Indonesia is a varied and exciting country to visit. For adventurous travelers on a budget, there are a range of affordable lodging options. Although most visitors flee the city upon arrival and head for Bali and the more rural parts of Indonesia, those in transit or visiting on business may find themselves staying over in Jakarta for a few days. Since the country is a popular stop on the backpacker circuit, budget hotels and guest houses have cropped up around the city to support these enthusiastic and frugal visitors.
For world travelers and backpackers who are weary of the guest house scene, Jakarta has outposts of several internationally recognized budget hotels. The simplest one to book in advance in the Ibis Accor economy hotel. This basic chain hotel provides the environment and amenities you're accustomed to finding at home. If you're at the end of a long journey and ready to treat yourself to the creature comforts, or just hiked out of the woods with an aching back and a strong desire for your very own bathroom, the local Ibis Accor economy hotel will not disappoint. The hotel is located close to major shopping and the Monas National Monument. If you're just getting started with your Indonesian adventure and want to get a taste of Jakarta city life, take in a few major sites and peruse the local shopping, this hotel will be a comfortable base. For doing business in Jakarta it is also a dependable option, as the international standards will be comforting to guests from around the world. You can reserve a room online for about $30 to $40.
For those who want to dive deep into the heart of Jakarta city life, the Kamar-Kamar for Backpackers is a bare bones rooming house for budget travelers. For about $15 per night you get a clean bed in the bustling south section of the city, hot water, air-conditioning and Wi-Fi. There are private and double rooms, as well as bunk rooms with up to eight beds. You're sure to meet other travelers on their way in or out of the country here, and the rooftop lounge area is a charming common space to exchange tips, trade paperbacks, and learn where to get the best currency exchange deals this week. Several of Jakarta's ubiquitous shopping malls are nearby, where you can stroll through shops and sample local food indoors, away from the notorious smog and traffic. Kamar Kamar (which means "Rooms Rooms") offers breakfast for about $2.50, and has a pantry and kitchen where you can store and prepare your own meals. They can make special arrangements to host groups of travelers, including airport pickup. If you are on your own, however, take a taxi for safety and convenience.
For a few more dollars you can find modest local luxury at the Bangka Bed and Breakfast. This homey B&B is more than a guest house, with privacy and amenities you won't find in typical backpacker haunts. You will get some local flavor at a good price. Rooms can be had for about $18 per night. Furnished in the traditional Indonesian style, you'll get a good feel for the local aesthetic when you eat and watch television in the common areas at Bangka. The family who operate Bangka love to share their city with visitors, and will be able to help you navigate Jakarta, as well as arrange transportation to your next destination. If you're traveling in Southeast Asia or Indonesia for the first time and want to feel right at home, you could not find a better spot to land. The Bangka is in South Jakarta, close to lots of cafes and restaurants that cater to a crowd of university-area locals and visitors from all over the world.
