Luxury Riverview Living in Cikarang: Kingdom Apartemen Jababeka Awaits!
Forget Cikarang? Nah, Luxury Riverview Living at Kingdom Apartemen Jababeka? YES, PLEASE! (My Honest, Rambling Review)
Okay, listen up, because I’m fresh off a stay at Luxury Riverview Living in Cikarang, the Kingdom Apartemen Jababeka, and let me tell you, navigating Cikarang itself is a journey. Getting there felt like entering a portal. But THIS place, this apartment? It's trying to be…well, it's trying. Let's dive in, shall we? Remember, I'm talking real talk here.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Like My Morning Coffee
First up, Accessibility. Now, I don't need a wheelchair, but I appreciated the fact they at least mention Facilities for disabled guests. That scores them some points. Elevator is a must-have in any apartment building, and thankfully, they got it. Can't speak to the nitty-gritty of wheelchair accessibility, but the fact they think about it is a good sign. Car park [free of charge] AND Car park [on-site]? Sweet! No hunting for parking is a HUGE win, especially after a long drive. Airport transfer? Makes life SO much easier.
On-site Restaurants and Lounges: Fueling the Machine of Life
Alright, the food…it's a crucial part, isn't it? They’ve got Restaurants plural! Promising, right? I'm talking:
- A la carte in restaurant: Nice for a more personal touch.
- Asian breakfast/cuisine: Fingers crossed for authentic flavors!
- Bar: Essential for winding down.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Fuel up, baby!
- Buffet in restaurant: More food is rarely a bad thing, especially with my appetite.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant/Coffee shop: God bless.
- Desserts in restaurant: because, duh.
- Happy hour: YES!
- International cuisine: Gotta have options.
- Poolside bar: Crucial.
- Room service [24-hour]: Late-night snack runs, here I come.
- Snack bar: For those nibbles.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Nice for my earth-conscious friends.
- Western breakfast/cuisine: Gotta cater to everyone!
They offer a lot! I'll give you a quick review on my experiences so you can see the real deal.
I was super late at night after a long drive and the only thing that kept me sane was that 24 hour room service! I think I ordered everything from the menu, and the restaurant was pretty good! I would describe it more of a western-asian fusion, which I am here for.
Wheelchair Accessible: - Not fully assessed, but they mention it.
Internet: Oh, the Sweet Embrace of Connectivity
Internet access is a lifeline, right? And they deliver! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Internet [LAN]. I even see they have Wi-Fi in public areas. I didn't test the LAN, but the Wi-Fi was surprisingly reliable, which is important to me, especially considering I had a lot of work to do. Internet services are apparently a thing, but I didn't explore those.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: A Spa-tacular Time
Okay, this is where things get interesting. I love a good spa! The options are:
- Body scrub/wrap: Sounds divine.
- Fitness center/Gym/fitness: Gotta work off those buffets!
- Foot bath: YES.
- Massage: Double YES.
- Pool with view/ Swimming pool/Swimming pool [outdoor]: Essential for relaxation.
- Sauna/Spa/Spa/sauna/Steamroom: Triple YES.
I spent an entire afternoon hopping between the steam room, the sauna, and the outdoor pool. The view from the pool was, as advertised, pretty decent. The steam room was a welcome blast of warmth that melts all the stress away! The massage was what you expect; a lovely, relaxing experience that you have to have here.
I actually got a body wrap and I have to say it made my skin glow.
Cleanliness and Safety: A Sigh of Relief (and Sanitizer)
In this post-pandemic world, this is HUGE. They’ve got:
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Good start.
- Cashless payment service: Convenient.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Reassuring.
- Doctor/nurse on call: Just in case.
- First aid kit: Smart.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere, hopefully.
- Hygiene certification: Always a good sign.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Appreciated.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Okay, they're trying.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Nice.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: They're giving you a choice!
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Peace of mind.
- Safe dining setup: Important.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Absolutely crucial.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They're on it.
- Sterilizing equipment: Good to know.
