Rumah Aulia Syariah: Lampung's Premier Islamic Housing!
Rumah Aulia Syariah: Lampung's Premier Islamic Housing? Buckle Up, Buttercup! A Rambling Review.
Alright, alright, alright. So, Rumah Aulia Syariah… just the name drips with piety, doesn’t it? I went in expecting a hushed, maybe slightly imposing experience. And listen, I'm not exactly a paragon of Islamic virtue, so, y'know, I was a little nervous. But hey, Lampung! I needed a getaway, and this place promised… well, everything, judging by the brochure. Let's break it down, messy-style.
Accessibility – A Mixed Bag (and My Bum Hurts a Bit from the Bus Ride)
First impressions? Okay, getting to Rumah Aulia… that was an adventure. The drive from Bandar Lampung Airport? Let’s just say my back owes the local tuk-tuk driver several apologies. Finding the actual entrance? A bit of a maze, honestly. No glaring signage. I actually circled the block twice before I found it. Annoying.
Once in, the lobby looked accessible. Elevators, ramps… the stuff. But I didn’t actually test the wheelchair friendliness. (Hey, I'm ambulatory! Mostly.) But the grounds… felt a little less… friendly for any mobility-challenged folks. Some uneven paving stones and a few tight corners around the pool. I’d recommend calling ahead and clarifying if you need prime accessibility.
On-Site Restaurants/Lounges – Food Glorious Food (Mostly)
Right, food. Crucial. Rumah Aulia had it covered. Restaurants? Plural! And the options! I did my best to sample it all.
- Restaurants: They had a few… I actually lost count. But there was a main buffet place – Buffet in Restaurant, check! - where I loaded up on Asian breakfast and Western breakfast, no shame. The Asian cuisine was phenomenal! The cook had a magic touch with the nasi goreng. Honestly, I could have eaten that every day. The Western attempts? Let’s just say they were… valiant. The sausages were a bit… questionable. But hey, at least they tried! The Soup in restaurant was great.
- Coffee shop: Crucial, especially for someone who needs their caffeine hit to survive the humidity.
- Poolside Bar: A big no-no for me, but there were some cool drinks (non-alcoholic, obviously) and a nice atmosphere.
The Room: My Temporary Sanctuary (With a Few Quirks)
Okay, my room. Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Mini bar, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Sofa, Soundproofing, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
The bed was a dream. Extra long, just as advertised. Slept like a log after that first chaotic travel day. Blackout curtains? A lifesaver. Lampung sun is brutal.
The complimentary tea was a nice touch. I drank a lot of it. The robes… well, I wore them. Almost all the time. Comfy!
Minor gripes: The "Internet access – wireless" was a little… spotty. And the internet access [LAN] was not working every time. The mirror in the bathroom was a little… small. And the soundproofing, while decent, wasn't perfect. I heard a surprising amount of… well, let's just say enthusiastic karaoke sessions from my neighbors.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax – Spa Day! (Or, My Attempt at Zen)
Oh, the amenities! Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor].
This is where Rumah Aulia really shines. I went for the full pampering experience. And I mean full. First, the massage. Amazing! Seriously, the masseuse was a sorceress. All the tension I'd built up from the journey melted away. Pure bliss. I think I may have even snored. Don't judge.
The sauna and steamroom? Glorious. I spent a good hour just sweating out all the stresses of modern life. Then hit the outdoor swimming pool!
Okay, that pool was something. The “pool with view” was really a nice touch and I spent there almost 2-3 hours.
I didn't hit the "fitness center" (Let's be honest, I went there for the pool, sauna, massage and food…). The gym… I can’t comment. No judgment here.
Cleanliness and Safety – Feeling Safe, Though a Bit Smothered?
Okay. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.
Rumah Aulia takes COVID seriously. Very seriously. I felt safe. Maybe a little too safe. Everywhere you looked, there was hand sanitizer. Staff were masked, sanitizing was happening constantly. The individually-wrapped food was… well, I suppose it’s the price you pay for peace of mind. But it felt a little over the top, tbh. But hey, I wasn't complaining!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – More Food, More Joy!
- A la carte in restaurant: YES, which I appreciated when I wanted something outside of the buffet.
- Alternative meal arrangement: I didn't need it, but it was nice to know they had it.
- Asian breakfast: As mentioned, A+. Godly.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: Delicious.
- Bar: Obvi, not ideal for people following Islamic rules, I skipped it.
- Bottle of water: Always appreciated.
- Breakfast [buffet]: See above.
- Breakfast service: Yep.
- Buffet in restaurant: Gotta love a buffet.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Essential.
- Coffee shop: See Coffee shop.
- Desserts in restaurant: Okay.
- Happy hour: Nope.
- International cuisine in restaurant: Mix bag.
