Legenda Beril Hostel

I wouldn’t stay here again. The old cigarette smell was so strong in the halls, elevator and shared spaces that even as a smoker, I felt sick. The whole place needs to be smoke-free. The rooms were old and dirty too, from the bed and sheets to the walls, and the towels were ripped and filthy. The location was okay, with a mini mart nearby, though there wasn’t much food around. None of that was a big issue for me compared with the smell and the general lack of cleanliness. The staff were lovely. A tour guide would approach every tourist and offer trips to places like Tanah Toraja. That might suit some people, but we didn’t use him and found a cheaper guide in Rantepao. We asked about breakfast because our driver was picking us up at 7am, and were told it would be ready then. At 7, the staff member was asleep on the couch and no one else was around. A little after 7, a worker arrived, woke the driver, and made us strong coffee and an omelette with toast, even though we’d said it was fine. He was an absolute star, and I’m grateful for his hospitality. Alfredo, our driver, was great too. Ask him if you need a guide in Makassar. There was visible poverty in the area that left me heartbroken, though I felt safe. Women with small children were begging at the 7-11. We saw three little boys, around 4-6 years old, asleep separately on chairs outside it, with no blankets, just oversized T-shirts pulled over their legs and no parents in sight. By the waterfront, Muslim families were enjoying evening picnics. Around the corner, an older Muslim grandmother was begging with a blind 10-year-old boy in a diaper on her lap who appeared to have severe cognitive development issues. Some children under 10 were also walking around trying to sell tissues.

It’s a good place to meet other travellers, and the staff are really nice and helpful. The location is central. My room was dated but clean, and I liked the firmer bed. I didn’t have much luck with the local tour operator there, so I can’t recommend him.

I’ve stayed at Legenda Beria many times over the years and keep coming back. It’s central, and most places are within walking distance. The rooms are simple, clean and tidy, and the staff are helpful. Breakfast comes with excellent coffee and an omelette, and the rate is still affordable for what you get. I also tend to meet interesting people there, which is a bonus.

Mrs Rina was especially helpful, contacting immigration so we could extend our visa. The staff overall were very helpful, and everything was clean during our lovely four-day stay.