Hostel Of The Day – Page 8

(Hostel) Guesthouse Of The Day: THE FRAME GUESTHOUSE PENANG – Beautifully Restored Heritage Property In The Heart Of Georgetown

Last month, I flew to & stopped at Penang for 36 hours before I continued by journey to Singapore. I arrived the Penang at night time, basically had 2 nights & 1 full day to explore the island. I will talk about my Penang visit in a separate blog post. This post’s focus will be the accommodation I had while in Penang. I stayed in a guesthouse, technically not a hostel, named The Frame Guesthouse. It will be today’s (~~hostel~~) guesthouse of the day feature.

The 3-storey heritage building used to be a frame maker’s shophouse restored & converted into a tourist accommodation facility. The building only had minimal restoration works. Up to now, you’ll notice the old floor, wall & roof finishes. This makes the guesthouse ambiance really unique & unforgettable. Allow me to share with you below some information about the property plus how my stay went.

Location & Access

The Frame Guesthouse’s location is perfect. It is found in a famous street in the center of Georgetown, in the middle of the backpackers’ district. It is located at 168 Chulia Street (Lebuh Chulia), Georgetown, Penang Island.

The Frame Guesthouse is located along Chulia St in the heart of Georgetown.

The property is very accessible to public transportation with a few bus stops located nearby. It is also walking distance to Love Lane (backpackers’ area), to KOMTAR Bus Terminal (main bus terminal in Georgtown), to the street arts (where Penang is known for) & to almost all museums & tourist attractions in town. The majority of places to visit in town are a few minutes walk from the property.

Penang International Airport is about 1 hour by bus from the property or about 25-30 minutes by Grab, Uber or private car.

Rooms & rates

The Frame Guesthouse Penang caters to all types of travellers. They have private rooms (with & without ensuite) & mixed / female dormitory rooms. All non-smoking rooms include free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, free breakfast & also include bed linens, duvet & bath towels. Dormitory beds also have individual reading lights, power outlet & a locker.

Dormitory rooms are priced at MYR 35 – MYR 58 per night, depending on configuration. Twin & double rooms without ensuite are at MYR 88 – MYR 92 per room per night while the double room with ensuite is priced at MYR 128 per night. These rates are based on the guesthouse’ website. Try to check out accommodation sites like Agoda & Booking.com for possible discounts & promotions.

Check out this artsy corner of my private room.

I initially booked a 2-night stay in a 4-bedroom mixed dormitory for MYR 88 (₱1,113) via Agoda. I changed my mind last minute & booked a private double room without ensuite 3 days before my stay. I paid around MYR 172 (₱2,175) for 2 nights – that’s MYR 86 (₱1,090) per night. I was satisfied with the space & privacy I had in my room. Wi-Fi was super fast; the room’s view was great & the air conditioning worked well. It was not the cheapest room in Georgetown & in Penang but as they say, you pay more for privacy & comfort.

Why Should You Stay In The Frame Guesthouse

Just like any other tourist accommodation, The Frame Guesthouse offers the following:

24 Hour Reception + Helpful Staff

The guesthouse’ reception is open 24 hours 7 days a week. There is always a person at the front desk anytime of the day. You don’t need to worry if you’re arrive late at night or early in the morning. There will always be someone to welcome you. Their staffs are very friendly & helpful. They even give recommendations on what to do, where to go & what to eat.

The property’s reception area – open for 24 hours 7 days a week.

Free Wi-Fi

The property has free Wi-Fi throughout the guesthouse premises. You won’t have any problem connecting. The connection is fast & reliable.

Free Breakfast

The guesthouse offers simple free breakfast to all its guests. The food includes bread with butter & jam, cereals with milk & fresh fruits. Available drinks include coffee, tea, milk & filtered drinking water. Coffee & tea are also free anytime of the day. Better than nothing!

Free Drinking Water + Unlimited Refill

The property has free drinking water & includes unlimited refill for all guests. In a hot & humid place like Penang, this amenity is such a big help. Also, guests don’t need to buy many bottles of mineral water.

