Unbelievable! Plaza Andalas Padang 2: The Hidden Gem of Padang, Indonesia You NEED to See!
Unbelievable! Plaza Andalas Padang 2: My Padang Paradise… Or Was It? (A Messy, Honest Review)
Okay, folks, buckle up. Because I'm about to take you on a wild ride through Plaza Andalas Padang 2. "Hidden Gem"? Well, that depends on what you consider a gem. I'm getting ahead of myself. I’ve just got back from Padang, Indonesia, and I’m still trying to process the sensory overload. But hey, I'm a reviewer, so here goes, warts and all. And trust me, there were warts.
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First Impressions (and a Deep Breath):
The website promised a lot. Unbelievable! they screamed. Luxury! they whispered. And honestly? Walking into the lobby, it did feel impressive. Gleaming floors, huge chandeliers, the whole shebang. Like, wow impressive. Then I noticed the air conditioning was blasting so hard I genuinely considered buying a parka. But hey, at least the Air conditioning in public area was working, right? That’s a win in humid Padang.
Access and Getting Around: (The Slightly Stumbling Start)
- Accessibility: This is where things got a little… fuzzy. The Elevator was thankfully present, which was a huge relief, but I'm not sure how truly Wheelchair accessible the whole place was. I saw some ramps, but I'd want to explore further for a definitive answer.
- Getting Around: Airport transfer was amazing. Super smooth, car was clean, the driver even offered me a bottled water (more on that later). Car park [free of charge] was brilliant. Finding free parking in a busy city like Padang is a gift from the travel gods. Taxi service was readily available, too. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.
The Room: A Mixed Bag of Blessings and… Slightly Dinged Carpets (and the Great Towel Saga!)
Okay, the room itself… Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, check. Mini bar, check. Wi-Fi [free], huzzah! Hair dryer, thank you, lord! Honestly, after a day of exploring, those small things really matter. I appreciated all the Complimentary tea and Free bottled water.
- The Good: The Blackout curtains were a lifesaver after those long Indonesian days. The Soundproofing was pretty decent, too, which was appreciated given Padang's enthusiastic motorcycle culture. The Daily housekeeping was efficient, and my room was always sparkling.
- The… Less Good: The Carpeting looked like it had seen better days. Some stains. A slightly musty odor. It was far from a deal-breaker, but it did take away from the "luxury" vibe. And the Towels. Oh, the towels. They were mostly clean, but they were THIN. Like, tissue-thin. If you're used to fluffy, absorbent towels, prepare for a letdown. I'd bring my own next time, honestly. I considered complaining, but decided to take it in good humorous spirit. The Internet access – [LAN] was also a bit wonky at times. That made me chuckle.
Internet & Technology: (When Wi-Fi Decides to Take a Vacation)
- Internet: Internet access – wireless was available, yes. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (allegedly). But the connection was spotty. Like, phantom connection, loads of loading, the works. I spent more time staring at the spinning wheel than actually doing work. Internet services were advertised, but I found myself relying more on my own mobile data. Internet [LAN] was better, but it needed a reboot every hour, or so.
Dining, Oh, the Dining! (And the Mystery of the Missing Chili)
This is where things really got interesting. The Restaurants were a mixed bag.
- Breakfast: Ah, the Breakfast [buffet]. I'm a sucker for a buffet, and this one… well, it tried. There was a decent selection of Asian breakfast, including Nasi Goreng and some… interesting fruit. You could also get Western breakfast, but the eggs were always slightly rubbery. Coffee? Let's just say I ended up overdosing on the Coffee/tea in restaurant in attempt to stay wake.
- Lunch/Dinner: The Asian cuisine in restaurant was generally the winner. The Rendang (a local Padang signature dish) was incredible. The A la carte in restaurant menu offered some good options, but the service was sometimes a little slow. One day I asked for my food with a side of chili and they looked at me like I’d asked for unicorn tears – it never arrived! Bizarre.
- The Good: Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver after late nights. The Poolside bar made for some great afternoon chilling.
- The… Less Good: the Snack bar had a limited selection that felt a bit overpriced,.
