Okay, so I’m still not entirely sure how I managed to pronounce that "Su-wah-bay" and not "Summ-baw-wah". Note to self: brush up on Indonesian before the return trip, or just, you know, gesture a lot.
- 8:30 AM: Luggage carousel… a blur of backpacks and bemused locals. My bright orange monstrosity is nowhere to be seen. Panic intensifies. This is where I start my trip without my sunscreen. I'm already sweating just thinking about it.
- 8:45 AM: Meet the driver, a grinning dude named Agung. He's got a sign with my name… slightly misspelled. "Garry". Close enough! He's got that easy island vibe. Maybe the missing bag doesn't seem so catastrophic now.
- 9:30 AM: The drive to Bis Homestay. The landscapes are lush, green, and utterly breathtaking. This reminds me of that time I tried to parallel park a boat. It went about as well as this trip is going, to give you an idea.
- 11:00 AM: Arrive at Bis Homestay. Oh. My. God. It’s like a postcard. Bamboo cabanas, a turquoise sea shimmering in the distance, and the smell of… something delicious being cooked.
- 11:15 AM: Check-in. The owner, Ibu (meaning "mother") is a whirlwind of energy. Somehow, I understand her broken English better than I understand my own life decisions.
- 11:30 AM: Explore the homestay. I've got a room that looks like it was ripped from the pages of a travel magazine. The mosquito net is a little… theatrical. I’m picturing myself like a princess.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch! The food… chefs kiss. Rice, fresh grilled fish, spicy sambal, and the strongest, sweetest coffee I’ve ever tasted. It’s the kind of meal that makes you question all your life choices… and then instantly forgive them.
- 1:00 PM: The afternoon is a blur of unpacking (eventually my luggage arrives!), wandering the beach, and attempting to communicate with a very chatty gecko who seems to have taken up residence on my veranda. He's not providing a lot of profound philosophical insights, sadly.
- 6:00 PM: Sunset drinks on the beach. The sky explodes with color. Seriously, words cannot describe it. I’m starting to understand why people become completely obsessed with this place.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner. More incredible food. I'm pretty sure I’m going to need new pants by the end of this trip.
- 9:00 PM: Stargazing. The Milky Way is like a spilled bucket of glitter across the sky. It's… overwhelming. I feel ridiculously small yet connected to everything at the same time. I'm going to remember this moment forever.
- 10:00 PM: Crash. Exhaustion and bliss. So perfect.
Day 2: Surfing, Sunburns, and Soup-y Surprises
- 7:00 AM: Wake up to the sound of the waves. Pure bliss. I almost forgot my mission…
- 7:15 AM: Breakfast. More amazing coffee. This time, there's a plate of crispy fried bananas. My stomach is happy.
- 8:00 AM: Surf lesson! This is where the adventure really begins. I’m so enthusiastic I promptly tip over on the shore. I’m a natural, yeah…
- 8:30 AM: In the water. The waves are surprisingly powerful. I spend most of the time being pummeled, swallowing seawater, and feeling utterly inept. The instructor, a surfer dude named Adi, is incredibly patient. bless his heart.
- 9:30 AM: Managed to stand up for maybe a second. I'm pretty sure my smile could power the entire island. This is the best thing ever!
- 11:00 AM: Back on the beach. My face is turning a lovely shade of lobster. Sunscreen application is a disaster apparently.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a warung (small local restaurant) near the beach. The food is delicious but the flies are relentless. I'm swatting the air constantly and trying not to scream.
- 1:00 PM: Afternoon is for naps and reading. I'm desperately trying to avoid the sun. I'm also covered in sand.
- 4:00 PM: Decided to take a walk down the beach. The sand is pristine, but my toes are burning.
- 5:00 PM: Visit the local market. I'm overwhelmed, in a good way. There are piles of exotic fruits, spices I can't even name, and the most vibrant colors imaginable. I decide to get a new pair of pants (the old ones are still holding sand)
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at Bis Homestay. Ibu cooked a special soup. Then, I get close to the pot and notice a HUGE, green, unknown vegetable. I'm really not ready for this. I close my eyes.
- 7:30 PM: Turns out, it's delicious. I'll eat anything now. I don't know if it was the magic of the soup, or the fact that I was already in love with this place.
