To truly experience the diversity of accommodation in Indonesia, one must appreciate how each type reflects not just comfort and convenience, but also the country’s vibrant local cultures, regional identities, and traditions. From opulent beachfront suites to ancestral architecture and welcoming family homes, accommodation in Indonesia is as varied as the archipelago itself. To help you choose the right stay for your journey, Shanti Travel brings you this expert guide focused exclusively on where and how to stay across Indonesia’s remarkable islands. For more options and tailored journeys, explore our travel to Indonesia programs.
Luxury Hotels
Indonesian luxury hotels – particularly in Bali, Jakarta, and major tourist hubs – are renowned for blending world-class amenities with subtle influences from local design. Think tropical modernism: open-air lobbies where the fragrance of frangipani and teak fills the space, infinity pools seemingly suspended above rice terraces, and interiors marrying smooth stone, rich woods, and ornate carvings. Many luxury resorts offer both suites and private villas with personal butler service, signature spas, diverse global restaurants, and curated experiences like yoga at dawn or Balinese temple tours. Locations vary from dramatic cliffside hideaways to lush mountain getaways and serene beachfronts. Even if you don’t book a stay, spending an afternoon poolside or enjoying an on-site spa is an experience in itself, especially during a busy holiday in Indonesia.
Villas
Renting a villa is often the preferred choice for visitors seeking privacy, luxury, and a touch of local culture—especially in Bali, Lombok, and the Gili Islands. These villas are designed to feel both indulgent and authentic, incorporating traditional Balinese elements such as alang-alang (thatched) roofs, carved teak doors, and lush internal gardens. Many feature private pools, open-air living areas, and panoramic nature or coastal views. A standout feature is the opportunity to personalize your experience: enjoy chef-prepared dinners using local ingredients, spa treatments arranged on your terrace, or yoga sessions by your pool. Sharing a villa with a group of friends or family is not only economically wise but also enhances the communal, relaxing spirit of Indonesian travel.
Traditional Houses
Adventurous travelers can immerse themselves in the living history of Indonesia by staying in traditional houses such as the Javanese joglo, Balinese bale, or the distinctive Minangkabau homes of Sumatra. Each reflects its region’s character: joglos are famed for their high central roofs, expansive shady verandas, and handmade wooden construction. In Bali, traditional homes often sit in tranquil compounds dotted with offerings and statues, open to gentle tropical breezes. In more remote regions, you may encounter indigenous styles such as the longhouses of Kalimantan or the stilted houses of Sulawesi. Facilities may be more rustic, but the opportunity to sleep in a home shaped by generations of culture, in harmony with its environment, is increasingly rare outside Indonesia.
Eco-Lodges
Eco-lodges are flourishing in Indonesia’s most breathtaking natural settings—rainforests, volcano slopes, and coastal jungles, particularly in Bali, Lombok, and remote islands. These lodges spotlight sustainability: locally-sourced bamboo and wood construction, solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and a strong commitment to conserving the surrounding nature. Many eco-lodges are closely involved with local communities, hiring village staff and supporting conservation or cultural projects. Guests enjoy guided wildlife walks, organic farm-to-table meals, and authentic village visits, all with minimal ecological impact. Travelers should be mindful that amenities may be simpler, access more remote, and logistics less predictable—but the trade-off is an immersive, meaningful experience in Indonesia’s wild heart.
Homestays
For authentic connection and insight into Indonesian ways of life, homestays offer a warm welcome across the archipelago’s villages and smaller towns. Whether sleeping in a traditional Javanese house or a simple modern home, you’ll be invited to share daily life: learning to cook satay over coconut husks, joining morning market visits, or even participating in temple or village ceremonies with your hosts. Homestays are surprisingly comfortable—many now offer air-conditioning and Wi-Fi—while still fostering closeness to community and place. They’re the best entry point for travelers seeking cultural exchange, and a favorite at Shanti Travel for visitors eager to look beyond the tourist trail.
Expert Tips for Choosing Your Accommodation in Indonesia
- Consider your destination: Bali offers the greatest variety (from opulent resorts to unique eco-lodges), while regions like Sumatra, Sulawesi, or the eastern isles specialize in rustic traditional houses or community-run lodgings.
- Balance comfort and adventure: Luxury options provide ease, while traditional stays deliver authenticity and connection.
- Prepare for local variations: Mountain retreats will be cooler than beach villas; transport to remote eco-lodges or homestays may require extra planning.
- Book early during holidays: Indonesian school holidays and festivals can quickly fill up popular places.
With over 20 years’ experience discovering Asia’s hidden gems, Shanti Travel can match you with the accommodation that elevates your journey—whether it’s a starlit joglo in Java or a sun-drenched villa in Bali. Let your choice of stay become a highlight of your Indonesian adventure.
