Indonesia is a land of almost infinite variety. Its marvellous islands, from the very large to the absolutely tiny, are scattered 5,000 kilometres along the equator, each brimming with indigenous plants and animals in their own diverse eco-systems. The country's 250 million people, too, are dispersed over 6,000 inhabited islands, each with their own cultural identities and ancient customs. In a land of such diversity, it's perhaps unsurprising that the choice of accommodation options is also vast. Whether you're dreaming of a hip romantic hideaway, a chilled jungle retreat or a luxurious beach resort, our guide to the best places to stay in Indonesia has it all.
Some of our Indonesia Collections:
The island of Java is home to bustling Jakarta, the capital city and the starting point of many an Indonesian adventure. Elsewhere on the island, you’ll find the lively city of Semarang and the stunning ancient temple complexes of Prambanan and Borobudur near Yogyakarta. Journey east to magical Bali, perhaps Indonesia’s most famous island, with its lush jungles, peaceful temples and beautiful beaches. Hikers, mountain bikers, horse riders and wildlife enthusiasts will delight in discovering the island’s wild interior. Neighbouring Lombok is growing in popularity — as are the gorgeous Gili Islands, a paradise for divers and snorkellers.
Head even further off the beaten track with a trip to Sumba, famed for its superb surf, or to Flores, a diver’s dream within easy reach of the Komodo National Park. Small and picturesque, the little island of Bintan is most easily reached from Singapore and brilliant for romantic honeymooners or fun family holidays. Kick back in style at one of the best places to stay in Indonesia as you plan your next island expedition.
The Best Places to Stay in Indonesia
For Beachfront Bliss
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The Tugu showcases a vibrant celebration of the ancient kingdoms of Indonesia through 22 timber houses set amidst lotus ponds and lush gardens. A funky Canggu gem, filled with eclectic artefacts and just moments from the beach. One for lovers of quirky and traditional design keen to retreat after days by the sea.
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The Sanchaya is an elegant Bintan beachfront resort with white-on-white rooms and villas nestled in lush, landscaped gardens. A gorgeous honeymoon retreat, the hotel fuses design elemetns from both East and West, and the attention to detail is impeccable. Amble along pristine sands, paddle in the infinity pool and feast on organic cuisine after rejuvenating spa treatments. A romantic gem.
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The Lombok Lodge overlooks unspoilt Medana Beach. Its nine sleek lodges have white-on-white interiors, ocean views and big bathtubs. Gourmet cuisine, a superb swimming pool and a wealth of activities await at this intimate luxury hotel. For minimalist design fans, romantics and families.
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Jeeva Klui Resort is an indulgent Lombok hideaway with 35 generously proportioned suites and villas. Four-poster beds sit under pitched ceilings with big beams, and terraces reveal open-air bathtubs for long soaks under starlit skies. Feast at the The Waroeng Restaurant after rejuvenating afternoons at the spa.
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The Island Houses Gili Meno are the stuff of castaway dreams. Nestled on the beach in pint-sized Gili Meno, these two houses — Robinson & Crusoe — have rustic interiors with embroidered textiles, hand-hewn wooden furnishings, polished concrete floors and a timeless sense of charm. The team will give you as much privacy as you like.
For Boutique Chic
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The Slow is a seriously slick spot in central Canggu. With 12 minimalist, 1970s-inspired suites created by fashion designer-owner George Gorrow, this is a hip boutique bolthole unlike any other in town. Foodies and groups of friends will love the buzzy Kitchen + Bar's fresh flavours and cracking cocktails. Four of the rooms have a private plunge pool. An oasis in the heart of the action.
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La Reserve 1785 is made up of 13 sumptuous suites, all inspired by the hotel's early 20th-century owner, Henriette (a French antiques collector and love priestess!). Expect four-poster beds, antiques and artwork, all with a sense of French sophistication. Unwind at the spa, feast at the restaurant or explore Canggu. Treat yourself to a suite with plunge pool!
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Balquisse Heritage Hotel is a gorgeous boutique bolthole with 22 rooms and suites, each individually decorated by the owners, who originally restored the hotel as a family home. Chic, light-filled interiors feature handwoven textiles and anitque furnishings. Expect a refreshing swimming pool, delicious dishes at Asam Garam restaurant & soothing treatments at the Henna Spa. A delight.
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The Gunawarman is a sophisticated colonial-era property with superb rooms and suites, a craft cocktail bar and a swish European restaurant. Romantic couples will adore the wood-panelled rooms with big bathtubs and verdant views. A chic boutique bolthole in Jakarta, this is a top honeymoon stopover.
For a Wellness Retreat
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Desa Seni is a charming yoga and wellness retreat close to Canggu, inspired by a classic Indonesian village. The 12 rustic rooms feature antique Balinese furnishings and hand-crafted sculptures, whilst the organic restaurant showcases produce from the vegetable gardens. Unwind with the free daily yoga classes and enjoy restorative treatments at the spa.
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The Asa Maia is made up of just 10 restored gladaks — hand-hewn traditional teak homes — in lush gardens. An adult-only wellness retreat in Uluwatu, this serene sanctuary has a superb spa, yoga shala, saltwater pool and casual dining restaurant with an emphasis on healthy cuisine and a strong eco ethos. Gorgeous.
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Soori Bali is a super-slick eco property hidden away from the crowds and overlooking a velvety black beach. One for design lovers, this collection of villas embraces a bold, minimalist aesthetic, with crisp clean lines and monochromatic tones. Come for the transformative focus on mind, body and soul, through acupuncture, yoga, massage therapies and meditation. Soori Spa is magical.
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Plataran Borobudur offers gorgeous private villas with swimming pools and spectacular views, nestled in the Javanese jungle. Elegant interiors feature four-poster beds, antique wooden doors and breeze-blown white drapes. A serene, romantic escape, complete with a splendid spa, stables and yoga pavilion.
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Slow Gili Air is a 10-villa hideaway with a strong sustainable soul. A collaboration between friends — one of whom is a fantastic dive instructor — this tranquil spot boasts thatched villas with plunge pools, handwoven textiles and bamboo touches. The rejuvenating spa is a lovely addition. For families or couples looking to kick back on the Gili Islands.
For Keen Divers
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Komodo Dive Resort, on Sebayur Island, has a superb reputation for world-class diving and snorkelling. Pick this place to hone your skills or to take a PADI course with experienced instructors. Villas have thatched roofs & beamed wooden ceilings and open directly onto the sand, the restaurant specialises in fresh seafood, and the Komodo National Park is nearby. For active adventurers.
For Families
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Four Seasons Sayan is a tranquil Balinese hideaway, showcasing organic design through 60 luxurious rooms and suites. Think beautiful spaces overlooking lush tropical gardens and rolling hills, a blissful spa, and great guided walks of the surrounding villages. The kids club is brilliant for little ones, and there are excellent family suite options. Strolling along the canopy-level bridge is a highlight!
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The Residence is a fantastic resort for families on Bintan, with impressive ocean views from one- and two-bedroom villas, many of which have private pools, free-standing tubs and sunny terraces. The kids club organises treasure hunts and beach games, whilst grown-ups can enjoy cooking classes, yoga and spa treatments. The art classes are ideal for all ages. For active types.
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Hidden Hills Villas boasts 23 suites and villas in Uluwatu, each uniquely themed around a particular destination. Choose to stay in playful St Tropez, for example, or blue-and-white clad Santorini. Tremendously romantic, this design-focused spot is also great for families or groups — as well as for intimate weddings. Friendly owners and an exceptional restaurant complete the picture.
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Kuno Villas offers a characterful collection of antique teak villas — some with multiple bedrooms — set within verdant gardens in north-east Gili Trawangan. Classic pitched roofs hide big kitchens, sitting rooms and indulgent bedrooms, whilst most open-air bathrooms have free-standing tubs. Fabulous.
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Sempiak Villas offers a collection of villas & holiday houses — each individually designed to be modern or more classic — on Lombok's Sempiak Hill. Multi-room villas have well-equipped kitchens, and some have their own pools, whilst others share access to the resort's main pool. Gather for yoga in the pavilion or take the little ones out on surf and boogie boards at the resort's Camplung Beach Club.
For Absolute Luxury
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Amanjiwo promises unparalleled luxury close to magical Borobudur Temple on Java. A splendid retreat for wellness enthusiasts and romantics, this Aman resort has a sumptuous spa, tennis court, gardens and suites with secluded terraces; some have plunge pools. Exquisite.
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Bulgari Resort Bali oozes glamour, with 59 resplendent clifftop villas promising private pools, big beds topped with handwoven textiles and expansive ocean views. The sophisticated restaurant, striking spa and Bulgari boutique — the only one in Bali — make this a luxury design lover's dream.
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NIHI Sumba is a stunning island escape, with 27 thatched villas — each with a private pool — set on almost 500 acres of wilderness in front of Sumba's famed Occy's Left surf break. Topped off with an inspirational ethical ethos and a focus on community connections, this is a seriously impressive resort for eco-minded luxury travellers.
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Four Seasons Jimbaran is a world-class resort with sleek, Balinese-style suites and villas, many of which offer ocean views. Thatched roofs, beamed ceilings and a soothing cream and light blue colour palette create a timeless sense of style, inviting guests to unwind in absolute bliss. With a superb spa, tennis courts, fitness centre, cookery school and five restaurants, there's something for everyone.
FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY VILLA
- If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.
Travel Information
- Fly to Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Java. Alternatively, fly to Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport, Lombok Airport or another hub. Most hotels will be happy to arrange an airport pick-up in advance.
- You may want to drive if you're exploring a larger island like Bali or Lombok. Contact our online partner Rentalcarsif you would like to hire a car.
- Temperatures hover around 25-32°C throughout the year across Indonesia. July - August and the Christmas holidays are the most popular time to visit, but you'll find good weather and good deals April - June and in September, outside the rainy season but without the crowds.
STILL NOT SURE?
