Cheap Hotels in Jakarta

Cheap areas to stay in Jakarta

From ancient Hindu capital to Dutch colonial outpost to hub for shoestring travelers making their way to explore the exotic climes of Indonesia, it's hardly surprising that Jakarta has plenty of cheap hotel choices. Look to the energetic streets of Jalan Jaksa – the self-proclaimed backpacker hub of the city. Or, go for the collection of stripped-down and simple places to stay in the heart of Central Jakarta, offering clean rooms and easy access to the bustling streets. And then there’s the peppering of great places on Jalan Mangga Besar Raya: vibrant, cheap, and comfy.

Cheap hotels in Jakarta

You won't be able to miss the soaring spire of the Amaris Hotel as it shoulders its way above the bustling roundabouts and roadways of Central Jakarta. With more than 134 guestrooms and a free breakfast, it's one of the top places for those on a tight budget here. The colorful POP! Hotel, meanwhile, is perhaps the perfect choice for travelers eager to stay close to the runways of the Soekarno–Hatta International Airport, while the Red Planet Pasar Baru hotel offers cool, clean rooms with air conditioning and flat-screen TVs.

Where to find cheap food in Jakarta

Jakarta bursts with the same spice-scented street food and traditional Asian kitchens as all the other cities in the region, meaning a low-cost meal is never far away. Check out the earthy kitchens that spill onto the streets of Jalan Jaska. Filled with backpackers, it's a fine place to swap travel tales over a steaming gado gado platter. The steamy bazaar in Marunda's Pasar Rumput is another great option for the explorative foodie, while coffee shops and buffet-style warungs – traditional Indonesian kitchens – dot the strip of Mangga Besar on the north side of town.

Cheap things to do in Jakarta

You don't have to be an international banker or a jet setter to enjoy the delights of Indonesia's capital. In fact, there's plenty to do on a budget here, no matter what sort of traveler you are. For the history buffs and cultural types, there’s the needle-like Monas monument in the heart of the city, the colossal Istiqlal Mosque which promises a glimpse at the proud religiosity of the nation, and the Sunda Kelapa which tells a story going back more than 500 years. Food tourism’s also a big thing in these parts, and you certainly won't have to break the bank on a tasting trip through the cheap bazaars of Pasar Rumput and Jalan Jaska – just beware of the potent Indonesian chili. And then there's the wild nightlife for the hedonists, which means Bintang beers for cheap and karaoke bars by the bucket load.

Cheap ways to get around Jakarta

Jakarta is a real gift for the budget traveler in terms of public transport. For starters, those rumbling auto-rickshaws are simply great value, can be hailed from pretty much anywhere in the city, and offer a great experience of the local way of living – just be sure to agree on a price with the driver before you set off. Jakarta also has a great network of buses, trolleybuses, and trains, all of which can be ridden for less on discounted multi-day tickets.