Danau Toba
Horas Family Home is perfect for those wanting a homely space with cooking facilities, and is a unique option for those seeking something different. Best…
Must-see hotels in North Sumatra
Danau Toba
The most attractive accommodation on Pulau Samosir is this sprawling German-run lakeside place that has the feel and professionalism of a laid-back resort…
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…
Danau Toba
This backpacker fave close to the ferry terminal has limited lake views, but a chill universe is created by a lush garden and arty versions of traditional…
Bukit Lawang
Living up to its name, this lodge is set on a gorgeous bend in the river a 45-minute walk from civilisation. Aca, the eco-minded owner, has preserved a…
North Sumatra
With its unconventional, unsigned address set in a car park back from the main road, your first impressions here may leave you wondering. However, this is…
Bukit Lawang
Run by an English conservation scientist and her Sumatran husband, Green Hill has lovely stilt-high rooms ideal for couples and families, with cool en…
Medan
The best backpackers in Medan is this homestay in a quiet residential street east of the centre. Spotlessly clean rooms, comfy beds and friendly, helpful…
Bukit Lawang
On a beautiful tract of fertile land that edges directly onto Gunung Leuser National Park, this rustic hideaway is the place to escape Bukit Lawang's…
Medan
One of Medan's few budget options is this centrally located hostel that gets rave reviews from backpackers. Proud owner Mr Yauw certainly isn't lacking in…
Medan
A solid choice for those seeking a contemporary, well-priced midrange hotel with modern amenities and designer touches. The spacious rooms have king-size…
Danau Toba
Rooms in traditional Batak houses overlook fruit trees, a children's playground and a grassy badminton court at this excellent budget resort. The more…
Bukit Lawang
With huge four-poster beds, immense rooms, hammocks on porches and immaculate hot-water bathrooms, this riverfront lodge combines the ultimate in creature…
Bukit Lawang
Hidden away from the tourist strip a 10-minute walk along the river, this boutique guesthouse offers a perfect compromise: it's close enough to walk to…
Danau Toba
Run by a German-Indonesian family, this waterfront guesthouse is one of the original places to stay in Tuk Tuk and it’s still going strong. Choose between…
Medan
A reasonable budget option for those needing to catch an early flight is this faux-designer hotel that's a five-minute drive from Medan's airport. Its…
Medan
This huge, five-star hotel follows the standard business-class formula of great facilities, an array of different restaurants and a guaranteed good night…
Bukit Lawang
One of Bukit Lawang's most popular backpackers for many a year, Rainforest has a cluster of rooms set close to the gurgling river. The cheaper rooms have…
North Sumatra
Run by two friendly young brothers who speak good English, Dreamland has three appealing A-frame cottages with private bathrooms sitting partially hidden…
North Sumatra
This centrally located guesthouse has a prim, old-school feel – there's a 10pm curfew and extra cost for hot showers (10,000Rp) – but the cheapest rooms…
North Sumatra
This German-Indonesian-run resort is the pick of Tangkahan's riverfront accommodation, with modern bungalows in sprawling clifftop gardens – the best have…
Bukit Lawang
On the other side of the river from Bukit Lawang's main settlement is this friendly, mellow guesthouse, which has put some effort into making things…
Medan
This Dutch-colonial-style retreat consists of attractive cottages and rooms shaded by fruit trees and overlooking the Sungai Deli. It's one for those…
Danau Toba
On the lakeshore is this old-school Danau Toba–style guesthouse run by an Indonesian-German couple. The cheaper rooms are in traditional, character-filled…
Bukit Lawang
The last guesthouse along the main walking path before the river crossing to the former feeding station, Jungle Inn is an old favourite for many a return…
North Sumatra
Down a backstreet away from the madding crowd, yet still centrally located, is this double-storey, modernised Karo-style guesthouse catering to foreign…
Medan
A central backpacker choice near the Mesjid Raya (Grand Mosque), Angel has poky rooms on several floors that are in serious need of some TLC, but are…
Bukit Lawang
One of the first guesthouses you'll encounter along the river access path is this excellent-value, friendly guesthouse, with spotless rooms painted in…
North Sumatra
The first place you come to after crossing on the suspension bridge in Tangkahan is this relaxed choice in a nice garden, with a pretty bungalow made of…
Medan
A smart, busy hotel that almost verges on earning a boutique label. The rooms have lovely, cool, dark-slate floors and bathrooms, rough whitewashed walls,…
Bukit Lawang
A popular backpacker choice, the ever-growing Garden Inn has options spread over several buildings, from fabulous wooden jungle shacks to pristine, modern…
Danau Toba
This guesthouse has a top-notch lakeside setting, riotous tropical flower gardens and sparkling rooms with mosquito nets and porches overlooking the water…
North Sumatra
If you absolutely must stay overnight in Sibolga, Hotel Wisata Indah is the pick of a pretty uninspiring lot. Its dated, shabby rooms offer sea views, and…
Danau Toba
This friendly double-storey waterfront place is one of several simple, clean guesthouses along this strip. Walk out from your verandah to a lawn area and…
North Sumatra
A welcoming cheapie with spacious, comfortable rooms (but temperamental plumbing) and a rooftop hang-out: watch out for monkeys. It’s ideal for catching…
Medan
Most noteworthy for being the former De Boer Hotel, built in 1909, today the Grand Inna has subtle reminders of its former glory but its ugly high-rise…
North Sumatra
While it's well placed for Tangkahan's elephant activities, in reality this scenic riverside guesthouse is a bit of a mixed bag. The only recommendable…
Medan
This hotel is in an odd location occupying the top floors of the Medan train station, so you'd expect it would be noisy and drab, but it's not. Rooms are…
North Sumatra
A 15-minute walk north of Berastagi's centre in a quiet residential neighbourhood, this family-run guesthouse has a handful of motley rooms fronting a…
North Sumatra
Behind Sibayak Trans Tour & Travel, this long-standing cheapie has rooms that have a lot of Indonesian personality, making the place feel more like a…
