Apartments for rent in Indonesia

As Indonesia’s main tourist destination, Bali is the most popular part of the country, welcoming more than 5 million visitors annually. It is a province located in the Lesser Sunda Islands and consists of several islands, including Bali Island as the main island, Nusa Ceningan, Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, Serangan, and Menjangan Islands. Almost every beach in the province is worth visiting, with Seminyak Beach, Kuta Beach, Canggu Beach, Jimbaran Beach, and Nusa Dua Beach as the most popular. Besides the beaches, Bali also has beautiful waterfalls, jungle-covered mountains, and mesmerizing culture. Everything that Bali has to offer captivates the heart of its visitors; many fall deeply in love with its beauty and do not leave the island.

As Indonesia’s capital city, Jakarta is also popular among international visitors. With more than 10 million people living across an area of 662 square kilometers, it is the most populous city in the country. Most people come to Jakarta to experience its nightlife and glitzy malls, but it is also a good place to learn more about Indonesia’s rich history and many cultures. Those who are curious about Indonesia’s history can visit Monas (the National Monument) and Kota Tua (Old Town). Visitors can also take a boat off the coast of Jakarta to visit one of the islands in Kepulauan Seribu (Thousand Islands) to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Another popular destination is the Special Region of Yogyakarta. It is the only region in Indonesia that officially recognizes the monarchy. Many visitors come to this region to explore its cultural and historical landmarks, including Kraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat (the Royal Palace), Taman Sari Water Castle, Prambanan Temple, and Borobudur Temple.

Apartments in Indonesia can be categorized based on its building, high-rise, mid-rise, and low-rise. High-rise apartments can be found in big cities, such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Medan, and Makassar. Mid-rise and low-rise apartments are also available in those cities, but renters can find many of them in Bali and Yogyakarta since both areas have a regulation that a building should be no taller than 15 and 16 meters.

All apartments in the country are modern and come with Western amenities. They are usually designed for mid to upper-class Indonesians and for foreigners. Most of them feature swimming pools, gyms, clubhouses, kid playgrounds, 24-hour security, and designated parking spaces. There are also serviced-apartment in the country, with cleaning services, laundry, and regular maids. Living in the apartments offer renters a hotel-like lifestyle.

In terms of unit size, apartments in Indonesia range from a studio apartment to penthouses. Studio apartments are the smallest type of apartment as they have one room that acts as the bedroom, living room, dining room, and kitchen, with a separate bathroom. There are also 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments. These types of apartments offer more private spaces and usually come with an open/closed kitchen. Another unit type is a loft apartment, which is spacious and has a higher ceiling. The biggest and most luxurious are penthouses and they are usually located on top of the apartment building.

While Indonesia’s living standard has significantly improved over the past couple of decades, it is still relatively affordable for most foreigners. This is because the exchange rate to Indonesian Rupiah (Rp) is very favorable, with US$1 equivalent to around Rp14, 000. The amount of monthly salary needed for a family to live a comfortable life in the country is Rp20, 000,000 (about US$1,400).

The national language and most widely used language in Indonesia is Bahasa Indonesia, although there are over 700 native languages spoken in the country. English is widely spoken in some parts of the country, including major cities and tourism areas. However, visitors who are planning to visit more rural areas should at least learn some common Indonesian phrases.

Islam is the predominant religion in Indonesia, but the country officially recognizes other religions. These include Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. Visitors are advised to always wear modest clothing that does not show too much skin while traveling around the country, especially when visiting temples. Two-piece swimsuits are generally accepted only at the beach.

Situated within the tropics in the equator line, Indonesia experiences warm and humid weather all year long. The country has two seasons, wet and dry season. The wet season starts in November and ends in May. This season brings lots of rainfall, which causes humidity to rise significantly. The rain is usually brief during the day in coastal areas. The dry season, from June to October, is almost always pleasant and sunny. 

 A visa is needed for foreigners to live in Indonesia. A wide range of visa types are available, but most people obtain Temporary Residence Permit Visa or KITAS, which is valid for 6 to 12 months.

1. Improving infrastructure –There are more international airports now available, integrated public transportation systems have been upgraded in the big cities, and there are more highways connecting one province with another.
2. No legal obstacles – renting in Indonesia is a lot easier than buying. In order to buy a property in the country, there are certain regulations and restrictions that need to be considered. In addition, foreigners are only given the Right of Use, instead of the Right of Ownership in the country.
3. Fewer risks – Flexibility – unless you are planning to live in Indonesia permanently or you are sure you will get high rental yields/capital gain, renting an apartment is the most sensible option. Should something change and you need to move out, you can just leave without being tied down to the property.