Where to stay in Indonesia: Areas & booking tips

Choosing where to stay in Indonesia isn’t just about comfort – it’s about unlocking a completely different side of the country. Sleep in a bamboo hut near Mount Batur and you’re up before dawn, hiking past steaming craters. Stay in central Yogyakarta and you’re steps from puppet theatres, street food stalls, and centuries-old palaces.

In Bali, stays range from beachfront hostels in Canggu to jungle villas in Ubud – both come with scooters and smoothie bowls as standard. On islands like Sumba or the Togeans, the options are fewer but far more rewarding – think family-run homestays and cold showers, with no signal and no stress.

Outside peak season – June to August and Christmas – walk-ins are often fine, especially on lesser-known islands. But in high-demand areas, it pays to book ahead.

Here’s how to navigate where to stay in Indonesia – from city breaks to island escapes.

Where to stay in Indonesia: From budget to luxury

You don’t need a fat wallet to find a good bed in Indonesia – and that’s a win when you’re bouncing between islands. Budget stays are everywhere, especially in backpacker hubs like Ubud, Yogyakarta, and Kuta. Dorm beds or basic rooms start around $8 a night – sometimes with air-con, sometimes just a fan, a bucket shower, and a gecko chorus. Hostels tend to be laid-back and sociable – garden hangouts, rooftop hammocks, and travellers swapping tips over Bintangs.

Mid-range gets you a big upgrade for $25-60 a night. Expect clean, private rooms with working Wi-Fi, proper showers, and often a pool. In Bali and Java, boutique guesthouses are on the rise – some set in teak houses, others hidden in the jungle, all with more character than chain hotels.

Ready to splurge? Luxury in Indonesia doesn’t have to bankrupt you. Cliffside villas in Uluwatu, floating hotels on Lake Toba, and beachfront resorts near Komodo start around $90 a night – infinity pools, spa menus, and the odd monkey included.

Best accommodation types in Indonesia

Indonesia’s accommodation scene reflects its geography – scattered, diverse, and often surprising. From bamboo bungalows to volcano-side lodges, here’s how you’re likely to sleep across the islands.

Homestays (losmen and rumah warga)

From $9 per night

Common across Java, Flores, and Sulawesi, these locally run stays offer a simple room in a family home or guesthouse. Meals are usually included – spicy, homemade, and eaten with your hosts. Expect cold showers, basic bedding, and warm welcomes.

Warung-style guesthouses

From $10 per night

These blur the line between restaurant and stay, often found in surf towns and smaller islands like Sumbawa, Lombok, or the Mentawais. You’ll sleep upstairs or out back, eat downstairs, and likely meet the whole extended family. Basic, but sociable.

Bali villas and boutique stays

From $30 per night

Some of the most character-filled places to stay in Bali are tucked down quiet lanes or perched above rice paddies. From Seminyak to Sidemen, villas and boutique stays dominate – private pools, open-air bathrooms, and décor that ranges from boho chic to sleek minimalism. Even mid-range budgets stretch surprisingly far here. Whether you're surfing in Canggu or temple-hopping in Ubud, you'll find places to stay in Bali that are as much a part of the trip as the sights themselves.

Eco-lodges and jungle retreats

From $20 per night

Found near national parks and volcanoes – think Bukit Lawang, Kelimutu, or Mount Bromo. These often use local materials (bamboo, palm thatch) and run on limited electricity. Don’t expect luxury, but do expect wildlife, silence, and incredible morning views.

Diving resorts and liveaboards

From $40 per night (resorts), $150 per day (liveaboards)

In Raja Ampat, Komodo, and Wakatobi, diving drives tourism. Resorts are typically remote, full board, and geared towards early starts and night dives. Liveaboards offer multiday trips – all meals and dives included – but space is tight and luxury is secondary to the sea.

Mosque-adjacent hotels in cities

From $15 per night

In places like Medan, Makassar, or Surabaya, many affordable hotels are near mosques – fine unless you're a light sleeper during the 5 am call to prayer. Clean, efficient, and often used by domestic travelers.

Beach bungalows and island huts

From $15 per night

On the Gilis, Karimunjawa or Nusa Penida, it’s all about simple huts just steps from the sea. Think woven bamboo walls, outdoor showers, and sand between your toes. Gili Islands hotels tend to lean low-key – small beachfront stays, family-run bungalows, and the odd dive-focused resort. Book ahead in high season – or turn up and wing it in shoulder months when rooms are easier to find and prices dip.

Average prices per night

Indonesia isn’t the cheapest in Southeast Asia, but it still offers solid value, especially if you avoid peak travel periods. A basic private room in a guesthouse or homestay costs around $10-25 USD (€9-23) per night, while mid-range hotels and boutique stays usually fall between $30-70 USD (€28-65), depending on the island. Luxury resorts start around $90 USD (€84) – but in places like Uluwatu, Nusa Dua, or Raja Ampat, prices can rise well over $300 USD (€280). 

Dorm beds in hostels go for $6-12 USD (€6-11) – cheapest in cities like Yogyakarta or Medan, more in Bali or on the Gilis. Gili Islands hotels range from $20-40 USD (€19-37) for simple beach huts to $60+ USD (€56+) for poolside resorts or rooms with sea views.

