If you’re backpacking through Java, chances are you’ll swing by Jakarta at some point. It’s the ultimate launchpad to explore Indonesia, with dirt-cheap flights and easy connections to hotspots like Bali, Yogyakarta, and Lombok. While this sprawling metropolis is often treated as just a transit stop, don’t be fooled—Jakarta’s got a lot more to offer.
It’s a wild blend of skyscrapers and motorbikes, buzzing local markets, and hipster cafes. There’s also a solid dash of history with Dutch colonial vibes scattered around town. My fellow foodies gather round, because Jakarta has a vibrant food scene of the weird and wonderful that’ll get your tastebuds GOIN’.
The capital of Indonesia is also home to diverse ethnic groups, one of the biggest Chinatowns in the world, and generally a tangle of massive roads soaring over little villages… Yep, you’ll need maps up on your phone to get around this beast of a city.
So with a city so sprawling it can feel damn near impossible to find a hostel that’s best suited for you, but fear not—that’s where I come in. I’ve done the legwork (literally and digitally) to bring you the ultimate guide to the best hostels in Jakarta.
No matter how you roll on your travels, you’ll find a hostel for you in this list.
Are you ready? Let’s get cracking.
Photo: @taya.travels
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Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Jakarta
- Best Overall Hostel in Jakarta – Konko Hostel Jakarta
- Best Hostel in Jakarta for Solo Travelers – Wonderloft Hostel
- Best Cheap Hostel in Jakarta – The Packer Lodge
- Best Party Hostel in Jakarta – My Capsule Jakarta – Batavia
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Jakarta – Tuju Arteri Pods
The 5 Best Hostels in Jakarta
Here it is – the crème de la crème of Jakarta’s hostels, neatly split into travel niches just for you. Choosing where to stay has never been easier, so you can dive headfirst into exploring the city in no time!
If you’re using Jakarta as a pit stop on your way to other gorgeous corners of Indonesia, your stay doesn’t have to be a drag! Book yourself an epic hostel, do some exploring, or just kick back and recharge—either way, it’s time well spent.
1. Konko Hostel – Best Overall Hostel in Jakarta
- Dorm (mixed): From $9
- Private Room: From $29
- Address: JL. Kebon Sirih Raya No.9J, Kebon Sirih, Menteng, Jakarta, Indonesia
Konko Hostel is the perfect start to your Indonesia trip. After arriving at 2 am, I couldn’t have been happier to have checked in here. Stylishly designed, the rooms have everything you need, lamps, plug sockets next to the bed, and hot showers that are SO needed after a long travel day. Although the rooms are small they do the job well and the comfy beds, AC at the perfect temp and quiet rooms mean = a good night’s kip.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Friendly Staff
- Clean and Modern Amenities
- Chill Out Zone With TV and Playstation
Jakarta’s right on your doorstep — everything’s either a short stroll or a quick hop on the train away. You’ll be in the thick of it in no time, from the bustling streets to the hidden gems of the ‘Big Durian’. The staff are legends too, helping you tackle the whole new country saga — think ATMs, SIM cards, and the other bits that make life easier.
There’s a chill social room upstairs, but it was pretty mellow when I stayed. Still, there’s a PlayStation, a TV, and even a guitar for when you need some downtime. Big cosy vibes, perfect for recharging after a day out.
There is also street food next door which was a good welcome to Jakarta – you’ll be feeling like a local in no time! Vegan travellers who want to try local food can simply try out the restaurant in the alley next door. Order yourself a plate of rice, veggie clear soup and a big chunk of temper — yum!!!
2. Wonderloft Hostel – Best Hostel in Jakarta for Solo Travelers
- Dorm (mixed): From $8
- Private Room: From $36
- Address: Jalan Bank no 6 & 8, Pinangsia, Tamansari, Jakarta Barat, Jakarta, Indonesia
This place has all the right vibes and then some. It’s in a historic building, rocking that polished concrete and exposed brick look, with a rooftop terrace for sunset chills. Plus, there’s a massive chill-out zone with bean bags — perfect for lounging after a day of exploring. The staff are incredibly helpful, and the location is spot on. It’s easy to hit the party spots or explore the city’s history within minutes plus Jakarta Kota Station is literally a minute’s walk away. The local weekend market and Old Town are always buzzing with things to do.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Great Location
- Social Vibes
- Great Common Area
From the second you step through the door, the staff make you feel at home, and the whole place is spotless. The rooms are cosy, and the beds are pure bliss, with lockers by each one to keep your gear safe. They’ve got all the essentials sorted – free Wi-Fi, a fully stocked kitchen, and even extra perks like tours. The free breakfast is definitely worth getting up for.
The vibe is just right – laid-back yet social, with a welcoming common area that makes it easy to connect with other travellers backpacking Southeast Asia. There’s a strong sense of community, whether it’s mingling with locals, staff, or fellow backpackers. For anyone open to authentic local experiences, Wonderloft Hostel is just that – far from the usual tourist traps.
