Jakarta is literally a sprawling metropolis, a sea of skyscrapers and motorbikes, home to local markets and trendy cafes, historical sights and reminders of its Dutch colonial past. Full of flavour and fun, it’s one for you urbanites out there.
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.
But being literally so huge, where on earth do you even begin to think about staying? And is it safe?
Yeah, don’t worry about it. In fact, we’ve made a list of the best hostels in Jakarta – and put ’em in handy categories, too – to make life easier for you when you want to find the hostel that’s right for you.
Peep the top Jakarta backpackers hostels below…
Quick answer: The Best Hostels in Jakarta
- Best Overall Hostel in Jakarta – Wonderfloft
- Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Jakarta – Capsule Hotel Jakarta
- Best Cheap Hostel in Jakarta – Sleepy Racoon
- Best Hostel for Couples in Jakarta – The Packer Lodge
- Best Hostel with a Private Room in Jakarta – Konko Hostel
Best Hostels in Jakarta
If you are visiting Indonesia then you will probably be passing through Jakarta. These are the best Jakarta hostels.
Wonderloft – Best Overall Hostel in Jakarta
Ah, the Wonderloft… How could this not be the best overall hostel in Jakarta with a name like that? It’s in a historic building, it’s cool (polished concrete, brick walls, etc.), it’s got a rooftop terrace, it’s got a big ol’ chillout area with bean bags in it… I mean, there’s a lot going for this Jakarta backpackers hostel.
What else? Well, the beds are actually heavenly, the staff are really helpful, the location is amazing (get to party areas as well as historic bits in literal minutes), and the Wi-Fi is amazing. AMAZING. Oh and there’s a mini-mart downstairs. It really is the Wonderloft.
Capsule Hotel Jakarta – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Jakarta
Super fun, super friendly, super clean, this best hostel for solo travellers in Jakarta is run by a bunch of nice people. We’re talkin’ all round good vibes going on here.
The staff also know their stuff and they can take you on tours of the city, which is decent if you don’t have a travelling bud to get lost with. Don’t fret though: it’s pretty easy to meet here thanks to the pretty sociable atmosphere. Oh and this top hostel in Jakarta serves up a mean free brekkie.
Sleepy Racoon – Best Cheap Hostel in Jakarta
Cute name. It’s also pretty much a decent overall solid option for a budget hostel in Jakarta. Featuring the all-important actually large lockers (backpacking backpacks can fit in these – YES).
Helping to keep costs low at this best cheap hostel in Jakarta 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 a good way to start the day.
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REIThe Packer Lodge – Best Hostel for Couples in Jakarta
Set right in the middle of Chinatown (literally one of the biggest in the world), this place is all about making a home away from home for travellers. That means supreme comfort. There’s pod dorms and private rooms with super comfy double beds.
It’s a homely place to unwind after checking out the madness of the city – in fact, we’d say it’s the best hostel for couples in Jakarta. Yep. This place is fun, but not too crazy. Nearby you’ll find a load of sights, cafes, plus tasty hawker stalls. We’re in.
Konko Hostel – Best Hostel with a Private Room in Jakarta
New and full of cool design, this recommended hostel in Jakarta features a decor scheme that we can get on board with – lots of grey, concrete, yellow metal frame beds. Very industrial chic, y’know?
It’s more like a budget hotel, but it’s boutique in flavour, so we’d say it’s easily the best hostel with a private room in Jakarta. The rooms have everything you need, other than being stylish they’ve got lamps, plug sockets next to the bed, space for all your pocket shizz. Love it.
Six Degrees – Best Party Hostel in Jakarta
Best party hostel in Jakarta, boom. Happy hour from 6-8pm (that’s TWO hours), boom. Pool tables, boom. N64 (old school AF but we LOVE it), boom. I mean, it’s a dang social place to be which is basically why it’s the best party hostel in Jakarta.
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.
Nomad Hostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Jakarta
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. Cafes nearby help break up the day, too.
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!More Best Hostels in Jakarta
Some neighborhoods are more fun than others – discover which are the best areas to stay in Jakarta and then book the right hostel!
Twins Mangga Dua
A hostel slash hotel kinda place, there are loadsa different types of rooms going on at this top hostel in Jakarta. Actually, we’d say it’s a good place to stay if you’re looking for a private room.
Also at this Jakarta backpackers hostel, you’ll find a load of lil’ hangout areas. You can meet other backpackin’ peeps here, we guess the sorta people who are also looking for a cheap bed. I mean… it’s cool but basic.
Teduh Hostel
This youth hostel in Jakarta is an… alright place that is a decent enough option if you need somewhere to sleep at night. It definitely won’t be winning any awards for the coolest hostel in Jakarta or anything like that…
… But the beds are comfortable, they’ve got privacy curtains, and the rooms are kept nice and cool with a good bit of air con. Close by are loads of shopping malls and it’s not a very backpacker-y area, but you can hop on the bus and find your kindred spirits elsewhere in the city. Staff are very friendly, which makes up for it.
Citi Residence
The main train station is in walking distance, so it’s good for getting all over the city. Near to this Jakarta backpackers hostel you’ll also find a load of supermarkets and restaurants, which is always handy. It’s also down a quiet street.
Other than location this place is owned by a friendly family who are always helpful. Don’t be expecting modern and polished concrete and all that though: it’s pretty standard and basic. If you’re unfussy, you won’t mind that at all.
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 our top packing tips!
Why you should travel to Jakarta
We’re at the end of our handy list of the best hostels in Jakarta.
From stylish places dripping with cool, concrete and stylish furniture, to more family run basic hostel affairs, there’s something to suit everyone on our list.
And whether you want a private room or a dorm, both come pretty affordably, meaning you have more spare coin to get right into the nitty gritty of Jakarta.
But there’s a lot to choose from – we don’t blame you if you can’t decide which one to go for.
So we’d say just book Wonderloft, the best overall hostel in Jakarta. I mean, it’s in the name right?
Anyway, get ready for a city experience like no other!
FAQ about Hostels in Jakarta
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Jakarta.
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 are the best hostels in Jakarta for couples?
Private rooms with super comfy double beds make The Packer Lodge the best hostel for couples in Jakarta.
What is the best hostel in Jakarta near the airport?
Hostel options are quite far from the airport, so it is better to find the best place that offers airport transfers. Check out KINI Luxury Capsule, just a 21-minute drive from the airport.
Travel Safety Tips for 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.
More Epic Hostels in Indonesia and Southeast Asia
Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Jakarta.
Planning an epic trip all across Indonesia or even Southeast Asia itself?
Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
For more cool hostel guides around Southeast Asia, check out:
Over to you
By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Jakarta has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!
If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!
- 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.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
