Yogyakarta's HOTTEST Hostel: NAU Hostel by NGINAP! (Book Now!)
NAU Hostel by NGINAP!: Yogyakarta's Hottest Hostel? Let's Get Real. (Book Now!)
Alright, listen up, budget adventurers, backpacking buddies, and anyone who’s ever dreamt of escaping the ordinary: I've just crawled out of Yogyakarta's NAU Hostel by NGINAP!, and I'm here to spill the (artisanal, locally-sourced, probably-organic) tea. Is it the "hottest hostel" like they claim? Well, let's break it down, real talk style, because marketing is one thing, and actual human experience is, well, something else.
First Impressions (and a near-miss with a rogue scooter):
Getting to NAU… well, Yogyakarta traffic is a beast. Be warned. Airport transfer is available, which is a lifesaver after that long flight. (Trust me, after you’ve wrestled your backpack through those airport crowds, you'll be grateful for a ride.) They offer a free car park, which is pretty sweet in a city where parking is a competitive sport. And if you're like me and accidentally end up on the back of a dodgy motorbike on your first day (don’t judge me, I was jet-lagged!), you’ll appreciate the taxi service and the (slightly) safer streets of NAU's location.
Accessibility & Safety (Because, Let's Face It, It Matters):
So, the good news and this one is a BIG one: The hostel's got an elevator which is a godsend because the building is tall and I'm a lazy creature. AND there are Facilities for disabled guests! That’s a huge win for inclusivity. You know I appreciate a place with a good heart! The entire place feels pretty secure. CCTV in common areas and outside, 24-hour security, fire extinguishers… they've thought of everything on this front. Feeling safe is seriously underrated.
Cleanliness and COVID-19: Did they survive?
Okay, pandemic-wise, let's be blunt. They're doing their best! There are these weirdly reassuring little hand sanitizer stations everywhere. Staff are trained in safety protocol (they actually look like they know what they're doing, not just reciting a script!), and the rooms themselves are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized between stays. You can even opt-out of room sanitization if you have your own preferred cleaning rituals because, hey, we all have a thing, right? Individually-wrapped food options, cashless payment… all good things for peace of mind. Look, it's not sterile, but it's reassuringly clean. And they do have Anti-viral cleaning products; that's a good look!
Rooms & Creature Comforts (My Happy Place):
Alright, about the rooms. Okay, I adore a dark room, and the Blackout curtains are a lifesaver! Thank you, NAU, from the bottom of my sleep-deprived heart. Mine had Air Conditioning (essential in that humidity!), Free Wi-Fi (obvious, but still appreciated), and a comfy bed. I even had a decent Desk and a space to put down my Laptop workspace! Some rooms even have a Seating area - I could only dream!
And hey, details matter. They have a Hair dryer (phew, no bad hair days!), Free bottled water, and a little Mirror. It’s not exactly a 5-star hotel, but for a hostel, it's pretty damn good. Extra long bed? Yes, please! Slippers? Amazing. They also have individual reading lights so you can stay up and read until the wee hours of the morning! The only imperfection I found: a slightly temperamental shower handle. But hey, I’m not complaining!
Internet (Because We're All Addicted):
Free Wi-Fi? Yes, in all rooms! Thank the internet gods! They also offered LAN access. I'm not entirely sure what that is (I’m a Millennial, people!), but it’s there if you need it. Internet services are readily available, and Wi-Fi in public areas is swift and dependable. Let's be honest, we live online.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (My Second Favorite Thing):
Okay, the food! This is where NAU really shines. Honestly? I devoured 70% of the entire offerings. Breakfast is included, and it's a buffet… a pretty darn good buffet! There's usually an Asian and Western breakfast option, so you can have Nasi Goreng and pancakes! The Coffee/tea is delicious, and I developed an alarming addiction to the Coffee shop. There's also a Snack bar, Restaurants with Asian and International cuisine, and even a Vegetarian restaurant. Did I mention the Poolside bar? Happy hour? I was in heaven!
The Pool: Oh. My. God.
The swimming pool. The Pool with a view. That, my friends, is a game changer. It's gorgeous. The water is crystal clear, the view is stunning, and the vibe is pure relaxation. One morning, I swear I saw the sunrise over the horizon while bobbing. It really is as good as the pictures. Seriously: you can’t not relax by the pool; they have all these things that you can use to sunbathe.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Beyond the Pool):
They have a full-on Spa/sauna! Body scrub? Body wrap? Fancy Foot bath? You betcha! And they also have a Gym/fitness center and Spa/sauna. And if you're feeling energetic, there are tons of activities around Yogyakarta. But honestly, after exploring the city, sometimes all I wanted to do was swim!