Food Storage & Heating Facility

There is a common refrigerator where guests can store their food. Guests can also heat their food in the microwave oven in the common area. A water kettle is also available for those who need hot water.

Spacious common lounge area located at the back of the reception area.

Communal TV & Lounge Areas

The Frame Guesthouse has a spacious television & lounge area at the back of the reception area. The atmosphere may not be very social but you can still meet & talk to fellow guests while enjoying your favorite television show or movie.

Clean Communal Shower & Toilet Areas

All guests staying in double & twin rooms without ensuite & dormitory rooms have access to clean communal shower & toilet areas. Each floor has its designated amenity area. The facilities are clean & well-maintained. They have power hot showers. Body gel & shampoo are found in each shower cubicle.

This is the communal shower & toilet area located in the 2nd floor.

Free Luggage Storage

The guesthouse also provides free luggage storage for guests who are arriving before the check in time & leaving hours after check out.

Designated Smoking Area

All rooms & communal areas are non-smoking areas. The guesthouse has designated smoking area at the back for those who want to have their cigar puffs. This area is open 24 hours 7 days a week.

The smoking area is near the bicycle. It is located in an open area at the rear of the common areas.

Tour Desk Service

The property also offers daily tours & transfers. Feel free to approach the staff in reception area & they’ll discuss with you the details & rates.

This pretty much sums up all the information I can share about The Frame Guesthouse in Georgetown, Penang. The building was beautifully-restored. It’s heritage is still there. The room I got was spacious & really cold. The property’s free wi-fi was fast. The free breakfast was a plus. The people are really nice & helpful. It may not be the cheapest accommodation in the area, but it surely gives you the value you paid for. I didn’t mind spending more for more privacy & comfort. Overall, this guesthouse is great! I wish I booked my private room earlier for a better price.

If you have any questions about the property or you want to book directly with them, feel free to contact them in the details below.

The Frame Guesthouse
Address: 168 Chulia Street (Lebuh Chulia), Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia 10200
Phone Number: +60 4-263 8807
Email Address: theframe.guesthouse@gmail.com
Website: www.theframeguesthouse.com
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/theframeguesthouse
Instagram: www.instagram.com/theframeguesthouse

Don’t forget to check out The Frame Guesthouse when looking for a place to stay in Penang!

Have you been to Penang? Which hostel or guesthouses did you book? How was your trip? Are there other unique hostels I should check out soon? Feel free to post your thoughts & suggestions in the comments below. You can also send your suggestions via email to contact@thewkndtravel.com. You can also connect me via the following social media channels – Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Like & share my Facebook page too!

Thank you for your time & see you in the next hostel feature! ✌️

PS. Photos were taken using my HTC U11.

N9 In Straya Series – BONDI BEACH & COOGEE BEACH – A Short Trip To Two of Sydney’s Suburban Beaches + BOUNCE SYDNEY HOSTEL Tribute

A trip to Sydney will never be complete without a visit to the famous suburban beaches. Sydney, or New South Wales in general, has a long list of beaches. The city is also home to one of the most famous beaches in the world – the Bondi Beach. My friends & I, together with our new found friend Hari, went to see this beach & Coogee Beach on our last afternoon in Sydney. We didn’t go swimming because the weather was a bit cold.

Bondi BeacH

Bondi Beach is Sydney’s most popular beach. The beach is located about 7 kilometers away from the Sydney central business district. Locals & foreign tourists go to this beach to relax & have a quick swim while surfers enjoy the big waves. People also go to the famous Bondi Icebergs tidal pool to have a good view of the beach. For those who don’t want to swim or surf, there are nice cafes, restaurants & pubs along Campbell Pde which you can visit.

In case you missed it, my friends & I went on a walkathon around Sydney. We walked around a number of heritage sites & modern city icons. Check out the individual posts here – part 1 & part 2.

The Kanzler… Aus Jus Burger with a glass of German beer for lunch 😋

[L-R] Hari, Shane, Leng & myself at The Bavarian having lunch 😎

My friends & I had our late lunch at The Bavarian Bondi Beach (menu here) as it is one of the only few ones open during that time. Some stores close during down time (after lunch) & open again for dinner. The area also has some shops where you can go shopping for food & goodies. Bondi Beach’s area is relatively commercialized that those of the other beaches. The beach has a common amenity & a changing area for those who enjoyed the beach.

