Last week, I spent my holiday with family in Yogyakarta for 3 days and 2 nights, and for the first time, I experienced love at first sight when stepping into an accommodation in Yogyakarta called Ndalem Diajeng. It immediately became one of my top picks for the best homestays, perfect for solo travelers, couples, and even families.
The location is close to the city center, near tourist attractions and bustling areas, yet the surroundings are incredibly peaceful. From the outside, Ndalem Diajeng looks like an ordinary house, but once you step inside, you’re greeted by a spacious and shady grassy yard right in front of your room.
I had booked this accommodation through Booking.com where I found that Ndalem Diajeng has a high rating, numerous positive reviews but also offers one of the best rates. So, what makes Ndalem Diajeng so special? Let’s dive in together.
First Impression
From the moment I set foot in Ndalem Diajeng, I immediately felt a warm and calming atmosphere. Just imagine—a path lined with shady trees leads to Ndalem Diajeng, and the surroundings are incredibly peaceful. From the outside, this accommodation looks simple, featuring a garden bench complete with a sun umbrella for shade and a large mango tree laden with fruit.
Initially, I didn’t expect much in terms of facilities, given its very affordable price. However, I was astonished upon entering the room and experiencing the exceptional service provided by the staff.
What came to mind was how much the staff prioritize cleanliness. The room I stayed in was spotless and spacious.
Our room faced directly onto the garden and had a terrace, making it a delight to sit on the terrace while enjoying a cup of coffee.
Facilities at Ndalem Diajeng Homestay
With a price range of just IDR 100,000 (USD 6,17) to IDR 300,000 (USD 18,5) per night, do we get good value and adequate facilities at Ndalem Diajeng? I believe this went beyond expectations, as the facilities provided are truly outstanding, from room maintenance and cleanliness to other supporting amenities. Some of the facilities offered include:
Rooms
There are several room options to choose from, and all of them are comfortable. I booked a queen bed room with a fan and shared bathroom, since it was the rainy season and the weather would be cool.
The room had a queen-size spring bed, but it felt more like a king size as it was spacious enough for me, my husband, and our 5-year-old child. They also provided a lazy chair, which my child absolutely loved.
Besides fan-cooled rooms, there are also air-conditioned rooms, shared dormitory rooms, and family rooms with en-suite bathrooms, all at very affordable prices.
What about the bathrooms? They completely exceeded my expectations. There are three bathrooms, all spotlessly clean and fragrant, one of them has a water heater, with two sinks outside and a well-functioning hairdryer. However, you do need to bring your own toiletries like soap, shampoo, a toothbrush, and toothpaste, as these are not provided.
Each room comes with towels and a hanger for drying them.
Shared Spaces
Beyond the private rooms, you can also enjoy various shared facilities, such as a spacious dining area, a TV room, a working space complete with reading books, and a living room. If you want to cook, they provide a shared kitchen that is accessible 24 hours a day.
At the center of the property, there’s a green garden adorned with shady trees and wooden benches where you can relax.
If you stay here, it’s worth trying to mingle with the other guests. I thoroughly enjoyed chatting with my neighbors, who came from various countries and regions. You might even meet a fellow traveler to plan a trip with and share costs.
Free Coffee and Refillable Drinking Water
In the dining area, there’s a free coffee corner where you can enjoy coffee or tea anytime. You can also refill your drinking water from a dispenser with three temperature options: hot, normal, and cold.
Delightful Breakfast
To my surprise, the owner of Ndalem Diajeng, Christina, has amazing cooking skills. Free breakfast is served between 8 and 10 AM, and you’ll be amazed by the delicious dishes she prepares. Breakfast usually includes traditional Javanese dishes served in perfect portions.
If you have food allergies or prefer less spicy food, just let the staff know, and they will provide a breakfast that suits your needs.
The staff are very friendly and quick to help. If you’re unsure where to go, they’ll happily assist you in planning a fun holiday in Yogyakarta.
For more accommodation options, you can read the article Complete Guide to Accommodation in Yogyakarta & Tips Where to Stay
Where is Ndalem Diajeng?
Ndalem Diajeng is located on Jalan Namburan Lor, near the Alun-alun Kidul (South Square) in Yogyakarta. The location is very convenient—it’s not far from the city center, close to tourist attractions, and just a short distance from the lively evening atmosphere of Alun-alun Kidul.
Its strategic location also makes it easy to reach the beaches in Gunung Kidul, which are about an hour’s drive away.
For nearby attractions like the Kraton, Taman Sari, and Sonobudoyo Museum, you can simply walk for about 15–20 minutes. Along the way, you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and admire the traditional Javanese-style houses.
Is Ndalem Diajeng Homestay Recommended?
Overall, Ndalem Diajeng is one of the best budget homestays in Yogyakarta, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking peaceful accommodation at an affordable price. With its low nightly rates and well-maintained facilities, it offers exceptional value for money. However, if you’re looking for a luxurious stay, this might not be the right option for you.
Personally, I found staying at Ndalem Diajeng incredibly enjoyable. The friendly staff were always helpful and ensured a comfortable experience. This budget homestay in Yogyakarta is perfect as a base for exploring nearby attractions like Kraton, Taman Sari, and Alun-alun Kidul, rather than for those planning a staycation.
If I were to rate it, I’d give Ndalem Diajeng a 9.8/10 for budget-friendly accommodation. The outstanding service, particularly the free traditional Javanese breakfast, sets it apart from other cheap accommodations in Yogyakarta, as most options in the IDR 100,000–300,000 (USD 6.17–18.50) range don’t include breakfast at all.
You can book a stay at Ndalem Diajeng through Booking.com or Traveloka to enjoy a pleasant experience during your visit.
For next step to enjoy exploring Yogyakarta: