Bali's Volcano View Paradise: Volcano 3 Hotel Awaits!
Bali's Volcano View Paradise: Volcano 3 Hotel Awaits! - A Messy, Honest, and Ultimately Wonderful Review
Okay, folks, buckle up. This isn't your glossy, perfectly-edited travel blog post. This is me, fresh off a trip to Bali's Volcano View Paradise: Volcano 3 Hotel Awaits!, still slightly sunburnt and completely buzzing from the sheer experience. I'm gonna get real, warts and all, because you deserve the truth (and maybe a chuckle or two) before you book your vacay.
The Vibe: First Impressions & Accessibility (… Let's Get Straight to the Point!)
First things first: Accessibility. Look, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I am a klutz who occasionally sprains an ankle. This is Bali, so it's not exactly designed with the fully mobility-impaired in mind everywhere. But Facilities for disabled guests are listed, which is promising, though I didn't personally check. The Elevator is a major plus—trust me, after a day of exploring, your legs will thank you.
Getting Around: A Free-for-All of Charm
Airport transfer? Definitely recommend. Bali traffic is a beast. And Car park [free of charge] is a huge win, especially if you're renting a scooter (which, by the way, is an experience in itself—more on that later!). Having Car park [on-site] gives you options. And Taxi service is readily available, too. So, getting around is… manageable. Prepare for some chaos, embrace the spirit of Bali, and you'll be fine.
Check-in/out [express]? Fine. Check-in/out [private]? I loved it. No jostling, no waiting. Just a chilled-out welcome drink and someone to help you relax. Contactless check-in/out is another score in the post-COVID world.
Cleanliness and Safety: Because, You Know, Sanity
Alright, let's get serious for a sec. Cleanliness and safety are paramount, especially these days. This hotel gets it. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Professional-grade sanitizing services, and Rooms sanitized between stays…all fantastic. They even have Hand sanitizer readily available. And the staff? Trained in safety protocol. It's reassuring.
Rooms: Your Personal Sanctuary (With a Volcano in Sight!)
Okay, the real reason we're here: the rooms. My room? Glorious. Let's break it down, because this is where the magic really happened:
- Available in all rooms: Well, duh!
- Air conditioning: Absolute necessity. Bali humidity is no joke.
- Alarm clock: Useful, even if I used the hotel's wonderful Wake-up service far more…
- Bathrobes: So comfy. Don't judge me.
- Bathtub: Heaven after a long day hiking.
- Blackout curtains: Crucial for those jet lag naps.
- Coffee/tea maker & Complimentary tea: My lifeblood. Honestly.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was sparkling daily. So appreciated.
- Desk, Laptop workspace… Fine, did some work but preferred my sofa setup.
- Extra long bed: Not for me, but important for taller travelers.
- Free bottled water: Always a plus. Hydration is key!
- Hair dryer: Essential.
- High floor: (I got this one!) So I was looking at the most epic volcano sunrise views.
- In-room safe box: Peace of mind.
- Internet access – wireless & Wi-Fi [free]: Seamless. No buffering dramas during my Zoom calls!
- Ironing facilities: (Didn't use it. Let's be honest.)
- Linens, Mirror, Slippers: Essentials.
- Non-smoking: Hooray!
- On-demand movies: Didn't need it. The view was the main entertainment.
- Private bathroom & Separate shower/bathtub: Ahhh.
- Reading light: Perfect for winding down with a book.
- Refrigerator: Cold Bintangs, anyone?
- Satellite/cable channels: Barely used, but good for news.
- Seating area & Sofa: My absolute chill-out zone.
- Shower: Excellent water pressure.
- Smoke detector: Safety first, people.
- Soundproofing: Bliss. No noisy neighbors!
- Telephone: Old school, but works.
- Toiletries & Towels: Soft and fluffy.
- Umbrella: Bali rain is a reality, folks.
- Visual alarm: (Not applicable to me.)
- Window that opens: Fresh air is a mood lifter.
- Additional toilet - Always a bonus when you're sharing a room.
- Closet, Safe/security feature - All good.
- Hot water - Essential.
