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The best hostels in North Sumatra

Check out our selection of great hostels in North Sumatra

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Review score

Wonderful: 9+ Very Good: 8+ Good: 7+ Pleasant: 6+
Our top picks Lowest Price First Star rating and price Top reviewed

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Salty Dog Hostel

Telukdalam

Set in Telukdalam, a few steps from Baloho Beach, Salty Dog Hostel offers accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace. The property has a bar, as well as a restaurant serving Asian cuisine. The accommodation features evening entertainment and a shared kitchen. Hands down one of the best hostel experiences we've had in Indonesia. We originally booked 4 nights and stayed for two weeks, and even then found it hard to leave!! Not only is Nias and Salty Dog a slice of paradise but Arif and his beautiful family are truly amazing people; so fun, welcoming, kind and helpful. We instantly felt like family. Arif goes above and beyond for his guests, speaking fantastic English it was a pleasure to hang out each day, he even took us to the local waterfalls and Bawomataluo village where he explained in depth about the local culture and traditions. Both days were such a highlight for us! The family room was spacious, comfortable, had AC, a private bathroom (cold showers but they were welcomed with the heat!) and a fantastic view of the bay. The bed was huge! The kitchen is fully equipped, WiFi is the best we've experienced (especially as remote workers) and just the vibe, volunteers, dogs and puppies were a dream. The bay is great for a swim, perfect for children as it's nice and calm, and we had such respect for Arif who works so hard to keep it clean and plastic free! Everyday we were greeted with a delicious local breakfast, Arif arranged scooter rental, offered ideas and tips of what to do and was always available to answer or help us in any way. His gorgeous daughter and nieces loved being with our 4 year old, always playing and involving her. Genuinely a slice of heaven. We will absolutely be back and look forward to this being our dream Indonesian hideout for many years to come. Thank you Arif and family for an unforgettable stay.

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9.5
Exceptional
61 reviews
Price from
$7
per night

Jungle treking & Jungle Tour if you want to stay here,you must book treking only with us

Bukit Lawang

At the hostel, each room is fitted with a balcony with a mountain view. At Jungle treking & Jungle Tour if you want to stay here, you must book treking only with us the rooms are equipped with a TV, a shared bathroom, and a terrace with a city view. Had an amazing 3 day tour with Annuar, very friendly, knowledgeable and funny! Highly recommend!

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8.9
Excellent
156 reviews
Price from
$2
per night

RedDoorz Hostel @ Capsule Inn Medan

Medan

Situated within 1.8 km of Medan Train Station and 4 km of Maimun Palace, RedDoorz Hostel @ Capsule Inn Medan features rooms with air conditioning and a shared bathroom in Medan. This 2-star hostel offers a shared kitchen, a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is located 4.2 km from Medan Grand Mosque. Very conveniently located, safe, comfortable cool capsules, and good bathrooms with hot water! (not very common while backpacking in Sumatra). Very pleased with my stay!

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8
Very Good
203 reviews
Price from
$10
per night

Semalam at Sun Yat Sen - SELF CHECK IN

Medan

Set in Medan and with Maimun Palace reachable within 1.5 km, Semalam at Sun Yat Sen - SELF CHECK IN offers express check-in and check-out, rooms, a garden, free WiFi throughout the property and a shared lounge. The property is located 1.3 km from Medan Grand Mosque, 2.7 km from Medan Train Station and 1.5 km from Pajak Ikan Medan. The accommodation provides airport transfers, while a bicycle rental service is also available.

At the hostel the rooms come with air conditioning and a shared bathroom. Clean, tidy, comfortable bed and pillow.

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7
Good
87 reviews
Price from
$10
per night

Gonias Hostel

Gunungsitoli

Gonias Hostel is offering accommodation in Gunungsitoli. Boasting room service, this property also has a restaurant and a terrace. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, a shared lounge and free WiFi throughout the property. Really friendly and helpful staff and owner!

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6.4
Review score
22 reviews
Price from
$9
per night

RedDoorz near Millennium ICT Center Medan

Medan

Set in Medan, 7.2 km from Medan Train Station, RedDoorz near Millennium ICT Center Medan offers accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking. This 2-star hostel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom. Maimun Palace is 8.6 km from the hostel and Medan Grand Mosque is 8.8 km away.

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5.6
Review score
9 reviews
Price from
$13
per night

Dazhong Backpacker's Hostel

Medan

Dazhong Backpacker's Hostel is set in Medan. The property is around 2.9 km from Maimun Palace, 3.2 km from Medan Grand Mosque and 1.7 km from Pajak Ikan Medan. The property is non-smoking and is located 1.9 km from Medan Train Station.

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Price from
$5
per night

Wonderfull Orangutan sumatra hostel and tour

Bukit Lawang

Wonderfull Orangutan sumatra hostel and tour features a garden and a terrace in Bukit Lawang. Each room is fitted with a balcony.

At the hostel, every room is fitted with a desk. Featuring a private bathroom with a shower and free toiletries, rooms at Wonderfull Orangutan sumatra hostel and tour also provide guests with a river view.

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Pondok Wisata Istana XI

Medan

Pondok Wisata Istana XI is set in Medan, within 400 metres of Medan Grand Mosque and 3.3 km of Medan Train Station. The property is non-smoking and is located 500 metres from Maimun Palace.

All units in the hostel are fitted with a TV. Free WiFi and a private bathroom equipped with a bidet are available to all guests, while selected rooms have a game console.

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Price from
$10
per night

Nias Surfing Accomodation

Lagudri

Located within a few steps of Sorake Beach and 1.3 km of Lagundri Beach, Nias Surfing Accomodation provides rooms in Lagudri. Every room comes with a terrace with sea views and free WiFi.

All rooms are complete with a private bathroom and air conditioning, and selected rooms include a balcony. At the hostel every room includes bed linen and towels.

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Price from
$13
per night

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