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This fun and friendly hostel boasts terrific social spaces on the ground floor along with a handy mini-market attached to the building and a mix of dorms, private rooms and chill-out zones on the upper two floors. Wonderloft’s relaxed and welcoming vibe is the perfect introduction to Jakarta if you are feeling a little apprehensive arriving in the mega-metropolis. The communal areas are conducive to making new friends and even the list of rules states: “be polite and say hello to everyone in the room”.

Grab a beanbag. Photo: Sally Arnold

High ceilings and large windows offer a sense of space and openness and the cool cement floors and colourful decor keep it clean and bright. On the ground level you can play pool, table football, hang-out in the lounges and watch a movie, use the computers or whip up a storm in the kitchen and the hostel’s fridge stocks the one item the mini-market does not—beer, but at mini-market prices. Tons of local info is pinned to notice boards, including walking routes and transport timetables and eager staff are ready to help with any questions. Upstairs the communal space is more chilled with blue and yellow beanbags plonked on the cool polish cement floors, a pleasant spot for a quiet read or a bit of a snooze.

Dorms and private rooms are air-con cooled and ensuite and shared facilities offer hot showers with a variety of sleeping options on offer from 8-bed mixed or female only pod-style dorms or 4-bed mixed traditional bunk style dorms to large and small private twins with ensuite or shared facilities. Pods and bunks provide personal reading lights, power points and lockers and while pods offer privacy, the bunk rooms are a little more spacious and would be excellent for a group of friends.

Bunks in the dorm. Photo: Sally Arnold

Twins range from windowless small bunk rooms with a share bathroom or compact with an ensuite to spacious and bright with views over the street, and all look and smell both clean and fresh. Bathrooms are basic and although a little grimy at the edges that’s more to do with the age of the building than maintenance as they are regularly given the once over.

A simple breakfast is included, and you can add extras for a small cost. Towels and power adapters can be rented and sundries such as SIM cards and transport cards are available to purchase. Note that a 200,000 rupiah key deposit is required on check-in.

Leave your mark. Photo: Sally Arnold

We think Wonderloft Hostel is terrific, the prime location and friendly atmosphere are ace in our books but if Wonderloft is fully booked, you may consider The Packer Lodge or Teduh Hostel which are both nearby, however we were unable to check them out. These hostels are well reviewed on booking sites, but have a short-sighted policy of not allowing potential walk in guests from having a quick look inside. If you’d prefer a hostel in the city centre, Konko Hostel is another excellent choice.