For the Kids (and the Kid in All of Us):
They're Family/child friendly. There's a Babysitting service. The presence of Kids facilities is a solid plus - they have a kids meal too! I didn't use these, but it's good to know.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter):
Concierge? Check. Luggage storage, daily housekeeping, laundry service, and dry cleaning? Check, check, check! Currency exchange, a convenience store… it’s all there. They even had a shrine. I mean, come on!
The One Thing That Made Me Actually Grin:
Okay, so they have a proposal spot. Seriously. A freakin' proposal spot. I'm single as a Pringle, but that little detail made me smile. It shows they care about the little things that can make a stay memorable.
My Score: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (and that's high for me!)
NAU Hostel by NGINAP! is not just "good," it's a place where you want to spend some time. It delivers on its promises (mostly!). It’s got a great vibe, clean rooms, fantastic food, and that amazing pool. They’ve truly thought of everything.
My Big Honest Takeaway:
Is NAU the "hottest hostel" in Yogyakarta? Look, "hottest" is a subjective term, but it's definitely in the running. It's a great place to meet people, relax after a day of exploring, and feel safe and comfortable.
Stop Debating. Book Now! (Seriously, Do It!)
Here's My Offer:
Book your stay at NAU Hostel by NGINAP! today and get a FREE Cocktail at the Poolside Bar (because you deserve it!) Plus, get a late check-out (because nobody wants to rush). Use the code "NAUADVENTURE" at checkout! This is your chance to truly experience the best hostel experience in Yogyakarta, complete with a stunning pool, delicious food, and an unforgettable atmosphere! Don't wait – book now and start planning your Yogyakarta escape!
Seychelles Paradise Found: Chateau Sans Souci Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This ain't your meticulously-planned, pristine travel itinerary. This is a messy, glorious descent into the heart of Yogya chaos, courtesy of yours truly, fueled by questionable street food and a whole lotta caffeine. We're talking NAU Hostel, NGINAP Yogyakarta, baby! Let's see if I survive.
The "Planned" (Ha!) Itinerary: NAU Hostel Antics & Yogya Mayhem
Day 1: Arrival & Instant Gratification (aka, Napping)
- 14:00 - Landed in Yogyakarta. HALLELUJAH. And, uh, sweaty. The air hits you like a warm, fragrant blanket… that’s also coated in exhaust fumes. Lovely. Grabbed a Grab (the Southeast Asian Uber) - navigated the scooter swarm like I was born for it… well… mostly. Nearly cried when a motorbike zipped past me. But hey, still alive!
- 15:00 - Check-in at NAU Hostel. The photos lied! Kidding! (Sort of). Seriously though, the ambiance is pretty cool, it's more like a chill art gallery than a hostel. The staff seemed really friendly - like, genuinely friendly, not that forced "hello, welcome to our prison" kind. Snagged a dorm bed and immediately collapsed. Jet lag is a beast, especially when you've spent the last 16 hours in a cramped metal tube.
- 16:00 - The Great Nap. Woke up maybe 10 minutes later (kidding again, more like 3 hours). My brain was sludge. Decided to embrace the inertia.
- 19:00 - Street Food Reconnaissance Mission. Okay, this is where it gets good. Found a Warung (small local eatery) down the street and got totally overwhelmed. I think I ordered Nasi Goreng, but honestly, I don't remember half what I put in my mouth. All that matters is my taste buds were screaming yes! So cheap, too! Like, practically stealing-their-business cheap. Fell into the habit of speaking to the sellers in broken Indonesian.
- 20:00 - Hostel Chat & Judging Tourists. Sat in the hostel's common area, slowly waking up, people-watching. There's always that guy, right? Loud, self-absorbed, and probably thinks he's a travel influencer. I'm not judging…much. Made some new friends. They suggested a night out to a Club. Hmm… probably wouldn't happen.
Day 2: Temples, Torment & Terabytes of Photos
- 07:00 - "Woke-Up-Kinda" Breakfast. The hostel offered free toast and jam and coffee. It tasted like, well, free hostel breakfast. Ate it anyway because, hello, budget!