How To Go To Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is very accessible to the public. From Central Station, one must take the local train to Bondi Junction. This train ride takes about 13 minutes. From Bondi Station, one should go to the Bus stands & take either Bus 333, 379 or 380 from Bus Stand A or B. Get off in front of Bondi Beach. The bus ride should take about 10-15 minutes.

Coogee Beach

My friends & I also went to Coogee Beach that day. Coogee Beach, compared to Bondi Beach, is relatively more relaxed & more laid back. This small beach is located in the eastern suburb Coogee, about 8 kilometers away from the Sydney central business district. This broad beach appeals to both local & foreigner swimmers & surfers. The beach also has a natural rock pool area which was closed to the public during our visit.

Coogee Beach has beach side pubs, bars, cafes & restaurants that offer alfresco dining. The place has lesser establishments & shops compared to that of Bondi Beach. The establishments in this beach area are closer to the beach. This beach also has a shower & changing facility for those who went swimming & surfing.

Coogee Beach’ rock pools 😍

Applying for an Australian tourist visa? I did the same thing a few months ago & got a 1 year multiple entry visa. Check out these 6 steps on how you can get yours.

How To Go To Coogee Beach

View of Coogee Beach from the start/end of the coastal walk

There best way to go to Coogee Beach from Sydney CBD is by bus. There is no train line / link servicing this area. The buses to take from the city area M50, 370, 372 & 374. The bus ride from the city should take about 30 minutes. This beach is also accessible by taking bus 313 or 314 from Bondi Junction Bus Stands K or F. This ride will take around 15-25 minutes.

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

One of the most popular to-do at these beaches is the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. This 6 kilometer cliff top coastal walk features awesome views of beaches, parks, rock formations & rock pools. One way walk takes about 2 hours to complete. They say the track is relatively easy with a few stairs. Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to walk from Coogee Beach to Bondi Beach or vice versa. This is already in my to-do list when I fly to Sydney!

Did you know that I also spent a weekend with my families in Brisbane? Check out the places we visited in this post.

BOUNCE HOSTEL SYDNEY

I was about to write about my 2 night stay in one of Sydney’s highest-rated hostels – Bounce Hostel Sydney – for the Hostel Of The Day feature but I found out that it recently ceased operations. Apparently, the government bought the site early this year & they are planning to do something to enhance Sydney Central Station. Bounce Hostel Sydney’s building & the rest of the buildings along the street will be demolished early next year. It’s so sad to see nice hostel close. Thank you Bounce Hostel Sydney for the fun 2-night stay & for the memories. Let me share to you first some photos I took during my stay at Bounce.

So sad to know Bounce Sydney Hostel has closed 😭

Beautiful Sydney skyline over Sydney Central Station from Bounce’s rooftop 😍

Back to the beaches.. That pretty much sums up our short trip to two of the many Sydney suburban beaches. I want to go back to these two to finally swim & also to try the coastal walk. Have you been to other suburban beaches in Sydney? Are there other beaches which are worth-visiting? Share your experiences & thoughts in the comments below.

Do you have any questions about Sydney or budget travel in general? Feel free to send them via email to to contact@thewkndtravel.com. Check out my social media channels – Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Like & share my Facebook page too!

Watch out for our Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Tour & Scenic Blue Mountains Trip in the next N9 In Straya Series posts. Thanks for your time & have a good day! ✌️

PS. Photos were taken using my HTC U11.

Hostel Of The Day: OAK HOSTEL ZEN – My Favorite Tokyo Hostel

UPDATE – My favorite, Oak Hostel Zen, has ceased operations due to the Covid-19 pandemic. I am keeping this Hostel of the Day feature to give tribute to this wonderful hostel.