Let's talk about the view, though. I’m pretty sure the Pool with view is a must. The Swimming pool [outdoor] is lovely, but the actual view from my room? Overwhelming. I'd wake up every morning, throw open the Window that opens, and just stare at Mount Batur, a real-life, majestic volcano. It's pure, unadulterated Instagram gold. (I may or may not have spammed my feed. Sorry, not sorry.) It's also a Proposal spot - I can see it!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Eat, Pray, and Eat Some More
Okay, the food. This is where I may have overindulged slightly. Bali is a foodie paradise, and this hotel does not disappoint.
- A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: OPTIONS!!! And so many!
- Bar, Poolside bar, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Snack bar, Room service [24-hour]: Never hungry. Ever.
- Bottle of water: Always appreciated.
- Happy hour: Yes, please!
- Restaurants: Plenty to choose from.
- Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant: All delicious, even if I shouldn't have had that third piece of cake.
- Breakfast [buffet] was a total feast. I'm usually a cereal-and-coffee kind of gal, but the omelets, the fresh fruit… I went full Bali.
- Breakfast service: Excellent!
- Alternative meal arrangement - Very helpful!
- Bottle of water: Always there.
The Safe dining setup and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items really helped me relax. The Individually-wrapped food options were great for grab-and-go, too.
Things to Do: Activities Galore!
Okay, so, beyond the volcano views, the hotel has some serious chill-out potential.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness - I used the fitness center maybe…once? But it looked pretty decent.
- Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Foot bath: This is where I spent a considerable amount of time. The spa is a must-do. Seriously. That Massage? Pure bliss. That Sauna? Sweated out all my worries. I got the Body scrub and Body wrap… I almost didn't recognize myself!
- Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Just lovely for a dip.
- Shrine: A beautiful, spiritual touch. Even if you're not super religious, it's worth a visit.
- Bicycle parking.
- Car power charging station: Perfect for those of us with electric cars.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things that Make a Difference
Okay, a quick rundown of the extras that made the experience even better.
- Air conditioning in public area: Essential if you're like me and hate feeling gross.
- Cash withdrawal: Super handy.
- Concierge: Very helpful with arranging tours and tips.
- Convenience store: Snacks!
- Currency exchange: Convenient.
- Daily housekeeping: Sparkling!
- Doorman, Elevator: Always a plus.
- Facilities for disabled guests, Ironing service, Laundry service: All good, though I didn't personally use them.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Great for buying presents for the folks back home (and yourself).
- Invoice provided: Convenient.
- Luggage storage: Helpful.
- Safety deposit boxes: Smart.
- Terrace: Lovely spot to sip your coffee and contemplate life.
- **X
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're heading to the bloody Volcano 3 Hotel in Bali! This isn't your pristine travel brochure itinerary, oh no. This is the REAL DEAL. Prepare for some serious sun, questionable decisions, and the potential for a total meltdown. Let's do this:
Day 1: Arrival of the Goddamn Volcano & Immediate Regret (Maybe)
Morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Ugh, the airport. The purgatory of humanity. Flying. I hate flying. I'm crammed into a sardine can with a baby who seems determined to announce its existence to the entire population of Indonesia. Get to the Volcano 3 Hotel. Hopefully, it's as advertised (and doesn't involve a hike through actual lava). Quick nap. Because sleep is my love language.
Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Check in. Pray to whatever deity is listening that the room isn't a mold-infested box. Unpack. (Okay, attempt to unpack. I'm the world's worst packer. Shirts balled up. Socks in the makeup bag. You get the picture.)
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Seek out local warung, the little food stalls that hopefully don't result in a severe case of Bali belly. I'm hoping for something spicy, something authentic! Ordered something I thought was noodles. Turned out to be… a mystery meat stew. The spice level was akin to a nuclear blast. Tears streamed down my face but I refused to not eat it. The waitress gave me a sympathetic look; I suspect she's seen it all before.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Pool time! And not the graceful, Instagram-worthy kind. More like me, awkwardly attempting a backstroke while secretly terrified of drowning in a foot of water. Had a solid nap by the pool. Feeling like I could get used to this.
Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Sunset cocktails! The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in the most ridiculous colours imaginable. Perfect. Then it was time for dinner. I'm pretty sure I saw a rat run across the restaurant floor, but hey, at least it wasn't the mystery meat stew again. More cocktails were definitely needed…
Night (9:00 PM onwards): Stumbled back to the hotel. Already feeling the effects of the cocktails. My bed is calling my name. Tomorrow will be the day I get my life together. Or, you know, just try to stay hydrated.
