Ahhh Bali, where everyone feels like family and the island feels like home… at least to me anyway. The Island of the Gods has well and truly earned that title in my books. Whether you’re looking to get tubed, dance your pants off, or move here forever and live your best life, Bali has got you.
There’s the jungle, there are the coolest animals (my friend had a pet snake!), and there are stunning waterfalls to jump off. There’s ancient magic, blessing ceremonies all day every day and seemingly endless temples carved from volcanic stone. There’s some of the best surf in the world and believe it or not, still secret spots!
But I’m here to give you the low down on the hostel scene and it’s a biggie! We all know hostels are where to stay to save cash and meet fellow broke backpackers. Bali is no different, but there’s more and I’m going to run you through my top five Bali hostels to stay in, in detail.
It’s pretty overwhelming the sheer volume of hostels and even figuring out what’s a hostel and what’s some seedy guy’s cupboard under the stairs. I’m here to help.
Crack a bintang and ayok!
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Bali
- Best Overall Hostel in Bali – Tribal Bali
- Best Hostel in Bali for Solo Travelers – The Farm Hostel
- Best Cheap Hostel in Bali – Bali Bobo
- Best Party Hostel in Bali – Clandestino
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Bali – White Penny
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.
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The 5 Best Hostels in Bali
Now that we’ve gone over what to expect, I won’t make you wait any longer! Let’s have a look at the best hostels in Bali…
1. Tribal Bali – Best Overall Hostel in Bali
- Dorm (mixed): From $15/night
- Address: Jalan Pantai Pererenan Gang Tribal, 80351 Canggu, Indonesia
Looking to find the perfect place to hustle, work, rest and play on your Bali backpacking adventure? 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 rooms and dorms to ensure a good night’s sleep, Tribal is Bali’s newest and most modern hostel. It comes with a twist… Check out the MASSIVE coworking area with dedicated booths, plentiful power sockets, high-speed wifi, 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, if you’re looking to find the perfect place to blend fun and hustle, you’ll find it at Tribal.
Once you’re ready for bed, head up to the spacious hostel rooms which have received rave reviews. Tribal Hostel offers mixed dorms, female-only dorms and great private rooms. Each of the rooms comes with a super comfy mattress, lockable storage to keep your belongings safe and a power socket to charge 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 where you can come alone but leave part of something bigger. Check it out!
2. The Farm Hostel – Best Hostel in Bali for Solo Travelers
Photo: @mariajstorey
- Dorm (mixed): From $15-$19/night
- Address: 29 Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong, 80361 Canggu, Indonesia
The Farm Hostel is another good hostel in Bali with a chilled, friendly atmosphere. It’s expanded recently and lost a bit of the original chill vibes, but I still rate it! I first stayed here in the first year they were open and met some of my best friends from around the world at The Farm. Right in the heart of Canggu, it’s not close to all of Canggu’s top things to do, but being on Batu Bolong, it’s pretty close.
I was on my first solo trip and the welcoming atmosphere was incredible, I might go so far as to say it changed my life. I’ve returned a couple of times over the years while the building and landscaping have levelled up, the staff are still homies.
If you’re wondering what to visit in Bali, ask any of the staff and they’ll share inside knowledge, or even join you on a trip! I’ve been to Mount Batur, to Java and to the Frog Market with the boys from the Farm. Indonesian people are incredibly proud of their home and most of the guys are travellers like us, you won’t find a better guide than a local.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Incredible location
- Small breakfast included
- high-speed, free wifi
The Farm Hostel is well known among the Bali hostel community, with an almost perfect Hostelworld rating. Almost everyone recommends it as a top place to stay, they’ve even won an award or two, and for good reason! The Farm offers incredible value for the price with amazing amenities, excellent service and top-notch dorms, a true gem.
The 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 my overall fave Bali hostel, there are usually dogs around, the four-legged kind 😉
3. Bali Bobo Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Bali
- Dorm (mixed): From $9-$11/night
- Private Room: From $23/night
- Address: Jalan Panorama Jimbaran – Jimbaran, Kuta Selatan, Badung, 80361 Jimbaran, Indonesia
You know what they say, location, location, location. I’m going to be honest, this isn’t the cheapest hostel in Bali but it’s cheap as nasi and in the heart of Jimbaran. Just nine km from Ngurah Rai International Airport, this hostel is where you want to be and for the price you want to pay.
Jimbaran is the gateway to the Bukit Peninsular, minutes from Uluwatu, and surrounded by stunning beaches. My favourite pastime is scootering around here finding private spots, there’s plenty to find! Staying a Bali Bobo feels a bit like this – it’s a true hidden gem… That I just exposed, but sharing’s caring, right?!
Why you’ll love it:
- Swimming pool to beat the Bali heat
- Close to innumerable surf spots
- Free Wifi
One of the key things to a cheap stay is cooking for yourself. The kitchen at Bali Bobo is fully equipped (Bali style) and open-air so you can still chat to your mates while you cook them dinner. That’s how it works right?
