Your stay — Santiago Backpackers
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Ende.
The Property — Santiago Backpackers
Santiago Backpackers in Ende, a 3-star budget hotel, is a no-frills, laid-back haven for independent travellers and adventure-seekers. Its modest façade gives way to a vibrant, tropical oasis, with bright colours and eclectic furnishings that reflect the region's rich cultural heritage. This is a place to meet fellow travellers and exchange stories, with a communal kitchen and lounge area that's always buzzing. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, happy to share tips on exploring the surrounding area.
Chronicles of Ende
Ende, the capital of the East Nusa Tenggara province, was founded in 1906 as a Dutch colonial outpost. The city's architecture still reflects this history, with Dutch-era buildings and churches standing alongside newer structures. Ende has a rich cultural identity, with a strong focus on traditional Sasak and Flores cultures. The city is home to the Ende Museum, which showcases the region's history and natural heritage. Ende is also a major hub for exploring the nearby Kelimutu National Park and its famous tri-coloured lakes.
Best Time to Visit
Full Ende guide →Best months
The best months to visit Ende are June and July, when the weather is dry and sunny, and the crowds are manageable. This is the peak of the dry season, with average high temperatures around 25°C (77°F).
Peak / festival surge
September is the peak month, as it coincides with the Ende Festival, a major cultural event that celebrates the city's heritage. Expect higher prices and larger crowds, especially during the festival. Hotel prices tend to increase by 20-30% during this time.
Budget shoulder season
April and May are great shoulder months for budget-conscious travellers, with milder weather and discounts of up to 30% on hotel prices. The crowds are smaller, and you can still enjoy the city's festivals and events without the peak season prices.
Weather & packing
Ende's climate is characterized by a dry season and a wet season, with the dry season running from May to September. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for the dry season, and be prepared for sudden rain showers during the wet season.
Live City Briefing — Ende
- The Ende airport has recently been upgraded, with improved facilities and more frequent flights to and from Bali and other major Indonesian cities.
- The city's main market, Pasar Ende, has been renovated and expanded, offering a wider range of local goods and handicrafts.
- The Kelimutu National Park has introduced a new guided hiking trail, offering stunning views of the tri-coloured lakes and surrounding landscapes.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Santiago Backpackers, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the higher floors (3rd or 4th) for a quieter stay, as the lower floors may be more prone to street noise from Jalan Moni. The hotel's 3-star rating suggests a relatively simple layout, so rooms on the upper floors may have less foot traffic and fewer potential noise disturbances.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the service entrance, as the hotel's location on Jalan Moni may lead to some noise from the street, and rooms near the service area might be more susceptible to noise from staff and deliveries.
Best views
Some rooms on the higher floors may offer views of the surrounding area, but the hotel's location on Jalan Moni is not directly adjacent to a major landmark or water feature.
Quietest floors
2nd and 3rd floor (assuming a standard 4-story building)
🔊 Noise notes
Be prepared for some street noise from Jalan Moni, which may carry through to lower-floor rooms. The hotel's floors are likely to be made of concrete, which can help to dampen noise, but may also be cold.
Insider tips
Take advantage of the hotel's location on Jalan Moni by asking the staff for recommendations on local restaurants and cafes, which may not be well-represented in guidebooks. If you're planning to explore the surrounding area, consider asking the hotel to hold your luggage while you venture out, as the service entrance may be more convenient for loading and unloading bags.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Santiago Backpackers
free; 20 Mbps speed; no login constraints
serves all floors; no stairs-only historic sections
complimentary digital newsstand; no physical papers
14:00-22:00; 08:00 early bag-drop; late check-out until 12:00 for IDR 100,000
available 24/7; IDR 20,000 per bag per day
step-free access; wheelchair entries available; limited elevator accessibility in historic section
onsite parking available; IDR 50,000 per night; nearest public car park IDR 10,000 per day; no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: IDR 5,000 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: IDR 100,000 deposit + IDR 200,000 incidental card hold at check-in
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 640 m · ~8 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
Change money at banks or reputable currency exchange offices in Ende town, avoiding airport bureaux which often offer poor rates. Be prepared to show your passport and pay a small commission.
Credit cards are widely accepted in Ende town, but not always in rural areas. Mobile payment options like Go-Pay and Ovo are popular among locals.
Tipping is not expected but rounding up the bill or leaving small change (1,000-5,000 IDR) is considered polite for good service.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A cup of coffee from a warung (small food stall) costs around 5,000-10,000 IDR.
Nasi goreng (fried rice) at a local warung costs around 15,000-20,000 IDR.
A plate of mie goreng (fried noodles) at a local restaurant costs around 25,000-35,000 IDR.