- Poolside bar: Again, not for me, but looked like a nice spot.
- Restaurants: Plural!
- Room service [24-hour]: A lifesaver when you're feeling lazy.
- Salad in restaurant: Fresh!
- Snack bar: Convenient.
- Soup in restaurant: Warm and comforting.
- Vegetarian restaurant: I didn't see a dedicated one, but they had vegetarian options.
- Western breakfast: Hit or miss (see above).
- Western cuisine in restaurant: See Western breakfast.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter (Mostly)
- Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
The daily housekeeping was excellent. My room was spotless every day. The concierge was helpful, even navigating some of my… eccentric requests. The convenience store was handy for snacks and essentials. The currency exchange was a bonus. The elevator was essential.
However, the Wi-Fi for special events was not tested, nor the audio/visual equipment.
For the Kids – Family-Friendly, But…
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
I don’t have kids, so I can’t speak from experience. But, I saw plenty of families, and the amenities seemed geared towards them.
Getting Around – Transportation Options
- Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking.
Free car park was really welcome after all the driving. Taxi service was excellent.
In Conclusion – Would I Go Back?
Rumah Aulia Syariah? It’s a
Escape to Paradise: Luxury Villas in Paraty, Brazil
Alright, brace yourselves, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is… well, this is my attempt at surviving Rumah Aulia Syariah in Bandar Lampung, Indonesia. And let me tell you, even just thinking about it is giving me a mild case of the travel jitters. Buckle up, buttercups.
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Room Key Debacle. Also, Holy Humidity!
- Morning (Like, REALLY morning): Land in Bandar Lampung. Oh, the joy of Indonesian airports! I’m pretty sure the humidity hits you before your feet even touch the tarmac. It's like walking into a warm, soggy hug. Get that visa (thank goodness for pre-arranged ones – I’m not sure I could handle the bureaucratic maze right now). Find my driver… probably. (I hope he speaks English).
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Arrive at Rumah Aulia Syariah. Deep breath. Okay, let’s see if it lives up to the pictures online. Fingers crossed the "cozy room" photos aren’t a blatant lie. Oh dear God, is that… a fish pond in the lobby? Okay, I'm intrigued.
- The Room Key Crisis: Check-in? Smooth (so far). Room? (A tad smaller than expected, but hey, I'm not living in a palace). Okay, time to unpack and… WHERE’S THE ROOM KEY?! Cue frantic patting of pockets. My brain is a scrambled egg. Turns out it was in my jacket pocket the ENTIRE TIME! I swear, I could have used it as a bookmark. This is going to be a long trip.
- Afternoon: Recover (mentally, mostly). Seriously, that humidity. It makes you feel like a wilted lettuce leaf. I'm pretty sure my hair has already developed independent consciousness. Maybe a quick nap? No, no, get out and explore. But first, I need to figure out this air conditioning… is it even working?
- Evening: Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Pray for edible food. Pray even harder for no stomach bugs. Start practicing my "Terima Kasih" and "Sama Sama" (thank you & you're welcome, respectively). Prepare for the symphony of cicadas that's undoubtedly going to lull me to sleep… or drive me insane.
Day 2: Way Kambas National Park - A Rollercoaster of Emotions (and Mosquitoes!)
- Early Bird Gets… Eaten by Mosquitoes: The alarm blares at 5 AM. Five freakin' AM! For what, you ask? To see… elephants. Yes, wild elephants in Way Kambas National Park. Okay, this is supposed to be the highlight of the trip, apparently. Slather on the DEET (which I may have forgotten to pack, so I'm relying on the hotel's questionable repellant).
- The Drive of Doom (and Delight): The drive to the park is an adventure in itself. Narrow roads, scooters weaving in and out of traffic like caffeinated ants, and questionable driving skills. I cling to my seat, eyes wide, and simultaneously laugh at the sheer absurdity of it all.
- Elephant Encounters - Pure Magic (Mostly): The elephants! They were… magnificent! Watching them play in the mud, the babies clumsily following their mothers… it was breathtaking. I swear, my cynical heart nearly melted. We got to feed them some sugarcane (probably not a good idea given the sugar content, but who am I to deny an elephant a snack?). However… the mosquitoes were relentless. My ankles are now a warzone.
- The Messy Lunch & The Deepest Regret: Lunch at the park was… rustic. Let's put it that way. Rice, mystery meat, and a vague green something. I ate it. I'm not sure if that was a good decision. I’m now deeply regretting not packing any snacks.
- Back to the Hotel (and the Itch): The drive back was filled with the pleasant sting of mosquito bites and the lingering memory of the elephants. Back at Rumah Aulia Syariah, I spend the rest of the afternoon scratching and wondering if I should have invested in a mosquito net.