- 9:00 PM: Bed. Exhaustion. I fall asleep almost instantly, dreaming of waves, sunsets, and… giant green vegetables.
Day 3: Island Hopping (and Emotional Rollercoasters)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. Ibu makes me a double portion of pancakes, which I probably need. I’m feeling a little sorry for myself. Oh, and I'm starting to itch in places I didn't know I could itch.
- 9:00 AM: Boat trip to a nearby island. The water is crystal clear. The scenery is jaw-dropping. I'm questioning whether this is real life or a ridiculously lavish dream.
- 10:00 AM: Snorkeling at a coral reef. The underwater world is a kaleidoscope of colors and life. I'm giggling inside my snorkel mask. I'm pretty sure I saw a fish wink at me.
- 11:00 AM: Beach time. More sun and more sand. But this time, a different beach. I swear, every beach here is more gorgeous than the last.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch on the island. Fresh-caught fish (again!).
- 1:00 PM: Boat ride back to Bis Homestay. I’m feeling slightly seasick but still blissed out.
- 2:00 PM: Nap. Because, well, that's what you do here. Also, I'm still working on my tan, and that's a lie.
- 4:00 PM: Massage! It’s like a total reset button. The masseuse is a tiny powerhouse of skill and magic.
- 6:00 PM: Sunset cocktails. I'm feeling pretty emotional at this point. The beauty of this place is getting to me. I'm getting more and more teary.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner. Sharing stories with other guests, a mix of travelers and locals, all united by the magic of Bis Homestay.
- 9:00 PM: Stargazing (again!). Feeling so much awe.
- 10:00 PM: More sleep. With a head full of memories and a heart full of joy. I don't want to leave.
Day 4: Farewell (and the Promise of Return)
- 7:00 AM: Wake up with a mix of joy and sadness.
- 8:00 AM: Final breakfast. Ibu gives me a hug. This woman is a saint.
- 9:00 AM: Last-minute souvenir shopping at the local market.
- 10:00 AM: Farewell. Agung drives me to the airport.
- 11:00 AM: Check-in. Waiting for my flight to leave.
- 12:30 PM: Take off. I'm looking out the window, watching Sumbawa disappear below me. A tear escapes from my eye.
- 1:00 PM: It turns out, I'll never be the same. I'm leaving a piece of my heart behind.
- Final Thought: I'm already planning my return. This place is a piece of paradise. I'm already trying to plan my return. I am forever changed.
This itinerary is messy,
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Frequently Asked Questions: Unbelievable Bis Homestay Sumbawa - Because, Seriously, You NEED to Know!
Okay, Spill the Beans: Is Unbelievable Bis *Really* Unbelievable? Sounds Kinda Hype-y...
Alright, alright! I get it. The name's a bit much, right? But *trust me* – and I'm saying this after nearly accidentally getting sunburnt beyond recognition and spending way too much time perfecting my Balinese tan – it actually lives up to the hype. I was skeptical too, honestly. I’d seen the Instagram pics, the glowing reviews… you know the drill. But then I got there, and boom! Jaw on the floor. It's a total vibe. Think lush green rice paddies, the friendliest people you'll ever meet, and this… this feeling of pure, unadulterated *peace*. It’s not perfect (more on that later!), but it’s pretty darn close to paradise. My biggest mistake was not staying long enough. Seriously. One week? Rookie mistake. You need at least two to actually *sink in*.
So, What Are the Rooms *Actually* Like? Are We Talking Luxurious Resort or Rustic Shack?
Okay, so let's be clear: it's not the Four Seasons. But that's a *good* thing. The rooms at Unbelievable Bis... they're simple, clean, and comfortable. Think of cozy, well-appointed bungalows nestled amidst nature. My room, a "Deluxe Bungalow" if I recall correctly (memory fading after all that Bintang!), had a comfy bed with a mosquito net (THANK GOD!), a private bathroom, and a little porch where I'd spend hours sipping coffee and watching the sunrise. The water pressure in the shower wasn't *amazing* sometimes. Occasionally, the wifi was a bit… dodgy. But honestly? You won't care. You'll be too busy connecting with the world around you – the real world, not the pixelated one on your phone. I can’t even remember what happened to the internet, I was too engrossed in talking to the locals, listening to their stories. It was amazing. And honestly, *way* more important than streaming Netflix.
