Indonesia: 3 examples of nice and affordable accommodation in 14 destinations

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If you want to travel for less, choosing the most affordable countries is by far the simplest and most effortless tip! Sadly, so many people don’t even know how cheap it can be! Indonesia is one of the most affordable of the many places I’ve visited, but most importantly, it’s also an absolutely beautiful country!

Here are nice and cheap accommodation options in 14 Indonesian destinations to show you just how affordable a trip to an amazing country can be!

(We’ve also done this for Colombia, a country that can be cheaper overall for shorter trips, thanks to affordable deals for flights at $400 from some Canadian cities! And we’ve also done it for another country in Southeast Asia, Malaysia!)

Contents hide
Basics of traveling to Indonesia for less
Basics of cheap accommodation in Indonesia
Bali
Jakarta
Belitung
Manado
Yogyakarta
Bandung
Lombok
Surabaya
Bandar Lampung
Flores Island
Tanjung Puting National Park
Medan and Toba
Makassar
Batam
Learning how to travel for less
Summary

 

Basics of traveling to Indonesia for less

Indonesia has 17,000 islands (including 6,000 that are inhabited) located south of mainland Southeast Asia — one of the best regions in the world.

So there are plenty of natural attractions! It’s one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, ranking 2nd. But it’s also the 4th most populated country in the world, so there’s also plenty of cultural and historical attractions!

Location of Indonesia (image credit: Google Maps)

 

I haven’t visited the country that much, but I loved what I saw and can’t wait to go back.

As mentioned, it’s also one of the most affordable countries in the world. And definitely among the cheapest of the cheap.

 

Basics of cheap accommodation in Indonesia

For each of the 14 destinations in Indonesia, we have 3 examples of cheap accommodation.

An example for those who:

We limit ourselves to nice accommodations that are highly rated.

So if you want it to be cheaper, there are obviously cheaper ones than our examples. The exception: there aren’t any cheaper Marriott hotels, as the world’s largest hotel chain has no options in the low-end segment.

Among the best! Indonesia is one of the best places in the world to get more free nights with your points. So if you want to maximize your amount of free nights, all you have to do is simply plan a trip around these amazing hotels in amazing destinations! It's as easy as that! The current welcome bonus on the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card gives you 53,000 points (50,000 with the bonus and 3,000 by unlocking it) and your travel companion can get it too, for 106,000 points in total!

And if you prefer luxury, of course luxury is also much cheaper in Indonesia than in the places where everyone always travels to! For example, The St. Regis hotel (one of the most luxurious brands in the world) costs $350 per night in Jakarta versus $1500 per night in Rome. The amount of points required is lower too obviously, and if you like luxury, you should really never pay with anything other than points!

So here are the examples of nice and affordable accommodations in 14 Indonesian destinations.

marriott-hotels-hostels-accomodations-indonesia-map
See the full-size infographic

 

Bali

How can we talk about Indonesia without starting with the country’s most popular (and crowded) destination? The island of Bali is located between the islands of Java and Lombok. Despite its small size, the Island of the Gods attracts millions of travelers every year with its magnificent beaches, Hindu temples, tropical climate, and unique culture.

Bali, Indonesia (photo credit: Aron Visuals)

 

The coastal town of Kuta is perfect for those who like to party. Seminyak and Canggu are surfers’ paradises, while Ubud is known for its craftsmanship and Zen atmosphere. You’ve probably already seen the fabulous landscapes of Nusa Penida and the famous Balinese swings on social media. 

You can read our guest blogger Emilie’s 5 favorite destinations in Bali.

Here are some examples of accommodation in Bali, Indonesia:

 

Nice hostel for $4

The Hostel Canggu

The Hostel Canggu (image credit: Hostelworld)

 

See all hostels in Bali.

 

Nice hotel for $10

OYO 2270 Hotel Taman Wirama

OYO 2270 Hotel Taman Wirama (image credit: Trivago)

 

See all hotels in Bali.

 

Nice free hotel for 5,200 pts

Four Points by Sheraton Bali Ungasan

Four Points by Sheraton Bali Ungasan (image credit: Marriott)

 

Get 53,000 points by applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card!

 

Jakarta

The capital (until August) is another popular Indonesian destination. With its towering skyscrapers and diverse appeal, Jakarta is a vibrant metropolitan area located on the island of Java. It is the most populated city in the country and the 2nd largest in the world, with 32 million inhabitants (5 times more than Toronto).  

Jakarta, Indonesia (photo credit: Muhammad Syafi Al – adam)

 

Visitors are spoiled, with plenty of attractions! You can visit the Monas monument, the old town of Kota Tua, the National Museum of Indonesia, as well as several historic temples and mosques. There are great restaurants, street markets, and affordable shopping! Hotels are so affordable that they’re the same price as hostels!!!