- Evening: Soothe the mosquito bites. Seriously, how can such a tiny insect cause so much misery? Contemplate life. Decide to order room service tonight (because anything is better than the mystery meat of doom).
Day 3: Exploring Bandar Lampung (and Possibly Getting Lost)
- Morning: Okay, today: Bandar Lampung. Sounds easy, right? Wrong. The plan is to visit the city center. But first, breakfast. Pray for not-terrible coffee. Hope that the breakfast buffet doesn't involve any more mystery meat.
- Finding the "City Center" (or at Least, Trying): Armed with a map (which I'm already confused by), I set out. The city is a vibrant chaos of motorbikes, street vendors, and the constant hum of activity. I'm starting to question my navigation skills. Am I even going in the right direction? I'm pretty sure that alleyway wasn't on the map…
- Market Mayhem: I stumbled upon a local market. The smells! The colors! The sheer amount of stuff! This is sensory overload in the best way possible. I buy something I have no idea what it is, but it looked interesting. Bargaining skills: nonexistent (but I try!).
- Lunch! (Again, with Reservations): Find a local eatery. Attempt to order something without pointing at a picture. The food is delicious. I manage, surprisingly, to not make a complete fool of myself with the ordering. Success!
- Afternoon: More exploring. More getting lost. More photo opportunities (even if half of them are blurry). I stumble upon a beautiful mosque. It’s stunning. I sit for a while, just soaking it all in. A moment of peace in the chaos.
- Evening: Dinner at a more "western" styled restaurant. Maybe pizza? Maybe burger? I’m craving something familiar. Seriously, I need a break from the rice. Reflect on the day. Realize I still haven’t figured out the AC in my room. Prepare for another night of cicada serenades (and maybe finding that blasted room key again).
Day 4: The Beach (Or at Least, Attempting to Find One) & The Deepening Existential Crisis
- Morning: Beach day! Or so I thought. Apparently, finding a pristine beach in this area is… challenging. The hotel staff suggested a spot, but the directions are vague. My internal GPS is currently malfunctioning.
- The Search for Paradise (and Clean Water): After an hour of bumpy roads and questionable signage, I arrive at the beach. It's… okay. The sand is there, the ocean is there. But it's not quite the postcard picture I had in my head. The water is a bit murky. There's some trash. I sigh internally.
- Embracing Imperfection: But then, I sit down. The sun is warm on my skin. The ocean breeze is refreshing. And despite the imperfections, I realize this is… beautiful. Maybe paradise isn't about perfection. Maybe it's about the experience of being.
- A Moment of Bliss (Followed by a Mild Panic): I spend the afternoon swimming, reading, and trying (unsuccessfully) to get a tan. I almost feel… relaxed. Until I realize I’m running low on sunscreen. Panic sets in.
- Late Afternoon: Back at the hotel, now slightly sunburned and covered in sand. Shower. Wash my hair. Seriously, this humidity is doing a number on my frizz. Start thinking about packing. This trip is almost over.
- Evening: Final dinner. Try a new dish. Say "Terima Kasih" a few more times. Reflect on the amazing experiences I’ve had on this trip. Feel a twinge of sadness that it is nearly over. Wonder when I'll get to come back.
Day 5: Departure – The Final Farewell to the Fish Pond
- Morning: Wake up. Pack. Try to squeeze all my souvenirs into my already-overstuffed backpack. Have one last "Terima Kasih" breakfast. Make sure I have the room key!
- Farewell Fish Pond: Check out. Say goodbye to Rumah Aulia Syariah. Maybe even wave at that fish pond. The experience has been a rollercoaster, a bit messy, and often challenging. But also beautiful. And I realize I wouldn't trade this trip to Bandar Lampung for anything.
- Goodbye Indonesia: Fly out of Bandar Lampung. Begin planning my next Indonesian adventure! Knowing myself, I will definitely forget something. I will definitely get lost! And I will probably complain about the humidity again. But will be awesome.
This is just the bare bones, of course. The real adventure is the stuff I didn't plan, the unexpected moments, the funny mishaps, and the quiet moments of reflection. It's all part of the journey! And that, my friends, is what makes travel so worthwhile. Wish me luck on my next trip! I'm going to need it.
Unbelievable Views & Gourmet Food: Logis Hotel Restaurant Le Mont Aigoual Awaits!
Rumah Aulia Syariah: Okay, But Is It *Really* Paradise? (Answering Your Questions...Honestly)
So, What *Exactly* Makes Rumah Aulia "Syariah"? I mean, besides the name?
Alright, let's dive into the deep end! Honestly? The Syariah part means a bunch of things. No riba (interest) on the financing, which already had my head scratching for a week trying to understand that whole concept. They claim to have Islamic financing *specifically*, dealing with things like Murabahah (cost-plus financing). They also say they're aiming for a community that, let's say, prioritizes 'good Islamic values.' Think more mosques, less… well, you get the picture. It's all about creating a space where you *can* live, breathe, and hopefully, not immediately break every single rule of your own faith, you know?
