West Sumatra
Rimba Ecolodge is an intimate French-Indonesian-run place reachable by boat. Monkeys (both silvered leaf and red leaf species) come to explore the beach…
Must-see hotels in Sumatra
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Danau Toba
Horas Family Home is perfect for those wanting a homely space with cooking facilities, and is a unique option for those seeking something different. Best…
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Aceh
This delightful cluster of breezy rooms sits above Pulau Weh's nicest stretch of white-sand beach, which has a small coral reef. It’s perfect for those…
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Danau Toba
The most attractive accommodation on Pulau Samosir is this sprawling German-run lakeside place that has the feel and professionalism of a laid-back resort…
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Padang
With a great location in the atmospheric old quarter along the river, this unique choice is upstairs from its popular eponymous bar. It's more of an art…
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West Sumatra
Run by young and energetic owners Ikbal and Noni, Abdi Homestay is the loveliest place to stay in the Harau Valley. Eight adorable thatched bungalows …
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Pulau Bintan
At this Swiss-run hideaway, gorgeous thatched bungalows with spacious verandahs sit amid unruly vegetation right by a pristine beach; its shallow waters…
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Aceh
An unexpected find in the gritty port town of Singkil is this attractive traditional house featuring a polished-wood interior, antiques and plenty of…
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West Sumatra
Sitting among verdant rice paddies and a flowering tropical garden is this stunning lodge that incorporates a spectacular traditional Minangkabau design…
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Sumatra
Run by local surfer Timmy and his friendly family, the old favourite Key Hole Surf Camp is right in the thick of things. It has eight comfortable, air…
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West Sumatra
This bright, modern guesthouse is run by thoughtful owner Ling, who understands the needs of budget travellers. She is happy to provide maps of town, has…
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Bukit Lawang
More on the hill than on the rocks, the 10 ‘tribal’ huts here verge on being luxurious in a rustic way. Each hut has a verandah and sunken bathroom, and…
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Aceh
Behind the diving centre of the same name, Lumba Lumba offers some of the best-quality accommodation in Gapang. Wood-decked cottages have tiled rooms,…
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West Sumatra
Run by a friendly, energetic local couple, Fifi and Jack, this hostel and cafe is Danau Maninjau’s backpacker central. Bunk in the four-bed dorm or go for…
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Sumatra
One of south Sumatra's best hostels, Flip Flop is an immaculate multilevel space that's lovingly decorated with vibrant furnishings, murals and pot plants…
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Banyak Islands
The Banyak hot spot for backpackers at the time of research, Nina's comprises five spacious, thatched bungalows with hammocks swinging on shady porches…
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Sumatra
Leafy gardens, fan-cooled bungalows with private outdoorsy bathrooms, the best surfer-lodge food and friendly underfoot dogs are the defining features of…
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Mentawai Islands
Ten bungalows in a garden setting occupy a private beach here within easy reach of the breaks Telescopes and Iceland, and there’s a beginner’s surf break…
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Mentawai Islands
Boasting one of Mentawai's most stunning white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and coconut trees, this Spanish-owned resort truly is your clichéd…
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Mentawai Islands
With Pitstops breaking right in front of its three breezy Mentawai-style cottages, this intimate surf retreat has an enviable location on Pulau Masokut…
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Gunung Leuser National Park
This well-priced guesthouse has a beautiful riverside location and charming, colourful wooden bungalows equipped with Western toilets. The cheapest rooms…
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Sumatra
Run by laid-back husband-and-wife team Yoris and Fransiska, this original, lovingly designed spot has rooms inside a number of traditional Sumatran-style…
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Mentawai Islands
On the private 12-hectare island of Pitojat, Togat Nusa has four bungalows catering to only eight guests at a time. The funky and stylish accommodation is…
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Danau Toba
This backpacker fave close to the ferry terminal has limited lake views, but a chill universe is created by a lush garden and arty versions of traditional…
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Gunung Leuser National Park
The first Ketambe guesthouse you'll come across if approaching from the south and the most charming of its accommodation options, this place consists of…
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Pulau Bintan
The private and privileged Banyan Tree has famed spa facilities and is a high-powered retreat deep in the jungle. The hotel shares a 900m-long beach with…
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Gunung Leuser National Park
Rainforest Lodge has simple but pleasant bungalows along a river in beautiful jungle surrounds, with plenty of opportunities for wildlife-spotting. Let Mr…
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Bukit Lawang
Living up to its name, this lodge is set on a gorgeous bend in the river a 45-minute walk from civilisation. Aca, the eco-minded owner, has preserved a…
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Pulau Bintan
Rustic whitewashed beach huts and a white sandy beach make this chillaxed resort popular with visitors from neighbouring Singapore looking for a quick,…
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Aceh
There's a fabulous range of rooms and cottages cascading down the cliff side at this Mediterranean-feeling resort. Although it caters to all travellers …
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North Sumatra
With its unconventional, unsigned address set in a car park back from the main road, your first impressions here may leave you wondering. However, this is…
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Padang
Down a backstreet just off Jl Nipah, Brigitte’s is a great backpacker pad with a relaxed ambience and chilled lounge and kitchen areas. The singles are…
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Bukit Lawang
Run by an English conservation scientist and her Sumatran husband, Green Hill has lovely stilt-high rooms ideal for couples and families, with cool en…
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Mentawai Islands
On tiny, lush Pulau Buasak on the outskirts of Playground, Shadow is run by friendly local surfer brothers Ade (along with his Spanish wife) and Dodi and…
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Sumatra
A luxurious surfing resort sitting on its own private island, this place has excellent access to Telo’s 18 breaks, sea views from its sumptuous rooms and…
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Sumatra
An intimate surf retreat for 12 guests in a remote location, run by the ever-helpful Mario Fernandes, a Brazilian transplant who guarantees you a good…
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Banyak Islands
The only accommodation on Pulau Palambak Besar is in these 10 lovely bungalows with shared bathrooms fronting a stunning beach. There's a nice restaurant…
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Padang
Popular with surfers and backpackers, this friendly, relaxed six-room guesthouse is the perfect mix of budget and style. A compact Zen garden combines…
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Padang
Within a converted old house, this rather refined hostel has polished hardwood floors, exposed brick walls and antique decorations. Boutique rooms and…
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Aceh
Offering cheap and cheerful huts on stilts, Olala caters both to shoestringers (with basic huts with shared bathrooms) and those who want their own…
