Lombok is the gem of Indonesia’s archipelago: picture-perfect beaches, luscious, green mountains, and a vibrant cultural tapestry – all rolled into one amazing island. It’s a veritable paradise for beach lovers. From the iconic Kuta Beach, known for its turquoise waters and epic waves, to the tranquil beauty of Selong Belanak Beach, you’ll find plenty of places to get sunburnt – I mean sunkissed.
Of course, before you attempt to climb Mount Rinjani or explore the amazing hospitality of the indigenous Sasak people, we need to find you the best Lombok hostel. This is going to be the place where you rest your weary head, party all night, or even maybe meet someone special.
There is a fantastic range of hostels in Lombok that are guaranteed not to break the bank. Whether you’re looking for the best hostel for solo travellers, or a digital nomad in search of somewhere to call home, this list has everything you need.
Let’s find you your perfect hostel in Lombok!
Photo: Roaming Ralph
Quick Answer: The 5 Best Hostels in Lombok
- Best Overall Hostel in Lombok – Pipes Hostel
- Biggest Party Hostel in Lombok – Mad Monkey
- Hostel with a Pool in Lombok – Botchan Hostel
- Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Lombok – Begadang
- Epic Hostel for Digital Nomads in Lombok – Kaniu Lombok Hostel
What to Expect from Hostels in Lombok
Staying in a hostel in Lombok allows you to experience unique cultures and meet fellow travelers. Though, hostels in Lombok sometimes charge relatively high prices for subpar amenities and services. These top hostels in Lombok offer great value for money, meaning you’re getting bang for your buck (without having to deal with blocked showers or bedbugs!).
Of course, hostel life is not for everyone. I’ve certainly had a few snorers that have made me question the brilliance of a 32-bed dorm. However, with the right property (and earplugs), hostels become highlights.
Some of the benefits of choosing a hostel in Lombok are:
- Communal areas and shared kitchens
- Large pool areas
- Very economical accommodation
- Organised activities like group tours, barbecues, and cultural events.
If you fall into one of the following categories, I highly recommend considering some of the amazing hostels we’ve selected to suit a wide range of traveller needs:
- Solo backpackers
- Digital nomads
- Couples on a budget
- Party people
- Long-term travellers
- Travellers looking for a low-key social atmosphere
Most of Lombok’s hostels are in the city of Kuta. (Please do NOT confuse it with the Kuta in Bali. Yes, I learned the hard way.) However, there are also some amazing hostels hidden away in the other towns such as Mataram and Senggigi.
Make sure you do your research on where to stay in Lombok to ensure you find the perfect fit for you. For example, being quite a big island, often hostels in Lombok rely on shuttle buses or scooters to access the larger towns.
Hostels are less likely to have curated and informative websites than their hotel competitors, making it difficult to source information, let alone compare properties. To assist you with your hunt for the best hostel in Lombok, I recommend checking out Hostelworld.
They allow you to easily compare prices, services, and locations to find the best deal. Not to mention, their hostel reviews are genuine and honest – allowing you to suss out which are the real deal.
Compared to other tourist destinations, Indonesia has relatively cheap hostels even in places as popular as Lombok. We’ve given price indications on our favourites here but bear in mind that even a mid-budget hostel ($$) is only about $14-18 USD.
So now that I’ve sold you on the unlimited potential of a great hostel, let’s check out my favourites!
Best Hostels in Lombok
While you’re backpacking Indonesia, chances are you’re going to be staying in hostels. With so many hostels in Lombok to choose from, let’s narrow down your search so you’re spending less time on your laptop and more time on the beach.
I’ve outlined what makes each of these hostels unique and added some pretty pictures for those who prefer window shopping. Enjoy!
Pipes Hostel – Best Overall Hostel in Lombok
Pipes Hostel is without a doubt one of the best hostels in Lombok. As luck would have it, it is also one of our most affordable hostels in Lombok.
You get the best of both worlds at Pipes, located in the main city of Kuta Lombok while being surrounded by a tropical paradise. The hostel is the perfect vibe of social but not hectic, allowing you to meet new friends while still enjoying your beauty sleep.
