West Sumatra
Sitting right under the cliffs in the narrowest part of the Harau Valley is Harau Resort (aka Lembah Echo), with its beautiful grounds encroached on by a…
Must-see hotels in Sumatra
Sumatra
On the east coast of Pulau Asu are these idyllic bungalows, run by Mama Silvi (who speaks perfect English) and her family, that sit directly on the white…
Sumatra
This tranquil place, past Damai Bungalows, is run by friendly Aussie surfer Murray. Lodgings consist of a couple of comfy bungalows that catch the breeze…
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…
Aceh
The top huts at this relatively upmarket option come with hot-water showers, air-con and fab sea views, and there are cheaper wooden shacks back up the…
Sumatra
This sprawling, tropical garden property overlooks all the action on the water and is one of the more upmarket choices in Tanjung Setia. Facilities…
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,…
West Sumatra
Walk through rice paddies (5.5km north of Maninjau) to these five simple bungalows facing a small beach and clear section of lake (no fish farms here)…
Banyak Islands
If you get stuck on Balai, Losmen Putri is arguably the island's best accommodation. Go for the cheapest rooms with shared bathrooms or splurge on one…
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…
Sumatra
One of the better places to stay in Kota Agung (which is not saying a lot) is this budget option along the main thoroughfare with a classic motel…
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…
Aceh
Centrally located in front of Dylan's Right surf break is this Dutch-owned place with well-maintained thatched beach huts, a lovely natural plunge pool…
Aceh
At the entrance to Gapang Beach is this sprawling resort with 22 solid and stylish timber cottages. The cottages are all air-conditioned and the best are…
Sumatra
This friendly, family-run operation is a solid budget choice, with a blissfully old-school set-up of bungalows and hammocks by the water. It has a range…
Aceh
Eddie’s gets consistently good feedback from the surfing crowd both for its laid-back vibe and its comfy rooms (the cheaper ones share facilities). There…
Mentawai Islands
High on a hill overlooking Pitstops and around the corner from Ebay, this Aussie-run resort has six rooms in a main house, and a luxury villa for couples…
Pulau Bintan
The dressed-down Angsana is best suited to young professionals or those with kids. The breezy common spaces are decorated in zesty citrus colours, with…
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…
West Sumatra
Zacky's new lodge opened in 2018. Located 2km south of town, it looks to be the pick of places to stay around Lempur Tengah. Its setting is superb,…
Gunung Leuser National Park
Here you’ll find a range of good-value Karo-style bungalows, some of which back onto nature and overlook the river – Room 5 is the pick. Ayuni and her…
Sumatra
Right in front of the Keyhole, an easy paddle from the Point and Indicator, this boutique option run by a friendly, local surfer consists of two spacious…
Padang
Centally located, this post-earthquake business hotel has modern and fairly spacious rooms decorated with subtle Japanese touches. Selling points are its…
Sumatra
About 1.5km south of Gunung Sitoli, Miga sits right on a small beach (which unfortunately often has rubbish on it), and has comfortable rooms that are…
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…
Sumatra
Perfectly placed for the Point, Sanali is one of Pantai Santai's few budget choices, with simple rooms and no real pressure to book a longer-stay package…
Sumatra
POP! is as subtle as the giant exclamation mark decorating the side of the building. The decor is Google meets pop art, the staff are young and helpful…
West Sumatra
Cubadak Paradiso Village is found on tranquil Pulau Cubadak, where 12 bungalows perch above the teal waters. You can snorkel off your front porch or go…
Aceh
Oong’s Bungalows has good-value rooms in basic tin-roof cottages hovering back from the water. Cheaper options share bathrooms. The on-site restaurant,…
Sumatra
This dependable, well-priced chain hotel has rooms decorated in vibrant colour schemes, ambient lighting and wide beds to go with plasma TVs, air-con and…
West Sumatra
This clutch of adorable thatched bungalows is located on a near-pristine beach. Boat transfers here cost 400,000Rp and activities on offer include fishing…
Riau
This centrally located, reliable chain is just a couple of blocks from the main road of Jl Sudirman. Red Planet's snug rooms are all blonde wood, with…
West Sumatra
This fairly central hotel is a more upmarket option than others in Sungai Penuh. It consists of spotless business-hotel-style rooms, each with a funky…
Sumatra
A spot purely for surfers, this luxury camp gets rave reviews for its uncrowded waves, excellent food and relaxed vibe. The price includes speedboat…
Riau
This reliable contemporary hotel chain is just across from the Nagoya Hill Mall. Its minimalist rooms burst with mod cons and sport lime green and crimson…
Sumatra
The ultimate in surf lodge luxury, with gourmet food, king-sized beds in opulent bungalows and easy access to 20 nearby breaks.
Aceh
Joel’s Bungalows is the area’s legendary surfer hang-out. It's a bit rundown these days, however, and in need of maintenance, but its bungalows and rooms …
Pulau Bintan
Hotel Panorama, a 10-minute walk from the Tanjung Pinang ferry terminal, has a stuffy English B&B feel to it, and features clean and spacious rooms. Hot…
Aceh
This homely surf camp, set up by an Aussie surfer with an organic-farming background, provides close access to world-class Dylan's Right. Its three timber…