Poolside Relaxation: (Drowning in Chlorine, and a Spectacular View)
The Swimming pool [outdoor] was the highlight. Seriously, the Pool with view of the city was stunning (especially at sunset). Even if the water did smell a little intensely like chlorine. I spent hours floating around, pretending I was a pampered celebrity. You could order food and drinks from the poolside bar, which was pure bliss.
Spa & Relaxation: (Massage Me, Please!)
I didn't personally try the Spa, but there was a whole range of things offered, including a Sauna and a Steamroom. They had Massage, Foot bath, Body scrub, and Body wrap. I did consider booking a massage. If I returned, I most definitely would.
Cleanliness & Safety: (Feeling Safe, Mostly)
I felt safe. The CCTV in common areas gave me a sense of security, and I saw the Security [24-hour] guys patrolling regularly. They seemed on top of things. There were Fire extinguisher and Smoke alarms and Safety/security features (i.e., the in-room safe). They definitely had a handle on the basics.
- *The Covid Stuff: They did a decent job of the Covid-19 stuff. Hand sanitizer everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol, I'm sure. I tried to find the Anti-viral cleaning products, but I couldn't inspect all the products, that would be weird.
Services & Conveniences: (A Mixed Bag of Helpful and… Less So)
- The Good: The Concierge was genuinely helpful, offering excellent recommendations for local attractions. the Luggage storage was a lifesaver. I also appreciated the Daily housekeeping. and Laundry service.
- The… Less Good: I needed to use the Cash withdrawal services and the ATM was offline. The Gift/souvenir shop was a bit…meh.
For the Kids: (Family Friendly…ish)
They have Kids facilities. It looked more like a small play area I saw. I did not see any Babysitting service advertised.
The Verdict: (Would I Go Back? Maybe… But with Realistic Expectations)
Plaza Andalas Padang 2 is not perfect. It has its quirks. But it also has its charms. It's a place where you can grab a delicious meal, relax by the pool, and soak in the Padang atmosphere. Would I go back? Maybe. If I was looking for affordable luxury with a few slight imperfections, then yes, most definitely. But I'd bring my own towels and a healthy dose of patience.
Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars. (Good, but not Unbelievable!)
West Kelowna Getaway: TownePlace Suites Luxury Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn’t your grandma’s meticulously planned travel itinerary. We're diving headfirst into Plaza Andalas in Padang, Indonesia, and trust me, it's going to be a wild ride. Prepare for… well, whatever happens. Here we go!
Plaza Andalas Padang: A Descent into Shopping (and Chaos) - An Itinerary (sort of)
Day 1: Arrival and the Shock of Air Conditioning, or the Day My Hair Turned into a Static Sculpture
- 7:00 AM (ish): Wake up in some random hostel. The sun’s already trying to peel my face off. Decide I need to find a proper hotel, preferably one with a working AC that doesn't sound like a dying walrus.
- 9:00 AM: Arrive at Plaza Andalas, and immediately, I'm hit with the glacial blast of controlled coolness. Glorious! But also, my hair. Dear God, my hair! It’s standing straight up. I look like a startled electrocuted squirrel. Note to self: pack extra hair product. And maybe a hat.
- 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM: First Impressions, or the Hunt for the Perfect Shirt (and Snacks)
- Okay, first things first: shopping. Plaza Andalas is a sprawling beast. Bright lights, echoing chatter, and the smell of… well, everything. Mostly food. Bless their cotton socks.
- The Quest for the Holy Grail (a shirt): I'm on a mission: a comfortable, breathable shirt. I spend what feels like an eternity rummaging through mountains of fabric. The staff, bless their heart, are super helpful, even when I’m saying "Tidak tahu" (I don't know) to everything. Finally! Found one. But then…
- The Snack Situation: Okay, I’m a bit of a snack fiend. The food court is calling my name like a siren song. The fried stuff is crispy perfection. I may have eaten three plates of something I couldn't identify. Honestly, I regret nothing.
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Attempted Navigation & Socializing
- I try to find a bank to withdraw some cash. It takes a good while to locate it, but the kindness of the people around me made it enjoyable.
- I stumble upon a group of local students. They’re practicing English, I’m practicing Bahasa Indonesia (badly). We laugh, we fumble, we end up getting directions – because, of course, I managed to get lost again.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: The Aftermath and the Quest for Relief
- The AC is making me feel sick. Need a break and a drink, and maybe some food.