Day 2: Culture Shock, Scenic Views, and Questionable Decisions
Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Wake up! Hungover, mostly. Breakfast. I should probably cut back on cocktails. Head to the beach. Sand. Sun. Surfers. Definitely not something I'm used to at home.
Late Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): I decided to go for a massage, and it was the best decision of my life. I'm talking pure, unadulterated bliss. Deep tissue, the works. I swear, I felt years of stress melt away.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): More warung food, but this time I thought I ordered chicken satay. I'm still unsure what I got, but it didn't hurt, which is basically a win.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): The one thing I really wanted to do: Visit Mount Batur. I hired a driver (who looked suspiciously like he'd been up all night - I may or may not have contributed to that the night before) and off we went! The sunrise over the volcano was… overwhelming. Dramatic. Jaw-dropping. I felt tiny. I think I might have shed a tear. I'm not ashamed. It was beautiful, dammit! The hike itself was a bit brutal, but the views were worth it. Absolutely worth it.
Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner. I actually managed to eat something mildly healthy and not feel guilty about it. It was an absolute triumph. The local bar was calling, so let the night begin.
Night (9:00 PM onwards): Karaoke. I can neither confirm nor deny any involvement. Let's just say, my singing voice is a work in progress, and the bar staff at the Volcano 3 Hotel did a great job.
Day 3: Beach Bliss, Tourist Traps, and Existential Dread
Morning (8:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Wake up, or just exist. Morning walk on the beach. The sand between my toes. The sound of the waves. Pure bliss.
Mid-Morning (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM): I feel the urge to be a tourist. Head to a touristy spot. I'm embarrassed to even admit what it was, but hey, a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. The place itself was pretty, but the crowds? Horrendous. I fled.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Lunch at a cafe with a view, just to recover.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Back to the beach. This is where I belong. Read. Napped. Watched the world go by. I swear, I could stay here forever.
Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Attempt a cooking class. I am not a good cook. But I'm a good sport! The class was hilarious. I burned the rice. Made the curry too spicy. But hey, at least I tried.
Night (9:00 PM onwards): Last night in Bali. I don't want to leave. A quiet drink, contemplating life. Reflecting on whether I truly became one with Bali. Probably not. But it was fun, and isn't that all that matters?
Day 4: Departure and the Aftermath
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Pack. This time, it's slightly better. Slightly. And the most important thing: I'm taking home a tan and a whole bunch of amazing memories.
- Departure (9:00 AM onwards): Airport. Flying. Purgatory. But this time, I'm okay with it. Bali, you were amazing. Will I be back? Hell yeah.
Notes:
- This itinerary is subject to change based on my mood, the availability of cocktails, and the weather.
- Don't take my word for anything. Explore, get lost, embrace the chaos.
- Expect the unexpected. And always, always bring sunscreen.
- Pack extra underwear. Just trust me.
- Bali belly, I'm looking at you…
Bali's Volcano View Paradise: Volcano 3 Hotel Awaits! - FAQs (With a Side of Reality)
So, is the view *really* as epic as the pictures? Because, let's be honest, Instagram is a liar sometimes...
Okay, okay, let's get this one out of the way. The view. The freakin' view. The pictures? They're... mostly true. I mean, I'm not sure what filters they use, probably several that subtly morph the volcano into something approaching Valhalla. But yes, on a clear day (and you'll pray to the weather gods for one), it's breathtaking. I swear, the first time I saw it, I choked on my coffee. Dramatic? Maybe. Truthful? Absolutely. One thing though... remember that early morning haze? Yeah, that can often swallow up the peak, which is why you should not only check the forecast but also be willing to wake up at 4 a.m. You're going to feel like death at that hour, but trust me, once you're sipping your coffee and watching the sun paint the volcano gold, you'll forgive the lack of sleep.
The "Luxury" part of the hotel…how luxurious are we talking? Five-star, or "it has a toilet" luxurious?
