Bang for Your Money? Nope, It’s a Bug Bonanza!
What started as a simple family escape to Johor Bahru quickly turned into a living, breathing comedy‑of‑errors when a Singaporean TikToker discovered a bug‑laden Airbnb.
The Guts & Gains
- Price point: $145 a night for the whole apartment.
- Unexpected guest list: Red ants, possibly termites, crowding every surface.
- Where the bugs stage their drama: Walls, floors, doors, and even the spooky corners of door frames.
First‑hand Screams
“Freaking gross Airbnb experience in JB. Please avoid at all cost if you can.” that’s the headline her TikTok caption sent out.”
@chelleseashelle Freaking gross airbnb experience in jb. Please avoid at all cost if you can. #airbnbjb #airbnbexperience #ants #jb #airbnbjb
Host Take‑Action (But Not Enough)
After reporting the infestation, the host came over to clean up. But the bugs were back in action and the owner said she’d seen “more encounters.”
Eventually, the host refunded her $30—cleaning fee included. She suspects the refund might’ve been a courtesy had she begged for it.
More Horror Stories
A netizen posted that she stayed at the same place last year and found the towels unwashed, even with hair floating in them— not a single luxury in sight.
The Takeaway
When you book a 10‑minute drive from the Causeway, double‑check those green arrows—if you see a swarm of bugs, you might be paying for an improper cleanup and perhaps an adventure for your “luggage” too.
When the Airbnb Turns Into a “Wildlife & Water Show”
Chellewmx was quick to point out that the apartment’s pet problems were just the tip of the iceberg. She explained how the shower’s water supply decided to take an early vacation mid‑bath, leaving her dripping in the middle of a two‑people shower showdown.
- Scenario: Two roommates go for a splash‑session in separate bathrooms.
- Result: The tap turns into a sneaky magician, making the water vanish before the climax.
This kind of mishap is why many comment that the place has “more drama than a soap opera.”
A Close Call: Almost Booked, Then Backed Out
Another concerned traveler shared that she stared it wide open at booking the same Airbnb. The moment the shocker of bad reviews hit her, she changed her mind and spared herself the nightmare.
“I almost signed up, but seeing those awful reviews… it felt like a freebie horror movie. I chose safety over that extra $200.
Lesson learned: always trust the caution flags—your future self will thank you.
When the Rough Ride Turns into a Calm Cruise
Not every online stay ends in a fiasco. One quirky voice in the comments proves the point.
Meet Lola, the Optimistic Guest
Lola recently booked a snug Airbnb in the neighborhood and, to her surprise, everything sailed smoothly.
Her Take on the Experience
- “It all comes down to the host and how well they keep the apartment tidy.”
What to Do When Your Airbnb Turns Out to Be a Nightmare
Ever booked a place on Airbnb only to find out it’s a sorry disaster? Don’t drop your phone in a fit of frustration. Airbnb has a safety net called AirCover that’s meant to rescue guests if the stay doesn’t match the listing.
AirCover: The Quick‑Help Shield
If you run into a problem that “isn’t as advertised” and the host can’t fix it, you’ve got three days to report it. That’s the deadline in which Airbnb steps in to offer a solution.
- Alternative Accommodation: They’ll find you a new place to stay.
- Refund: If moving on isn’t an option, a refund is on the table.
Got a scary situation? Call the 24‑hour safety line—no pressure, just safety.
Common Home‑Horrors That Keep Us Them
Pests are just the tip of the iceberg. An unkempt house? Yikes. July’s Singaporean family booked an apartment in Genting and was slapped with a nasty reality check:
- Stale, unmade beds.
- Used cigarette butts, Q‑tips, and candy wrappers scattered everywhere.
The Host Turn‑around: Why a Calm Move Goes Wrong
Instead of offering help, the host representative turned the vibe upside down, blaming the family for the mess. Worse, he threatened to claw back the RM400 ($125) deposit if they posted a negative review. Classic “you’ve ruined my place” drama.
What’s the takeaway? Keep communication open, document issues, and use AirCover right away. In the end, Airbnb’s promise is to make sure you’re not left on your own when the stay goes off track.
Want More Airbnb Stories?
Read the full guide on Airbnb’s good, bad, and ugly moments.
