Where to stay in Indonesia

Hotels

Hotels, from deluxe to budget, can be found in most towns across the country, while international hotels are generally found in major towns and tourist areas. Jakarta and Bali offer the greatest selection of accommodation, with the international hotel scene varying widely from corporate chains to luxurious resorts.

Most hotels also charge 10% service, plus 11% government tax, these will simply be rolled up into the final bill. Most hotels include pools and will supply leisure equipment for an additional fee. Wi-Fi is readily available, although the connection may be slow.

Grading: All hotels are graded according to facilities.

Bed and breakfast

Cheap guesthouses with no air conditioning and shared basic Indonesian-style bathrooms are popular with visitors for short stays. You can also choose from the reasonably-priced beach and lakeside cottages and chalets. On Sumatra, it is possible to stay in a reproduction of a traditional batak house with its distinctive high, pointed roof.

Camping

Although camping in national parks is popular among the Indonesian youth, formal camping grounds with power and facilities are hard to come by. Outside of the parks, official campsites do not exist. Some mountain treks include camping, and operators will normally supply the gear.

Other accomodation

In Bali, Jakarta and the Gili islands, backpacker-style hostels with dormitories can be found. They tend to be cheap and cheerful with shared facilities.

Families in villages sometimes rent out spare rooms to travellers too. This is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Bali features many beautiful villas, which can be secluded and luxurious. The houses are often staffed and include the services of a cook, driver etc. More basic bungalows are also available for those looking for something more affordable.