Here are some examples of accommodation in Jakarta, Indonesia:

 

Nice hostel for $9

Capsule Hotel Jakarta – Old Batavia

Capsule Hotel Jakarta – Old Batavia (image credit: Hostelworld)

 

See all hostels in Jakarta.

 

Nice hotel for $9

OYO 1524 D’ Paseban

OYO 1524 D’ Paseban (image credit: Trivago)

 

View all hotels in Jakarta.

 

Nice free hotel for 6,200 pts

Aloft Jakarta Wahid Hasyim

Aloft Jakarta Wahid Hasyim (image credit: Marriott)

 

Get 53,000 points by applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card!

 

Belitung

North of Java, east of Sumatra, and west of Borneo, you’ll find Belitung, a pretty island that sparks envy with its idyllic beaches and rather unusual rock formations. It’s a calm, serene destination ideal for nature lovers. 

Belitung, Indonesia (photo credit: Anggit Rizkianto)

 

In Belitung, you can dive, hike, visit the Tanjung Pandan museum or the Batu Mentas cave, and relax on the beaches of Tanjung Tinggi or Tanjung Kelayang. The island is even smaller than Bali and is a quieter place, so it has no hostels.

Here are some examples of accommodation in Belitung, Indonesia:

 

Nice hotel for $23

Oyo 1149 Hotel Mustika

Oyo 1149 Hotel Mustika (image credit: Trivago)

 

View all hotels in Belitung.

 

Nice free hotel for 5,200 pts

Fairfield by Marriott Belitung

Fairfield by Marriott Belitung (image credit: Marriott)

 

Get 53,000 points by applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card!

 

Manado

Manado is the main city in the north of the island of Sulawesi, also known as Celebes. The city is characterized by its Minahasa culture, especially evident in its gastronomy, dances, and local festivities… but also by its majority Christian population in a predominantly Muslim nation (or Hindu in Bali).

Manado, Indonesia (photo credit: alea Film)

 

Manado is world-renowned for its breathtaking diving sites, notably the Bunaken Marine Park. If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, you can discover the superb Tangkoko National Park or stroll through the traditional village of Woloan to see the Toraja houses with their huge, curved roofs. The only hostels aren’t well-rated, but I’ve included one anyway.

Here are some examples of accommodation in Manado, Indonesia:

 

Nice hostel for $9

RedDoorz Hostel @ Manado Green Hostel

RedDoorz Hostel @ Manado Green Hostel (image credit: Hostelworld)

 

See all hostels in Manado.

 

Nice hotel for $11

OYO 1769 Rid’s Hotel

OYO 1769 Rid’s Hotel (image credit: Trivago)

 

View all hotels in Manado.

 

Nice free hotel for 6,000 pts

Four Points by Sheraton Manado

cheap accomodations indonesia
Four Points by Sheraton Manado (image credit: Marriott)

 

Get 53,000 points by applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card!

 

Yogyakarta

Located in the center of the island of Java, this city ruled by a sultan is the heart of classical Javanese art and traditions, including wayang kulit shadow theater, batik cloth, theater, poetry, and music. If you enjoy creativity and are inspired by it all, this is the destination for you!

Yogyakarta, Indonesia (photo credit: Eugenia Clara)

 

In Yogyakarta, you can visit 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Borobudur Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the world, and Prambanan Temple, an impressive complex of Hindu temples.

Here are some examples of accommodation in Yogyakarta, Indonesia:

 

Nice hostel for $8

Wonderloft Hostel Jogja

Wonderloft Hostel Jogja (image credit: Hostelworld)

 

See all hostels in Yogyakarta.

 

Nice hotel for $10

OYO 700 Griya Hanum Syariah

OYO 700 Griya Hanum Syariah (image credit: Trivago)

 

View all hotels in Yogyakarta.

 

Nice free hotel for 8,500 pts

Sheraton Mustika Yogyakarta Resort & Spa

Sheraton Mustika Yogyakarta Resort & Spa (image credit: Marriott)

 

Get 53,000 points by applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card!

 

Bandung

Bandung, Indonesia’s 3rd most populous city, is also located on the island of Java. It’s known for its Dutch buildings, tea plantations, volcanoes, and its slightly milder climate, thanks to the altitude.

Bandung, Indonesia (photo credit: Dwinanda Nurhanif Mujito)

 

The city has a lot to offer! Must-sees include Braga Street, Asia Afrika Square, Tangkuban Perahu volcano, Kawah Putih sulfur lake, Lembang floating market, and the Ciwidey area.

Here are some examples of accommodation in Bandung, Indonesia:

 

Nice hostel for $9

The Attic Bed & Breakfast

The Attic Bed & Breakfast (image credit: Hostelworld)

 

See all hostels in Bandung.

 

Nice hotel for $7

Prime Park Bandung

Prime Park Bandung (image credit: Trivago)

 

View all hotels in Bandung.