While there aren’t any private bathrooms, Bali Bobo guarantees no queuing and no dampness in their bathrooms – unheard of in Southeast Asia, until now! What’s more, they have good pressure and hot water in their showers. Your bed comes with a wall plug, a personal lamp and a big locker for your backpack.
Aside from the outdoor swimming pool, there are three common areas to relax in, the common room upstairs even has an air bike! You can stay fit on vacation all from the comfort of your hostel. There are beanbags to lounge on around the joint and there are tables downstairs if you need to park up and do some work too.
Bali Bobo Hostel is my number one choice for budget travellers, you’ll be comfortable and close to wherever you want to visit on this magical island. They’ll even arrange scooter hire for you if you want to see Tanah Lot Temple, an easy day trip from Jimbaran.
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View on Osprey View on REI4. Clandestino – Best Party Hostel in Bali
- Dorm (mixed): From $12-$19/night
- Address: Jalan Kayu Tulang , 80351 Canggu, Indonesia
Even though you are on a backpackers budget, Clandestino is so much more than just a fancy name and you’re worth it. You can swim up to the pool bar for a drink, (in the 10m pool!) or flirt at the tiki bar for a bit of spice. Yep, there are two bars – now you know it’s a party.
Clandestino is designed to get your drink on – but safely – they provide free Indonesian dinner daily for guests. If you think this sounds 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.
Why you’ll love it:
- Free Indonesian style dinner daily
- Free WiFi
- Open air rooftop restaurant
This is an epic choice for solo travellers who want to get in the mix and meet some sexy new people. There are daily events and bi-weekly inks and drinks parties where – you guessed it, you can get a ‘Gu tattoo!
The dorms are social with bunk beds to sleep six to 14 people so pick your poison and get mingling. With more amenities than most hostels, your bed comes with a locker, a reading lamp, a personal charging point, and a curtain for ahem, privacy.
Get your kit off, jump into that luscious pool and meet new friends. If you’re feeling shy, start at one of the nightly events Clandestino hosts. The wonderful staff make it easy to vibe out of your comfort zone and get amongst the ruckus.
5. White Penny Hostel – Best Hostel For Digital Nomads in Bali
- Dorm (mixed): From $15-$25/night
- Address: 5 Jalan Pura Telaga Waja, 80361 Seminyak, Indonesia
Looking for somewhere to tap away on your laptop and comfortably lay your head? I’ve got you. White Penny has comfortable, spacious rooms, perfect if you need to zone into your own space and get shit done.
White Penny is the new kid on the block in Seminyak, an area I love. It’s located outside the Kuta mania and a bit more lively than Canggu (that shows my age, Canggu is a happening place these days!). The MO at White Penny Hostel is “family to all travellers” and that’s the truth. This is the perfect spot to stay if you’re a solo traveller, an adventure frother, or smashing out some work before sipping margs at Potato Head.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Comfortable, clean rooms
- Located in the heart of Seminyak
- Walking Distance to the beach
White Penny is a noticeably clean boutique hostel and has private air conditioned rooms, female dorms and mixed dorms. You can choose to have breakfast included in your room rate or, there’s a restaurant and bar on-site to keep you sustained. I love sitting here to mix it up from working in my room – people-watching provides inspiration (and a bit of distraction). It’s all about balance!
When you’re done with work for the day, jump in the shower and feel fresh and ready for whatever the night brings. White Penny is within walking distance from all the Seminyak hot spots; think Mexicola, Shishi, The Forge, Biku, Sisterfields, Mrs Sippy, etc. This Seminyak hostel is in the perfect location.
Or, if hopping into your sexy clean bed for an early night is more your jam, wander across the road for sunset at Petitenget Beach. I don’t blame you, sometimes the most fun you can have is between the sheets!
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Bali Hostels
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!
6. Savanah Ubud
- Dorm (mixed): From $31/night
- Address: Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
This hostel is state of the art, as far as hostels go – a shady pool area to lounge around and private en suite bathrooms. Savanah is only a ten minute walk to Ubud Palace and the famous Ubud Market, you’ll have your own oasis amongst the hustle of Ubud. As for the Monkey Forest, that’s nearby too, you might even get some sneaky visitors!
If that stresses you out, disregard, it’s unlikely, but what’s sure is that you can join the free yoga classes every morning. If that’s not enough, there are free daily massages by the pool too! There’s also a cooking class if you want to take the best souvenir home – a taste of Indonesia. I highly recommend getting into all the activities Savanah has to offer, the staff are divine and you’ll see a special side to Bali.
7. Somewhere Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $12/night
- Address: 69 Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong, 80351 Canggu, Indonesia
Surf, Party, Adventure is the motto here and Somewhere Hostel lives up to it. With a jam-packed daily schedule which you can dip in and out of as you choose, this hostel is not for the faint hearted. If you love to send it, you’ll fit right in, especially if you love meeting new people, the crew here are the best!
Somewhere isn’t exclusively a surf hostel, but basically, this is where you want to be if you want to learn to surf too.
Whether you want to slurp a smoothie bowl, sip an espresso martini, or nosh down on some noods, the restaurant and bar has got you. It’s always the right time for a snack. The coffee here is heavenly, the pool is to die for and the cinema room is a special treat. Somewhere Hostel is close to Echo Beach and Batu Bolong, and the Ngurah Rai International Airport is 18km away, just a 20 minute gojek.
