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The eclectic creative mix may not be everyone’s cup-of-pixie dust, and at times feels a bit hodge-podge, but it’s definitely fun and unique. On offer is a six-bed female dorm, eight-bed mixed dorm, and four private doubles with ensuite. All are fan-cooled and bathrooms are cold-water only, but hey, it’s the tropics.

The junkyard room. Photo: Sally Arnold

Dorms are decked out with solid, purpose-built wooden bunks with comfy mattresses curtained for privacy, each with a personal fan, lamp and power socket as well as a bit of street-art-style artwork on the wall to give you, er, interesting dreams. Large lockers keep your goods and chattels out of the way (bring a padlock) and each dorm shares two basic, but clean bathrooms. Headphones rigged up next to some of the thrones offer tunes while you… contemplate life.

The themed rooms are a hoot (we saw two): “Junkyard” has a bed made from the back of a Suzuki truck, oil drum shelves, seriously distressed walls, number plates and general junk. The bed is surprisingly comfy and the room is clean and functional. “Graffity” is more street-art style, perhaps a bit much after a few Bintangs. Other themes are “Jungle” and “Beach”. The walls of the private rooms don’t reach the ceilings, so perhaps not the ideal honeymoon location, however they mentioned that they intend to enclose these in the near future.

One of the dorm rooms. Photo: Sally Arnold

The common area is small and close to the rooms too, but guests mentioned the noise wasn’t an issue. A share kitchen enables you to create a little magic of your own if you wish, or simply grab a cold beer from the fridge and write your name down to pay later.

The tiny boat-shaped pool is fab to cool off in at the end of the day, but be careful of the plank bridge as you cross to go to the kitchen. Hosts seem really passionate about what they do, and as well as being helpful, are funny and entertaining. Free WiFi is super fast, and included breakfasts are local fare you’ve possibly never tried, something different each day.

The relatively calm hallway. Photo: Sally Arnold

As Abrakadabra is in a suburban area, they are keen to be respectful of the neighbours, and you’re required to sign a disclaimer stating that you’ll abide by the rules, which as well as “normal” regulations include “#11: Make love is beautiful but please do not make extremely loud noise” and #14: Smile and say hello to the neighbours when you meet them. Abrakadabra has character in bucketloads and a rather social vibe—no illusion, it’s a top spot for a spell (sorry). Abrakadabra is a 15-minute walk to the bars and restaurants in the Prawirotaman area. If you’d prefer to be closer to the action, Good Karma embraces a (not quite as out there) arty vibe too.