Quick Introduction to the best hostels in Bali
I’ve been staying at hostels for years, many of which were in Europe during the early 80s. Heck, Iv’e even stayed at a few next to my house in Hollywood, knowing there would be foreign women, free beer, and crazy pool parties (local knowledge).
More recently, hostels have leveled up their game by accommodating all travel styles.
So, for couples and those wanting something a little different from the backpacker party scene, don’t panic. Bali has an infinite amount of peaceful guesthouses, eco-friendly hostels, relaxing beach bungalows, yoga hostels, digital nomad hostels and so much more.
Meanwhile, Hostels remain to be an affordable short-term shared sociable adult living space where you and fellow travelers from all walks of life can create a base. Here you can expect the unexpected, be social, make friends, and network while having the adventure of a lifetime.
Rent a bed in a dormitory-style setting or private room, lounge with your nomadic brothers and sisters by the pool, share international recipes in a shared kitchen, or collaborate new ideas in a shared workspace. Rooms can be mixed or single-sex and have private or shared bathrooms.
How do I find the right hostel?
There’s plenty jam-packed into this article, including:
The best part is, hostels are scattered across the island, so if you ever get annoyed by a snoring backpacker or curious about other areas, simply pack your gear and trek to another one.
Besides, this is a great way to learn about different areas and see which one speaks to you the most.
Just give me the list already!
It’s time to delve into the absolute best hostels in Bali!
This sprawling Island in Indonesia’s Archipelago is calling you, and so is that best wave of the day at Batu Bolong Beach.
Your Shortcut:
I have worked hard and I’m excited to deliver awesome Bali hostels that are all about tropical swimming pools, beaches, fun vibes and top notch dorms.
This guide is perfect for YOU, when …
- tired of bad and crappy hostels
- want to avoid the “young party kids”
- happy to spend a few extra dollars for a better experience
- Best hostels in Bali for solo women Kosta Hostel Seminyak
- Best hostels in Bali for Solo travelers Stellar Capsules, Seminyak
- Best hostels in Bali for partying Lokal Bali Hostel Kuta
- Best hostels in Bali for culture Puji Hostel Ubud
- Best hostels in Bali for couples Kos One Canggu
- Best hostels in Bali for surfing Karma Backpacker House Uluwatu
- Best hostels in Bali for short stay M Boutique Hostel Seminyak
- Best new hostels in Bali (My Favorite) Nayaman Hostel Canggu
- Best hostels in Bali for nature The Farm, Canggu
- Best overall hostels in Bali Puri Garden & Hotel, Ubud
Simple Safety Tips
- Stay at a quality hostel with a secure hostel location
The first rule to staying safe at hostels is choosing a quality hostel – Most Hostels in Bali are safe, although the higher the rating the better! It’s a good sign if there is a staffed front desk and only one way to enter and exit. - Trust your gut and use your head
- Always use provided lockers (even in private rooms)
- Try to travel in groups especially while out drinking
- Don’t lead strangers to the hostel or open the door for them
- Keep belongings that matter the most close to you within reach
- Scan your Passport and email it to yourself. Try to avoid having to leave your passport at the front desk. Have photocopies made for hostels and motorbike rental.
- Don’t keep all your money in one place, spread it out and stash it. (don’t forget where you put it either) This goes for credit cards too. Whenever going out, only take what you will spend.
- Arrive at the hostel during daylight so you can inspect and explore properly.
- For Female Traveler: many hostels offer female-only dorms
Must have accommodations– best hostels In Bali
Most hostels in Bali are usually comfortable, friendly, and fun making it the perfect place to spend a few days, weeks, or even months in without breaking the bank.
And, while most hostels are on the cheap, they’re not always created equally, you get what you pay for in terms of accommodations.
Location Centralized locations near attractions or a secluded paradise
Reviews Pictures match the description and top user reviews only
Service Treating you with respect, friendly, and helpful.
Laundry Service on sight laundry facilities or pick and drop off nearby
Kitchen Equipped kitchen for all your survival needs
Cleanliness Fresh linens, clean bathrooms, clean kitchens, insect control
Lockers Security on property as well as lockers to keep valuables safe
Aircon Comfortable room temperature 24/7
Wifi Place to work and stay on touch with friends & family
Pool place to kick back and relax or mingle withgood people
What are the best sites for finding hostels?
Of course, the best site to find hostels is Hostelgeeks.com
What should I bring to a Hostel
- Lock x 2 (combination and key)
- Ear Plugs
- Sleeping Mask
- Noise Canceling Headphones
- Flip Flops (for shower & beach)
- Copies Of all Travel Documents & Hostel Address
- Headlamp or Flashlight
- Quick Dry Travel Towel
- Packing Cubes (stay organized & Laundry Bag)
- Travel Adaptor With USB
- Dry Bag (can be used for carrying your camera or laundry)
- Extra Powerbanks
- Mini First Aid Kit With Ibuprofen or Aspirin
- Toiletry Kit
The average price for a bed
A bed in a dorm can be as cheap as $5 USD up to $13 USD per night. This is a rough average to give you an idea. Prices always depend on season and holidays. Please always check the exact rates on Hostelworld.com
- IDR 131724.79 Canggu $9.35 USD (per night)
- IDR 101866.65 Ubud $7.23 USD (per night)
- IDR 109437.60 Kuta $7.77 USD (per night)
- IDR 169833.33 Seminyak $12.05 USD (per night)
- IDR 85424.38 Uluwatu $6.06 USD (per night)
- IDR 127605.30 Nusa Lembongan $9.06 USD (per night)
- IDR 142862.30 Denpasar $10.14 USD (per night)
- IDR 130561.19 Sanur $9.27 USD (per night)
- IDR 95000.00 Amed $6.74 USD (per night)
- IDR 78745.83 Jimbaran $5.59 USD (per night)
Check-In and Check Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3 pm), while the Check Out time is before 11:00 (11 am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost. Also, bring a personal padlock.