It’s time for another hostel feature! It’s been 3 years since I first went to Japan with my high school buddies. Oh missing those good times! I’ve also been to Japan thrice after that trip & I can say that there’s this one Tokyo hostel which instantly became my favorite – Oak Hostel Zen. This favorite hostel of mine will be featured as today’s Hostel Of The Day. I’ve stayed in Oak Hostel Zen thrice – that’s 3 out of 3 trips / stopovers in Tokyo. The hostel is part of Oak Hotel Group, a local hostel / hotel group which caters to both local & foreign travelers. The group has 7 properties across Tokyo & Nara in Japan.

I’ve mentioned Oak Hostel Zen in my previous posts – 9 Days in Japan for less than ₱40,000, Fujikawaguchiko Blog, Fujikawaguchiko & Takayama for less than ₱35,000 & Hokkaido Winter Trip for less than ₱45,000. None of these posts provided a comprehensive review of this property. Fret not, I will give you a detailed feature of Oak Hostel Zen below plus give you my thoughts about staying in this hostel.

Location & Access

Oak Hostel Zen is located in 3-3-3, Negishi, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 110-0003. It is located in a peaceful residential area in Taito, Tokyo. The hostel is about 7 minutes walk from Uguisudani Station on JR Yamanote Line or about 10 minutes walk from Iriya Station on Hibiya Line.

Oak Hostel Zen’s neighborhood – a quiet residential area in the city

From Narita Airport, one must take the Keisei Line to Nippori Station (90 minutes – all stops for ¥1,000) or the Keisei Skyliner to Nippori Station (40 minutes – limited stops for ¥2,400) then transfer to JR Yamanote Line Nippori Station to Uguisudani Station (less than 2 minutes – 1 stop for ¥130). From Haneda Airport, guests should take Keisei Line to Shinagawa Station (¥400) then transfer to JR Yamanote Line / Keihin-Tohoku Line Shinagawa Station to Uguisudani Station (¥160). From Uguisudani Station, one should take the south exit, turn left, cross & go down the bridge. Cross the street, then turn right, then turn left on the 1st street & turn another left in the street of the small supermarket.

Over JR Uguisundani Station

There are nearby local restaurants & shops. The nearest supermarket is about 10 meters away from the hostel’s door & the nearest convenience store is about 5-10 minutes walk. The hostel’s location is perfect for everyone. It is far from the city noise & it is where everything you need is just a few minutes away.

Room Options & Pricing

Oak Hostel Zen caters to all types of travelers, from those who are in budget to those who want to have privacy. In my 3 stays in this hostel, I’ve always slept in their 8-bed mixed / male dormitory rooms. The dormitory room is very spacious with each bed having curtains, comfortable pillow & Japanese- style bedding, individual reading light & universal power outlet. Each guest also has an individual locker with a hanger. Dormitory beds cost from ¥2,300 per night, depending on season. Showers & toilet are communal & can be found on each floor.

The male & mixed dormitory rooms look like this!

The hostel also has single dormitory rooms for ¥2,800 per night, depending on season. According to the hostel website, Oak Hostel Zen also has private rooms for those who want to have their own personal space. Twin rooms, semi double rooms (with own shower) & double rooms are also available for ¥5,980 per night, depending on season. Each room has a small desk, a cable TV & a small refrigerator. Families of 4 can book a family room for ¥16,000 per night, depending on season. The en-suite room has 4 single beds & has the same features of the other private rooms.

How a dormitory bed looks like in a male / mixed dormitory room

All these rooms, including the dormitory rooms, are air-conditioned. Oak Hostel Zen’s rates are reasonable for an expensive city like Tokyo. You definitely get what you pay for. I suggest that you compare the room pricing from different booking platforms such as Agoda, Traveloka, Booking.com & Hostelworld to get the best possible rate. Also, book early because rooms, especially the private ones, get fully-booked really fast.

Perks of Staying In Oak Hostel Zen

Hostels in Japan have all the facilities & amenities a guest needs. Oak Hostel Zen is one of the few hostels that provide a long list of perks for their guests. Check out these perks below.

Free WiFi

The hostel offers free ultra fast WiFi to all its guests. The WiFi signal is available in all corners of the property, even in the showers & toilets.