3. The Packer Lodge – Best Cheap Hostel in Jakarta
- Dorm (mixed): From $7
- Private Room: From $12
- Address: Jl. Kemurnian 4 no. 20 – 22, Glodok, Tamansari, Jakarta Barat, DKI Jakarta, Jakarta, Indonesia
Smack bang in the middle of Chinatown – one of the biggest in the world – this place knows how to make travellers feel at home. Comfort is top priority, with pod-style dorm rooms and private rooms featuring super comfy double beds for that perfect post-city unwind. And with the quality amenities on offer, it’s easily one of the best value hostels in Jakarta!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Cool Tours Offered
- Pod-style Dorm Rooms
- Chinatown Location
It’s the kind of spot where you can chill out after soaking in the city’s madness. Fun but not over the top, there’s a cosy kitchen and a gym to balance out the street food feasting. Plus, there’s a shop just around the corner for anything you need. The staff and other guests keep it friendly and social, making it an ideal starting point for backpacking Indonesia. With plenty of sights, cafés, and tasty hawker stalls nearby, you’re set.
The café next door is a great option for meals, and the hostel’s always got safe drinking water on hand, so you won’t find yourself scrambling at 2 am (been there, it’s no fun). On Tuesdays, they organise food tours to try the weird and the wonderful that Jakarta’s food scene has to offer. As a fellow foodie, this is my kind of hostel activity.
For a truly off-the-beaten-path adventure, the hostel organises a multi-day trip to visit the Baduy tribe in the jungle. It’s a pretty insane excursion. A local guide takes you in, and the trip includes an overnight stay in the jungle. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you won’t find on the usual Jakarta itinerary which sets this hostel out from the crowd.
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View on Osprey View on REI4. My Capsule Jakarta – Batavia – Best Party Hostel in Jakarta
- Dorm (mixed): From $8
- Private Room: From $16
- Address: Kompleks Ruko Central Cikini No 60 Z, Jl. Cikini Raya,Jakarta Pusat, Jakarta, Indonesia
My Capsule Jakarta is a social, semi-party hostel that switches things up depending on the crowd. Some nights, the lobby’s buzzing with music and a full-on party; other times, it’s all about belting out karaoke. And every night, without fail, there’s a family dinner that brings everyone together. The lobby is where the social magic happens, but rest easy – no matter how wild things get, it all wraps up by midnight so everyone can get some sleep.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Super Social
- Something Going on Every Night
- Walking Tours
Fun, friendly, and spotless, this Jakarta hostel is run by the loveliest crew. The vibe here is all good energy, and the rooftop bar excursions come with stunning views of the city.
The staff are super knowledgeable and can take you on city tours, perfect if you’re flying solo and need a guide. But don’t stress – it’s a seriously social spot with awesome people, so you’ll be making mates in no time. And to top it all off, they serve up a killer free brekkie. Talk about value.
5. Tuju Arteri Pods – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Jakarta
- Dorm (Male/Female): From $10
- Address: 75b Jalan Sultan Iskandar Muda, 12240 Jakarta, Indonesia
For digital nomads in Jakarta, Tuju Arteri Pods is the place to be. With reliable free Wi-Fi, coworking spaces, and a relaxed vibe, you’ll have everything you need to set up shop in the city. There’s also a comfy lounge if you want to keep things a bit more low-key. Stay fuelled with free coffee and tea all day long, plus a cheeky snack from the kitchen.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Attracts a Digital Nomad Crowd
- Great Location
- Chill Vibes
Situated in South Jakarta, this hostel is a great option for solo travellers eager to explore. You’ll find food options and mini markets nearby, along with a bus stop, a Starbucks, local eateries, and Alfamart. And don’t worry about cash – ATMs are literally everywhere. It’s just a short stroll to Gandaria City Mall, Pondok Indah Mall and Museum Bank Indonesia making it super convenient to get to Jakarta’s hotspots.
When it comes to amenities, you’ll be well looked after. In the dorm rooms, you’ll find a pod bed with a thick duvet and cloud-like pillows. Each pod has a mini locker underneath to keep your gear secure. Bathroom essentials are sorted too – you’ll get a towel, shower gel, and even a toothbrush and toothpaste for those who forget the basics (yeah, we’ve all been there).
There’s a prayer room, coworking space, and a kitchen to cover all your needs for a longer stay. Insider tip: there’s an amazing rooftop that doesn’t get much love, but it offers killer views of the city. All in all, Tuju Arteri Pods is a solid choice for anyone kicking back in Jakarta for a while.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Jakarta Hostels
So, now that I’ve talked about the best, let’s talk about the rest! (Of the best). These are some more picks from the top Jakarta hostels to rest your weary head at when exploring the city.
Travelling with pals? Why not rally the troops and rent a big ‘ol Airbnb in Jakarta to really kick off your trip in style?!