- 08:00 - The Borobudur Pilgrimage (aka, Early Morning Madness). Seriously, get up EARLY. Like, before the sun has even contemplated rising early. The crowds are insane. And the heat! It's like walking into a giant, steaming bowl of noodle soup. But the view at the top… breathtaking. Worth every single bead of sweat. Try to avoid the souvenir hawkers. Those guys are tough, they're like a swarm of flies.
- 12:00 - Lunch and Meltdown. Found a tiny restaurant near Borobudur and ordered something… spicy. Very, very spicy. Tears may or may not have been involved. Also, a mini-mental breakdown because navigating the local transport was harder than assembling IKEA furniture.
- 14:00 - Prambanan Temple Complex. Okay, I think I prefer this to Borobudur (controversial, I know!). Maybe because I was still recovering from lunch. The intricate carvings were amazing and it had a much more vibrant ambiance to it. Took about a million photos. My phone might explode.
- 17:00 - Sunset at Ratu Boko Palace: Found a local taxi and took it, this place is a must! It's a romantic hilltop palace and the sunset views over the temples are to die for. I was a bit confused at first, but after a few minutes, a perfect mood started falling over me. It's really the best thing to do in Yogya
- 20:00 - Hostel Rejuvenation. Decided to skip another night out and instead, made a video call to my family. It’s always a bit weird to talk on different time zones with them. And then went to bed, so tired that I slept like a log.
Day 3: Batik Blues & Beyond, or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Chaos
- 09:00 - Batik Blunders. Decided to try my hand at Batik! Booked it through the hostel, what a great way to learn something new. I was expecting something, you know, artistic. My creation ended up looking like a Jackson Pollock painting, but with far less skill. Still, the experience was fun, and the staff was really helpful even when they saw my work I still felt appreciated.
- 12:00 - Brunch Disaster. Hit up a trendy vegan cafe that had been recommended. The food was good, but I lost my phone. Panicked for a solid hour. Found it eventually tucked in a seat.
- 14:00 - Exploring Malioboro Street. The beating heart of Yogya. Honestly, a bit overwhelming. Crowded, chaotic, and bursting with stalls selling everything from knock-off designer bags to questionable snacks. Managed to find a tiny back alley market selling really incredible and cheap art. Felt like I was being pulled in 1,000 different directions at once. I bought a ridiculously large hat. No regrets.
- 17:00 - Coffee & Contemplation (aka, Avoiding the Evening Rush). Found a cool coffee shop, away from the madness. Started to think about going with the flow.
- 19:00 - Farewell Dinner & Friend Hugs: Another warung, another plate of deliciousness, another near-mental breakdown trying to order. But really, I didn't care because I was off to another destination and I was really glad that I spent my time here in NAU Hostel. Gave a hug to my new hostel friends.
- 21:00 - Packing & Existential Dread. Time to leave. My bag is a mess. My soul feels lighter. Yogya, you beautiful, chaotic, overwhelming, amazing place, I'll be back.
Post-Trip Thoughts (aka, Ramblings from the Plane):
- The Good: The people! The food! The raw, unfiltered energy of it all. The temples, the art, the smells… it was an assault on the senses!
- The Bad: The heat. The traffic. The constant feeling of being slightly lost. Also, I think I'm addicted to Nasi Goreng.
- The Weird: Why do Indonesians love playing the same damn song on repeat?
- The Ugly: My sunburn.
- Final Verdict: Would absolutely go back. Yogya, you magnificent, messy, unforgettable beast. Stay weird.
And that, my friends, is the truth of my Yogya adventure. Now if you want any real advice, ask someone who actually plans their trips, not a travel-obsessed, sleep-deprived mess like me. See ya next trip!
Escape to Paradise: Kim Leaf Forest Resort, Dalat's Hidden Gem
1. Okay, Spill the Beans: Is NAU *Actually* Hot, or Just… Yogyakarta Hot?
Alright, alright, let's get this out of the way. Yogyakarta is already a steamy place, both in terms of temperature and culture. So, is NAU hot? Well… it depends on what you're after. If you're looking for a sterile, air-conditioned haven, *run*. If you're after that quintessential backpacker vibe – think vibrant murals, plenty of social spaces, and a constant hum of chatter – then buckle up. It's more "lively" than "scorching." I remember one night… ugh, it was baking. But the rooftop bar? Absolutely electric. A few Bintangs in, and the heat just… melted away. Then again, the guy in the bunk above me snored like a chainsaw, which, let's be honest, was a whole other kind of heat. My advice: pack earplugs. Seriously.