Alright, "Luxury" is a word. And it’s subjective. What one person considers luxury, another might call… well, a generously sized broom closet. Volcano 3 leans towards "nice," let's say, more like a "solid, comfortable hotel." Think clean, well-maintained rooms, good air conditioning (essential!), and decent Wi-Fi (thank the internet gods!). There's a pool with a view (again, amazing). But don't expect pure, gold-plated opulence. Think more… Bali-chic meets practical traveler. The bathroom? Clean, functional, hot water. And after days trekking around, all I really wanted was a clean shower and a comfy bed. It delivered. More than enough for a tired traveler like me.
What's the food like? 'Cause I'm a picky eater, and airplane food doesn't count as "food."
Okay, food is IMPORTANT. The hotel restaurant? It's fine. They do a decent nasi goreng (the Balinese fried rice, a travel staple!), and the breakfast buffet is... well, a buffet. They had an egg station which was a blessing after weeks of instant noodles and questionable street food. There are also plenty of options nearby. But the real treat? Find a local warung (small, family-run restaurant) away from the tourist traps. The food there is usually cheaper, tastier, and the owners will likely try to feed you everything they have. I found one near the hotel and they even tried to teach me a few Balinese phrases! The food was incredible. And their rendang? Oh, my god, the rendang. I'm craving it now. Be adventurous! Don't be afraid to try things. You're in Bali! Try the local stuff!
Is it noisy? I need my beauty sleep, dammit.
It depends on the room, really. But Bali in general... isn't exactly a quiet place, even near the volcano. You've got the constant hum of mopeds, the occasional rooster who thinks 4 AM is party time, and sometimes, the faint murmur of prayers from nearby temples. Earplugs are your friend. Request a room away from the street, or the pool area, especially if you are a light sleeper. I had the misfortune of getting a room next to a couple of screaming kids, and well, my beauty sleep died a swift death every night. The hotel staff were great and tried to help, bless their hearts. But honestly, noise is a part of the Balinese experience. Embrace the chaos. Or embrace earplugs, and maybe a little white noise app. That's what saved me.
Can I arrange excursions/tours from the hotel? And are they any good?
Yes! You can. The hotel offers tours, which are convenient. But... they're often a bit more expensive than booking independently. The quality varies. Some are fantastic, but for me? I found the best experiences by bartering the price with the locals. Taxi drivers and tour guides are everywhere offering their services! That way, you're supporting local businesses and doing exactly what you want. Remember, haggling is part of the culture, but do it with a smile. Don't go crazy. Just remember, you can often get a better deal by venturing out, or you can go with the hotel's excursions, which are certainly fine. Personally, I'd do the independent thing, but I'm a cheapskate.
Okay, let's talk about the volcano. So, is it ACTIVELY erupting? Because I'm not trying to become a volcano tourist.
Ah, the volcano! That big, beautiful, potentially angry giant in the background. No, when I was there, it wasn't actively erupting. Thank god. But it IS an active volcano. Which means, yes, it *could* erupt. And then those pictures? Maybe you're taking them IN it. The locals will keep you updated on any activity (they're usually pretty good at that), and the hotel staff will be aware of any alerts. Also, the hotel is located a safe distance. So it feels more like a beautiful backdrop for your selfie... and a reminder of the terrifying power of nature. Just check the alert levels and the news! Also, if you are at all anxious, check ahead of time, and do your own research and be aware of the dangers. And definitely don’t go climbing it on your own! (Unless you have a death wish)
Anything I absolutely *should not* do while staying there? (Besides, you know, anger the gods.)
Okay, here's the gospel according to me. DO NOT: Forget the sunscreen. The Balinese sun is no joke. Don't drink the tap water (stick to bottled). Don't disrespect the local customs. (Learn a few basic phrases, like "terima kasih" - thank you - and "selamat pagi" - good morning). Don't haggle ridiculously. And this one is important: Watch out for the monkeys! They're cute, but they're also little thieves. I saw one steal a woman's entire sandwich, including the plastic wrap AND the label. They know what they want. Protect your belongings. Don't leave valuables unattended in your room. The mosquito situation can be dire, so invest in some good repellent. Stay hydrated, and don't be an idiot. Bali is wonderful, but it's still a foreign country, and you need to use common sense. And finally, DON'T be afraid to get off the beaten path. You'll discover some amazing experiences!