My friend, bless her heart, practically grilled the sales rep. "What about the landscaping? Is it *halal* greenery?" I swear, that almost made the poor guy faint. Turns out, the "halal" part of the greenery wasn't a thing, but they *do* have a massive mosque right in the middle of the complex. That's a pretty big plus for a lot of people, and probably a good selling point, but for me? I need to see the coffee shop first before I make any big decisions, obviously.
What's the Deal with the Financing? Is it Actually Affordable *and* Syariah-Compliant?
Ah, the million-dollar question… or, you know, the question of a potential down payment. Financing! It's a beast, because if you asked me a week ago to explain financing I would probably turn you away and scream. They’re pitching Murabahah, which, in layman's terms, is essentially a transaction where the developer buys the house and then sells it to you at a marked-up price – but the markup is agreed upon upfront, and is *not* interest. Sounds good on paper, right? Here’s where it gets messy…
My experience began with a lot of paperwork. Like, a *lot*. And the sales rep? Bless his heart, he tried, but sometimes the explanations were… well, let's just say I left feeling like I needed another coffee. And a lawyer. Seriously, I'd recommend having a lawyer AND a financial advisor who understands Islamic finance. Just to be sure. I am sure that the developers are trying to be accessible, but the nuances of the financing *are* tricky to navigate, and for a newbie like me, it was just a tad confusing. My emotions when I was listening to the details were a mix of excitement, and fear, like I was trying to understand astrophysics or something. My advice? Be prepared! The benefits *can* be great, but do your homework!
What are the Houses Like? Modern Designs, or More… Traditional? And what's the variety?
Okay, the houses… this is where it gets interesting. They're generally modern, I think. You know, clean lines, that kind of thing. Some of them, I thought, looked like they were ripped right out of a lifestyle magazine. Others… well, let's just say I've seen better. But hey, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right? Or maybe the taste of whoever designed the kitchen. And the kitchens! Some were amazing, others… functional, but a little cramped. This is where your personal tastes come in...
They have different types and sizes, but it really depends on what's available at the moment. I was particularly keen on one with a little backyard, perfect for dreaming (or, you know, growing some chili peppers). Sadly? Sold out. The lesson of the day is: if you like a certain style, don’t hesitate, because they go fast! Honestly? When I saw the model house, I just felt like... *this could be my life*. Okay, maybe not *my* life, because let's be real, I'm a lazy bum. But in the right hands, this house has potential!
What's the Community Vibe Like? Will I be stuck in a bubble, or will there be opportunities for social interaction?
This is a huge one and depends on your personality… and maybe your tolerance for small talk. The pitch is a "vibrant Islamic community." Which… could mean a lot of things. My thoughts? Based on my visit, there's a big focus on the mosque, and a lot of families. It seems to be designed to foster close relationships. Think potlucks, community events, kids playing in the streets (hopefully, safely). My expectations were that it would be warm and welcoming, and I was totally right! Everyone who I met was super friendly, but… well, you have to find your own tribe, right?
The developers are promising a *lot* of community-focused activities. I’d bet there will be a lot of family-oriented things. On my visit, though, I sensed a certain… uniformity. Is that good? Bad? It's up to you. It very much depends on what you're looking for. Me? I'm an introverted disaster with a cat, so I'm not entirely sure I would thrive in a super tight-knit community. I’m also super nosy, so that might fit me well!
What about the Amenities? What's Truly Included in Home?
Amenities! Yes! This is my big thing. The brochures are full of promises... But here's the deal (my word, I used to hate it when people used the word "deal" so much!). They *usually* have a playground, a community center, and stuff like that. They might even have a swimming pool, depending on the phase/location. But pay *very* close attention to the fine print. What's genuinely included, and what's an "optional extra" that you'll be paying for later? I learned this lesson the hard way with my first apartment (don't get me started on the "fully furnished" fiasco!).
One thing that really stood out to me was the mosque! It's the heart of the community, from what I can tell. This is a major plus for a lot of people. But also, look at what's *around* the community. Are there shops, markets, schools, and healthcare options nearby? Remember, community is important, but so is a functioning life. So, be practical. Do your research. And for heavens' sake, read the darn contract!
What are Some Potential Drawbacks of Living There? The Real Deal, Please!
Okay, the downsides. Let's be honest. Housing communities, like any place, can be a mixed bag. One thing I noticed on my drive through was the lack of public transport. You'll almost certainly need a car. And who are we kidding? Public transportation in Lampung is… well, you're on your own, my friend.
Then there's the community. ItMountain Stay
