Salatiga Hotel Tips by theo1006

Tlogo Agro Tourism: A Plantation Resort

The resort is only 9 km from where we live in Salatiga. We go here to relax in the clean and quiet swimming pool, for only Rp 5000 per person. We inquire first by telephone whether it is not chartered by a group. If not, it's like having your own private pool.

Unique Qualities: The former Dutch-owned 415-ha plantation is now owned and operated by the provincial government. The colonial house of the late Dutch owner, Van Driel, has been restored and now accommodates a dining and conference room and a spa.
A score of traditional-style cottages with open-air bathroom have been built in the grounds around the house, in a well-kept garden featuring fruit and coffee trees as well as flowers. At an elevation of about 500 m above sea-level and in green surroundings the weather is cool as compared to Yogyakarta, Solo or Semarang. Quite unusual for Indonesia, the resort is strictly non-smoking.
The resort is popular among expats who want a quiet stay in the province. All room rates include a plantation tour. The guides show how rubber is tapped and coffee picked, as well as coffee and rubber processing with machines dating from 1932.
Other tours can be arranged on order, for instance a village tour featuring local architecture, rice cultivation and bathing at a spring. Also day tours to Gedong Songo temples at Bandungan, to the Railway Museum at Ambarawa and to the Volcano Museum and Merapi lookout site at Ketep Pass.
Rates:
From 2010 (after renovation) there is a flat rate of Rp 475,000 for all cottages. The price includes breakfast but is exclusive of 10% service charge. You have the choice of a free-standing cottage or a cottage from a pair under one roof. There are cottages with twin beds and with double bed.
If you are on a budget, you can also stay in a room in a two-storey building, rate Rp 275,000.

Address: Mail address: Perkebunan Tlogo, Kotak Pos 03, Salatiga, Central Java, Indonesia

Comparison: about average

Directions: On the main road from Semarang to Salatiga, find the Rawapening bridge (10 km from Salatiga city). South of the bridge a sign 'Agro Wisata Tlogo' indicates the turnoff, follow this road for 2 km only, through Delik village.

Other Contact: Fax: +62.298.340222

Phone: +62.298.340111

Price: US$20-40

Theme: Other

Website: http://www.tlogoplantationresort.co.id/

KAYU ARUM Lounge and Spa: The place to relax

This is the place to relax before you return home from Java, when you have had enough of the crowd, the heat and souvenir sellers. Let yourself be pampered in a secluded, cool garden setting far from traffic noise and city dust.

The lounge and spa is the latest addition to Salatiga's facilities, conceived by mr Mulyadi who made his fortune exporting furniture. His catchwords are refinement and style, he aims at the jet set of Salatiga. On July 11, 2007, the new mayor of Salatiga was inaugurated here.

The number of guest rooms is limited, only four ranging in price from Rp 348,000 (standard double) to Rp 668,000 (suite). The lounge caters mainly for day guests who come for the pool, the restaurant, or a massage in the spa. For the pool only you pay Rp 28,000. Count on Rp 100,000 for a gourmet dinner or a two-hour massage session.

Email: info@kayumanis-lounge-spa.com

Address: Jalan Magersari, Ringinawe, Tegalrejo, Salatiga 50733

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: At the traffic lights where Jalan Sudirman and Jalan Veteran come together in direction Solo, find the Kayu Arum billboard pointing into Jalan Argo Juwono. Follow the signs about 500 m.

Other Contact: Fax +62.298.316656

Phone: +62.298316654

Price: US$20-40

Theme: Other

Casa Blanca: Dutch B&B

Another addition to Salatiga's accommodation facilities. Since August 2008 the Dutch-Indonesian couple Sjaak and Wisthi run a Bed and Breakfast at their home on Pemandangan street. Pemandangan means "view", and indeed from the house located on a hill one has a fine view of Merbabu mountain.
If you want a homely atmosphere, personal care, and advice and assistance on excursions, Casa Blanca may be just right for you.

The B&B can accommodate six, there are two rooms with two single beds, and one with a double bed.
Breakfast, Indonesian or European, is included in the price of EUR 12,50 per person per night, minimum stay 2 nights. The fee of Rp 50,000 p.p. for compulsory reporting to the police is not included.

Pickup service from Semarang, Solo or Yogyakarta can be arranged at extra cost.
For more particulars, see the website in Dutch (translate by Google).

Unique Qualities: The B&B is located on a hill in a quiet neighbourhood far from noisy traffic. Relax in the gazebo (photo) or in the jacusi.

Directions:
From the roundabout at Jalan Sudirman, follow Jalan Diponegoro about 1,5 km in the direction of Semarang. Find the signboard "B&B Casa Blanca" pointing to the right into Jalan Ki Penjawi. Follow this street past Ananda hospital, a police station and a cemetery. Take the second street right counting from the cemetery, and after 300 m you arrive.

