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We ventured over for the food, but were happy to discover they offer three pleasant flashpacker style rooms. Bright lime green exteriors open to equally brightly painted spacious rooms—the one we viewed was vivid blue, but were informed they are all different. The simple tiled interiors are clean but a tad dark without the light on as there’s only one small window.

Rooms are spartan but clean. Photo: Sally Arnold

Facilities include air-con and a tiny TV (local channels) with DVD player. Contemporary styled white-washed furniture counts a comfy bed, desk and wardrobe. Bed linen is just a bottom sheet—pretty tulip pattern in the room we viewed, so you may wish to pack a sleep sheet. It’s sweet and smart, although the bathroom is a bit of a letdown with old stained ties and a squat toilet only, however it’s scrubbed clean and as well as a traditional scoop ’n splash mandi, a cold shower will refresh. If you prefer a Western-style toilet, you could venture to the one in the cafe.

A small terrace outside the room offers a table and chair, but we’d prefer to sit in the cafe itself, gaze at the view and meet some locals or on some evenings, enjoy live music. Staff are friendly and helpful, but not all speak English, however there seems to be a lot, so someone will be able to help.

The cafe grounds are memorable. Photo: Sally Arnold

If you’re heading to Karimunjawa and would prefer to be closer to the port, Homestay Kota Baru is more basic, but is a friendly well located option or if you’re happy in the centre of town, and your flashpacker budget has a bit more of a stretch, Syailendra Hotel is a decent choice for a smart and clean hotel.