I was pretty impressed with the general cleanliness of the place. I saw staff constantly cleaning and disinfecting. That made me feel safe.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Soul (and the Instagram Feed)
I already touched on the restaurants. But let's talk specifics:
- Breakfast in room: Luxury!
- Breakfast takeaway service: Handy.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Gotta have my caffeine fix.
- Poolside bar: Cocktails by the pool? Yes, again.
- Snack bar: Perfect for grazing.
The breakfast buffet was pretty standard, but the variety was good. I loved that you could get breakfast in your room!
Services and Conveniences: More Than Just a Room
They actually offer a lot of stuff:
- Air conditioning in public area: Essential in this climate.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events: For those fancy occasions.
- Business facilities: For work (bleh!).
- Cash withdrawal: Helpful.
- Concierge: Always a good friend.
- Contactless check-in/out: Smooth and safe.
- Convenience store: Stock up on snacks!
- Currency exchange: Useful for international travelers.
- Daily housekeeping: Gotta love a clean room.
- Doorman: Welcoming.
- Dry cleaning/Ironing service/Laundry service: Makes life easier.
- Elevator: Thank goodness.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Nice.
- Food delivery: YUM.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Need to grab something on your way out?
- Luggage storage: Convenient before or after check-in.
- Meeting/banquet facilities/Meetings/Meeting stationery: For the business crowd.
- On-site event hosting/Outdoor venue for special events: Party time!
- Safety deposit boxes: Peace of mind.
- Smoking area: Necessary for some.
- Terrace: Nice place to chill.
For the Kids: (Probably) A Good Time
If you have kids, they have:
- Babysitting service: Helpful!
- Family/child friendly: Makes sense.
- Kids facilities/Kids meal: Nice touches.
Rooms: Your Personal Oasis
- Additional toilet: Luxury!
- Air conditioning/Alarm clock/Bathrobes/Bathroom phone/Blackout curtains/Closet/Coffee/tea maker/Complimentary tea/Daily housekeeping/Desk/Extra long bed/Free bottled water/Hair dryer/High floor/In-room safe box/Interconnecting room(s) available/Internet access – wireless/Ironing facilities/Laptop workspace/Linens/Mini bar/Mirror/Non-smoking/On-demand movies/Private bathroom/Reading light/Refrigerator/Satellite/cable channels/Scale/Seating area/Separate shower/bathtub/Shower/Slippers/Smoke detector/Socket near the bed/Sofa/Soundproofing/Telephone/Toiletries/Towels/Umbrella/Wake-up service/Wi-Fi [free]/Window that opens:
My room was well-equipped; I stayed in the highest room possible. The view was amazing! The bed was comfy, the blackout curtains were a lifesaver for sleeping in, and the coffee maker was a godsend. The Wi-Fi was reliable…and the in-room safe gave me peace of mind.
Getting Around: Getting Out of There
They offer:
- Airport transfer: Excellent.
- Car park [free of charge]/Car park [on-site]: Essential
Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to embark on a journey. A journey to…Cikarang. Yep, the industrial heartland of Indonesia! Specifically, to the oh-so-glamorous Apartemen Riverview Residence Jababeka. Let’s see if we can survive this… or, you know, actually have a good time. Here we go:
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread (and Maybe Bakso?)
10:00 AM: Arrival at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK), Jakarta. Okay, first off, Jakarta airport is HUGE. Like, seriously, prepare to walk. And walk. And then walk some more. The sheer number of people… it’s glorious and overwhelming all at once. My flight was thankfully on time – a small victory in the grand scheme of things.
11:00 AM: The Great Taxi Negotiation. Getting a taxi from the airport is an art form, a dance, a battle of wills, and a serious test of your Bahasa Indonesia (which, let's be honest, is probably terrible). My first instinct was to grab a Blue Bird taxi (reputable, metered). But the driver just looked… tired. He might have been thinking about the meaning of life through the traffic, I don't know. I negotiated anyway, because I’m that person. Got a decent-ish price.
