published: 2/5/2023 | February 5, 2023
A hub for hippies, yogis, and digital nomads, Bali is one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia. It was popular when I first started working in 2010 and its popularity has only grown.
While parts of Bali suffer from overtourism (looking at you, Kuta Beach), there are still large stretches of the island where you can get away from the crowds and enjoy idyllic scenery.
There are a plethora of amazing things to see and do on this island – no matter what your interests or budget. Hiking, surfing, sunbathing, exploring the unique food scene, taking cooking classes, spotting wildlife, visiting hot springs, and relaxing are all popular activities in Bali.
Choosing a hostel close to the things you want to see and do will also save you money—money you can then spend on another yoga class, diving excursion, or round of beer at the bar.
But before you start looking for a hostel, here are four things you need to remember before choosing a place to stay:
- location Bali is a large island dotted with different towns and villages. So, choosing your hostel in the location where you want to be based is essential.
- price – As in any destination, you get what you pay for. If you choose a really cheap hostel, you’ll likely end up with a hostel that’s small, cramped, and doesn’t offer great service.
- means of comfort – Every hostel has free wifi and most have self catering facilities so you can cook your own meals. Many – but not all – include a free breakfast, so be sure to do your research to find the one that best meets your needs.
- Work crew – All of the lodges listed here have great staff who are very friendly and knowledgeable. Even if you don’t end up staying at one of the places listed below, be sure to look up the reviews so you have helpful and friendly staff. They can make or break an inn!
Here is a list of the best hostels in Bali. If you don’t feel like reading the longer list below, the following are the best in each category:
Best hostel for budget travelers: Gelatic bed and breakfast
Best party hostel: Clandestino Hostel Canggu
Best hostel for solo travelers: Karma Backpackers
Best hostel for solo travelers: Aria wellness
Best hostel for nomads: Tribal Inn
Best all-inclusive hostel: Aria wellness
Want details of each hostel? Here is a breakdown of the best hostels in Bali and why I love them:
Price legend (per night)
- $ = less than IDR 150,000
- $$ = 150,000 – 200,000 IDR
- $$$ = more than IDR 200,000
1. Indraprastha Guest House
Located right on Hanuman Street, one of the main lanes in Ubud, Hotel Indraprastha is a favorite with returning visitors because there are no sleeping rooms. The guest house consists entirely of affordable private rooms of various sizes, with rooms for solo travelers, couples and groups. The rooms are spacious and equipped with air-conditioning, and the comfortable mattresses are placed on sturdy wooden frames. Some have balconies and en-suite bathrooms as well.
On-site amenities include a lush tropical garden attached to the two-story guest house, a beautiful terrace, a very large communal kitchen, and friendly staff. In addition to being in the center of it all, Indraprastha is well located for hiking trails around Ubud as well.
Indraprastha at a glance:
- $$
- Good location in the center of Ubud
- Welcoming staff
- All private rooms
Private rooms starting from IDR 200,000.
2. Gelatik Bed and Breakfast
A ten-minute walk from the beach in Seminyak, just north of Kuta, and about a 20-minute drive from the airport on Bali’s west coast, Gelatik is a cozy, affordable place that serves free breakfast, and the bar sells fresh-squeezed juice, local beer, and delicious local fare. . The staff can help you book all kinds of tours and activities as well.
The B & B has 2 master bedrooms: one is mixed and the other is female only. Wooden bunk beds are durable and, most importantly, very comfortable. There are no curtains, but some wood paneling helps add a little privacy. The property also has a swimming pool, a shared kitchen and some terraces to enjoy the fresh Balinese air.
A quick overview of Gelatik Bed and Breakfast:
- $
- Nice location near the beach
- Free breakfast
- Comfortable bunk beds
Bed from IDR 120,000 per night.
3. Karma Backpackers
Located in Uluwatu, at the southern tip of Bali on the Bukit Peninsula, Karma Backpackers is packed with cool perks: airport transfers to and from the lodge, scooter rentals, boat tickets, and free shared dinners for guests every night (which is a great way to meet other travelers). The lodge is also within easy walking distance to and from the beach.