2. Room Types: Dorms or Private Rooms? And Which One Should I Pick, You Know?
Ugh, the eternal hostel dilemma. Dorms are your classic social experience. They're cheap, you meet people, and you'll probably end up having at least one ridiculous story to tell about them. Private rooms offer… well, privacy. Luxury! Silence! The ability to binge-watch Netflix without irritating eight strangers. Me? I usually go for dorms. Why? Because I'm a masochist, apparently. I once stayed in a 16-bed dorm at NAU, and let me tell you… it was a *rollercoaster*. There was the guy who kept trying to sell me fake Rolexes at 3 AM. Then there was the couple who clearly thought the dorm was a private suite. And the girl who kept sleepwalking and trying to steal my socks. Good times! (Okay, maybe not *all* good). If you value your sanity, spring for the private room. If you're feeling brave (or broke), embrace the dorm life!
3. The Location: Is It Actually, You Know, Convenient? Or Do You Need a Horse and Cart?
The location of NAU is… pretty darn good, actually. Right in the heart of the action, near Malioboro Street (the shopping mecca), and a short motorbike ride to all the major sites. Easy access! But let's be real, Yogyakarta is notorious for its traffic. That motorbike ride can sometimes feel like a slow-motion battle in a swarm of scooters. I had a particularly… memorable… experience trying to get to Prambanan Temple from NAU. Let’s just say Google Maps *lied*. I ended up on a dirt track, my scooter sputtering and wheezing, while trying to avoid a gaggle of goats. Lesson learned: factor in extra travel time. And maybe learn how to say "Where is…?" in Bahasa Indonesia.
4. Oh, the Amenities! Tell Me About the Free Breakfast. Coffee? Free Water? The Essentials!
Listen, free breakfast can make or break a hostel experience. NAU's breakfast is… decent. Toast, some fruit, maybe some rice porridge if you're lucky. The coffee? Strong enough to wake up the dead, which is a good thing, because you'll probably be hungover from the bar the night before. Free water refills? Absolutely! That's a backpacker's best friend in the Yogyakarta heat. The *real* star of the show, though? The social spaces. The rooftop bar I mentioned earlier is a godsend. And the common areas are perfect for meeting other travelers, swapping stories, and plotting your next adventure.
5. The Vibe: Is it Party Central or Chill Relaxation?
Okay, let's talk vibes. NAU leans more towards the social, party-adjacent side of things. There's always *something* happening. The rooftop bar is definitely a hub, with music and chatter spilling out most nights. Day time, it's generally more chilled, but you are almost always finding people socialising in different common area. Now, I’m an introvert at heart. So, sometimes… it was a little much. There were nights I just craved a quiet corner and a good book. But on the flip side, the energy is infectious. You'll inevitably meet some amazing people and have some hilarious nights. If you're looking for a place to make friends and soak up the energy of Yogyakarta, NAU is a great choice. If you're after serene solitude, maybe look elsewhere.
6. Hygiene and Cleanliness: How Clean Are the Bathrooms, Really? Don't Hold Back!
Alright, the nitty-gritty. Bathrooms. The ultimate test of any hostel. NAU's bathrooms are… well, they could be better. They're cleaned regularly, but let's face it, with dozens of people traipsing through them every day, things get a little… *lived-in*. Expect the occasional damp floor, and maybe a lingering aroma of… well, you know. I once dropped my toothbrush in the sink (don't judge!). And I was so horrified that I just ran for the hills. I ended up buying a new one, of course, because that's the only way to be safe, but that moment is etched into my memory. My advice: bring shower shoes. And maybe your own soap. And adjust your expectations. It's a hostel, not a five-star hotel.
7. Value for Money: Is It Worth the Price? You Get What You Pay For, Right?
Honestly? Yes. Absolutely. NAU offers excellent value for money. You're paying for a prime location, a lively atmosphere, and the chance to meet some incredible people. The free breakfast is a bonus, and the social spaces are fantastic. Look, you could find cheaper options in Yogyakarta, but they probably won't have the same vibe, the same convenience, or the same… let's call it "organized chaos"… that NAU offers. It's a backpacker's paradise on a budget. I’d recommend it.
8. Any Hidden Fees or Annoying Surprises?
Generally, no nasty surprises. The prices are pretty straightforward. There might be a small charge for laundry, but that's standard. The biggest surprise? Maybe the sudden, intense urge to buy batik. Trust me, it happens. One minor gripe: the air conditioning in the dorms could be a bit… iffy. Sometimes it blasts, sometimes it barely purrs. ButBudget Hotel Guru
