Finding the right apartment in Indonesia can feel overwhelming, especially for expats settling into cities like Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, or Bali. Every building looks impressive in brochures, bright blue swimming pools, hotel-style gyms, rooftop gardens, and luxurious lobbies. But once you start living there, you quickly discover that not all facilities actually improve your daily comfort.
Some amenities are essential for life in Indonesia’s climate and infrastructure, while others exist mainly as a marketing appeal. This guide helps you understand which facilities truly matter so you can make a confident and informed decision before renting.
What Expats Should Really Look for When Choosing an Apartment in Indonesia
Relocating to Indonesia means adjusting to local realities: tropical weather, occasional power outages, varying water quality, and busy urban environments. Because of that, certain facilities are more important than they might be in your home country.
Below are the amenities that genuinely make a difference for expats.
1. Backup Generators (Genset): The Most Important Facility Many Expats Overlook
Power interruptions still happen in Indonesia. A backup generator is crucial for maintaining comfort especially if you work from home or have small children.
Always ask:
- Does the generator power your entire unit, including AC?
- Or does it only power hallways and elevators?
If your unit has sealed windows, full backup power becomes essential.
Most expats don’t realize how decisive this feature is until they experience their first blackout.
2. Water Filtration System: What “Filtered Water” Really Means Here
Not all buildings use the same filtration level. Some offer only basic sediment filters, while others use multi-stage systems that improve smell, clarity, and mineral balance.
Good filtration helps with:
- Skin comfort
- Laundry quality
- Bathroom maintenance
While you still need bottled drinking water, the difference in shower and laundry water is noticeable.
3. Swimming Pools: Beautiful in Photos, But Are They Usable?
Indonesian apartments love showcasing pools but a good pool depends on more than just design.
Check:
- Cleanliness
- Broken tiles
- Availability of shade
- Size vs number of residents
- Weekend crowd levels
Some pools look luxurious online but feel unpleasant or overcrowded in real life.
4. Apartment Gyms: What Photos Don’t Tell You
A gym may look modern in photos, but wide-angle lenses can be deceiving.
Evaluate:
- Equipment condition
- Number of functional machines
- Maintenance cycle
- Peak-hour crowding
Visit in the early evening for the most realistic assessment.
5. Kids & Family Facilities: A Game-Changer for Expat Families
If you’re moving with children, these facilities may greatly improve your quality of life:
- Shaded playgrounds
- Indoor playrooms (perfect during rainy season)
- Kids’ pools
- Activity rooms or libraries
However, many play areas are poorly shaded or not properly maintained, so inspect them carefully.
6. Rooftop Gardens & Sky Terraces: Beautiful or Just Decorative?
Rooftops photograph beautifully but some are rarely used in daily life. Ask residents how often they actually use the area. A truly useful rooftop should have:
- Comfortable seating
- Shade
- Clean, well-maintained greenery
- Accessible hours
7. Parking: One of the Most Overlooked Essentials
Parking in big Indonesian cities is complicated.
Before renting, confirm:
- Whether your unit includes a dedicated parking space
- If the space is reserved or first-come-first-served
- Guest parking availability
- A driver waiting area (common for expats with chauffeurs)
Some buildings sell parking separately, which adds to monthly fees.
8. 24-Hour Security: What “Secure” Actually Means in Indonesia
While all buildings advertise 24-hour security, the quality varies.
Look for:
- Key card or app-based access
- Visitor registration
- Active monitoring
- Clear CCTV coverage
- Guards who are alert and consistent
Strong security contributes significantly to how safe and organized the building feels.
9. Building Management Quality: The Hidden Factor Behind a Good Living Experience
Management quality often matters more than any single facility.
Good management results in:
- Clean common spaces
- Quick repair handling
- Well-maintained amenities
- Clear communication with residents
Poor management can make even a luxurious building feel neglected after a few months.
10. Marketing-Driven Facilities: What Looks Great but Adds No Real Value
These features may drive up monthly service charges without improving your lifestyle. Some amenities are rarely used:
- Mini cinemas
- Karaoke rooms
- Oversized lobbies
- Decorative rooftop lounges
How to Choose the Right Apartment in Indonesia: Practical Tips for Expats
When comparing apartments, prioritize:
- Backup generator capacity
- Water filtration quality
- Usable pool and gym
- Child-friendly spaces
- Parking availability
- Security
- Responsive building management
These practical features matter far more than fancy marketing photos.
Relocate to Jakarta With Noble Asia
If you need help finding an apartment that truly suits your lifestyle, Noble Asia guides expats through every step from neighborhood selection to facility assessment and lease negotiation.
📩 connect@nobleasia.id
📞 WhatsApp: +62 813 1668 5505
Start your search with confidence.
We help you arrive, settle, and feel at home in Indonesia.
FAQ
1. What are the most important apartment facilities for expats in Jakarta?
Backup generators, water filtration, security, parking, and reliable building management are the top priorities.
2. Do all apartments in Indonesia have full backup electricity?
No. Many buildings only power common areas during outages. Always confirm generator capacity before renting.
3. Is water safe to drink in Indonesian apartments?
Tap water is not drinkable. Even with filtration, you should use bottled or delivered water for consumption.
4. Are rooftop gardens in Jakarta apartments actually useful?
Some are, some aren’t. Rooftop usability depends on shade, maintenance, and resident access.
5. Why is building management so important when renting in Indonesia?
Management controls cleaning, maintenance, repairs, and communication — all of which shape your daily experience.
Join The Discussion