Mentawai Islands
This small guesthouse has a beach-house vibe and is just a short hop from Iceland, Suicides and other decent breaks. Accommodation is geared towards solo…
Must-see hotels in Sumatra
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…
Aceh
One of the last resorts at the end of the bungalow strip, Yulia's has grown and blossomed into Iboih's most upmarket accommodation. Like tropical Swiss…
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…
West Sumatra
Just south of the statue on the main road is the best base camp in Kersik Tua. Subandi is the only English-speaking homestay; owner Pak is a fount of…
West Sumatra
Just outside Pelompek among pastoral surrounds is this homestay that lives up to its name, with the volcano on full show. The rooms here are brightly…
Riau
A friendly hotel just a couple of blocks from the Nagoya Hill Mall and various eating establishments. While rooms are stock standard, the fact that they…
Banda Aceh
Staying in the home of hospitable Linda, 4km out of town, is a good way to experience local life in a family home and to learn about Acehnese culture…
Sumatra
In keeping with its contemporary dining space downstairs (Lani's Resto), this place has gleaming, modern, ultra-clean and luxurious rooms, with balconies…
Sumatra
Set up by expat American surfer gal and host Amy, this purpose-built surf resort on a garden property overlooks the waves. She goes to great lengths to…
Mentawai Islands
With an enviable location in front of the legendary HT’s right-hander and just a short hop from Lance’s Left, Bintangs, Cobra’s and even a couple of beach…
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…
Sumatra
Located just north of Palembang’s market area, Zuri Express fills a colourful and modern building with equally colourful and contemporary accommodation…
Banyak Islands
Directly next door to Nina's Bungalows are these three clean, well-maintained thatched bungalows with porches looking out to the beach – pretty much…
Aceh
Run by Akil and his family, Frazha is a good choice for those looking to keep it local. Its two bungalows are in a coconut grove by a beach that's good…
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…
West Sumatra
Your options here range from rather depressing cold-water rooms downstairs that could seriously use a coat of paint, to more spacious and stylish rooms…
Mentawai Islands
Probably the best of the Mentawai budget options is this relaxed guesthouse on a grassy property 50m from an idyllic beach that's perfect for swimming…
Sumatra
The Duta features compact rooms with modern decor and snazzy bathrooms. Flat-screen TVs – with plenty of English-language content – and a wildly…
West Sumatra
Homestay Gunung Tujuh is one of the few places to stay in Pelompek village. Overlooking the market and a block away from the main street, it has spacious…
Mentawai Islands
Not actually by the sea, the hilly Oinan Surf Lodge, around 4km from Tua Pejat (ojek/taxi ride 20,000/100,000Rp), has amazing terrace views of the iconic…
Sumatra
On Walo Beach, just north of Afulu, these bungalows are the best of Pulau Nias' west-coast surfing lodgings. Choose between the three breezy bungalows…
Sumatra
Well located within walking distance of most places of interest, the laid-back Tropicana makes for an excellent budget choice. Painted in mauve, rooms are…
Padang
More like a midrange hotel than a homestay – but at an affordable price – this place has rooms that are very clean and come with comfortable beds, air-con…
Sumatra
If you’re completing your Sumatran odyssey and wish to wash the dust of the island off your feet, one of Bandar Lampung’s most luxurious hotels may be…
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…
Pulau Bintan
This sprawling and rather scrappy local resort is set on a coconut grove by the water on Mutiara Beach. Though it has maintenance issues, it offers a more…
Banyak Islands
Just the place for those wanting to keep things blissfully simple, Pondok Tailana is also a launching point for island-hopping, snorkelling and jungle…
West Sumatra
An excellent addition to Bukittinggi's rather tired midrange sleeping options, contemporary Treeli gets a lot of things right. Rooms are compact and quiet…
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…
Banyak Islands
Sitting in the calm waters of the Bay of Plenty, near Ujung Lolok and within easy reach of Dindos, Gunters and Lolok Point waves, this surf-camp-on-a-raft…
Sumatra
One of Jambi's best upmarket options is this professionally run business hotel with fantastic facilities including pool, gym, on-site restaurant and…
Banda Aceh
This lemon-yellow hotel down a quiet side street north of the centre is one of Banda Aceh’s swankier, but overpriced, options. Expect compact rooms with…
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…
Sumatra
Well-priced, modern and in a prime central location, the Grand Citihub makes for a reliable choice. While the rooms are a bit on the snug side, they're…
Sumatra
Decorated in pop-art motifs and equipped with all your modern needs, this contemporary design hotel is a steal. Its attractive rooms are spacious and have…
Sumatra
Bengkulu’s first stab at a designer hotel is a goodie and features a colourful designer lobby and well-appointed rooms with modern bathrooms. There’s an…
Banda Aceh
Banda Aceh's most luxurious sleeping option is this classy hotel that features a sumptuous traditional Islamic design and date palms that channel the…
Sumatra
Things don't get much better for surfers than having unencumbered views of one of the world's most famous right-handers from their window. All looking out…
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…