For those looking for some entertainment, one of the unique experiences offered at Pipes is the skate park. Have a go on the board, or sit back with your cocktail and watch as people embarrass themselves. For those wanting a less dangerous hobby, there are a number of different events such as BBQ and movie nights.
There are plenty of spaces in the hostel to hang with mates or recharge your social battery. Enjoy reading your book by the pool, or find some shade under the fronds of the tropical palm trees.
Why you’ll love this hostel
- The skate bowl, swimming pool, and movie room
- Quiet time after 9 pm
- Communal kitchen
Pipes Hostel has a variety of different facilities to suit even budget backpackers. Choose a room with hot water and air conditioning to escape the humidity, or forfeit such luxuries and save big! While Pipes does not offer private rooms, the dormitories are all single beds, rather than bunk beds – meaning you don’t have to perform crazy gymnastics to haul yourself to the top bunk.
The decor of the hostel is bright and lively, and the facilities are clean. Each bed also comes with a reading lamp and a power outlet so you won’t have to fight for a charging spot. The cafe is open early until late, offering coffee and vegetarian/vegan meals for your daily dose of veggies.
When you’re ready to explore the island, pick the brains of the friendly local staff on how to rent scooters or access the beach. Pipes Hostel is located on the periphery of Kuta, allowing you to be surrounded by the peacefulness of nature, while still in easy access to the beach via scooter. Particularly if you are a surfer, Pipes is a favourite for guests keen to shred the waves, and you’ll have plenty of friends to hit the beach with!
Mad Monkey – Biggest Party Hostel in Lombok
Partial to a cheeky beer? Want to watch the sunrise with your new travel buddies? Go no further than the Mad Monkey. This hostel feels like it has been modelled off the Barbie Dreamhouse, with playful colours and Malibu vibes.
For those looking to meet some new people, DJs, happy hour, and free shots are a sure way to get the party started and ease those solo-traveller jitters. Nurse that mojito-induced headache from last night on the sun beds and beanbags or visit the restaurant and bar to cure those hangover cravings. When you’re ready for a cool down, jump in the pool or marinate in the jacuzzi as you swap horror travel stories with your fellow backpackers.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Exciting nightly events
- Close to the beach
- A mix of private and dorm rooms
With a variety of dorm and private rooms to choose from, you can work easily with your budget (aka save more money for the bar #priorities). The rooms are brightly lit and well-ventilated, with sufficient space for your bags and lockers for security.
Mad Monkey is great for solo female travellers with the best female-only dorm rooms in Lombok. You can often find discounts on Hosteworld where the female dorms are cheaper than a regular dorm. (It is such a pet peeve of mine when female dorms are more expensive than their mixed dorm equivalent!)
Mad Monkey has plenty of organised events and services to keep you entertained, including pool parties and surf lessons. Conveniently, the beach is just down the road within easy walking distance of the hostel and great restaurants and bars. If you’re not sure what to do with your time in Lombok, check out Mad Monkey’s travel desk to find out what tours and experiences are available.
Lombok’s hostels can’t compete with the legendary parties Mad Monkey has hosted over the years. If you’re keen to have some (un)memorable nights, this is the hostel for you!
Botchan Hostel – Hostel with a Pool in Lombok
Botchan Hostel is a beautiful tropical property that feels more like a luxury Lombok resort than a budget hostel. Dive into the 15m swimming pool or enjoy the sunset from the balcony in your own private piece of jungle.
The hostel’s different rooms all centre around the pool and communal area, providing social space to hang out or meet new people. The lounge chairs by the pool also make it easy to tune out with your favourite book or podcast as you soak up that Indonesian sun.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Towels included
- Social layout
- Free water refills
Botchan Hostel is relatively small, creating an intimate and peaceful ambience for its inhabitants. You can choose between 2 dormitories or splash on one of the 5 beautiful garden villas.
