Ah, Bali – “The Island of the Gods.” It’s not just a clever nickname, Bali is truly a magical, mystical place. With a unique culture, outstanding, diverse nature, and some of the most stunning places you’ve ever seen, Bali is way more than just an island.
From picturesque beaches to wild parties, yoga and meditation retreats to an abundance of tattoo studios, this magnificent destination has something for everyone.
In among the rice paddies and temples, there are tons of incredible accommodation options, including hundreds of budget-friendly hostels!
That’s exactly why we’ve created this list of the best hostels in Bali!
For every digital nomad, solo traveller and broke backpacker, there is a quaint, cosy, tropical hostel perfect for you.
Buckle up my friends – let’s dive into the BEST places to stay in Bali.
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Bali
- Overall Best Hostel in Bali – Tribal Bali
- Best Luxury Hostel in Bali, Ubud – Puri Garden Hotel & Hostel
- Best Party Hostel in Bali, Kuta – Puri Rama Hostel
- Best Hostel for Solo Female Travelers, Ubud – Arya Wellness Retreat
- Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Bali, Canggu – The Farm Hostel
What to Expect from Hostels in Bali?
Hostels are known to be one of the cheapest types of accommodation on the market.
That isn’t just true for backpacking Bali, but pretty much all over the world! The unique vibe and social aspect is what makes hostels TRULY special. Head down to the common room, make new friends, share travel stories and tips, or just have a great time with like-minded travellers – you won’t get that opportunity in any other accommodation.
When it comes to hostels in Bali, you are in literal paradise! No matter where you go, there will be a guesthouse, homestay or hostel close by. In fact, a lot of guesthouses and homestays are treated like hostels – the only difference is that they only provide private rooms.
You can find every possible type of hostel in Bali – luxurious, tropical, modern, traditional, equipped for digital nomads – the list goes on! No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it. They are also ridiculously cheap, yet an incredible cost of living value.
The Balinese culture is super welcoming and friendly, and you’ll find this vibe in pretty much all hostels on the island. The staff are ALWAYS local, or at least Indonesian, giving you the chance to learn more about this special destination beyond nasi goreng and arak. Since there are hard regulations for working in Bali as an international visitor, you will rarely find any foreigners working behind the reception, and definitely no job boards.
Let’s talk more about money and rooms. Bali’s hostels normally have three options: dorms, pods, or a comfy private room (although pods are rare). Some hostels even offer larger private rooms for a group of friends! The general rule here is: the more beds in a room, the cheaper the price. Obviously, you won’t have to pay as much for a 8-bed dorm than you would for deluxe private rooms.
Bali prices in general are super low. The same goes for their hostels. To give you a rough overview of the hostel prices in Bali, we’ve listed the average range below. Note that you can find a hostel in pretty much every price range.
- Dorm room (mixed or female-only): $3-12 USD/night
- Private room: $15-24 USD/night
When looking for hostels, you’ll find the best options on HOSTELWORLD. This platform offers you a super safe and efficient booking process. All hostels are displayed with a rating and previous guest reviews. You can also filter your personal travel needs easily, and find the perfect place for you.
Visiting the island of gods is a treat, and knowing where to stay in Bali is important before you start your travels. Getting around is easy, but it’s still smart to base yourself close to the things you wanna do. To help you out, we’ve listed the most popular spots below:
- Canggu – what used to be a quiet seaside town has turned into the most popular place on the entire island! Canggu is constantly developing, with new digital nomad cafes popping up left and right. If it’s your first time in Bali, staying in Canggu is your best choice. There are loads of really fun hostels here, the best all-rounder is definitely Tribal with it’s huge pool, full restaurant and dedicated co-working area.
- Ubud – considered the yoga and coffee heart of the island, the atmosphere in Ubud is more chill, laid-back and alternative. It’s not for everyone, but a great place to visit. You can see stunning rice paddies, sneaky monkeys and breathtaking nature.