Communal Shower & Toilet

Dormitory & selected private room guests have access to communal shower & toilet facilities. These showers come with hot & cold water plus free shampoo, conditioner & body soap. The hostel also has a women-only shower area & unit bath. Bath towels can be rented in the reception area for a minimal fee. Hair dryers, curling & hair irons are also free of charge. Check with reception where you can find them.

Only in Japan – high technology toilets

Communal Kitchen & Dining Area

The communal kitchen & dining area is behind this communal wash area

Hostel guests have access to a fully-equipped kitchen & dining area. This area is complete with cooking utensils, refrigerator & a microwave oven. Plates, cutlery, glasses & cups can also be used. They also have complimentary coffee & tea. Unfortunately, the hostel doesn’t serve breakfast.

Spacious Lounge Area

Guests have access to a spacious lounge area near reception. This lounge area has comfortable seats & even has a personal computer to use. Guests can also watch movie with the free DVDs & can play games with the gaming consoles for free. The hostel also has a wall full of flyers & tour booklets where you can get information about Tokyo & all other places in Japan.

Free Luggage Storage

The hostel offers free luggage storage up to 1 week before check-in (make sure to inform them beforehand & include your booking details & check-in day) & during the day of the checkout. If you want to store luggage after your checkout day, they charge a minimal fee per day.

Coin Lockers

Dormitories have individual lockers, but private rooms don’t have safety boxes. For those who want to store important items in a secured place, you can use the coin lockers near the reception area.

Coin lockers found in the 1st floor hallway

Long Reception Hours

Hostel reception is open from 6:00 am to 1:00 am every single day. Check-in time is 3:00 pm & checkout is 10:00 am.

Friendly Hostel Staff

Oak Hostel Zen’s people are one of the nicest & the most helpful ones I’ve encountered in Japan. They give really good recommendations & try to help as much as they can. The staff speak very good English too. They always greet you every time you pass by the reception area.

Oak Hostel Zen reception & main lobby

Dedicated Smoking Area

Smoking is not allowed inside the rooms & in the common areas. The hostel has a designated smoking area for those who want to smoke during their stay. If I can remember it right, the smoking area is located on the 1st floor.

Bicycle Rental

The hostel offers bicycle rental for ¥500 per day + ¥3,000 deposit. Feel free to ask reception for details.

Coin-Operated Laundry

Oak Hostel Zen also has coin-operated laundry & dryer on the 3rd floor. I haven’t used this facility, but don’t be shy to ask reception how to.

Seasonal Hostel Events

The hostel also hosts seasonal events like Halloween parties, holiday celebrations & random guest meet-up events. Make sure to like & follow them on Facebook to know more about the next event.

Guest Photo Wall

Our 1st photo is still there!! 😍

One unique feature of Oak Hostel Zen is their guest photo wall. They take photos of their guests after checkout & post these photos on the walls around the reception area. I already have 2 photos (missed a photo during my 2017 trip) in their photo wall! I can’t wait to see the photos again when I go back there soon.

Another photo to be added to their photo wall – taken last February 😍

Oak Hostel Zen is one of those hostels which you won’t get tired of going back to. I’ve stayed there thrice in the last 3 years & I still look forward to staying there again. The rooms are very spacious, the beds are very comfortable & the facilities are superb. The hostel’s location is perfectly quiet. The supermarket a few meters away from the hostel is a big bonus. This hostel is well-recommended, definitely my favorite in Tokyo & in Japan.

If you have any questions about Oak Hostel Zen, feel free to contact them in the details below:

Oak Hostel Zen
Address: 3-3-3, Negishi, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 110-0003, Japan
Phone Number:+81 3 5808 7418
Fax Number: +81 3 5808 7419
Email Address: hostel-info@oakhostel.com / oakhostelzen@gmail.com
Website: oakhostel.com/zen
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/Oak-Hostel-Zen-オークホステル禅-854047354610911

Cherry blossoms found in Ueno Park (15 mins walk from Oak Hostel Zen)

I have plans of flying back to Japan in February next year. Is there a cool or a hippie hostel in Tokyo which is worth-checking out? I’m leaning towards staying at Oak Hostel Zen again but I am also open to suggestions. Feel free post your suggestions in the comment section below. Do you have travel or hostel-related questions? Connect with me! Send your questions via email to contact@thewkndtravel.com. You can also connect me via the following social media channels – Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Like & share my Facebook page too!