Address: Jalan Pemandangan II, RT04/RW02, Kel. Bugel, Salatiga 50713

Comparison: about average

Other Contact: Mobile: +62.81.382 060 285

Phone: +62.298.316571

Price: less than US$20

Theme: Bed and Breakfast

Website: http://www.sjaakenwisthi.nl/page1.php

Grand Hotel Wahid: Top End in the city

In contrast to Laras Asri Resort, Hotel Wahid is a highrise city hotel located near the shopping centre and the telephone and post offices.
It is brand new, the building was originally intended to be a bank. But somehow their money ran out, the building was stripped of its all-glass facade and reshaped into a hotel, and an outdoor pool was added.
Rooms vary from Superior to Presidential, oficially priced as follows (August 2009, incl. 21% tax and service, and breakfast for two):
Superior: Rp 599,000
De Luxe: Rp 669,000
Executive: Rp 825,000
Suite: Rp 1,499,000
Presidential: Rp 2,999,000
However, locally a promo rate is posted of Rp 299,000 for the Superior rooms without breakfast and Rp 375,000 with breakfast.

Address: Jalan Jendral Sudirman no 2, Salatiga 50711

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: Right at the northern end of the main shopping street.

Phone: +622.98.328500-328511 ,

Price: US$20-40

Theme: Hotel

Website: http://www.hotelwahidsalatiga.com

Hotel Mutiara: Budget in the city

If Hotel Kalimang is too far away (2 km) from the city centre for your taste, consider Hotel Mutiara. It's located right behind Quality Hotel Wahid, near banks, the post office and the market.
The hotel is built in the yard of a former Dutch cinema building, but does not utilize the building itself. Not as attractive as Hotel Kalimang, but at least clean and relatively quiet. You may choose from:
- VIP I room (Rp 200,000 with bathtub, telephone and fridge),
- VIP II room (Rp 185,000, shower, telephone and fridge),
- Deluxe room (Rp 175,000, shower, no telephone, no fridge),
or cheaper rooms which have a squatting toilet.
Prices include tax and a simple breakfast.

Address: Jalan Langensuko 31, Salatiga 50711

Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: From the central Salatiga roundabout either: direction Solo and first right next to Quality Hotel Wahid, or: direction Semarang and first left past the Post Office. It's well indicated with signboards.

Other Contact: Fax: +62.298.323500

Phone: +62.298.323991, 321775

Price: less than US$20

Theme: Hotel

Pondok Remaja Salib Putih: A luxurious youth hostel

They call it a youth hostel, but it rivals the top hotels of Salatiga. Brand new, soft opening in May 2007. Luxurious spacious rooms, with two double beds. Hot spot available. They have a fitness center as well as outdoor sports facilities, and a swimming pool from which one seemingly can take off into the sky!

Located on the lower slopes of Merbabu mountain, 5 km from Salatiga center, which can be reached by public transport (angkot).

Pondok Remaja caters specifically to youth an scout groups, but tourists are also welcome. Rate Rp 300,000.- for double occupancy, and Rp 400,000.- if you stay with four in a room. Breakfast included. Very reasonably priced restaurant.

The Salib Putih estate has an interesting history of over 100 years. See our travelogue Salib Putih Foundation. Establishing the camping ground and youth hostel has been made possible by Indonesian Christian investors.

Unique Qualities: Surrounded by a varied plantation of coffee, clove and fruit trees. Fine views over Salatiga, Rawa Pening lake and surrounding mountains. Jogging track available, and good starting point for hiking. Adjacent is a camp ground, see tip.
Email: pondokremaja_salibputih@yahoo.co.id

Address: Jalan Hasanudin km 4, Salatiga

Comparison: about average

Directions: On your left when you take the road from Salatiga to Kopeng, at 4 km from the traffic lights.

Other Contact: Fax: +62.298.327609

Phone: +62.298.325498

Price: less than US$20

Theme: Hostel

Le Beringin Hotel: The most popular

Hotel Beringin, now renamed "Le Beringin" has long been the foremost hotel in Salatiga, with decent, moderately priced rooms and good service. To keep up with the competition of newcomers an additional high rise wing has been built just two years ago where the more luxurious rooms are situated. Which means that hotel Beringin offers rooms in a broad price range.
Prices are competative, and include government tax and service charge, as well as breakfast for two. All rooms, even the cheapest, have AC, hot water and TV.
In the old building:
Economy room Rp 120,000
Standard room Rp 200,000
Superior room Rp 230,000
Deluxe room (bathtub) Rp 265,000
In the new building:
Executive room Rp 360,000
Suite room Rp 575,000
Local merchant: To VT-members Le Beringin offers a 10% discount on the rooms in the new building.