Best Hostels in Bali for Solo Women
Kosta Hostel Seminyak
All rooms have a tropical vibe, chic decor and a pool view. The area is quiet while situated in Seminyak, just a few minutes walk to the beach and shopping. It’s not too far from Canggu and only 9 km from Ngurah Rai Airport. Beds are comfortable and the grounds are kept clean. The only downside I experienced was, the common area/pool area is facing every single room in this place and so when other hostelers decide to play music and drink until 4am, it affects everyone. They also sweep at silly hours like 6am which woke us up. You can bring ear plugs to solve this problem.
Best Hostels in Bali for Solo Travelers
Stellar Capsules, Seminyak
My stay at Stellar Capsules was awesome. The location is good, just a short walk to the beach. The hostels facilities and pools were cool to hang out in. It’s a very social atmosphere, so if it’s friends you seek, or need a companion for a night out in town, this is the spot. The pool doesn’t get a lot of sun but it’s a nice place to chill and relax whilst you sip on Bintang’s and chat with people from around the world. The staff is friendly and helpful too.
Best Hostels in Bali for Partying
Lokal Bali Hostel Kuta
Beautiful and clean hostel, huge beds and a massive locker that you can make your own code for. The 2 en-suites in a 4 bed dorm was totally amazing and unexpected. Amazing pool that’s not too cold and gets shade in the afternoon – perfect for a lazy day. Really laid back and chill vibe with a convenient on site café. Also, it’s only a 20-minute walk from the airport and short walk to anything else you might want to check out in Kuta. I highly recommend this hostel!
Best Hostels in Bali for Culture
Puji Hostel Ubud
BEAUTIFUL hostel located 10 minutes from Monkey Forest and Ubud Market. The staff is a bit slow, but helpful. The hostel offers a lot of activities and shuttle services. Plenty of space to socialize with others. The rooms are clean and well air-conditioned. The pool is also a great place to socialize with a great view. I absolutely loved staying here– great people, great atmosphere, and a beautiful setting.
Best Hostels in Bali for Couples
Kos One Canggu
Amazing service, great rooms, and their breakfast is included.
Rooms have AC, comfy self-contained beds with curtains, large safe (for laptops etc.), charging unit and reading light. The Pool is a decent size with a Bali beach club kind of vibe. Their Gym, CrossFit box, and yoga classes are all included. And there is a great laundry place just down the road.
Best hostels in Bali for surfing Uluwatu
Karma Backpacker House Uluwatu
Good base from which to explore in a less touristy part of the island. You will still likely need a motorbike to get around but the hostel does offer a daily shuttle to surfing beaches and sunset points. It’s only a 15-minute drive to Dreamland, Padang Padang, Bingin, Green Bowl and Pandawa surf spots. There are beach bars and temples close by. They offer a free dinner instead of free breakfast and is great for meeting people. This is definitely not a party hostel (quite after 11pm) and it’s reasonably clean with helpful staff. Appropriate chilled vibes for this part of Bali.
Best short stay solo travel hostel
M Boutique Hostel Seminyak
Good stay. Nice social buzz with pool just outside the dorm. Dorm has over 40 beds but it doesn’t feel like it. Capsules are great for a good night’s sleep. The beds were really comfy and you get two pillows, which is rare at a hostel! There were lockers to keep all your stuff in and you needed a key card to get into the room so it all felt very safe. It’s only an 11-minute drive to the airport.
Best New Hostel in Bali (My Favorite)
Nayaman Hostel Canggu
My wife and I loved our stay here. Everyone and everything is great! From the good coffee to the rice fields that surround the place. It’s just a short walk away from Echo Beach and Batu Bolong street. We mostly lounged on bean bags by the pool, watched Netflix movies together on the sofa, and had many ping pong duels in the living room. Both their Wifi and USB charging stations are fast. I got a lot of writing done here. Love this place!!
Best Hostels in Bali for nature
The Farm, Canggu
I stayed at the Farm for a week and had the best time! The hostel has a really chill vibe which is what I like. The people staying there were all super friendly as well, so I recommend this hostel for all travelers out there. Their free breakfast is just right, nice little wrap and fruit. This place is usually booked, so reserve early as possible.
Overall Best Hostels in Bali
Puri Garden & Hotel, Ubud
Yoga in the morning. Massage in the afternoon. Movies and BBQ at night. Breakfast included. Real nice. Excellent staff. Helpful security at the front. Nice pool. Very Instagrammable. We had a private room which was amazing, and we were told the dorms had double beds which is rare so, great hostel all around.