- Uluwatu – the surf capital is where people go for the white sand beaches, epic waves and an overall very relaxed vibe. Uluwatu is located on a cliffside, and in order to get around, you will have to get your hands on a scooter!
Something to be aware of: the Balinese New Year, Nyepi, happens on March 11th 2024 and is observed as a day of silence. No hostels will allow check-ins or check outs that day. Even the airport is closed! It’s actually a really cool cultural experience. Click here to read more about Bali’s Day of Silence.
5 Best Hostels in Bali
Now that we’ve gone over what to expect, we won’t make you wait any longer! Let’s have a look at the best hostels in Bali…
1. Tribal Bali – Overall Best Hostel in Bali
Looking to find the perfect place to hustle, work, rest and play? Welcome to Tribal Hostel, the world’s best co-working hostel, situated in Bali – The Island of The Gods!
Located just minutes from the beach in Pererenan, a five minute drive from hipster Canggu, Tribal is a very special hostel… With sleek, custom designed private and dorm rooms to ensure a good night’s sleep, Tribal is Bali’s newest and most modern hostel and comes with a twist… Check out the MASSIVE coworking area with dedicated booths, plentiful power sockets, high-speed wifi and super tasty coffee and kitchen to fuel a day’s hard hustle!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- co-working space
- amazing coffee and signature cocktails
- gigantic pool
Need a quick screen break? Soak in some sun and relax in the infinity pool or hit the billiards table for a game of rapido pool. There’s always plenty happening down at Tribal so rest assured, if you’re looking to find the perfect place to blend fun and hustle, Tribal truly has everything you need…
Once you’re ready for bed, head up to the spacious hostel rooms. Tribal Hostel offers mixed dorms, female-only dorms and great private rooms. Each of the rooms comes with a super comfy mattress, a lockable storage to keep your belongings safe and a power socket to charge all your electronics. You can find your tribe among the other travellers, take the time to explore the island together and have an amazing experience…
For aspiring digital nomads, hardcore hustlers, newbie travelers and veteran entrepreneurs alike – Tribal is the place where you can come alone but leave as part of something bigger. Check it out…
2. Puri Garden Hotel & Hostel – Best Luxury Hostel in Bali, Ubud
This boutique hostel almost feels like a luxury hotel. Sure it’s a bit pricier than your average Bali hostel, but the complimentary breakfast, free yoga classes every morning, and beautiful swimming pool make it worth the price. The staff is incredible. They make it a very welcoming place where it’s easy to meet other travellers to explore with. They organise tours, have an all-you-can-eat dinner, and hold events such as BBQ nights and other social activities.
It is by far the best hostels in Bali for solo travellers looking to make friends.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Award winning
- Super green and spacious
- Huge outdoor pool
From the breakfast to the comfy hammocks in the garden, everything at Puri Garden is simply perfect. The hostel is a travellers dream come true, with lot’s of different room options, plenty of space to yourself – even if you stay in a dorm, a massive pool – who doesn’t like that?! – and so much more. It’s also one of the cheapest hostels in Bali!
While Ubud is pretty calm and chilled, Puri Garden Hostel puts you right in the middle of the action. Just steps away from some of Ubud’s main attractions, you can find the legendary Yoga Barn just a 15 minutes’ walk away, and a 9-minute stroll will get you up close and personal with wildlife at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.
Drop by the 24-hour reception for top tips on things to do, or just take it easy with a day using the laundry facilities or sitting down with a fellow traveller to battle over a board game. Of all the hostels in Ubud, this is the best!
3. Puri Rama Hostel – Best Party Hostel in Bali, Kuta
Puri Rama Hostel is in a traditional Balinese style building that holds the best party hostel in town. There are 4 different room types, with the deluxe rooms being the best – as they come with a bar fridge.