 

Nice free hotel for 5,600 pts

Moxy Bandung

Moxy Bandung (image credit: Marriott)

 

Get 53,000 points by applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card!

 

Lombok

Lombok is a volcanic island located between Bali and Sumbawa. An immense active volcano dominates the landscape: Mount Rinjani is the 2nd highest peak in Indonesia (after Mount Kerinci on the island of Sumatra).

Lombok, Indonesia (photo credit: Tom Bixler)

 

If you want a quiet destination where you can relax, explore nature without too many crowds, and really immerse yourself in Balinese culture, then consider Lombok in addition to Bali. Many travelers are now choosing this alternative due to overtourism on the Island of the Gods. 

Here are some examples of accommodation in Lombok, Indonesia:

 

Nice hostel for $12

Dewi Sri Guesthouse

Dewi Sri Guesthouse (image credit: Hostelworld)

 

See all hostels in Lombok.

 

Nice hotel for $9

Oyo 92756 Kos Moncok

Oyo 92756 Kos Moncok (image credit: Trivago)

 

See all hotels in Lombok.

 

Nice free hotel for 12,800 pts

Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort

Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort (image credit: Marriott)

 

Get 53,000 points by applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card!

 

Surabaya

Located on the island of Java, Surabaya is Indonesia’s 2nd largest city, with a population of 10 million. It plays an essential role in the national economy, and its port is the main one in Indonesia. It’s also the city closest to the famous Mount Bromo.

Surabaya, Indonesia (photo credit: Ridho Anggara)

 

There’s plenty to see in Surabaya, including the Tugu Pahlawan monument to national heroes, the great Suramadu Bridge, several ancient temples, and the Tunjungan district. You can also spend hours exploring or feasting on the local cuisine.

Here are some examples of accommodation in Surabaya, Indonesia:

 

Nice hostel for $12

Ikiru to Live

Ikiru to Live (image credit: Hostelworld)

 

See all hostels in Surabaya.

 

Nice hotel for 9$

OYO 485 Marcello Residence

OYO 485 Marcello Residence (image credit: Trivago)

 

See all hotels in Surabaya.

 

Nice free hotel for 4,800 pts

Fairfield by Marriott Surabaya

Fairfield by Marriott Surabaya (image credit: Marriott)

 

Get 53,000 points by applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card!

 

Bandar Lampung

Bandar Lampung is a smaller town in the south of the island of Sumatra. The region is home to 2 splendid, well-known national parks: Way Kambas, home to wild elephants, and Bukit Barisan Selatan, where you can see Sumatran rhinos and tigers.

Bandar Lampung, Indonesia (photo credit: Irham Setyaki)

 

On top of that, Lampung also attracts visitors with its unique culture, including the famous tiger dance (Tari Pendet Harimau), fantastic beaches like Kalianda and Pesisir Barat, and delicious Lampung cuisine. It really is a destination not to be missed, but it has no hostel since it’s a smaller city.

Here are some examples of accommodation in Lampung, Indonesia:

 

Nice hotel for $9

Ketje Luxury Capsule Lampung

Ketje Luxury Capsule Lampung (image credit: Trivago)

 

See all hotels in Lampung.

 

Nice free hotel for 5,600 pts

Sheraton Lampung

Sheraton Lampung (image credit: Marriott)

 

Get 53,000 points by applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card!

 

Flores Island

This breathtakingly beautiful island is part of the Lesser Sunda Islands, to the east of Sumbawa and Komodo. There’s plenty to see on this less-touristy island, including the colorful lakes of Kelimutu, and the authentic villages of Bena and Wae Rebo.

Padar Island, Flores, Indonesia (photo credit: andri onet)

 

The island is best known as the gateway to the famous Komodo National Park, where you can see the world’s largest lizards, the Komodo dragons. Not far away, you’ll also find 2 unique pink-sand beaches: Pink Beach and Red Beach. On the west coast of Flores, the town of Labuan Bajo is very close to Komodo.

Here are some examples of accommodation in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia:

 

Nice hostel for $13

La Boheme Bajo

La Boheme Bajo (image credit: Hostelworld)

 

See all hostels in Labuan Bajo.

 

Nice hotel for $25

Komodo

Komodo (image credit: Trivago)

 

See all hotels in Labuan Bajo.

 

Nice free hotel for 32,000 pts

TA’AKTANA, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Labuan Bajo

TA’AKTANA, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Labuan Bajo
TA’AKTANA, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Labuan Bajo (image credit: Marriott)

 

Get 53,000 points by applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card!

 

Tanjung Puting National Park

This is one of Indonesia’s most iconic national parks, located on the island of Borneo. It is essential as it is home to one of the last refuges for an endangered animal species: the Bornean orangutan.