Stay Inn Hostel Jakarta
- Dorm (mixed): From $8
- Address: Jalan Hayam Wuruk no.1 RU RT.007/RW.002, Kebon Kelapa, Gambir, Jakarta Pusat, 10120 Jakarta, Indonesia
Stay Inn Hostel Jakarta is a quirky pod-style haven that delivers serious privacy for budget-conscious travellers in Indonesia. If you’re looking to save without sacrificing comfort, this is a fantastic alternative to a pricey private room. It’s clean, cosy, and features some seriously comfy beds. With massive lockers, perfectly set AC, and the luxury of a hot shower, it ticks all the boxes.
Located centrally, you’ll have easy access to the historic heart of the city as well as the buzzing new shopping malls, skyscrapers and the National Museum of Indonesia. You’ll also find a range of fantastic restaurants, both local and international within walking distance. The common area is super inviting, making it the ideal spot to unwind after a day of exploration. And with solid free Wi-Fi, you can work, plan the rest of your Indonesia itinerary, and make the most of your adventure – the world is your oyster!
Bobopod Kota Tua, Jakarta
- Private Room: From $10
- Address: Jl. Taman Fatahillah No.3, RT.7/RW.7, Kel. Pinangsia, Kec. Taman Sari, 11110 Jakarta, Indonesia
Bobopod Kota Tua is another great pod-style hostel that offers the privacy of a hotel room on a backpacker’s budget in Indonesia. Nestled in the heart of the Batavia district, you’ll be surrounded by brightly coloured colonial buildings and will be right in the thick of the action for exploring. There’s always something going on in the square outside the hostel on the weekend like markets, street food and live music.
The pods themselves are seriously cool. You can change the temperature, the lights and even the music you fall asleep to. How insane is that? They’re comfortable, clean and quiet so you’re sure to get some serious sleep here. The check-in process is quick, easy and 24 hours so you don’t have to stress if you have a late-night flight.
Nomad Hostel
This is actually called Nomad Hostel, so there’s a clue. And yes. It’s the best hostel for digital nomads in Jakarta. It features a load of different nooks and crannies you can cosy up in with your laptop and GET. WORK. DONE.
Fun and one of the coolest hostels in Jakarta with its concrete floors, psychedelic patterns on the walls and loads of colour pops all over the place, it’s a chill place to hang out once you’ve had enough of scrolling and typing. It’s got keycard access to enter so no matter what time of day you can feel safe.
Sleepy Racoon
Sleepy Racoon is a solid option for a budget hostel in West Jakarta. Featuring the all-important actually large lockers (backpacking backpacks can fit in these – YES) and close proximity to all the things to do in central Jakarta like Museum Bank Indonesia and the National Museum of Indonesia.
Helping to keep costs low at this place is the local market nearby, where you’re bound to get a few cheap eats. But also on the shoestring saving coin thing, they serve free breakfast, which is always the best way to start your day in my book.
Six Degrees
Boasting a great city centre location, Six Degrees is a banging hostel if you’re looking for a party. Happy hour is from 6-8pm so you get a whole TWO hours to get stuck in. There are also pool tables and an old-school N64 to play and get competitive with your new travel pals. It attracts a cool crowd here for you to go out and about, get involved in local festivals and dive into the nightlife scene.
A little bit far from the city, sure, but there’s a load of very local and very tasty food stalls around here – plus a few places to grab a beer. And if you need to work on those muscles, just head on over to the outdoor gym they’ve got.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Jakarta
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Jakarta.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
FAQs About Hostels in Jakarta
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Jakarta.
What to Pack for your Jakarta Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
What is the best part of Jakarta to stay in?
Kota Tua (Old Town) has my vote for the coolest place to stay in the city. It’s bursting with history and culture, where you can wander through colonial streets, munch on street food, and soak up the local vibe. With budget-friendly hostels and attractions just a hop away, it’s the perfect spot to dive into Jakarta’s eclectic charm.
How much does a hostel cost in Jakarta?
The average price of hostels in Jakarta starts from $9 – $41+ per night. Of course, the private rooms are on the higher end of the scale than the dorm beds.
What is the best hostel in Jakarta with private rooms?
I stayed in a private room in Konko Hostel and it was pretty damn swanky. I’m talking hotel-like amenities for a backpacker price tag – definitely has my vote for the best hostel in Jakarta with private rooms.
Final Thoughts on Jakarta’s Hostels
So there you have it—the best hostels in Jakarta handpicked for every type of traveller. Whether you’re looking to kick back in a cosy pod, get involved in the social hostel scene, or base yourself in the heart of the city’s buzzing districts, Jakarta’s got you covered.
Sure, the city’s a bit of a wild ride, but once you’ve found your spot, you’ll be exploring its hidden gems and feeling like a local in no time.
Still unsure of where to stay? Wonderloft Hostel is my fave. It’s one of the most social in the city so if you’re starting out your trip here you certainly won’t feel alone by check-out time!
Happy travels! And hey, if you discover any hidden gems or must-try spots along the way, drop me a comment — I’m always looking for the best new spot in the capital.
Photo: @taya.travels
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Indonesia for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Jakarta covered.
- Check out the best places to stay in Jakarta before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Southeast Asia backpacking guide.
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