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Tuesday, September 3, 2013

~ Sponsored Review - Staycation with Bunc Hostel ~

Last weekend, our family was invited to a 1 night staycation at Bunc Hostel and we were absolutely thrilled! It was a very special day for me as it was also my birthday. (I shall not reveal my age here. :p)

We heard of and passed by many backpacker hostels but it was our first hostel stay ever and there were many questions on our minds. Is it safe? Is it clean? Will it be noisy or sleazy? Our questions were gradually unfolded as soon as we arrived.

Strategically located at Upper Weld Road, Bunc@Radius is positioned within the culturally rich Little India Historical District in Singapore. To date, it is the largest boutique hostel in Singapore with 233 beds, professionally managed by Radiance Hospitality Group. The stretch of shophouses painted in white also gives the hostel a pleasing and clean look at first sight.


Upon entering the lobby area, we were further impressed with the interior design, details and effort that were put into this space to make Bunc uniquely different from the other backpacker hostels. The picture walls, glass bottles filled with our childhood toys and memories, the Long table and refreshing smell makes us felt welcome already.

It took us awhile to admire the activities Bunc had specially planned for travelers, including Durian fiesta, tour to Little India, Chinatown and Kampong Glam etc. Everyone seems very relax hanging around and getting to know each other.


We collected our key cards at the counter and were directed to our room which is located at level 3 (highest floor) of the hostel. The children were so excited as soon as they learned that they will be sleeping on the bunk beds! Funny as it may sound, this is a very rare opportunity which they don't get to do and can't bear to miss.

When the door was opened, we were surprised to see the room filled with balloons! WOW!! Can you imagine having these balloons keeping us company through the day and night!? Denver & Gladys wasted no time choosing and climbing up to their 'preferred' bunk beds. This was followed by a series of flying balloon game between the bunk beds.


Special thanks to Janice and her team for making my birthday such a special and memorable one. 

We were allocated a 6 bedder configuration Dorm room on the ladies floor. In case you were wondering how sturdy the bunk beds are. We put them to a weight test! Final verdict - the bed frame is solid and has no problem withstanding my hubby's and children's weight at all. Unlike the conventional ones, the beds here are custom-made and build-in to maximise personal space and privacy. Having enough leg space for Hubby, who stands at 1.83m tall is another plus point.


For better comfort, the rooms were equipped with fans and air-condition. Each Bunc bed has a duvet cover, 2 fluffy pillows accompanied with a 7" mattress, covered with bug resistance hygiene protectors. There are also individual reading lights, wall sockets, shelves, storage space and hanger bar for staying guests to put their luggage, read a book or charge their mobile devices or equipment. Free WiFi is also available in the rooms.


Moving out of our comfort zone, we began to explore the common areas around the hostel. First stop - Common toilet and shower room. The dormitories do not have in room bathroom and hence the availability and cleanliness of the toilets is critical.

We were satisfied with the toilet facilities at Bunc Hostel as they are spacious, bright and clean. Hand soap and hair dryers are also available. Security measures were also very well thought of as only ladies holding the pink colour room access card can enter the ladies. (The same applies for gents for those holding the blue access card). That definitely gave me an extra reassurance in terms of visiting the toilets late in the nights.


Apparently, there is a colour scheme for individual floor. Purple for level 1, Yellow for level 2 and Pink for level 3. The corridors are brightly lighted with little white waste baskets attached on the walls.

We were further impressed with the full kitchenette facilities on level 2 of the hostel. For budget travelers, this is heavenly as they can prepare food together with their friends or families. At the end of the kitchen, there is also a coin operated washer with built in detergent and coin operated dryer, making it a one stop station for staying guests.

Guests who wish to enjoy some fresh air can proceed to the outdoor deck and laze around. BBQ facilities are also available for booking if there is an event or function. 

Denver & Gladys preferred the recreational area where they get to 'jump' on the doob bean bags and have a game at the Foosball table! Mommy on the other hand kept a look out for the kiddos while playing a few tunes by the piano. :) If you are staying around on Sunday nights, do not miss out their Movie Night with free pop corn and candy floss!


As the night falls, the kids had difficulty going to bed as they were still jumping around. Gladys went to the toilet a couple of times, finding excuse to climb up and down the bunk bed before finally falling asleep reluctantly.

The night life around Bunc Hostel just began and travelers from foreign countries can take this opportunity to explore Little India or enjoy a late night supper within the vicinity. Many eateries and clubs are open, and Mustafa Centre is about 10-15 minutes walk away.


We had a rather peaceful night apart from the frequent opening and closing of doors that I'm hearing. Other than that, we had a good rest and I love the fluffy pillows that are so hug-able.  

The children were looking forward to the complimentary breakfast as their favourite cereal and toasted bread are on the menu! *Wink 


Free flow of bread, cereal and drinks! Different spread of jams, peanut butter and butter are available for individual preferences.  

No matter where you come from, everyone dines at the long table. This is an opportunity for travelers to interact and get to know new friends from another country. Denver & Gladys had no problem joining the table and making themselves feel comfortable. Just remember to wash your own cutlery, cups and bowls after dining.


Gladys and I had our final 'grooming' session together before we check-out from Bunc Hostel. 

We had an wonderful staycation at Bunc. For a moment, I really thought we were away from Singapore. It was a different experience staying in a hostel versus a hotel. We may not have the extra comfort and luxury of in room TV, bathroom or swimming pool. In return, we were rewarded with quality family bonding time without the distraction of TV, going back to the basic and being in the heartland of Singapore's culture district.

If there is anything that we would like to comment would be having stronger jets of water in the showering rooms. The water is running too slowly and we took a much longer time to shower.

Bunc Hostel is located between 2 MRT stations - Little India and Bugis which is about 10-15 minutes walk away. However, Bras Basah Downtown line is currently in construction and it will be a doorstep away as soon as it begins operation. :) To learn more about Bunc Hostel's charges and rates, visit their website or facebook page for more information.

BUNC HOSTEL
Address:  15 Upper Weld Road, Singapore 207372
Telephone: +65 6262 2862
Website: http://www.bunchostel.com

CONTEST
Bunc is currently hosting a contest where you and your friends get to win a Staycation and Party Package worth over SGD$600! 

Includes 1 night accommodation for 6 persons with breakfast and Wi-Fi; and ½ day usage of outdoor deck left wing with kitchenette and BBQ pits. 

Check out BUNC HOSTEL Facebook page for more details.
* Contest ends on Monday, 30th September 2013, 11:59pm.
* T&Cs apply

2 comments:

--andy-- said...

This is a nice review ! Another off-the-norm experience :)

My Mrs suspect our kids will go crazy with the bunk-beds haha :)

cheers, Andy
(SengkangBabies)

Phoebe said...

Hi Andy,

Thanks!

Yes! This is definitely an experience worth going. I can imagine your 4 kiddos climbing up and down the bunk beds for sure. :)

^_^ Phoebe

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