- Find a small cafe. Drink sweet iced tea. Life is good again.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: More Shopping, and Possibly Getting Lost… Again
- Alright, I might have a little shopping spree, I found more things I needed…
- Get really, really lost again. It seems to be my specialty. Ask for help.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: The Food Court's Embrace
- Back to the food court. This time, I decide to be adventurous. I try something with an unpronounceable name and questionable texture. It’s… interesting. Let's just say, it’s an experience.
- 5:00 PM: The Great Escape (and a Promise to Return)
- I'm exhausted, overstimulated, and my hair is still doing the static thing. It's time for the Great Escape. Found a hotel.
- But… I also can’t wait to come back tomorrow. This is Plaza Andalas. It's not perfect. It's messy, hilarious, and full of surprises. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
Day 2: The Thrill of the Hunt (and a Near-Disaster with Durian)
- 9:00 AM: Back to Plaza Andalas, armed with a vague plan and a renewed sense of excitement. The aircon still gives me the shivers, but I know it won't be long before the heat hits.
- 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM: Exploring Departments and Shops
- Went around the departments stores and shops, I wanted to buy a new bag. It's taking me a while, though…
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Durian Encounter
- The Durian Incident: I am a durian virgin. I've heard the legends, the warnings, the… well, everything. Today, I decide it's time.
- I venture into the fruit stalls. The smell hits me first. It's like a gym sock that's been marinating in sewage for a week. I wrinkle my nose.
- The vendor, a kindly old woman, smiles and hands me a piece. I hesitate. Then, I take a bite.
- The taste… is… indescribable. It's simultaneously creamy, sweet, and… like nothing I've ever experienced. It's like eating a custard made from feet.
- I kind of love it? Maybe? I couldn't stop.
- Suddenly, I feel… a bit… woozy. The vendor assures me I'm fine. But I swear, for a moment, I thought I’d hallucinate a dragon made of mangoes.
- Note to self: Pace myself. The durian is powerful stuff.
- 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Food and Relief
- Went to a restaurant, the food was nice. I eat with a lot of condiments, it's delicious.
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Back to Shopping
- I still wanted to buy a bag, I'm so close, I can feel it.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: The Lost and Found
- I lose my phone. Panic. Search everywhere. Finally, found. Someone. was nice, they found it in in a restaurant.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Final thoughts, and the anticipation of tomorrow.
- I’m exhausted, still slightly perplexed by the durian situation (that smell still lingers, in the best/worst way), and strangely, feeling alive. Plaza Andalas, you magnificent, chaotic beast. I'll be back.
(Note: This is just a sample. Days 3, 4, and beyond would involve more shopping, probably getting lost, attempting to learn a bit more Bahasa Indonesia, discovering new food, and, undoubtedly, encountering more wonderfully odd and memorable moments.)
This isn't a perfect plan. It's a messy, gloriously human one. And that's the point. Because real travel is a bit messy. It's about the unexpected, the delicious, the slightly terrifying, and the moments that make you think, "Wow, this is a story I'll be telling for years."
Scuba Paradise Found! Unbelievable Scandi Divers Puerto Galera
Unbelievable! Plaza Andalas Padang 2: Your Guide to the Chaotic Charm!
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because Plaza Andalas 2 (yeah, the *second* one, as if the first wasn't already a wild ride!) is less a "hidden gem" and more a slightly-less-obvious explosion of sensory overload in Padang. But trust me, you NEED to experience this. Consider this your survival guide... or at least, your amused bystander's guide.
Okay, so... Where *IS* this place, exactly? I'm terrible with directions.
Haha, honey, you and me *both*. Plaza Andalas 2 (or, as I affectionately call it, "The Pandemonium Plaza") is smack-dab in the heart of Padang, but finding it is part of the fun. Think near the original Plaza Andalas – which, let's be honest, is where you'll probably *start* hopelessly wandering around looking for the "good" one. Ask a local. Seriously. They'll probably squint and give you a look like you've sprouted a second head, because it *is* a bit of a maze. Just follow the general noise and the delicious smell of things you can't quite identify yet. That's your compass.
What kind of "stuff" is actually sold there? Give me the lowdown.
