The Best Backpacker Hostels and Homestays in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

In central Yogyakarta, within walking distance of the city’s temples and museums, is The Packer Lodge. The dorms and rooms here are plain but clean and comfortable, and the owners place an emphasis on sustainability. Stretch your legs – or get a new perspective on the city – on the inviting rooftop garden.

A genuine effort to liven up the typical backpacker crash pad has been made at Snooze Guesthouse. Located in central Yogyakarta, just outside the former palace, this traditional house has fan-cooled rooms decked with colourful wall paintings, potted plants, local touches and retro knick-knacks. When you’re ready to emerge, picture-worthy communal areas bring guests together.

The Capsule Malioboro brings a touch of Tokyo to Yogyakarta. Accommodation here takes the form of 68 futuristic-looking, hi-tech pods, each equipped with a TV, mirror, power outlets and a control panel. Linked communal bathrooms and showers are contemporary and clean, and staff get lots of positive feedback for their service. Being a convenient location near shopping and dining outlets is a plus.

Laura’s Backpacker 523 is a cheap and cheery crash pad. Splashes of bright colour and fun wall paintings give life to the bunk bed-outfitted dorm rooms, while the traditional village setting makes you feel at home. An added bonus is its central location, which grants easy access to shopping, dining and two major train stations.

Home Addicts Hostel has transformed an otherwise standard suburban house into a cheery, welcoming budget bolt hole. Bright colours, chunky furniture and clean lines culminate in a vibe that’s not unlike a preschool or daycare – in a good way, of course. A welcoming communal area and a convenient location near some of Yogya’s cultural sights are additional benefits.

With a modern, minimalist feel, Pondok Sare offers budget accommodation in the centre of Yogyakarta. Both the private rooms and bunk bed-equipped dorms are decked in handsome combinations of white and navy, and offer access to clean bathrooms and a welcoming garden with a pond and communal area. Staff have stacked up heaps of praise for their service.

Centred around a small but inviting pool, Nextdoor Homestay has private rooms with subtle local touches, airy and welcoming, and linked to an inviting communal garden. Rooms that accommodate as many as six people are perfect for families. Its location near shopping, dining and cultural venues makes things easy for everybody.

If you’re on a budget in Yogyakarta, it won’t feel like it at EDU Hostel Jogja. Amenities such as the stunning rooftop swimming pool and guest computers are features of hotels that charge several times more than what you’ll pay here. In between city tours and adventures, you can chill or socialise in the common area, which is equipped with a flat-screen TV and cosy bean bag chairs.

At Mango Tree, a local family has opened their Javanese-style home to travellers. This means airy gazebos, a spacious yard, lush surroundings and genuine hospitality. There are several room options to meet different budgets and preferences, from spacious, air-conditioned rooms to beds in a dorm. You’ll also love the common area, where fellow travellers can engage in chess games, watch TV or make use of the barbecue set.