Tanjung Puting National Park, Indonesia (photo credit: Unsplash+)

 

Travelers can visit rehabilitation centers for these very rare monkeys in the park, take a scenic cruise on the Sekonyer River, see swamp forests, and fully immerse themselves in verdant nature. Like many more remote destinations, there is no hostel.

Here are some examples of accommodation in Tanjung Puting National Park, Indonesia:

  • Nice hostel: None
  • Nice hotel: Arsela
    • $31 per night 
    • $16 per night per person with a companion
    • Rated 8.5/10
  • Nice free hotel: None

 

Nice hotel for $31

Arsela

Arsela (image credit: Trivago)

 

See all hotels in Pangkalan Bun.

 

Medan and Toba

If you want to go all the way to North Sumatra, there are 2 must-visit destinations. Medan is Indonesia’s 5th largest metropolitan area, with attractions like the Great Mosque and Maimum Palace for those who like cities that are less touristy. 

Lake Toba, Indonesia (photo credit: Intan Syah)

 

It’s also the gateway to Lake Toba, the world’s largest volcanic lake! Samosir Island, in the middle of this immense lake, is the world’s largest island within an island. 

Here are some examples of accommodation in Medan, Indonesia:

 

Nice hostel for $6

Dazhong Backpacker’s Hostel

Dazhong Backpacker’s Hostel (image credit: Hostelworld)

 

See all hostels in Medan.

 

Nice hotel for $10

OYO 1522 Residence Anugrah

OYO 1522 Residence Anugrah (image credit: Trivago)

 

See all hotels in Medan.

 

Nice free hotel for 5,400 pts

Four Points by Sheraton Medan

Four Points by Sheraton Medan (image credit: Marriott)

 

Get 53,000 points by applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card!

 

Makassar

The capital of the province of South Sulawesi, Makassar is the largest city on the island and the 6th largest in the country. It’s also the largest city not on Java or Sumatra. It can be interesting for those who like less touristy cities or are on their way to Tana Toraja.

Makassar, Indonesia (photo credit: Marc St)

 

If you’re in the area, you can discover the Rotterdam Fortress, a former 17th-century Dutch fort that is now a maritime museum, as well as the Paotere harbor. Don’t miss the small nearby islands: Samalona and Kodingareng Keke. The Trans Studio theme park is also very popular. There is no hostel, but once again the hotels are so cheap that it doesn’t really matter (budget-wise at least).

Here are some examples of accommodation in Makassar, Indonesia:

 

Nice hotel for $10

OYO 492 Hotel Alden

OYO 492 Hotel Alden (image credit: Trivago)

 

See all hotels in Makassar.

 

Nice free hotel for 5,200 pts

Four Points by Sheraton Makassar

Four Points by Sheraton Makassar (image credit: Marriott)

 

Get 53,000 points by applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card!

 

Batam

In the Riau Islands, Batam is a rather industrial town, especially interesting because it’s so close to Singapore (there’s a ferry). It can be a quick daytrip if you want to set foot in Indonesia from there, to spend a few days somewhere that is not one of the most expensive places in all of Asia, for example. But it’s less of a destination otherwise.

Batam, Indonesia (photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)

 

You can play golf, go to the beach and relax at the spa. You can also visit the traditional village of Kampung Vietnam, the Tua Pek Kong temple, or take a cruise to see the neighboring islands. As a smaller town, there are no hostels though.

Here are some examples of accommodation in Batam, Indonesia:

 

Nice hotel for $11

Oyo 93130 Baloi Homestay

Oyo 93130 Baloi Homestay (image credit: Trivago)

 

See all hotels in Batam.

 

Nice free hotel for 16,000 pts

Four Points By Sheraton Batam

Four Points By Sheraton Batam (image credit: Marriott)

 

Get 53,000 points by applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card!

 

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Summary

Accommodation in Indonesia is incredibly affordable, as is everything in the country, of course. Now that’s a truly affordable country! And what’s more, it’s wonderful to visit. If you want to travel for less, it’s not rocket science: choose affordable countries! It’s not like you’re sacrificing anything: many are amazing destinations!

 

What would you like to know about the best cheap accommodation in Indonesia? Tell us in the comments below.

 

See the flight deals we spot: Cheap flights

Discover free travel with rewards: Travel rewards

Explore awesome destinations: Travel inspiration

Learn pro tricks: Travel tips

 

Featured image: Nusa Penida, Indonesia (photo credit: Tom Bixler)

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Andrew D'Amours

Andrew is the co-founder of Flytrippers. He is passionate about traveling the world but also, as a former management consultant, about the travel industry itself. He shares his experiences to help you save money on travel. As a very cost-conscious traveler, he loves finding deals and getting free travel thanks to travel rewards points... to help him visit every country in the world (current count: 71/193 Countries, 47/50 US States & 9/10 Canadian Provinces).

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