Malang Indonesia – 10 Best Places to Stay in All Price Ranges
Accommodation options in Malang are plentiful and vary from penny-saving homestays all the way to decadent and luxurious hotels; which means that travellers of all budgets are well taken care of.
What to expect
As a general standard, the accommodation amenities and facilities are pretty decent, the rooms are clean and comfortable, Wi-Fi is available, and the accommodations offer rather good value for money. We recommend that travellers book a room in the northern part of town, known as alun-alun, as this area is conveniently located close to the train station, restaurants, malls, travel agents and fast food joints. This area is also a lively spot to explore after sunset as vendors line the streets and fill the air with delicious smells and a vibrant, colourful energy. Dormitories, homestays, guest houses, and hotels are the choices on offer while here in the peaceful, laidback town of Malang. We’ve compiled a list of accommodations ranging from budget, mid-range and high-end.
Budget accommodation in Malang (under IDR 200,000)
1. Red Doorz Plus
Situated nearby to Brawijaya University and a few well-known sights and attractions, Red Doorz offers it’s guest an inexpensive, comfortable and convenient stay while in Malang. Ideal for those on a budget who are not looking to skimp on the necessities, this accommodation features free Wi-Fi, air-con, a 24-hour front desk, a private shower and even complimentary toiletries. Malang Town Square is an easy 10 minute walk while a visit to the Mpu Purwa Museum is a 20-minute walk away, allowing guests to save even further on transport fees. A standard double-room for the night will set you back around IDR 120,000, with twin rooms and suites being available too.
2. Hotel Emma
A real gem for backpackers on a budget, Hotel Emma offers wonderful extras such as Western toilets, private hot water showers and air-con for not too much more than a fan-cooled room. No matter what room you decide to opt for however, you will be treated to clean, white linen; bouncy, comfy mattresses; free Wi-Fi; and even a complimentary breakfast. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here and found the staff to be incredible helpful and informative. A double fan-cooled room with a hot water shower will only cost IDR 100,000 for the night; and a double room with air-con and a private bathroom will set you back IDR 160,000.
3. Hotel Riche
Excellently located in the heart of town just across from the popular alun-alun area, Hotel Riche is an older hotel that looks like it hasn’t been renovated since the 1960’s. But don’t let that deter you, what it lacks in style and luxury, it more than makes up for in price and this hotel is one of the cheapest that we found in all of Malang. The economy rooms are as simple as they come but are spotlessly clean with squat toilets, cold water and foam mattresses. A double fan-room with a private bathroom costs only IDR 85,000 but for travellers wanting a touch more luxury, upgrades of hot water and air-con are available too at a fee of IDR 180,000 for the night.
4. Jona’s Homestay
Spoilt for choice! Every room at Jona’s has different amenities and features and is therefore priced differently the biggest choice being hot water versus cold water; and air-con versus a ceiling fan. This means that upon arrival, the world really is your oyster. The atmosphere at this homestay is one of backpacker-comraderie and is filled with friendly travellers looking to save a couple of bucks to instead spend exploring the town with gusto. In our personal opinion, the cheapest rooms at Jona’s, which go for as little as IDR 60,000 a night, offer far better value for money than the more expensive rooms in this homestay. For IDR 175,000 instead you’ll be given hot water and air-con. This spot is a great find for those trying to tighten the purse strings.
Mid-range accommodation in Malang (between IDR 250,000 – IDR 400,000)
5. Ratu Homestay Malang
This place in Malang completely exceeded our expectations and it wasn’t difficult to understand why Ratu Homestay is so highly recommended. All rooms are air-conned, immaculately clean, have a flat-screen TV, a kettle, slipper, toiletries, a private bathroom, free Wi-Fi and some rooms even boast an additional seating area. Perfectly located with plenty to do and see within walking distance, we ended up staying for even longer than the number of nights we’d booked initially. We found Ratu Homestay paid superb attention to detail, from the complimentary snack upon arrival to the friendly and helpful members of staff, this spot ticked all the boxes and then some. Nightly rates for a standard queen-room are IDR 250,000 whereas a deluxe king-room with a private terrace is IDR 400,000.
6. Hillside Suite Guest House
Cosy, clean and the perfect spot to unwind after a long day exploring the city, Hillside is a sanctuary located in the heart of Malang. Our top highlights included the tranquil garden, the complimentary breakfast and the convenient 24-hour front desk. Other room features at Hillside include private bathrooms, a desk, free Wi-Fi, air-con and optional family rooms. Easy walking distance to the Lembah Dieng Water Park, Museum Zoologi Frater Vianney and Pulosari Food Court means that you’ll save money on transport costs too. Room prices range from IDR 285,000 to IDR 425,000 for a night.
7. Everyday Smart Hotel
A gorgeous swimming pool, fitness centre, included breakfast, a 24-hour front desk; and a simple, minimalistic and sleek design; Everyday Smart Hotel is exactly what the name implies. Air-conditioned rooms include private bathrooms, satellite TV, a kettle, complimentary toiletries; and a clean, fresh and upmarket style. Centrally located and with helpful tour packages on offer, this hotel is ideal for travellers looking for a bit of luxury and convenience. Double-rooms range in price from IDR 330,000 to IDR 400,000 for the night.
8. Kertanegara Premium Guest House
Definitely one of our favourite accommodations while staying in Malang, Kertanegara Premium Guest House went over and beyond what was expected and made our stay a truly memorable experience. Not only was the location superb, but modern-day comforts such as air-con, Wi-Fi and flat-screen cable TVs are beautifully complimented with olden-day charms; such as warm and hospitable service, tastefully decorated rooms, and the sense that the staff and owners of the guest house take great pride in what the do. Guests can opt to dine at the on-site Indonesian restaurant or alternatively, order room service and eat in the comfort of their own room. Rates are competitive and offer excellent value for money with prices varying from IDR 340,000 to IDR 400,000.
High-end accommodation in Malang
9. Hotel Tugu
This 4-star hotel is the sister hotel to the popular and famous Tugu Hotel located in Canggu, Bali and boasts amenities, service and luxury of the same high standards. Colonial-style rooms are gorgeously furnished with fine Javanese antiquities and guests even have the option of learning to cook Javanese cuisine or don a traditional sarong during their stay at Hotel Tugu. Not only does the hotel boast a breathtaking outdoor swimming pool, but guests can also choose from six different international dining options. Our favourites included sipping tea at the Tugu Tea House and devouring delicious freshly baked bread at the Roti Tugu Bakery and Sidewalk Café. The on-site Aspara Spa also offers guests luxurious pampering options, such as beauty treatments and massages. This highly-rated hotel has our excited and animated vote of confidence and a massive thumbs up. Rates vary quite drastically from IDR 1,700,00 to a whopping IDR 15,400,000 for the presidential suite.
10. The Shamilar Boutique Hotel
The Malang colonial-style architecture and beautifully furnishings of this hotel are probably the first things you’ll notice upon arriving, the second will no doubt be the exceptionally service from the front of house team. Shamilar boasts an array of facilities for its guests and if the hotel wasn’t in such a superb location you could quite easily and happily never leave the tastefully decorated confines of the hotel. Top features of the hotel include a swimming pool, a garden, a sun terrace, fitness centre, a spa and wellness centre, a restaurant, and a bar. All rooms come standard with air-con, beautiful private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen cable TV. Room rates range between IDR 1,800,000 and IDR 2,700,000.