12:30 PM: Traffic! Traffic! Glorious, mind-numbing traffic. Welcome to Jakarta! This is where I'd hoped to be eating some glorious Indonesian food, but instead, I'm stuck in gridlock, inching towards Cikarang. This is where I start questioning all my life choices. Why am I here? What am I doing? Am I really okay with the fact I didn't pack enough socks?
2:00 PM: Check-in at Apartemen Riverview Residence Jababeka. (The Good, The Bad, and THE Balcony). Finally! The apartment feels… surprisingly okay. A bit sterile, maybe. The furniture looks like it was purchased in bulk from IKEA's forgotten warehouse. But hey, it has a balcony! Which, I've gotta say, is a major win. I promptly proceeded to stare at said balcony. It overlooks the river, which (and I'm being brutally honest) isn't exactly the most picturesque panorama I've ever encountered.
2:30 PM: The Search for Sustenance. I am starving. Like, "hangry" starving. There's no obvious restaurant at the residence, you know, like that gorgeous restaurant from the brochure. I decide to head into the streets surrounding the apartment complex. This is where my adventure begins. First, I’m greeted by a gaggle of curious (and possibly hungry too) cats. Then, there’s the smell of… well, everything. You’ve got the sweet scent of street food mingling with exhaust fumes, the pungent aroma of a nearby clove cigarette, and the ever-present humid air. I’m in Indonesia, baby!
3:00 PM: The Bakso Debacle (or, My First Indonesian Meal). I spot it! A bakso (meatball soup) cart! This is it! I point, I smile, and I pray that "pedas" (spicy) doesn't translate into "lava". I’m terrible at this. I’m awkward. And I manage to somehow spill a bit of the delicious-looking broth down my shirt. The vendor, bless his heart, just laughs. He gestures, I pay, and I devour the bakso with gusto. It's… amazing! The broth is rich, the meatballs are bouncy, and the chili? Perfect. I now understand why people rave about Indonesian street food. This is a win for the books.
4:00 PM: Attempting to Relax on the Balcony. Failing. Okay, balcony time. I try to read, but the traffic noise, the occasional motorbike that seems to be doing wheelies, and the insistent calls of a street vendor selling… something… make it difficult. I’m pretty sure I just heard a rooster crow in the middle of the afternoon. This is not exactly "Zen master" material.
7:00 PM: Dinner, a Grocery Run & a Contemplation of the Universe. Dinner at a nearby warung (small, local eatery). I choose something with rice, chicken, and… well, I'm not entirely sure what else is in it, but it's delicious. The people running the warung (a grandmother, her daughter, and her granddaughter, all seemed to work together) watch me eat. It’s a little awkward. It’s also kind of sweet. Post dinner I went in search of a grocery store for some snacks. I ended up buying too many Indomie noodles and a bizarre Indonesian fruit that looked like a tiny, hairy dragon egg.
9:00 PM: Bedtime? More like staring at the ceiling. I’m exhausted. The humidity has taken its toll. I attempt to sleep. The air conditioning is on full blast. The city sounds are still somehow audible. I contemplate whether the cockroaches in my room are more or less the size of my thumb? I start to plan my escape from this humid hellscape. It then dawns on me I’m only one day into this trip!
Day 2: Exploring Jababeka - Or, The Day I Found the Soul in Cikarang.
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast of Champions: Indomie Noodles. Admit it, you knew this was coming. I eat my instant noodles on the balcony, watching the world wake up. The morning light does, surprisingly, make the river a tad more appealing.
- 9:00 AM: The Jababeka Industrial Estate - A Tourist Attraction? I decide to be brave and actually explore Jababeka. It’s essentially a massive industrial estate. It can seem daunting, but I'm determined. I take a taxi through the roads. It feels a little like being in a post-apocalyptic movie.