Unique Qualities: "Senjoyo Pool Bar & Restaurant" on the 4th floor of the new building offers an all round view over Salatiga and to the surrounding mountains. Perfect for savouring Salatiga's cool climate.
The restaurant here offers a varied international menu, but we prefer the food of the old Nyonya King's Restaurant near the entrance of the compound although it lacks the ambiance.
The new building features a square tower, the only purpose of which seems to be to draw attention from afar. However, it houses the lift and I was told that the lift manufacturer only would supply a nine storey lift!
Free internet hot spot is available.

Address: Jalan Jendral Sudirman no 160, Salatiga 50711

Comparison: about average

Directions: At the southern end of the main shopping street. Coming by car from the north you have to make a U-turn at the traffic lights to reach the hotel at the right hand side of the street.

Other Contact: Fax +62.298.316688

Phone: +62.298.326129-327082

Price: US$20-40

Theme: Hotel

Website: http://www.hotelberingin.com/

Laras Asri Resort and Spa: The ultimate in Salatiga Laras Asri Resort & Spa Review

Being residents of Salatiga we only go here for the pool or an occasional dinner. Expat friends on business whose company pays, prefer to stay here. The very best and the most expensive Salatiga has to offer. Yet not expensive if you consider that for the price you get only mediocre accommodation in Europe.
Rates start at Rp 750,000 net for a double. A bungalow for two costs Rp 900,000 or Rp 1,100,000, and there are two luxurious suites for Rp 1,650,000. All prices exclusive of 21% tax and service, but you may ask for an off-season discount. Or check out the package deals on the website (honeymoon e.g.).

Unique Qualities: The resort is situated on 2.4 ha of land with a brook (Kali Ngaglik) running through the middle, on walking distance of Salatiga town centre (1.5 km from the market). Beautifully designed by a local architect, in a tropical garden setting, it has everything you can think of: spa, sauna, steam bath, whirlpool, swimming pools, tennis court, fitness center, bar, international restaurant, Japanese restaurant, kids club, and more.
It was built only recently, official opening was in March 2005. The owner made his fortune building car bodies in Magelang. He is also an antiques collector: Javanese, Chinese and colonial antiques make up a large part of the furniture.

Address: Jalan Jendral Sudirman no 335, Salatiga 50732, Central Java, Indonesia

Comparison: most expensive

Directions: Jalan Jendral Sudirman is Salatiga's main shopping street. Follow this street south (direction Solo). At about 1.5 km from the market Laras Asri is on your left.

Other Contact: Fax: +62.298.326 666

Phone: +62.298.312 222

Price: US$40-80

Theme: Hotel

Website: http://www.larasasriresort.com

Salib Putih Camping Ground: Mix with Indonesian youth

This camping has been established for local youth, scouts and students. For budget travellers and backpackers an opportunity to mix with Indonesian youth.

All facilities are provided: tent with mattresses accommodating up to six, spick and span sanitation. You only need to bring your towel and personal stuff.

Group rate Rp 80,000.- per person including full board.

If you do not fancy a tent, take a room in the adjacent youth hostel (see tip).

Unique Qualities: Located on the lower slopes of Merbabu mountain, 5 km from Salatiga center, which can be reached by public transport (angkot). Fine views over Salatiga and Rawa Pening lake. Surrounded by a varied plantation of coffee, clove and fruit trees.

Brand new, soft opening in May 2007, they are still finishing the landscaping. A theatre for a camp fire is available as well as a jogging track. A swimming pool and other outdoor sports facilities under construction.

Email: pondokremaja_salibputih@yahoo.co.id

Address: Jalan Hasanudin km 4, Salatiga

Comparison: least expensive

Directions: On your left when you take the road out from Salatiga to Kopeng, at 4 km from the traffic lights.

Other Contact: Fax: +62.298.327609

Phone: +62.298.325498

Price: less than US$20

Theme: Campground

Hotel Kalimang: Best budget option in Salatiga

There are numerous budget hotels in Salatiga. Hotel Kalimang is different in that it is very well maintained and clean. It is located in a side-road at 1,5 km from the town centre, at walking distance from the university. Public transport takes you to town for Rp 2000.
The hotel offers double rooms ranging from Rp 70,000 (basic) to Rp 135,000 (with TV and AC). Prices include tax and service, welcome drink and breakfast.

Unique Qualities: Clean rooms, friendly service. Adjacent are rice fields and from 2nd and 3rd floor you have an unobstructed view of Merbabu mountain.
The hotel is built with many Javanese style features. There is a rustic cafe serving drinks and snacks. On the roof is a gazebo seat where you can relax enjoying the views.

Address: Jalan Kalimangkak 19, Salatiga

Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: From Salatiga centre take the main road to Semarang, pass by two sets of traffic lights. Jalan Kalimangkak is the next road on your left, going down rather steeply.

Phone: +62.298.7102280

Price: less than US$20

Theme: Hotel