The Best Backpacker Hostels And Homestays In Yogyakarta Indonesia

Discover the best backpacker hostels and immerse yourself in Indonesia’s dazzling cultural capital of Yogyakarta – and book your stay with Culture Trip.

Yogyakarta, home to ancient temples and former palaces, as well as arts and handicrafts, is regarded as the cultural capital of Indonesia. As such, it’s the ideal destination to forgo the typical hotel and try a hostel or homestay. These are not only a great way to cut your traveling budget, but also a channel to meet new people and enjoy local experiences, especially in a place as cultural as Yogyakarta.

1. The Packer Lodge

Hostel

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.

2. Snooze Guesthouse

Hostel

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.

4. Laura's Backpacker 523

Hostel

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.

5. Home Addicts Hostel

Hostel

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.

6. Pondok Sare Hostel

Hostel

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.

7. Nextdoor Homestay

Hostel

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.

8. EDU Hostel Jogja

Hostel

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.

9. Mango Tree Dipudjo Homestay

Hostel

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.

Edira Putri contributed additional reporting.

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