- 10:00 AM: The Unexpected Beauty (and the Pollution). Okay, here's the thing: Jababeka isn't exactly beautiful. But… there's a strange, almost brutalist beauty to it. The factories, the warehouses, the sheer scale of it… it's impressive. There are also some surprisingly well-manicured parks and gardens. Also a lot of smoke.
- 11:00 AM: The Quest for Coffee and Connection. I found myself at a cafe frequented by local business people. I manage to order a coffee with my, admittedly, limited Indonesian skills. This is where things get interesting. I get into a quick and awkward conversation with the cafe owner. It turned out that he loved to talk. He was a local, and he was passionate about Jababeka. Suddenly, the industrial estate had a soul.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. A Surprise! Lunch with my new friend, the cafe owner. He insists on taking me to a warung for lunch. It’s a small, family-run warung. It’s the same. It's not quite as good as the one from my first day, but the family is lovely. I feel accepted. It’s the little wins that keep me going.
- 1:30 PM: The Afternoon Nap: A Must. I return to the apartment and crash. The heat, the food, the cultural overload… it all takes its toll.
- 3:00 PM: The Grand Return Into the World. I venture back out. I explore some local markets. Try some more street food. I actually start to feel like I understand things, even if it’s just a tiny bit.
- 6:00 PM: The Balcony, Part II: A Sunset and a Revelation. The sun sets. The colors are pretty decent. I realize that maybe, just maybe, Cikarang isn't so bad. It's not the paradise I was expecting. It's not exactly charming. But it's real. Then it hits me: I’m actually having fun.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner and a Movie (Sort Of). There’s so much Indonesian food I want to try. I eat at another warung, and then settle in for a night in. I tried to watch something on local television. It was… an experience.
Day 3: The Last Day – Acceptance and a Promise to Return (Maybe).
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. Indomie. Again. No Regrets. I'm a changed person.
- 9:00 AM: Farewell Visit. I find myself back at the cafe, chatting with my café owner friend. We swap stories. I realize a few things are worth seeking: genuine connection, and also bakso.
- 11:00 AM: Last minute shopping. The things I didn’t know I needed. More coffee. A weird snack. I can’t explain. But I have it.
- 12:00 PM: The Return to Reality? I check out of Apartemen Riverview Residence Jababeka. It’s been real. It’s been… well, it’s been something
Kingdom Apartemen Jababeka: Your Luxury Riverview Dream (or Nightmare?) – FAQ!
So, what *is* this "Luxury Riverview Living" thing in Cikarang, anyway? Is it actually luxurious or just…Cikarang-y?
Alright, let's cut through the sales spiel, shall we? Kingdom Apartemen Jababeka – they're talking "luxury" and "riverview." Basically, it's an apartment complex right on the banks of the Cikarang River (which, let's be honest, isn't exactly the Seine, but we'll get to that). Think modern towers, supposed high-end finishes, and the *promise* of a lifestyle upgrade from your current, likely hot-and-dusty existence. The "luxury" part? Well, that's where things get a little... subjective. Expect imported marble (maybe, if you're lucky, and not just some shiny tile pretending to be marble), a (potentially) decent gym, and a pool that's probably nicer than the one in your childhood swimming lessons. They also claim "smart home" features, which, in my experience, typically translates to struggling with the Wi-Fi and the lights flickering when you try to change the channel on the telly. But hey, the *view*... that's the main selling point, right? We'll discuss that river later...
How much will this "luxury" cost me? Because I heard they're not exactly giving these away.
Ah, the million-dollar question! (Or, you know, several hundred million Rupiah question). Prices vary depending on the size of the unit and your tolerance for being upsold by the relentlessly cheerful sales reps. Let's just say this: expect to pay more than you'd pay for something… significantly less glamorous… in Cikarang. But less than a similar apartment in central Jakarta, technically. You're paying for the perceived exclusivity and the promise of escaping the chaos, which, honestly, can sometimes be worth its weight in gold. Just… make sure you factor in EVERYTHING. That initial down payment, the monthly maintenance fees (which, trust me, add up faster than you think), and, oh yeah, the "sinking fund" for future repairs. Read. The. Fine. Print. (Seriously, your future self will thank you, even if your current self is tempted to skim over it to get to the shiny pictures.) I know people who have been completely blindsided by hidden fees and extra costs. Don't be one of them.
