West Sumatra
Run by young and energetic owners Ikbal and Noni, Abdi Homestay is the loveliest place to stay in the Harau Valley. Eight adorable thatched bungalows …
Must-see hotels in Indonesia
East Java
There's a real sense of history throughout this hotel, which is in a converted Dutch colonial building dating from the 1850s. The rooms in the principal…
West Java
Not your average backpackers' beach shack, Ermaja's Pavilion is a stunningly converted colonial building set in landscaped gardens, where the rooms…
Malang
The pick of Malang's backpackers is this friendly, centrally located hostel, opened in 2019 by a Dutch-Indonesian couple, both of whom are experienced in…
Labuan Bajo
Set on its own 15-hectare island linked to Labuan Bajo by private boat, this resort offers delightful garden-ensconced cottages behind one of three white…
East Java
There couldn't be a greater contrast between the hellish landscapes of the Kawah Ijen crater and this boutique hotel, which snuggles away under banana and…
Kalimantan
A gorgeous palm- and tree-filled garden, spotless timber cabins with lofts and a rough-hewn treehouse make this one of Kalimantan's most inviting and…
Pulau Bintan
At this Swiss-run hideaway, gorgeous thatched bungalows with spacious verandahs sit amid unruly vegetation right by a pristine beach; its shallow waters…
Lovina
From the unicycle bar stools to the affordable tree house to the free foot massage, and with lots of reclaimed wood, clever signage and weird antiques…
Flores
Split into two nearby properties, Manulalu Hills and Manulalu Jungle are about 20km from Bajawa and 3km from Bena along a scenic, winding road. Hills has…
East Bali
Rooms at this well-priced resort set in a lush river valley are simple affairs, but this isn't a problem as most guests spend their time in the lovely…
Yogyakarta
This raw, natural-wood and polished-concrete structure hung with vines is a terrific boutique hotel. The lobby is the ground floor of a dramatic atrium,…
Aceh
An unexpected find in the gritty port town of Singkil is this attractive traditional house featuring a polished-wood interior, antiques and plenty of…
West Sumatra
Sitting among verdant rice paddies and a flowering tropical garden is this stunning lodge that incorporates a spectacular traditional Minangkabau design…
Sumatra
Run by local surfer Timmy and his friendly family, the old favourite Key Hole Surf Camp is right in the thick of things. It has eight comfortable, air…
Jakarta
Well located for the sights and sounds around colonial Kota, this is a lively hostel with cheerful staff and a social set-up. In the evenings the lobby is…
West Sumatra
This bright, modern guesthouse is run by thoughtful owner Ling, who understands the needs of budget travellers. She is happy to provide maps of town, has…
Yogyakarta
Raising the bar in standards for Yogya's hostel scene is this popular backpacker that features a contemporary, designer aesthetic and luxurious plunge…
Bukit Lawang
More on the hill than on the rocks, the 10 ‘tribal’ huts here verge on being luxurious in a rustic way. Each hut has a verandah and sunken bathroom, and…
Aceh
Behind the diving centre of the same name, Lumba Lumba offers some of the best-quality accommodation in Gapang. Wood-decked cottages have tiled rooms,…
West Java
If you want to get away from it all, this wonderful spot is the place to come. Surprisingly smart given its remote location, it has a good restaurant and…
West Sumatra
Run by a friendly, energetic local couple, Fifi and Jack, this hostel and cafe is Danau Maninjau’s backpacker central. Bunk in the four-bed dorm or go for…
Sumatra
One of south Sumatra's best hostels, Flip Flop is an immaculate multilevel space that's lovingly decorated with vibrant furnishings, murals and pot plants…
Banyak Islands
The Banyak hot spot for backpackers at the time of research, Nina's comprises five spacious, thatched bungalows with hammocks swinging on shady porches…
Jakarta
Run by a helpful and friendly team, with good info on the local Cikini area (just south of Merdeka Square), Six Degrees rightfully remains popular with…
West Bali
Designed by the French architect-owner, this 11-unit boutique hotel is close to the ocean. The private, walled bungalows march out to a dramatic outcrop…
East Bali
Associated with the Sea Communities social enterprise (www.seacommunities.com), Gede and Made's oceanside guesthouse has simple garden bungalows and four…
Borobudur
For a memorable stay, complete with world-heritage views, go for these stilted luxury cottages with transcendent outlooks over Borobudur Temple. Each of…
Sumatra
Leafy gardens, fan-cooled bungalows with private outdoorsy bathrooms, the best surfer-lodge food and friendly underfoot dogs are the defining features of…
West Java
Topped with domed, thatched roofs, the seven imaginatively designed rooms at this well-run mini resort are scattered through leafy grounds. Each room has…
Solo
This beautiful historical hotel, occupying an old batik workshop, has been stylishly renovated with 14 rooms featuring wood panelling and art deco windows…
Banda Islands
For comfort, service and value, Cilu Bintang remains head and shoulders above any other accommodation in the Banda Islands – an immaculate Dutch-colonial…
The Cangkringan Jogja Villas & Spa
Central Java
This contemporary spa and villa complex is graced by an elegant joglo lobby, beautifully landscaped garden and 19 sumptuous villas with marble-inlaid…
Mentawai Islands
Ten bungalows in a garden setting occupy a private beach here within easy reach of the breaks Telescopes and Iceland, and there’s a beginner’s surf break…
Ubud
A celebration of contemporary Balinese style, this Australian-owned property is one of the few accommodation options in Ubud that can rightfully claim a…
South Sulawesi
This family-run institution has six cheap rooms with shared mandi upstairs, and four sparkling bungalows with outdoor showers out back. However, the…
Nusa Lembongan
Associated with World Diving, a local dive operator, this place offers fantastic rooms with terraces facing the ocean. Six plusher rooms surround a dive…
East Java
By far the best place to stay in Probolinggo, Clover is a smart and colourful 29-room hotel, where the small and spotless rooms have deep purple or hazy…
Maluku
Romantically rustic cottages are stilted over the sea and enjoy fabulous bay views, but all the accommodation here shares a lovely white-sand beach backed…
Mentawai Islands
Boasting one of Mentawai's most stunning white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and coconut trees, this Spanish-owned resort truly is your clichéd…
