Boasting a classical-style building with two large “sacred” trees out
front,
Hotel Tugu Malang in East Java may exude a haunted atmosphere at
first glance. However, the property, situated in the heart of the city,
offers many stories about the past through its antiques.
|
The front view of Hotel Tugu Malang in East Java. (Hotel Tugu Malang/File)
|
Founded by Anhar Setjadibrata, the hotel is heavily decorated in
antique items starting from the entrance to its rooms. But instead of
giving one goosebumps, these objects offer a precious glimpse of the
past, especially the period that is close to the owner’s ancestors and
family. Many of them come with information explaining the story behind
the piece to educate the guests.
Each room is decorated in a different theme. The most exclusive one
is the Apsara Residence, which was inspired by the chamber of a Javanese
prince who fell in love with a dancer to the gods of kings, known as
the Apsara dancer. The residence has its own butler service, an outdoor
bathtub and a massive 3.5-meter bed.
|
Apsara Residence's outdoor bathtub. (Hotel Tugu Malang/File) |
During my stay at the property, I was booked in one of the hotel’s
Executive Rooms on the second floor, painted in dark blue and with a
balcony and large-sized furniture. The bed was so high that I needed to
use a wooden trunk to climb into it. The room was also equipped with
modern elements, such as a French press and flexible bed lighting.
The hotel recently introduced a new restaurant, SaigonSan. Anhar's
ancestors, the family of Semarang-born Oei Tiong Ham, were said to have
brought artifacts from Indochina to the Dutch East Indies, as Indonesia
was then called. SaigonSan also pays tribute to Ham’s last son who spent
most of his life in Bangkok, Thailand, and passed away years ago.
|
The interior of SaigonSan at Hotel Tugu Malang in East Java. (Hotel Tugu Malang/File) |
Connected to the Royal Angkor Room, a restaurant that commemorates
Jayavarman II as the founder of the Angkor kingdom in the early ninth
century, the place serves modern Vietnam and Thailand dishes. Among the
food highlighted are the refreshing Pla Tod Yam Mamuang salad that
consists of green mango, pomelo and soft-shell crab, and Banh Xeo, which
is a Vietnamese crispy pancake with sliced chicken and prawn. SaigonSan
also offers different types of pho and the Classic Pho Local is
arguably the most recommended dish.
|
The Pla Tod Yam Mamuang salad consists of green
mango, pomelo and soft-shell crab at Hotel Tugu Malang's SaigonSan in
East Java. (JP/Ni Nyoman Wira) |
While dining, guests can marvel at the many historical objects
featured in SaigonSan, including photos of Cambodia’s King Norodom
Sihanouk, former Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh and the late Thai King
Bhumibol Adulyadej. It also provides private rooms and a special area
for couples seeking some privacy.
Other than restaurants, the hotel hosts Roti Tugu Bakery, which
serves fresh breads, traditional snacks and coffee. It also has a wine
shop and bar as well as an accessories shop where people can buy
traditional fabrics, clothes and jewelry.
|
Roti Tugu Bakery always provides freshly baked bread daily. (JP/Ni Nyoman Wira) |
Those interested in touring the city can purchase the property's many
tour package options, which include the Romantic Dinner in Mount Bromo
and an eco-tour of the Tugu Kawisari coffee plantation. (JakartaPost)
No comments:
Post a Comment
your comments are now being moderated