Okay, the view... is it REALLY riverview, or just... "vaguely near a river"?
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room, or rather, the… (unpleasant) aroma in the air. Yes, the apartments DO have river views. Some of them. And by "river," we mean the Cikarang River. Now, I'm not going to sugarcoat this. The river… it’s not exactly the most pristine waterway. It's a working river, which means it's prone to… industrial activity. That can translate into a few things. The views are *stunning* at sunset, absolutely breathtaking. But sometimes you get the smell, which is like, "Oh, I see! This is what a paper mill smells like." The air quality definitely changes, based on the wind, and the tide. So it’s probably a gamble if you are going to be picky about the view. But it is a view. But, I do have to say... sometimes the view is just incredible. I've seen sunsets there that would make Monet weep. It's all about perspective, people. And maybe a good air freshener. On the other hand, some people are completely fine with it, and some, are just allergic, and will be itchy for hours.
Is there anything to do in Cikarang besides... well, everything that isn't this apartment?
This is the million-dollar question, actually. I'm sure there are a few places to get a coffee, a few okay restaurants. There's the mall, of course. And let’s be honest, if you’re considering these apartments, you're probably working in Cikarang. So, your social life might revolve around your colleagues, and the karaoke nights. (Or, you know, avoiding karaoke nights at all costs, which is a valid strategy.) The point is, don't expect the vibrant nightlife and endless entertainment options of Jakarta. Cikarang is… its own thing. Which can be either a blessing or a curse, depending on your personality. Think of it as a chance to finally finish that novel you've been meaning to write. Or, if you’re like me, to binge-watch Netflix and eat instant noodles while contemplating the meaning of life. Plus, you're closer to... well, not a lot. But the traffic is still a nightmare.
What amenities do you actually get for this price? I'm talking beyond the brochure photos.
Here’s the thing about amenities: they sound great on paper. You got your gym! Your pool! Your kids play area! *But*. The gym might be perpetually crowded, with people hogging the equipment and leaving their sweaty towels everywhere. The pool might be… well, not perfectly maintained. And the kids' play area might be, um, more suited for toddlers than, say, a rambunctious ten-year-old. (Trust me, I know.) The brochure promises a lot; the reality is more nuanced. I've heard horror stories about broken elevators, and the "smart home" features failing during a crucial moment (like, say, when you're trying to impress someone with your ability to control the lights with your voice). They also claim "24-hour security," but let's just say I've seen some rather questionable characters lurking around the building late at night. Your mileage may vary. And definitely ask to see the building's actual maintenance records *before* you commit. Otherwise, you could be paying a lot of money for a place that feels… slightly neglected.
Are there any hidden or unexpected problems? Like, serious dealbreakers?
Oh, honey, are there ever. The real dealbreakers might not be in the glossy brochures. Here are a few of my personal pet peeves, based on real, painful experiences (seriously, this is the reason why I'm actually writing FAQs now!):
- The **water pressure**. It’s a gamble. Some days, you get a glorious, high-pressure shower. Other days, it's a pathetic trickle. You'll be scrubbing and scrubbing, and never feel clean. You will feel cheated!. Make sure to ask neighbors!
- **The noise**. While Jababeka is mostly quiet, but the construction never stops. And there are always the children. You will hear them.
- **The internet**. Don't assume because it's a "luxury" apartment that you'll get lightning-fast internet. It's Indonesia, people. Expect occasional outages and frustratingly slow speeds.
- **Parking**. Seriously, figure out the parking situation *before* you move in. Is it allocated? Is it a free-for-all? Because getting a parking space, especiallyUptown LodgingApartemen Riverview Residence Jababeka at KINGDOM Cikarang IndonesiaApartemen Riverview Residence Jababeka at KINGDOM Cikarang Indonesia