Everything. And I mean *everything*. It's like a giant, air-conditioned (sometimes!) garage sale that's been running continuously for years. You've got heaps of clothing – everything from super-cheap knock-offs to the *slightly* less obvious designer fakes. Shoes? Oh, the shoes! Sandals, heels that look like they've seen better days (and might have a *story* to tell), and the latest "athleisure" wear that's only *vaguely* athletic. Then there’s the electronics and gadgets: phones that seem to have been in a war zone, and the latest models next to ones that probably predate the internet. And don't forget the endless, glorious trinkets... Bags, belts, toys, and enough perfume to make you sneeze for a week. It’s a real treasure hunt... and a test of your haggling skills.
Haggling. Tell me about the haggling. I HATE haggling.
Oh, sweetie, you and the rest of us! Haggling is... *essential*. It's like a sacred ritual. Start ridiculously low – like, *insultingly* low. The vendors will probably give you a dramatic, theatrical sigh and clutch their chests. Don't flinch. Counter with a slightly higher offer, and so on. It's a dance. A negotiation. A battle of wills... with smiles and laughter. Don't be afraid to walk away! Sometimes, that's the magic move that gets them to drop the prices. Expect to spend at least 30 minutes on a single item, just for the negotiation process. And be prepared to lose some battles. It’s fine; it’s part of the experience.
Is it *safe*? I imagine things can get a little... dodgy.
Generally, yes! Padang is a relatively safe city. However, keep your wits about you as you would anywhere. Watch your belongings, especially in crowded areas (which is *everywhere* in Plaza Andalas 2). Don't flash expensive jewelry or wads of cash. Trust your gut. If a situation feels off, politely excuse yourself. I’ve never personally experienced anything truly scary, but once, a street vendor tried to sell me a “genuine” Rolex that looked suspiciously like something you'd get out of a claw machine. I just smiled and walked away. Lesson learned: always be a little wary of the "too good to be true" deals.
Okay, food! What kind of deliciousness can I expect?
Oooh, this is the best part! Street food is *everywhere*. You'll find everything from the ubiquitous nasi padang (it’s a must!) to delicious satay (the peanut sauce is everything!), and the local kue (cakes and pastries). Be adventurous! Try things! You might discover your new favorite snack. Some of the vendors are just little carts; others have tiny "restaurants". I once ate some absolutely *amazing* durian ice cream (which, if you're unfamiliar, smells like a gym sock that's been left in the sun... but tastes divine!). My advice? Go with an open mind and an empty stomach. And maybe a friend to share with because you'll want to try everything. Just don't forget to bring some wet wipes and hand sanitizer; Things get messy!
Are there toilets? And, let's be real, are they... bearable?
Okay, deep breaths. Yes, there are toilets. Finding them... is another adventure. They're usually located somewhere on the outskirts of the food court... or hidden behind a pile of shoe boxes. The cleanliness can vary. Some are surprisingly sparkling; others... well, let's just say you'll want to pack your own hand sanitizer and possibly a strong nose plug. Carry your own tissue too! Honestly, just go before you go! Or, hold it in until it becomes an emergency. *Then*, seek out the nearest facility. I've learned to choose your bathroom wisely.
Any specific tips for a first-timer? Give me the ULTIMATE survival guide!
Alright, here's the lowdown, the *real* deal, from someone who's survived multiple trips to The Pandemonium Plaza:
- **Bargain Hard:** Seriously. Lowball. Embrace the dance.
- **Wear comfortable shoes:** You'll be doing a LOT of walking. And probably dodging people.
- **Bring cash:** Credit cards are rarely accepted by the small stalls.
- **Dress comfortably:** It gets hot and humid. Leave the fancy clothes at home.
- **Be prepared to get a little lost:** Embrace the chaos. It's part of the charm!
- **Try the food!** Be adventurous!
- **Don't be afraid to say "no":** You're not obligated to buy anything.
- **Keep your valuables close:** Be aware of your surroundings.
- **Learn a few basic Indonesian phrases:** "Terima kasih" (thank you) and "Berapa harganya?" (how much?) will go a long way.
- **Most Importantly: Go with an open mind and a sense of humor!** Plaza Andalas 2 is an experience. It is not the Ritz, nor is it always super5 Star Stay FindPlaza Andalas Padang 2 Padang Indonesia
Plaza Andalas Padang 2 Padang Indonesia
