Ashley Wahid Hasyim: Jakarta's Hidden Gem You NEED to Know About!
Ashley Wahid Hasyim: Jakarta's Hidden Gem? Okay, Okay, Let's Talk About It! (And Why You Should Probably Book Now)
Alright, alright, listen up. You’ve clicked, you’ve read the title, and now you're here, probably wondering if Ashley Wahid Hasyim is actually the "hidden gem" everyone's been blabbing about. Well, buckle up buttercup, because I’m about to drop some serious truth bombs, unfiltered. I’ve waded through the hype, braved the Jakarta traffic (which is, let's be honest, a special kind of hell!), and I’m here to give you the lowdown, the dirt, and the honest-to-goodness experience of this place.
First Impressions (and a Little Rant About Jakarta Traffic)
Okay, so, getting there. Let's get this out of the way: Jakarta traffic. It's relentless. It's a beast. It'll test your patience (and your sanity). Finding Ashley Wahid Hasyim was… well, an adventure. Thankfully, they have Airport transfer, a godsend, seriously. Saved me from clawing my hair out. Seriously, consider it a non-negotiable when you book. Otherwise, prepare yourself for a journey that might make the journey to Mordor seem like a pleasant Sunday stroll.
Once I finally arrived (after what felt like an eternity of stop-and-go), the Doorman was there, smiling, and that instantly helped the blood pressure drop a few notches. Valet parking? Yep, they have it. Bonus points for that. Check-in/out [express] and Contactless check-in/out options are huge in a world that's still a little weirded out by shared surfaces. So far, so good. I was cautiously optimistic.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, But They're Trying
Okay, let's get down to brass tacks on the accessibility front. This is important, so I’m going to be brutally honest. Facilities for disabled guests are listed, which is promising, but I didn't specifically experience them firsthand to confirm. I saw Elevator, which is fantastic, and the front desk was helpful. But I couldn’t fully assess its full accessibility without specific firsthand experience. Check with the hotel for details about specifics like ramps, etc.
Rooms: Comfort & Convenience Score High
My room? Decent. More than decent, actually. Clean, which, in my book, is the most important thing. Rooms sanitized between stays? That’s the kind of peace of mind that allows you to actually relax. The bed? Blissfully comfortable. Extra long bed? Yes, please! (I'm tall, and legroom is a must). Blackout curtains? Thank you, sweet baby Buddha, for these. Made my sleep-deprived soul sing.
Let’s talk specifics:
- Air conditioning? Absolutely. Necessary for survival in Jakarta.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! My sanity (and my Instagram feed) depended on it.
- Desk and Laptop workspace: Essential if you're trying to get any work done.
- Coffee/tea maker? Got it. Essential for fueling the caffeine monster within.
- Free bottled water? A small, but appreciated touch.
- Hair dryer, Bathrobes, Slippers: Nice touches that make you feel a bit pampered.
- In-room safe box: Secure and handy.
- Refrigerator & Mini bar: Nice bonus points.
- Non-smoking rooms: Good. I'm personally a fan.
- Additional toilet - I did not have see one as my room but I should've request one!
The Bathroom was functional, with a Separate shower/bathtub. Nothing groundbreaking, but perfectly adequate. Toiletries were provided, again, a nice touch. And the Towels? Fluffy enough.
Cleanliness & Safety: They're Taking It Seriously (And That's a Huge Relief)
Okay, the COVID stuff. Let’s be real, it's still looming out there. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays are all fantastic to see. Hand sanitizer stations were everywhere, which is comforting. Seeing Staff trained in safety protocol also gave me peace of mind. The fact that Room sanitization opt-out available is a nice touch.
Dining: Food, Glorious Food (And Maybe a Few Misses)
Okay, the food. This is where things get interesting.
- Asian breakfast and Western breakfast are both contenders, a great mix for different tastes.
- Breakfast [buffet]? Yep. Lots of options.
- Restaurants! There are several, including A la carte in restaurant and Buffet in restaurant.
- They serve Asian cuisine in restaurant and International cuisine in restaurant.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant and Coffee shop? Check and check.
The Breakfast [buffet] was… well, a buffet. It was extensive, but like most buffets, some things were outstanding, and some were… less so. The fresh fruit selection was a winner. The pastries? Hit or miss. But hey, that's buffet life, right?
I'll be honest, I didn't try everything. I’m not sure anyone could! I did, however, venture to a restaurant and sampled some Asian dishes. Delicious. Seriously good. The Happy hour at the bar was also a welcome treat after a long day of… well, everything. I also liked the fact they offer Alternative meal arrangement.
Things to Do (And Ways to NOT Do Anything)
Okay, let's talk about the fun stuff. And by fun, I mean… relaxing. Because let's face it, Jakarta can be exhausting.