There are self-catering facilities available, allowing you to organize your own meals, as well as free water refills, allowing you to save money and plastic. You also are provided with your own towel which I always consider as a huge tick when comparing hostels.
Botchan Hostel is incredibly hospitable, with friendly staff who are a great source of information on what to do in Lombok.
If you want to zip around town, you can hire scooters from reception. Or for those less confident on two wheels, you can also get one of the private shuttles organised by the hostel to Kuta’s breathtaking beaches.
If you are coming from the airport, Botchan Hostel also offers transfers, saving you the stress of trying to organise your own transport. The last thing you want to be doing after a flight is trying to haggle with a taxi driver with your limited language skills!
As far as Lombok hostels go, this is a great option for those needing some R & R.
Begadang – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Lombok
Yes, that is not your imagination – the pool is indeed in the shape of a mushroom. Why? Who knows.
What we do know is that this hostel is bloody photogenic. It looks more like a postcard than a hostel.
As shown in its abundance of positive reviews, Begadang Backpackers also has some awards to back up its success. The hostel took out the Hostelworld’s award for ‘Extraordinary Social Experience‘ in Asia (2021) in its ability to make everyone feel like family.
I am cheating a little here as the hostel is not technically in Lombok. Begadang Backpackers is on Gili Air, an island just off the coast of Lombok.
However, as these are two of the world’s best tropical islands SO close together (via boat from Lombok) in my mind, it’s eligible. After all, the hostel is the perfect oasis to relax and explore the tropical waters of Lombok.
The hostel also has everything you could need including a restaurant, bar, and board games. You’ll be seriously debating whether you need to ever leave.
Why we think you’ll love this hostel:
- Variety of organised activities
- Authentic bamboo cabins
- Bicycle hire
Begadang Backpackers didn’t get their ‘Extraordinary Social Experience’ rep for nothing. The hostel has a range of facilities and open spaces which make it easy for travellers to meet and hang out.
The TV at the bar often has the latest sports match going for those who can’t bear the idea of missing a football match. There is also a games room and bean bags where guests can relax with a beer from the bar. In case that wasn’t enough to keep you entertained, there is also table tennis, and volleyball available for those needing to value their worth over a ball game.
Explore the island with the bicycles available for rent from reception or video call your friends with the ultra-fast internet to make them jealous of your amazing hostel. There are also cooking facilities when you’re wanting a home-cooked meal – with a minimart conveniently right down the road. When you are ready to hit the water, the beach is just a 2-minute walk from the hostel.
Kaniu Lombok Hostel – Epic Hostel for Digital Nomads in Lombok
Kaniu Lombok Hostel is an easy place to call home for those looking for somewhere to slow down from the whirlwind adventure that is travelling around Indonesia. The hostel takes pride in providing a social yet chill vibe, with both private and social spaces to choose from.
One of the unique selling points of Kaniu Lombok Hostel is its capsule-style beds. This means you get your own private cacoon for the price of a bunk bed!
Having your own private (albeit quite small) bedroom provides you with some well-needed personal space after overcrowded dorm experiences. The economy of these private accommodation options with the relaxed ambience of the hostel makes this one of the best hostels for digital nomads or people on longer stays in Lombok.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Late check-out (12pm)
- Open tropical showers
- Great breakfast
Kaniu Lombok Hostel is a tropical paradise that allows you to explore the outdoors, while also being in close proximity to the main town of Kuta. To get to Kuta, you can either take a shuttle bus, rent a moped, or walk for just 25 minutes. For those uninterested in leaving the pool altogether, the hostel’s cafe and bar will keep you alive and fed.
Kaniu Lombok Hostel’s tropical open showers make you feel like you’re glamping rather than in a hostel, while the pool and bean bag area provide the perfect social space for those wanting to cool down. The hostel also provides you with towels, and a discounted breakfast is available for guests to enjoy every morning.
For those keen to save some money, you can cook your own food when you get sick of eating out. The hostel also offers a range of excursions and activities – allowing you to meet new people and explore more of the island.