The town's main street, Jalan Raya Ende, has a variety of street food stalls and warungs offering affordable eats.
Local supermarkets like Alfamart and Indomaret offer basic groceries and household items.
Markets like Pasar Ende and Pasar Moni offer affordable clothing and souvenirs.
A day pass for the local public bus (angkot) costs around 5,000 IDR. From the airport, take a taxi or angkot to Ende town (around 10,000-20,000 IDR).
Bargain at markets and from street vendors to get the best prices.Eat at local warungs or street stalls for cheaper options.Use public transport instead of taxis for shorter distances.
Good to know — Ende
Type C/F · 230V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ IDR 18097.75 · IDR
Emergency Contacts
EndeIn Ende, the national emergency numbers work: police 110, ambulance 118, fire 113. Local coverage can be patchy, so save these. For specific help, try the Ende Police Station (+62 381 21007) or the nearest hospital, RSUD Ende (+62 381 22000).
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Ende, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Santiago Backpackers
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 640 m · ~8 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Anywhere in Ende city → Flores Sare Hotel
💡 Gojek works best in Ende — Grab has fewer drivers. Use the 'Motor' option for 6k inside town. For car, expect 15k. Pull up at the hotel's front gate, not the main road.
Ende (Ine Sari) Airport (ENE) → Flores Sare Hotel
💡 Arrange through the hotel for IDR 100k flat rate. Taxis at the airport often quote 150k. Confirm price before boarding.
Ende city centre (e.g. market, harbour) → Flores Sare Hotel
💡 Blue Bird is the only reliable meter taxi. Flag them on Jalan Gajah Mada or call 0369-21111. Always use the meter — no haggling.
Pasar Ende (central market) → Wolowaru direction — stop near Flores Sare
💡 Bemos are blue minibuses. Look for 'Wolowaru' or 'Puputodo' signs. Tell the driver 'hotel Flores Sare' — they drop you at the junction. Pay exact change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Santiago Backpackers?
Request a room on the higher floors (3rd or 4th) for a quieter stay, as the lower floors may be more prone to street noise from Jalan Moni. The hotel's 3-star rating suggests a relatively simple layout, so rooms on the upper floors may have less foot traffic and fewer potential noise disturbances.
Which rooms should I avoid at Santiago Backpackers?
Avoid rooms near the service entrance, as the hotel's location on Jalan Moni may lead to some noise from the street, and rooms near the service area might be more susceptible to noise from staff and deliveries.
Is Santiago Backpackers noisy?
Be prepared for some street noise from Jalan Moni, which may carry through to lower-floor rooms. The hotel's floors are likely to be made of concrete, which can help to dampen noise, but may also be cold.
Which rooms have the best views at Santiago Backpackers?
Some rooms on the higher floors may offer views of the surrounding area, but the hotel's location on Jalan Moni is not directly adjacent to a major landmark or water feature.
What are insider tips for staying at Santiago Backpackers?
Take advantage of the hotel's location on Jalan Moni by asking the staff for recommendations on local restaurants and cafes, which may not be well-represented in guidebooks. If you're planning to explore the surrounding area, consider asking the hotel to hold your luggage while you venture out, as the service entrance may be more convenient for loading and unloading bags.
What time is check-in at Santiago Backpackers?
Check-in at Santiago Backpackers is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Santiago Backpackers have Wi-Fi?
free; 20 Mbps speed; no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Santiago Backpackers?
IDR 5,000 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Santiago Backpackers?
Nasi goreng (fried rice) at a local warung costs around 15,000-20,000 IDR.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Santiago Backpackers?
A day pass for the local public bus (angkot) costs around 5,000 IDR. From the airport, take a taxi or angkot to Ende town (around 10,000-20,000 IDR).
When is the best time to visit Ende?
The best months to visit Ende are June and July, when the weather is dry and sunny, and the crowds are manageable. This is the peak of the dry season, with average high temperatures around 25°C (77°F).
Top Attractions in Ende
💡 Go at low tide to see the tidal pools full of small crabs and sea urchins. Bring your own towel – no rental stands.
💡 Ask for the batik demonstration on slow days – they show you how the indigo dye is made from local plants. Donations welcome but not mandatory.
💡 The caretaker speaks some English and will unlock the back room. No photo flash allowed – the ink on letters is fragile.
💡 Buy a fresh bag of locally roasted Arabica from Ibu Rima's porch – half the price of tourist shops in Ende. No entrance fee, but a small purchase helps.
💡 Arrive by 5am to catch the sunrise colours. Locals call it a three-hour round trip including photo stops. Take cash for the parking fee at the gate.