In the garden, there is a small pool to enjoy and the rooftop bar is a lively place to hang out, drink and play pool with other backpackers.
The mostly spacious bedrooms only have four beds per room, and each person gets two lockers. Each bed has its own curtain for privacy. There are also large private rooms with comfortable double beds.
About Karma Backpackers:
- $$$
- It is located in a pleasant area near the beach
- Common space and rooftop bar
- Free dinner every night
Beds from 256,000 IDR per night, and private rooms from 600,000 IDR.
4. Clandestino Hostel Canggu
Located north of the airport in Canggu, Clandestino has a few mixed-sleeping spaces on offer and all dorms come with lockers, lamps, electrical outlets to charge your phone, and curtains for privacy. (Pro tip: book a bed in the six-person dorm: it’s the only room with an en-suite bathroom).
There is a restaurant/bar on the second floor that always seems busy, as well as a pool complete with a swim up bar for those days when you want to laze by the pool. If you are looking for a hostel with a strong party vibe, this is the place to stay. The staff is really friendly and can also help you plan your trip and book excursions around the island.
About Clandestino Canggu Hostel:
- $$
- Swimming pool with swim up bar
- Lively restaurant and bar
- Friendly and welcoming staff
Bed from 165,000 IDR per night.
5. Aria Wellness
Aimed mostly (but not exclusively) by female travelers, this wellness-focused boutique hostel in Ubud is a little more expensive than other hostels in Bali, but it’s worth the splurge, given the unique perks here. The property has a swimming pool and offers yoga, pilates, fitness and meditation classes. There are also movie nights and cooking classes. The in-house restaurant only serves vegetarian and vegan dishes and breakfast is included in your stay.
The rooms consist of a few dorms for four people and the beds are larger than the usual hostel mattress. All of them have balconies, air conditioning and individual lockers to ensure the safety and security of your items.
About Aria Wellness:
- $$$
- Excellent location in the center of Ubud
- Great free breakfast
- Meditation, yoga and other classes daily
Beds from 400,000 IDR per night, and private rooms from 1,200,000 IDR.
6. Tribes Inn
Created by fellow budget backpacker Will Hutton, Hotel Tribal is a brand new hostel, the first of its kind in Bali designed specifically for digital backpackers. There’s a 24/7 co-working space with super-fast Wi-Fi, tons of desks, couches, and beanbags, plus private call booths and plenty of power outlets.
When you’re done with work, relax in one of the many common areas (including a huge multi-level pool), enjoy the café’s healthy and varied menu, or grab a drink at the backpacker-friendly happy hour.
The dorms have modern pod-style beds with individual charging ports and reading lights. There are also stairs to the upper floors instead of the usual noisy bed stairs and rain showers in the huge communal bathrooms. The guests Tribal attracts are a laid-back young professional crowd, which means everyone is quiet and respectful at night – you’ll get a good night’s sleep here!
Tribalism at a glance:
- $$
- Designed for digital nomads with shared work areas and fast Wi-Fi
- Modern capsule style beds
- Many common areas including a giant swimming pool
Beds from 200,000 IDR per night, and private rooms from 750,000 IDR per night.
Bali is a big island, so it is important to choose the right hostel based on what you want to see and do. Fortunately, there are plenty of amazing options in Bali, ensuring that you can enjoy visiting this popular destination at affordable prices.
Book your flight to Bali: logistical tips and tricks
Book your flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines all over the world so you will always know that no stone is left unturned!
Reserve your accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld because they have the largest inventory and the best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they constantly show the cheapest rates for cheap guesthouses and hotels.
Don’t forget travel insurance
Travel insurance will protect you from illness, injury, theft and cancellation. It is comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Are you looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resources page for the best companies to use when traveling. I list everything I use to save money when I’m on the road. They’ll save you money when you travel, too.
Do you want more information about Bali?
Be sure to visit our robust Bali destination guide for more planning tips!