Food! Tell Me About the Food! I Like to Eat. A LOT.
Oh. My. God. The food. Seriously. Pack your stretchy pants, because you *will* need them. Breakfast is included, and trust me, you won't be disappointed. Fresh fruit platters overflowing with mangoes, papayas, and dragon fruit. Delicious Indonesian pancakes (apem) swirled with palm sugar, all washed down with strong, aromatic coffee. Lunch and dinner are available, and you order daily. Always fresh, always delicious. The nasi goreng (fried rice) is unbelievably good and the gado-gado (Indonesian salad with peanut sauce) is heavenly. And the *fish*… oh, the fish! Freshly caught, grilled to perfection, and seasoned with local herbs and spices. I still dream about it. One night, our host, Bis, brought over a whole roasted chicken that his wife had cooked, it was to die for. I practically gnawed the bones clean. Seriously. The only downside, not enough vegetarian options! I'd have to speak more Indonesian next time to explain more of my dietary requirements.
What's There to *Do* Besides Eat and Lounge Around? (Because, You Know, I Can't Just Do That All Day).
Okay, so, listen up! This place is *not* for the high-energy, gotta-see-everything tourist. But if you're looking for the kind of place where you can literally just... *be*... this is it. Now, there's plenty to do if you're feeling energetic. You can go surfing – the waves are supposed to be amazing (I'm a terrible surfer, but I tried!). You can hike to waterfalls (stunning!), explore nearby villages, and soak up the local culture. Bis can arrange tours, transport, and everything. The best part? It’s all at a super reasonable price. But the *real* magic of this place lies in the downtime. Seriously. I spent hours just reading on my porch, listening to the sounds of the birds and the wind rustling through the rice paddies. I’m talking true relaxation. One day I went for a walk along the beach, totally unexpected! I found a group of local kids playing in the sand and, for a little while, I just joined them, forgetting all the cares of the world, I felt like a kid again. It was pure bliss. Another day, I just chatted with Bis and his family (they are the sweetest people ever), learning about their lives and their traditions. That was the most valuable part of my trip. Make time for that, whatever your comfort level, and I promise you'll leave with something more from your trip.
Dealing with the Locals: What's Language like? Do They Speak English? How Social Are They?
Okay, so English isn't *widely* spoken. But the staff at Unbelievable Bis speak English (or enough for the essential info) and they're *incredibly* helpful and patient. Even if you only know "terima kasih" (thank you) and "selamat pagi" (good morning), you'll get by. Learning a few basic phrases in Indonesian is super helpful and will be really appreciated. But honestly, the people in Sumbawa are so warm and friendly that even with a language barrier, you'll connect. They're always smiling, always willing to help, and eager to share their culture. Be respectful, be open-minded, and be prepared to be charmed. I found that a smile and a gesture went further than my mangled attempts at Indonesian pronunciation. Be social, engage when you can, and you'll have an absolute ball! I ended up hanging out with the locals a lot more than I expected, and now I have several new friends on the other side of the world. That's something valuable that you cannot buy!
About the Surfing... I'm a (insert skills) surfer, is the surfing easy?
I'm a *terrible* surfer. Like, *really* bad. But even I managed to stand up a couple of times! The waves at some of the nearby breaks are suitable for beginners. But if you're an experienced surfer, you'll be in heaven... Seriously, some of the best waves of my trip were in Sumbawa. There are also plenty of other breaks around, suitable for all levels, and Bis and his team can help you get to them, and show you places and times to go. I was watching one guy rip some massive barrels and I almost died of jealousy. So, if you're a surfer, this place is a MUST. If you're like me and just want to paddle around for a bit and maybe *not* eat it, you can have fun too!
What About Getting There? Is It a Pain in the Butt?
Okay, yes, getting to Sumbawa isn't exactly a hop, skip, and a jump. But it's *worth it*, I promise. You'll likely fly into Lombok (LOP) and then take a ferry to Sumbawa – which is a scenic trip, but can be a little… *rustic*. (Meaning, expect some time-wasting, and be prepared for potential delays!). OrWander Stay Spot