What really makes this the number 1 party hostel is its easy walking distance to all the bars and nightclubs, no need to arrange transport! Reviews say that the staff is the best, and they’re more than happy to help book your onward travel to the Gili Islands or other parts of Indonesia. It’s no wonder this is one of the coolest hostels in Bali.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Incredible location
- Pool bar
- 22 jet Jacuzzi
We’re not going to lie, Puri Rama Hostel does feel a little bit like a hotel – but one of the good ones! Unlike other hostels in Kuta, this one offers single, double or 4-bed rooms. Perfect if you’re coming back from a night out and want to cure your hangover!
Apart from the partying aspect, Puri Rama Hostel has a lot more to offer. The super friendly staff will help you with all your needs, give great recommendations on what to do and where to go, and make you feel like you’re at home. With plenty of activities and events happening, even the shyest backpacker can easily connect with other travellers and make new friends.
Note that not all rooms come with free breakfast, so make sure you check on that first. You can however purchase a very delicious breakfast right on site – perfect to start the day!
4. Arya Wellness Retreat – Best Hostel for Solo Female Travelers, Ubud
Looking for one of the best women’s hostels in the world?
Arya Wellness Retreat is the perfect hostel to meet like-minded ladies from all over the world. Chill on a beanbag and sip on a fresh coconut while listening to cool travel stories.
Apart from the awesome, tropical gardens, the Ubud hostel has a lot to offer on the inside too. High-speed free Wifi, super comfy beds, an great location, and staff that goes above and beyond to make your stay the absolute best. You seriously can’t do anything wrong by booking this stunning hostel!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Onsite restaurant
- Charming rooms
- Spa treatments
Obviously, couples will be looking for private rooms with private bathrooms. Luckily, Arya Wellness Retreats has the comfiest rooms in Ubud. They’re not only cosy, but stylish and bright, with lots of space for two people. It’s the ideal getaway together!
This hostel is a place to relax and unwind through a combination of free daily wellness and social activities: meditation, yoga, pilates, healing circles, fitness classes, workshops, day trips, movie nights, cooking class, family dinners and so much more.
After a long day of exploring Ubud, head back to the hostel and have a healthy, but super tasty dinner, at the on-site restaurant. The menu was specially designed to offer an array of vegan options to help you detox your body, while using only the freshest, locally sourced produce.
5. The Farm Hostel – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Bali, Canggu
The Farm Hostel is another good hostel in Bali with a chilled, friendly atmosphere but it has expanded recently and lost a bit of it’s original chill vibes, plus you now have to share the facilities with more people so it seems kind of cramped. Although it isn’t right in the heart of Canggu, or close to all of Canggu’s top things to do, the party vibes make up for it if that’s what you’re here for – plus its only a moment’s scooter ride away from the beach!
It’s a great place for solo travellers to make friends, as a lot of the guests go out to party together each night.
If you’re not sure about what to visit in Bali, ask any of the staff and they’ll share their inside knowledge with you, or even join you on a trip! Balinese people are incredibly proud of their home and love to show it off to travellers. You won’t find a better guide than a local!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Incredible location
- Almost perfect Hostelworld ranking
- Small breakfast included
Farm Hostel is well known among the Bali hostel community. Almost everyone recommends it as a top place to stay, and for good reason! It offers an incredible value for the price with amazing amenities, excellent service and top-notch dorms. They’ve even won an award or 2..
Farm Hostel has evolved into a massive community space, now offering enough beds for up to 80 travellers! You can enjoy not just one, but two glistening outdoor pools, a sprawling garden area with bean bags and sun loungers, and an outdoor communal kitchen. There are no private rooms, only different-sized dorm rooms, with mixed and female-only options.
If you need one more reason why Farm Hostel is our overall fave Bali hostel, perhaps the high-speed, free wifi will do it 😉
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It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Hostels in Bali
Not quite taken with those options? Check out even more amazing hostels in Bali! Whether you want to stay in Canggu, Ubud, Seminyak or more remote areas of the island, you’ll find the perfect place for your trip!
The Tipsy Gypsy Hostel
This Bali hostel gets rave reviews from everyone who stays there. You’ll quickly feel at home thanks to the friendly owner. It’s relatively small with only three 6-bed dorm rooms, so you’ll get to know other travellers pretty easily. It has a chilled out vibe, that likes to hang but not party too hard. The location is close to the main area of Canggu but just far enough away where you can still get a good night’s sleep.