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
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!Other Hostels in Lombok
It was hard to narrow it down to just 5 of the best hostels in Lombok. So here are a few more honourable mentions.
Dewi Sri Guesthouse
Dewi Sri Guesthouse is in Lombok’s capital of Mataram. This hostel has become a favourite for those looking to extend their visas due to its proximity to the immigration office. Motorcycle and transport hire can also be organised from the hostel if you are looking to explore more of Lombok.
There are a range of dorm and private rooms available, housed in a beautiful traditional Balinese-style house. This is also one of the best hostels for couples travelling together due to its spacious private rooms and chill atmosphere.
The rooms come with air conditioning and you can even try a Bak Mandi (a traditional Indonesian wash tub). This hostel provides an authentic local experience to its guests, ensuring all guests feel welcomed and a part of the family.
LoTide Surf Camp
Want to learn how to make the perfect shukas? Keen to learn how to surf in Lombok with a group of like-minded individuals? Then LoTide Surf Camp Hostel in Lombok is for you.
Whether you are a beginner to the sport or a professional wave chaser this hostel will provide you with the knowledge, support, and services to help you hone your skills. Of course, this hostel is not exclusively for surfers; those simply wanting beach, sand, and a swim will also enjoy the numerous excursions organised by LoTide Surf Camp.
LoTide Surf Camp runs frequent day surfing and trips to a range of different beaches around the island. After a long day of surfing, contemplate life under a nice hot shower, relax with a drink from the bar, and hang out with your new friends at the pool. The hostel has towels included as well as self-catering facilities and good storage for your bags and valuables. As night descends, enjoy the social events and gatherings organised by the hostel, designed to make everyone feel at home.
Nipah Villas
Located in the small town of Senggigi, Nipah Villas is a small family-run business that has continued to grow in both popularity and size, now encompassing 5 different-sized mixed dormitories. Nipah Villas is also one of the best hostels for private rooms, with private pool villas available for those wanting a little more privacy.
Relax in the covered seating area or sunbathe next to the pool, enjoying the slow pace of this simple and homely hostel. After a long day at the beach and exploring Lombok, grab your popcorn and zone out with a movie in the outdoor cinema, set up right next to the pool.
Nipah Villas is a great hostel for large groups, as there are a number of large private rooms (e.g. 5 beds with ensuite), meaning you can avoid sharing your space with randoms. There are also plenty of communal spaces and a restaurant to hang out and enjoy your time on one of the most beautiful islands in Indonesia.
What to Pack for your Lombok 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!
Lombok Hostels FAQs
Let’s get into some common Qs about the top hostels in Lombok.
How much do hostels in Lombok cost?
We’re talking around $8-15 USD per night. Being a fairly touristy area, Lombok’s hostels are a little more expensive than other Indonesian destinations and are all quite similar prices.
What are the best hostels in Lombok for couples?
Begadang is a superb hostel for couples in Lombok. This award-winning hostel has a relaxing vibe, a restaurant, a bar, and right on the beach!
What is the best hostel in Lombok near the airport?
Pipes Hostel is the best hostel near the Lombok International Airport. It is also the most affordable hostel in Lombok.
Travel Safety Tips for Lombok
Before you go anywhere, prioritising safety is essential. That’s why good travel insurance is always top of the list.
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.
Final Thoughts
Even as I hit my 30s I still refuse to get off the hostel bandwagon, particularly when visiting places like Lombok. Unless you have been marooned, I don’t know anyone who spends their time on tropical islands alone.
Lombok is a place that bring out the best in people. The hostels in Lombok aim to maximise that, so you leave with happy, happy memories.
Amazing hostels like Pipes provide the perfect home away from home, allowing you to become more involved with the local hospitality and find like-minded travellers who can stay with you for life.
Of course, there are always horror stories and it is important to do your research before choosing your perfect Lombok hostel. Needless to say, anyone who has a bad word to say about a hostel clearly hasn’t used our Broke Backpacker recommendations before!
- 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 beautiful places to visit in Indonesia covered.
- Check out the best places to stay in Lombok 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!