8. Parmilla Uluwatu
- Dorm (mixed): From $16/night
- Address: 444 Jalan Langui Kauh, 80361 Ungasan, Indonesia
Parmilla Uluwatu is one of those homely hostels – it’s quiet, breakfast is included, and the family is around to answer any of your questions. Lounge by the pool without being surrounded by lunatics on the piss (guilty!) as you recover from the bomb surf in Uluwatu.
There’s a garden to enjoy if you’ve spent too much time with your feet off the ground recently, lay under a tree, it’ll do wonders. On the flip side, free wifi if you’ve got to do the business, there’s a lounge downstairs to settle into. You’ll find a full kitchen down here, if you’d like to sort yourself for meals but there are plenty of tasty spots to discover nearby.
If you’re specifically looking for a hostel in Uluwatu, check out my guide – I’ve got you!
9. Puri Garden Hotel & Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $34/night
- Address: Jalan Raya Pengosekan, 80571 Ubud, Indonesia
This boutique hostel almost feels like a luxury hotel, with super green and spacious property and a huge outdoor pool. It’s pricier than your average Bali hostel, but the complimentary breakfast, free yoga classes daily, and beautiful swimming pool make it worth the price. The staff are 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. Concerned about safety in Bali? Don’t be, especially here, it’s an award-winning hostel for solo travellers looking to make friends.
From the breakfast to the comfy hammocks in the garden, everything at Puri Garden is simply perfect. The hostel is a traveller’s dream come true, with lots of different room options and plenty of space to yourself. Even if you stay in a dorm, there’s 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-minute walk away. A nine-minute stroll will get you up to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary and the Ubud Market and Ubud Palace are just up the road.
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 you could sit down with a fellow traveller to battle over a board game. Of all the hostels in Ubud, this is the best!
10. Arya Wellness Retreat
- Dorm (mixed): From $40/night
- Address: Jalan Monkey Forest 92, 80571 Ubud, Indonesia
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, a great location, and staff that go above and beyond to make your stay the absolute best. You seriously can’t do anything wrong by booking this stunning hostel!
Obviously, couples will be looking for charming 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, there are even spa treatments!
This hostel is a place to relax and unwind through a combination of free daily wellness and social activities. There’s meditation, yoga, pilates, healing circles, fitness classes, workshops, day trips, movie nights, cooking classes, 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. With a specially designed to offer an array of vegan options to help you detox your body while using only the freshest, locally sourced produce.
11. The Tipsy Gypsy Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $12/night
- Address: Jalan Nelayan 9, 80361 Canggu, Indonesia
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.
12. Pudak Sari Unizou Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $12/night
- Private Room: From $37/night
- Address: Jalan Kartika Plaza gang Pudak Sari No 2 Kuta, 80361 Kuta, Indonesia
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.
13. Lagas Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $10/night
- Address: Br, Jl. Raya Nyuh Kuning No.13, MAS, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
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.
14. Puji Hostel Ubud
- Dorm (mixed): From $8/night
- Address: Jl. Bisma No.28, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80361, Indonesia
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.
15. Lembongan Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $8-$13/night
- Address: Jalan Pantai Lebaoh, 80771 Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia
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.
16. Mangroove Bay Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $11/night
- Private Room: From $44/night
- Address: Jl Bangsal Banjar Dinas Mandarsari Desa Sumberkima Kecamatan Gerokgak, 81155 Banyuwedang, Indonesia
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 a trip to Menjangan Island, it is perfect for the wannabe divers and snorkelers.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Bali
Safety first, including helmets and good insurance, especially in hostels!
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.
FAQ about Hostels in Bali
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Bali.
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 my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
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 is a great option for lesbian lovers looking for the best hostel 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!
Final Thoughts on Bali’s Hostels
I hope my epic guide to the best hostels in Bali has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure. I’ve had countless golden days on this magical island and I only hope you feel inspired to stay there.
If you’re still wondering where to stay in Bali, I get it, there are a lot of options. Book in at Tribal Bali for a couple of nights and go from there. Located just minutes from the beach in Pererenan, a five minute drive from hipster Canggu, Tribal is a very special hostel.
If that’s a bit too tight on your wallet, or you want to stay further south in the heat of Uluwatu, check into Bali Bobo. This hostel is super laid back and in an epic location for a mini price. In my opinion, this is what’s needed after surfing your heart out on Ulu bombs all day.
Wherever you stay, I trust you’ll have a dreamy time in Bali. Make sure you see Tanah Lot Temple and the Ubud Market whatever you do, they’re tourist traps but for good reason!
If you think I’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit me up in the comments!
- 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.
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Yes Rachel, Bali is the best Indonesian Island and having best hostels. It is known for its forested volcanic mountains. Its culture is very unique and it is the home of many religious sites. It has huge popularity because there are millions of tourists who visit this Island. If you want to stay in Bali, there is the comprehensive selection of hostels. The Bali Hostels are the resource for great value accommodation. Thanks for sharing!