- Swimming pool [outdoor] and Pool with view: Yeah, they have both. The pool looked inviting, and I saw people lounging around, looking blissfully unbothered.
- Fitness center? Yup. Didn’t use it, but it looked well-equipped. If you’re into that sort of thing.
- Spa: Yes! And this is where things get really good.
My Spa Dream: The Body Scrub That Saved My Soul
Look, I'm not usually a spa person. I'm more of a "get-it-done-and-get-out" kind of gal. But after the week I had, I needed a reset. So, I booked a Body scrub. Oh. My. Goodness. It was heavenly. Like, a religious experience. The masseuse was incredibly skilled, the products smelled divine and worked my knots. The gentle exfoliation, the fragrant oils… I swear I could feel the stress just melt away. This experience alone almost justifies the whole trip. Definitely a highlight. They clearly know how to do a proper Body wrap too.
They also offer Sauna, Steamroom and various other Spa/sauna amenities that I didn't try but they looked inviting.
Overall: Is Ashley Wahid Hasyim Worth It?
So, the big question: is Ashley Wahid Hasyim a "hidden gem"? It depends. It’s not perfect. It has its quirks. The traffic is a nightmare. But… it's also surprisingly delightful. The staff is friendly and helpful. The rooms are comfortable. The spa is pure bliss. And let's not forget the convenience of all the amenities.
My Verdict? Yes. Absolutely, yes. Book it.
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Why This Offer?
Because I genuinely believe this place is worth it. And because, after enduring Jakarta traffic, you deserve a little pampering.
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Go on. You deserve it. And if you see me there, buy me a drink. I'll tell you the real stories.
Escape to Paradise: Morocco's Most Luxurious Riad Awaits
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my Jakarta escapade, and trust me, it ain't gonna be pretty. This isn't your curated Instagram highlight reel; this is the unedited, unfiltered, and possibly disastrous adventure of yours truly, Ashley Wahid Hasyim, in the glorious, chaotic, and sometimes bewildering city of Jakarta, Indonesia.
Day 1: Arrival, Jet Lagged and Judgemental (Mostly Judgemental)
6:00 AM (ish) - The Great Jakarta Bellyflop Landing: Flight landed. I swear, I felt like I'd been wrung out like a dishrag after a long flight. My brain felt like a scrambled egg. Immigration? A blur. Found my luggage (miracle!), and immediately regretted wearing all black. The humidity hit me like a slap in the face. "Welcome to Jakarta, Ashley. Prepare to sweat." I thought, already regretting eating that airplane mystery meat.
7:00 AM - The Hotel Hell: Okay, "hotel" is generous. Let's call it a "place that offers a bed." The "luxury" advertised in the brochure was… well, absent. The air conditioning sounded like a dying walrus, and the "complimentary" coffee was suspiciously beige-colored. My first thought? "I need a strong drink." (Spoiler alert: I got one.)
8:00 AM - First Coffee, Lasting Impression: Found a local warung (small, family-run eatery) near my hotel that served a serious, kick-you-in-the-pants coffee. It was so strong, it practically vibrated. I'm pretty sure the barista was judging my tourist-level inability to speak Indonesian. But hey, coffee is universal, right? Took a sip and felt alive. Okay, maybe a little TOO alive.
9:00 AM - The Gridlock Gladiatorial Combat: I bravely ventured into the Jakarta traffic. Okay, "bravely" might be pushing it. I white-knuckled the back of a Grab taxi (ride-share) while navigating a sea of motorbikes that seemed to defy the laws of physics. My heart rate? Through the roof. My general feeling? "This is insane. In a good way?"
10:00 AM - Monas Mania (Sort Of): The Monas (National Monument). Majestic. Impressive. And… surprisingly crowded. I elbowed my way through a throng of selfie-stick wielding tourists and, truth be told, completely failed to take a decent picture. (My picture skills are, tragically, terrible.) The view from the top was decent, though. You could see the whole city sprawling, a concrete jungle of possibilities and, let's be honest, probably pollution.
12:00 PM - Lunchtime Lamentations: Okay, big fail here. I tried to be adventurous and ordered something from a street vendor. I think it was some kind of noodle soup. Let's just say my stomach is still questioning that decision. Food poisoning is a potent and very real fear, and I swear for a moment I thought I would not survive.
2:00 PM - Downtime & Dread: Jet lag hit me like a freight train. I went back to my walrus-sounding hotel room and collapsed. Slept for three hours, woke up feeling worse. The humidity had done a number on my frizz. I was starting to second-guess my choices, my life, and my proficiency in the art of being a functional human.
6:00 PM - The Culinary Redemption! I found a restaurant where I had amazing Satay. It was so good that I ate so much, that the next day, I found myself thinking of it continuously.