Each bed has a power plug, reading light, privacy curtain, and locker. It’ll quickly become your favourite Bali getaway.
Clandestino
Even though you are a couple on a backpackers budget, that doesn’t mean you can’t find a romantic hostel to cosy up in. With both private and dorm rooms, Clandestino is so much more than just a fancy name. You and your special travel buddy can swim up to the pool bar for a drink, or flirt at the tiki bar for a little added atmosphere.
If you thought the hostel was great, wait until you see the scenery! Clandestino is set in a tropical Balinese garden, with lush palm trees and views of the surrounding rice fields.
Pudak Sari Unizou Hostel
Awesome staff, comfy beds, great location; what more could you want from a hostel? This bright and modern hostel has several different room options including mixed dorms and private rooms that step out to the pool. Don’t want to deal with the taxi drivers? No problem! This hostel is within easy walking distance to the international airport, as well as all the other hotspots of Kuta. It’s certainly one of the coolest hostels in Bali.
Lagas Hostel
Get away from the hustle and bustle of central Ubud and truly relax at Lagas Hostel. The complimentary breakfast is delicious and the rooms are cleaned every day. There is a pool complete with a waterfall, ideal for an Instagram photo. The owner, Wayan, and his staff are what truly make this place special. Lagas Hostel is one of the best hostels in Ubud.
Puji Hostel Ubud
Puji Hostel is very centrally located near tons of things to do in Ubud. The swimming pool overlooks beautiful rice terraces, and they have a free breakfast! It’s possible to book all your trips with them including the Mt. Batur Sunrise trek. The dorm rooms have lockers for your valuables so it’s very secure. The buzzing atmosphere and friendly people make for a fun, party hostel – grab a few beers and hang around the pool with the other travellers each night.
Lembongan Hostel
This family-run hostel in the backpacker destination Nusa Lembongan is bright and clean. Each dorm bed has a reading light and power plug, and the bottom bunks have privacy curtains. The bathrooms are huge, and include shampoo and soap in all the showers.
It is a bit out of the way of the central area, but it’s a tiny island that’s easy to get around by scooter. The perfect place to rest your head at the end of an adventurous day, it’s one of the best hostels in Lembongan.
Big Pineapple Backpackers Bali
This hostel is great after a long day of sitting on the beach, or seeing the sights in Bali. They have a pool, pool table and a movie room with a big TV and loads of DVDs to watch. It’s also a great place to stay at the beginning or end of your trip to Bali as they have an official car, and offer airport transfers for a very reasonable price.
Mangroove Bay Hostel
When you are heading off to the North of Bali to explore the lesser-known areas, Mangroove Bay Hostel is a great place to stay. It still has lots of modern, home comforts despite being away from the crowds. Just a short drive from Pemuteran Beach and close to the starting poinst of a trip to Menjangan Island, it is perfect for the wannabe divers and snorkelers.
What to Pack for your Bali Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
FAQ about Hostels in Bali
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Bali.
How much does a hostel cost in Bali?
The average range of hostel prices in Bali for a dorm room (mixed or female-only) is $3-12 USD/night, while a private room costs $15-24 USD/night.
What are the best hostels in Bali for couples?
Arya Wellness Retreat and Clandestino are great options for lovers looking for the best hostels for couples in Bali.
What is the best hostel in Bali near the airport?
Definitely Pudak Sari Unizou Hostel. It’s close to the airport AND it’s cheap — free breakfast included!
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Bali
Concerned about safety in Bali?
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
More Epic Hostels in Indonesia
Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Bali.
Planning an epic trip all across Indonesia? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
For more cool hostel guides, check out:
Over to you
I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Bali has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!
If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!
Updated March 2023
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Indonesia for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Bali covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Bali if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Bali before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Southeast Asia backpacking guide.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