Thanks for reading this post & until the next hostel of the day! ✌️

PS. Photos were taken using my HTC U11& HTC RE.

Hostel Of The Day: THE POD SYDNEY – Minimalist & Contemporary Hostel In The Middle Of A Busy City

I recently got back from a week long trip to Australia. I explored Sydney with my college friends for 5 days & spent quality time with my cousins & relatives in Brisbane for 3 days. In my first 3 nights in Sydney, I stayed in a minimalist & a contemporary capsule hostel called The Pod Sydney. Let me share with you some information about this hostel plus I will give you some insights on how my stay went.

Location & Access

The Pod Sydney is located in Level 6, 396 Pitt St Sydney 2000. It is located in the middle of the busy city, in the corner of Goulburn & Pitt Streets. Access to this property is very easy. It is about 7-10 minutes walk from the Central Station. The other 2 nearby stations are Town Hall & Museum Stations, which are both few minutes walk from the hostel. Train fares from the domestic & international airports start from $16.90, depending on which station you board or get off.

The Pod Sydney is located on Level 6 of 396 Pitt St building in Sydney

Another way to go to the hostel is by an airport shuttle bus. It costs around $15 per person & can be availed in the airport arrival halls or online via Klook. You can also take an Uber or a taxi which will cost around $30-$40 per way.

The hostel is strategically located in the city & is very accessible to public transportation. There are also convenience stores & restaurants in the area. The nearest supermarket is a crossing away. I took the train from the airport to Central Station for $16.90 & walked to the property which is less than a kilometer from the train station.

Pricing & Room Options

The Pod Sydney offers both dormitory & private rooms. According to the property’s website, a night in a dormitory room costs $59 while a night stay in a private twin / double room costs $129. Dormitory rooms can be converted to private rooms for 4 or 6; these rooms cost $239-$349 per night. The rates look expensive, but these are the maximum rates. In fact, you can get the dormitory bed for as low as $35 per night. I booked my stay with Agoda & it cost me $105 for 3 nights, that’s $35 a night. Rates vary per website so watch out for those deals & discounts available in your preferred booking website.

My spacious dormitory bed in The Pod Sydney

Staying in these capsule-type dormitory rooms & private rooms includes the following: free Wi-Fi access throughout the property, electronic key card access, air conditioning, fresh linen, bath towel & toiletries, free locker (bring your own padlock), individual reading light & power plug. Guests also have access to some facilities which I will share in the next section.

The room / dormitory prices of The Pod Sydney may not be the cheapest in Sydney, but it is still in the cheap accommodation bracket. For such an affordable rate, guests have access to a clean & comfortable accommodation in an expensive city like Sydney.

Facilities

The Pod Sydney may only be located on one level of the building, but this small space didn’t hinder the management in giving its guests a range of amenities.

Communal Kitchen & Dining Area

Guests have access to a fully-equipped kitchen & a spacious dining area. Guests can store some food in the refrigerator & can also cook their own food. They can also use the dining area to eat food & also to meet fellow travelers. Guests also have access to free tea & coffee. This area has a vending machine which has snacks & drinks.

Television Area

The Pod Sydney has a television area where guests can watch shows & hang out with other guests. It is a good place to meet with other guests & travelers. This area also has a nice view of the city.

Luggage Store Room

Guests can store their luggage for free on the days of check-in & checkout only. The hostel does not accept overnight luggage storage.

Lobby Lounge

The hostel has a lobby lounge which guests can use while waiting for check in or check out. This area has a wide range of tour brochures which guests can get.

Communal Toilet & Shower Areas

All guests have access to communal toilet & shower areas. The male & female amenity area is located between the reception area & the kitchen & dining area. The hostel also has a dedicated disabled toilet & shower for guests who require disable mobility.

Limited Reception Time

Reception is open from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm daily. Check-in is from 2:00 pm to 11:00 pm while checkout is until 11:00 am. The hostel receptionists & staff are very nice & helpful. You can also ask reception for airport shuttle & printing services. Charges may apply.