8:00 PM - Night Market Negotiations (or, Why I Suck at Bargaining): A night market! Yay! Lights! Food! Chaos! I decided to embrace the local experience and tried to bargain for a scarf. (It was a lovely scarf, I actually wanted it). Let's just say, the vendor was way better than me. I think I overpaid. Massively. But hey, it was a lovely scarf. And the food-stall snacks I got from the vendors were amazing!
Day 2: Temples, Temples Everywhere and a Torrential Downpour
7:00 AM - Coffee and Contemplation: The beige coffee was starting to grow on me. I figured out how to order "kopi hitam" (black coffee). Progress! I also, after a truly restful night, decided the day would be better than the last.
8:00 AM - The Jakarta Cathedral: The Jakarta Cathedral. It was quiet, peaceful, and beautiful. A welcome respite from Jakarta's glorious chaos. I walked around, not really knowing what I was doing, and just soaked it all in.
9:00 AM - Istiqlal Mosque: Right across the street from the Cathedral. I had to cover up in one of the robes provided, but it was fascinating. Massive. A testament to the city's culture and faith. Seriously impressive. Felt a bit awkward, as a foreigner, but it was an amazing glimpse into another life.
11:00 AM - The Rain Gods Arrive: Out of nowhere, the heavens opened up. Torrential downpour! I ran for cover under a awning (a shop). I couldn't move, everything became wet. Eventually, the rain stopped, but it left me a dripping mess. I had to find a dry place, and fast.
1:00 PM - The Escape: I found a nice restaurant, ate a delicious meal, and just enjoyed the quiet. It might have been the best thing that happened that day.
3:00 PM - The Art of People-Watching: The rain had passed. The streets were flooded, the air thick with humidity. Perfect conditions for people-watching! I sat in a cafe and let myself get lost in the scene. Motorbikes weaving, street vendors hawking, people laughing, children splashing. Jakarta is a symphony of life, and sometimes, it's just perfect to observe.
6:00 PM - Back to Satay!: I decided there was no better way to end the day. Ate more Satay, and thought, "Maybe Jakarta isn't so bad. It's just… overwhelming."
Day 3: The Museum Debacle and the Day I Lost My Mind (Almost)
7:00 AM - Breakfast Regret: Ordered something that looked vaguely like toast. Turns out, it was not. Ate half of it anyway. Still, the coffee, kept saving me.
8:00 AM - The National Museum: I love museums. I was excited! I wandered around the National Museum. It was beautiful, full of Indonesian artifacts. I got lost. Twice. I felt more confused than enlightened.
10:00 AM - The Traffic Monster Awakens: Another Grab ride. Another epic battle against the traffic gods. I swear, the traffic in Jakarta is a living, breathing beast. This time, I had a near-death experience when a motorbike nearly sideswiped our car. My heart, again, leaped into my throat. I screamed (a little). I almost lost my mind.
11:00 AM - "Off the Grid" (Sort Of): I wanted to get away from the noise, the crowds, everything. Found a lovely park. It was peaceful moment.
1:00 PM - The Food Court Frenzy: I ended up in a giant shopping mall food court. I was overwhelmed by the choices, the noise, and the sheer number of people. I ordered something that resembled a chicken dish. It was too spicy. I almost cried. Everything was too much. My mood? Cranky. My internal monologue? "Get me out of here!"
3:00 PM - The "I Need a Nap" Moment: Headed back to the "hotel". Slept. Needed to reset.
6:00 PM - The Night Market Again (And Redemption): I braved another night market visit. This time, I came prepared. Armed with more Indonesian Rupiah and a slightly thicker skin. Negotiated my way to a beautiful batik shirt (a victory!). Ate street food. (This time, I survived). I even started to enjoy the chaos. Is Jakarta starting to get me?
8:00 PM - The Drink (And a Moment of Clarity): Found a rooftop bar. Glorious view. The drink was way overpriced, but I needed it. The city lights twinkled. I took a deep breath. "Maybe," I thought, "Maybe I'm starting to get this place."
Day 4: Departure - Goodbye, and a Very Qualified "See Ya Later"
7:00 AM - Farewell Coffee and Final Evaluation: One last "kopi hitam." Strong. Bitter. Perfect. I looked out the grimy hotel window. Jakarta, you magnificent, messy, infuriating, and captivating city. You've challenged me, exhausted me, and, dare I say, charmed me a little.
8:00 AM - Last-Minute Souvenir Hunt (Fail): Rushed to get those last-minute souvenirs. Scored some questionable trinkets. Probably overpaid for everything.
Okay, who *is* this Ashley Wahid Hasyim everyone's talking about?! Spill the tea!
