Our rating:
Quick links
Our review | Walk-in rates | Address | Map | Agoda | Booking
After a chilled backpacker vibe on a budget? At the time of research, Samsara offered the only dorm beds in Karimunjawa, although the folks at The Coconut House are building a new guesthouse that will offer dorms too.
This simple open-plan house is decked out with a handful of basic fan-cooled private rooms with ensuite cold-water bathrooms, and one four-bed fan-cooled mixed dorm, also with ensuite. Two sturdy wooden double bunks in the dorm room leave ample room for bags (no lockers) and mandala patterned bed linen boosts the hippy ambience and brightens the somewhat bland interiors. Small wall-mounted and standard fans can be directed at your bed, but you’ll have to piggyback the power outlet with the fans and other guests’ gadgets.

A typical dorm set-up. Photo: Sally Arnold
Clean bathrooms are equipped with Western-style flushing toilets (with a choice of “bum gun” or loo roll), cold-water showers and (much more efficient) mandis. Privates are similar (but with a double bed), and most rooms open to the interior communal space, although our pick of the private rooms accesses a street-facing furnished veranda.
Painted mandalas, recycled wood and furniture made from upcycled tires along with a couple of friendly felines and a laid-back, dreadlocked approachable host tick all the boxes for a relaxing and comfortable stay. Breakfast is included and you’re welcome to use the open-plan kitchen, they even sell espresso coffee!

Make yourself at home. Photo: Sally Arnold
Snorkelling trips, scooters and taxis can all be arranged and terrific painted maps on the walls point out all the top spots. Evenings can turn into a local jam session, although chilled and not late—they like to respect their neighbours, and Samsara occasionally organise beach parties too.
Samsara can be found by following the road directly from the port, just as it starts to head up the hill. If they’re full other traveller friendly private rooms can be found at The Coconut House, with share bathrooms and The Happinezz with private ensuite, both with a choice of fan or air-con.
If you enjoyed this article and would like to support independent travel writing on Southeast Asia, please subscribe to Travelfish—it’s just A$35 per year (less than A$1 per week)!
Check rates at Samsara on Agoda.com
Check rates at Samsara on Booking.com.
Walk-in rates at Samsara
Type of room, low and high season prices
200,000 rupiah on weekends
Room: Dorm fan cooled, low season: 90,000 rupiah, high season 90,000 rupiah. Notes: Four bed dorm
Room: Dbl fan private bathroom, low season: 180,000 rupiah, high season 180,000 rupiah. Notes: 200,000 rupiah on weekends
Check rates at Samsara on Agoda.com
Check rates at Samsara on Booking.com.
Where is Samsara
Samsara
Jalan Dermaga Baru, Karimunjawa
T: (0839) 343 4959
samsara.karimunjawa@gmail.comhttps://www.facebook.com/samsara.karimunjawa/
Coordinates (for GPS): 110º26'26.66" E, 5º52'52.67" S
Room rates: Under 150,000 Rp