The Pod Sydney’s reception area

Laundry Facilities

The Pod Sydney has a coin-operated washing machine & dryer which the guests can use. Just ask the reception where the machine is & how to use it.

The Pod Sydney is perfect for those who are looking for a minimalist, modern & cheap accommodation in Sydney. It offers both private & shared rooms for affordable rates. The Pod Sydney may not be as social as the other hostels in the city, but its facilities make up for it. I was not able to fully enjoy the facilities & amenities of the hostel ,but I am happy that I had a comfortable & peaceful stay in The Pod Sydney. I’ll definitely check this out again when I fly back to Sydney in the future.

Feel free to contact The Pod Sydney in the contact details below:

The Pod Sydney
Address: Level 6, 396 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone Numbers: +61 2 8959 1293 / +61 411 476 966
Email Address: thepodsydney@gmail.com / service@thepodsydney.com.au
Website: www.thepodsydney.com.au
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/thepodsydney

Have you been to The Pod Sydney? How was your stay? Are you flying to Sydney soon & looking for a place to stay? Make sure to check out this hostel / capsule hotel. It’s worth every penny. Do you have any questions about my stay? Feel free to post a question in the comments below. You can also contact me via email to contact@thewkndtravel.com or contact me via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Watch out for my feature about Bounce Hostel Sydney & my upcoming blogs about Sydney & Brisbane. Thank you for reading! ✌

Hostel Resort Of The Day: BRAVO BEACH RESORT SIARGAO – Reasonably Priced Shared Luxury Accommodation in Paradise Island

Two weeks ago, my friend & I went to Siargao for a quick 4-day break from the busy metro life. I know I’ve just been to Palawan last month, but I wasn’t able to resist the promotional ticket I got last February. We stayed at Bravo Beach Resort in our 4 days in Siargao.

~~Hostel~~ Resort of the day: Bravo Beach Resort Siargao!

Bravo Beach Resort is a highly-rated luxury (island standards) resort in Siargao. This resort features a traditional x modern rooms, a garden, an on-site bar & restaurant, a swimming pool & beach access. The resort basically provides everything a guest needs. Technically, this resort is not a ‘hostel,’ but they have dormitory rooms for those who want to share rooms & meet new people during their respective trips – one of the reasons why I’m featuring this resort in my site.

Location & Access

Bravo Beach Resort is located along Tourism Road in General Luna. The resort is located by the beach, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is 3 kilometers away from the world-famous Cloud 9 Surfing Area.

Inside Bravo Siargao – on the way to the rooms. 😍

The nearest airport to Bravo Beach Resort is Sayak Airport (also known as Siargao Airport) located in Del Carmen, Surigao Del Norte. From the airport, one can take a public van transfer to town for only ₱300. The van driver will drop you off in front of the resort. You can also hire a tricycle from the airport to General Luna for ₱500 per way. Same rates apply for transfers from the town to the airport.

The resort reception offers airport transfers for a higher fee of ₱400 per way. If you want a hassle-free & door-to-door private transfer, feel free to contact the reception.

Surf Bunk Room

Bravo Beach Resort offers 3 types of luxurious accommodation rooms – Garden Room, Double Room & Surf Bunk Room. The first 2 room types are private rooms while the surf bunk room can be shared with other guests. You can head over to the resort’s website for more details about the rooms.

Inside Bravo’s Surf Bunk Room

My friend & I decided to stay in the surf bunk room for 3 nights. A night stay in this 4-bed dormitory room costs ₱1,200. It may be double or triple the price of a regular dormitory bed accommodation (usually ₱300 – ₱500 per night on average) in Siargao but I tell you, the expensive rate is worth it.

That’s me in front of the mirror – shower room’s in the left & toilet’s in the right

The air-conditioned surf bunk room has 2 bunk beds with 4 individual beds. Each bed features a pillow, clean sheets, bath & pool towels, a plug & a reading light. Each guest has his / her own locker. The rooms have a separated shower area (with hot water) & toilet, plus a balcony / small lounge area outside. Daily complimentary breakfast is included in the rate. Breakfast time is from 7:00 am to 10:00 am only. Take away breakfast is not allowed.