Ugh, right? I stumbled upon Ashley Wahid Hasyim (or "AWH" as the cool kids call her, though frankly, I'm not sure *who* the cool kids are anymore, it's all so amorphous these days) completely by accident. I was actually trying to find a decent *nasi goreng* place near Grand Indonesia, and somehow ended up on a forum raving about a local "artistic visionary" who was... well, *everything*. Apparently. She's a designer, a philanthropist (supposedly, I haven't seen any receipts, but people are *passionate*), a curator, a *vibe*. Honestly? I was skeptical. My track record with hype is...let's just say it involved a very expensive, very disappointing avocado toast experience.
So, is she actually *good*? Like, is the hype justified, even a little?
Okay, *fine*. She's... surprisingly good. Look, I'm a cynic, a seasoned Jakarta resident who's seen *things*. I’ve weathered the traffic, the humidity, the endless construction. My standards are low, my expectations even lower. But AWH...she gets it. I went to that pop-up gallery of hers a few months ago - the one everyone was gushing about on Instagram - and honestly, I was *blown away*. Not just by the art (which, admittedly, was gorgeous – think vibrant colors, striking visuals, all that jazz. But I'm not an art critic, okay?) but by the *experience*. It felt… curated. Thoughtful. Like someone actually cared about what you were seeing and how you were feeling. And the space itself… a converted warehouse? Absolutely stunning. And, yes I was going to be *that* person, yes, the avocado toast (this is still relevant, somehow).
What kind of art does she do/show? Is it just another influencer feeding frenzy for the ‘Gram?
Okay, okay, that's the first thought that went through *my* head too! And while, yes, the gallery *is* beautiful and definitely photographable (guilty as charged of taking a few snaps myself), the art itself is what matters. It's not just fluff, it's not just Instagram bait. I've seen everything from photography (gorgeous, moody, Jakarta-centric stuff) to installations (very thought-provoking, made me actually *think*… which, let's be honest, is rare these days.) to video art. AWH seems to be championing local artists, giving them a platform. I'm *pretty* sure she *does* want to make money, but it doesn't *feel* cynical. It feels like passion... or at least, convincing marketing. She's good at it, whatever it is.
This is all well and good, but *where* can I experience this Ashley Wahid Hasyim 'magic'?
Alright, this is where it gets a bit…tricky. AWH isn't exactly tied down to a set location. She operates differently. Sometimes it's a pop-up gallery, a one-off event, a collaboration with a local business. You *have* to follow her *very* closely on Instagram (or at least, I assume. Look, I'm not that diligent). I know, I know, it's the *worst*. I hate having to chase things down! But, honestly, it's worth it. Her events usually get announced just a week or two in advance. Don't expect it to be in the same, crowded tourist hotspots. She’s about seeking out secret spots, hidden gems. She’s *so* Jakarta, and that feeling is what makes the search worth it.
Okay, I'm intrigued. But is this actually… accessible? Or is it just for the ultra-rich?
That's a *really* good question. I worried about that too. Frankly, Jakarta has a reputation for being, well, a bit exclusionary. Her events can range in price, some free to enter, some for ticketed, depending on the event. I saw that pop up gallery I mentioned earlier. It was free admission, and the prices for the art were actually… shockingly reasonable. You could find a piece for a few million rupiah. Look, it's not *cheap*, but it's also not "sell-your-kidney-to-buy-a-painting" expensive. The atmosphere feels inclusive, too. You get a real mix of people.
Okay, spill the tea: What's your *favorite* thing about Ashley Wahid Hasyim?
Ugh, okay. This is a tough one. I’m not usually one for heroes, so I’m not prepared to say I stan. But, I respect the *effort*. It's hard to pick one thing, but I guess... It's the feeling of discovery. It’s like finding a secret little corner of Jakarta that's *not* just another shopping mall or traffic jam. It’s the feeling of being pleasantly surprised, of finding something that actually moves you, without having to fight the crowds or the feeling of being utterly ripped off. And maybe, just maybe, it’s the chance to be slightly cool by knowing something "others" don't. I'm not saying I'm suddenly enlightened, but it’s a refreshing change of pace.
Did you actually meet her? Is she as cool as she seems?
Woah, hold on! I *wish* I had a good story there. I've seen her once or twice, at the gallery, but didn't get the chance to actually *talk* to her. She's got that air about her, you know? Very… focused, very… *stylish*. Honestly, I was too intimidated to try and speak to her. I was just trying to look like I belonged (which, given my general awkwardness, was a lost cause). Maybe at the next event. Maybe I'll have the courage to actually say hello. Or, you know, maybe I'll just stick to admiring her from afar. I'll report back.
Any potential downsides? Anything to watch out for?
Two words: *FOMO* and *Traffic*. Her events are getting more and more popular, which means parking can be a nightmare. Also, you *will* feel a pang of envy when you see all the gorgeous people and their effortlessly chic outfits. Just embrace the chaos. And, honestly, prepare to be a bit addicted. Once you experience something that's actually *good* in Jakarta, you'll be chasing after it.