• Prices spike during high season – July to August and late December, especially in Bali, Lombok, and Komodo. Idul Fitri and other national holidays also cause price jumps across Java and Sumatra.
• Low season – January-May and September-November – means cheaper stays, fewer crowds, and better deals. Breakfast is often included – even at budget places – but Wi-Fi can be patchy outside major tourist areas.

Where to stay in Indonesia: Best areas by region

Places to stay in Indonesia range from jungle huts to beach villas, and where you base yourself can make or break your trip. In the cities, you’ll find sleek high-rises and cheap guesthouses tucked behind street food stalls. On the Indonesian islands, it’s all hammocks, saltwater showers, and driftwood furniture. In the mountains and national parks, expect cool air, cold water, and the occasional monkey on your roof.

Here’s where to stay across Indonesia’s main regions – and what to expect when you get there.

Bali

When it comes to places to stay in Bali, it’s all about location. Ubud is Bali’s spiritual heart – jungle villas, yoga shalas, and rice-field retreats. Great for travelers looking for culture, quiet, and boutique stays with outdoor bathrooms and infinity pools.

Canggu is the digital nomad and surfer hub – full of poolside hostels, villa complexes, and smoothie cafés. It’s social, fast-growing, and not particularly restful.

Seminyak leans upscale – think rooftop bars, high-end resorts, and beach clubs. It’s polished but pricey. Uluwatu is slower, with cliffside villas and a surf-first vibe. Lovina and Amed on the north and east coasts offer fewer crowds, cheaper stays, and easier access to local life.

Java

Java’s big cities and cultural stops offer some of Indonesia’s best value stays. Yogyakarta is ideal for guesthouses – think leafy courtyards, carved wood furniture, and friendly hosts. The Prawirotaman and Sosrowijayan areas are reliable bases for temples, street food, and tours to Borobudur or Prambanan.

Jakarta has everything from five-star towers to bare-bones budget hotels. Stay in Menteng or Kemang for cafés and quieter streets, or in central Thamrin for easy access to malls and museums.

Bandung mixes colonial charm with cool weather and creative spaces – you’ll find retro guesthouses, old Dutch villas and cheap hotels clustered near Dago or Lembang.

Lombok

Less hectic than Bali, but just as scenic. Senggigi used to be the main base – now it’s quieter, with beachfront hotels and mountain views. Kuta (Lombok, not Bali) is now the go-to for surfers and digital nomads – think bungalow stays, chic hostels, and sunset bars along dusty roads.

The south coast offers remote resorts and beach shacks – especially around Selong Belanak and Gerupuk – while the north gives you access to Mount Rinjani treks, with simple lodges in Senaru and Sembalun.

Gili Islands

For a mix of party, peace and reef, the Gili Islands are a top choice. Gili Trawangan has the widest range – hostels, budget huts, and boutique hotels packed close to the beach. It’s social and lively, especially near the harbor and main strip.

Gili Air is more relaxed – think hammocks, cold beers, and casual cafés. Mid-range bungalows and family-run stays are the norm. Gili Meno is the quietest, with fewer options and a slower pace – ideal for couples or anyone escaping the noise.

Gili Islands hotels range from $20 huts with fans to $100+ beachfront resorts with pools and bike rentals.

Flores and Komodo

Labuan Bajo is the base for exploring Komodo – and it’s growing fast. Stay near the harbor for dive shops and boats, or head uphill for quieter hotels with killer views. Budget options are getting squeezed, but homestays still exist if you look.

Elsewhere in Flores, like Bajawa or Moni, guesthouses are the way to go. Rooms are simple, showers may be cold, but the views and local hospitality make up for it.

Booking tips and smart travel advice

Finding a place to stay in Indonesia is easy. Finding the right one – with good Wi-Fi, the right vibe, and not next to a karaoke bar – takes a bit more planning. Rainy seasons, local holidays and pushy drivers can all throw off your plans, which is why it pays to know a few solid Indonesia travel tips before you book. Here’s how to stay ahead and avoid common mistakes.

• Book early for peak seasons. July-August and Christmas-New Year are high season across Bali, Lombok and Komodo. Rooms go fast – especially in popular spots like Ubud, Canggu, and Gili Trawangan. If you’ve got fixed dates, don’t wait.
• Know your monsoons. The rainy season hits different islands at different times. Bali and Java are wet from November to March, while the Gilis and Komodo are best visited from April-October. For quieter stays and better rates, aim for shoulder months like May or September.
• Skip driver-recommended hotels. If someone’s steering you toward a “great place to stay,” it’s probably commission-based and rarely good value. Politely decline and book your own.
• Walk-in deals still work. In less touristy areas – think Flores, Sumba, or inland Sulawesi – some of the best guesthouses aren’t even online. Showing up, asking around, and haggling can land you a better room for less.
• Use booking platforms for mid-range and up. In places like Jakarta, Bali, or Yogyakarta, sites like Agoda and Traveloka often have the best deals, with extras like breakfast, airport pickup, or free cancellation.
• Don’t trade location for a cheaper room. A cheap stay miles from town will cost you more in motorbike rentals, ferries, or wasted time. Pay a bit more to be where the action (or the peace) actually is.