Breakfast is served – so good!

Breakfast menu – you can personalize your meal!

We showed our bunk room to some of our friends who were not staying in Bravo & they all said that the ₱1,200 daily charge is worth the price. It may be expensive compared to the island’s standard rates, but we had a relaxing, luxurious & mosquito bite-free stay in this surf bunk room. I’ll definitely stay in this bunk room again when I go back to Siargao in the future.

Resort Amenities

Resort’s swimming pool – also open for restaurant guests!

All guests have access to the resort’s beach & swimming pool. The beach is just okay for swimming, but definitely not the best in the island. I mean, the beach view while eating your breakfast or drinking a bottle of cold beer is already enough. The swimming pool is located by the restaurant.

Resort beach – not the best in the island but the view will do 😍

The resort offers free Wi-Fi access all throughout the property. The reception, rooms & bar & restaurant all have Wi-Fi. The connection was good during the first 2 nights. We had a hard time connecting on our last night – we don’t know what happened.

Bar & Restaurant + Sunday Night Party

Bravo Siargao also has an on site Spanish restaurant. The restaurant offers a wide range of international dishes such as tapas, paella & the likes. The food price is not cheap but is reasonable. Food servings are big – could be good for sharing if you’re a light eater. The restaurant sometimes has live music by a band or an artist during dinner time.

Bravo Restaurant at night 😍

Bravo also has an on-site bar which offers beers, cocktails, wines & hard liquors. They have a very famous drink called Pomada. It’s a combination of gin, calamansi juice & sugar. A glass costs only ₱60. My Swedish friend who stayed in Siargao for over a month told me this drink is very cheap & addictive. I think I had more than 20 glasses of that in the whole duration of our stay.

Slow Cooked Coconut Pork Curry (₱290) & a glass of Pomada (₱60) for lunch

Bar parties in Siargao rotate every night. Bravo Beach Resort hosts this bar party every Sunday night. At 9:30 pm, the restaurant turns on a bar with a dance floor in the middle. The resort hosted an epic Sunday night party during our stay.

Bravo’s famous drink & also my favorite – Pomada! No party photos, sorry.

Bar & Restaurant operates everyday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, with the exception of the Sunday bar which closes at 12:00 am to cap off the party.

Tour Desk

Pool & beach view from the resort’s restaurant – so relaxing!

Bravo Beach Resort Siargao also offers daily tours. The tour desk is located in the reception area. The tour dates are updated regularly. I was not able to get the updated tour rates but as far as I can remember, the 6-hour x 3-island tour with lunch costs ₱1,000 per person. Sugba Lagoon tour costs around ₱2,000 per person. Feel free to send the resort an email for the updated tour prices & the tour schedule.

Bravo Beach Resort may not be the cheapest accommodation option in Siargao but their surf bunk room provides a luxurious but affordable experience a guest can get. Surf bunk room guests also get to enjoy the amenities the private room guests have access to. Believe me, it’s worth it. I’ll definitely stay here again when I go back to Siargao.

Feel free to contact the resort & ask if there are availabe rooms / beds for your planned stay. See contact details below:

Bravo Beach Resort Siargao
Address: Tourism Rd, Barangay 5, General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao Del Norte, Philippines 8419
Phone Numbers: +63 999 877 8518 (Smart) & +63 905 395 5493 (Globe)
Email address: stay@bravoresort.com
Website: www.bravosiargao.com
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/bravosiargao

Everything in this resort is so beautiful! I’d love to go back soon. 😍

Have you been to Bravo Beach Resort in Siargao? How was your stay? Planning to fly to Siargao soon? Consider staying in this resort – you’ll surely have a good time. Do you have any questions or thoughts in mind? Feel free to post them in the comments below. You can also send those thoughts or questions via email to contact@thewkndtravel.com or feel free to contact me via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Don’t forget to check out the other hostels of the day in this website – Mad Monkey Hos tel Nacpan Beach, The Stay Sapporo & Outpost Beach Hostel El Nido. Thank you for reading & until the next HOTD post. ✌

PS. Photos were taken using my HTC U11.