Not only is Bali a hotspot for yoga, art, and culture, but it also happens to be a magnet for surfers. Which is probably why you’re here!
For decades, Bali’s world-class waves have attracted surfers from across the globe. Flocks of surfy, tanned babes flock swarm from every inch of the planet to experience these sweet Bali swells.
The best place to experience Bali’s surf vibe is in a surf hostel. Surf Hostels are often part of surf schools and close to beaches and party spots, these easy going places provide a spot to relax with other surfers, have fun, and learn how to ride the waves – if you don’t already know.
To help you decide the best spot for you, I’ve curated this guide to the best surf hostels in Bali. With everything from chic Balinese style, to more backpacker-friendly digs, there’s something for everyone.
Let’s see what’s on offer!
Photo: @amandaadraper
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The 5 Best Surf Hostels in Bali
There are SO many epic places to stay when travelling in Bali but if you’re heading to the Island of the Gods to carve up the surf – you might want to opt for a hostel that provides the best surfy vibes. Mix and mingle with fellow surfers, rent boards or join a surf lesson; the surf hostels in Bali have a lot to offer.
Here are my top 5 favourite surf hostels in Bali:
1. Surfers House Green Bowl (Uluwatu)
- Dorm (mixed): From $12
- Private Room: From $35
- Address: Tukad Dalem 2, Ungasan, Uluwatu, Indonesia
Surfers House Green Bowl – this place is without a doubt one of the best surf hostels in Uluwatu. It is the kind of place you can easily stay for a week or longer, just lapping up the beautiful surroundings and meeting like-minded travellers. If you’re big on surfing and plan to surf every day, this is the place to be.
They even provide boards and surfing gear to rent if you’ve left your favourite surfboard at home, and have scooter rentals so you can zoom around the island looking for the next wave.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- FREE family dinners
- Swimming pool
- Communal kitchen
- Good surfboard rentals
As well as the vibe and general surf credentials, it’s a pretty vibey spot too, with affordable luxury on offer in its cosy private rooms. On top of that, the dorms are clean and spacious, plus there’s a lush pool and garden area to chill out by post-surf.
Located in Uluwatu – which everyone knows is home to some of the best surfing in Bali. Surfers House Green Bowl may not be in the middle of the Uluwatu action but if you’ve got a scooter and a board rack – you’re good to go explore Uluwatu’s best beaches. There is a supermarket just steps away and you can get to the closest beach by scooter in five minutes.
One of the best things about Surfers House Green Bowl is its great atmosphere. Nearly everyone is keen on surfing, making it a great place to make friends with the other guests, and the staff too! There’s a nice garden to hang out in as well as a bar – it’s all very cool.
If you are exploring Bali on a budget and want to be careful with your coin, it is a great affordable accommodation.
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View on Osprey View on REI2. Lay Day Surf Hostel (Canggu)
- Dorm (mixed): From $9
- Private Room: From $68
- Address: Jalan Batu Mejan 14B, Padang Linjong, Bali, Canggu, Indonesia
Lay Day is a combo of all the good stuff – surfing, partying, and relaxation. The holy trinity, some might say. No wonder it’s one of the best hostels in Bali. Starting life back in 2015, it was founded by four keen travellers and surfers hailing from around the world. Providing a hub for travellers and surfers to get together and share an island experience, I think they got it right.
By day, the vibe at Lay Day Surf Hostel is chill – people hang out by one of the four pools, kick back in the garden, or hit the beach to ride the waves. But as night falls, things hot up with a fully operating bar, cocktails in full flow, and good music. Get ready to party until the early hours. It’s easy to meet new friends at Lay Day, making it an ideal spot for a solo traveller who yearns for good times.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Great location
- Rooftop restaurant
- Scooter rentals
- EPIC pub-crawls
- Weekly social events
Situated in vibrant Canggu at the end of a small lane, the hostel is tucked away, but still close enough to the action so you don’t feel isolated. There are cafes and restaurants, yoga studios, and coworking spaces all within walking distance so you can easily explore the town and try out loads of the fun activities Canggu is known for.
Lay Day is just 3km from the popular surf spot, Batu Bolong Beach, and close by to plenty of other world-class surf beaches. So is ideal for those planning to spend their days catching waves. The rooms are pretty dang stylish with both private and dorms available.
3. Somewhere Hostel (Canggu)
- Dorm (mixed): From $10
- Private Room: From $47
- Address: Jalan di tempat lain No.6, Kabupaten Badung, Canggu, Indonesia
If you’ve come to Bali with high surfing expectations, then Somewhere Hostel is the hostel for you. It makes for a great base to explore the best surf spots, as well as mix and mingle with fellow travellers AND partyyy, baby.
The vibes are high at this hostel. If you’re planning to surf hard and get a good rest in-between this spot might not be for you. In between surfing, you’ll be meeting fellow travellers and experiencing the best of Canggu’s epic nightlife in between. It’s a work hard play hard kinda vibe and is not for the faint-hearted.
The hostel staff are very welcoming and are on hand to offer help whenever you need it. For those who need some practice, Somewhere Hostel offers surfing lessons each morning – you can learn and progress your skills with experienced in-house instructors. They also give you a lift down to the beach if you join the surf lesson.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Daily surf lessons
- Air-conditioned movie theatre
- Organised social events
- On-site barista
Somewhere Hostel is located in Bali’s chic hub of Canggu hostels. Located near some of the best party spots and food joints in town, it is just a two-minute drive to Batu Bolong Beach and Echo Beach, two of the main surf spots in Canggu.
Its easygoing vibe, great location and chilled design have landed Somewhere Hostel on my list of best surfing hostels in Bali. If you’re down to surf hard and party harder – you’ll LOVE this spot.
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4. The Swell (Kedungu)
- Dorm (mixed): From $7
- Private Room: From $34
- Address: Jl. Pantai Kedungu No. 99, Belalang, Kediri, Tabanan – Bali, Canggu, Indonesia
The Swell is my top pick for surfers looking to escape the crowds of Canggu, Kuta and Uluwatu. Kedungu Beach is about 20 minutes north of Canggu, near Tanah Lot and is a lot more peaceful. With fewer people around, that means less competition in the surf (now that is something I can get behind). It’s one of Bali’s hidden gems.
As the name suggests, Swell Hostel is big on surfing! It is a super sociable place with a great atmosphere, making meeting new friends a breeze. Hang out by the pool, grab a drink and enjoy the sunset as you mix and mingle with fellow travellers.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Swimming Pool
- Rooftop Bar
- Away from the crowds
- Close to good waves
- Epic sunset spot
The Swell is a boutique-style surf hostel, complete with Bali-inspired decor throughout. The private rooms are particularly chic and Instagram-friendly, as are the shared dorms. The hostel is more like a hotel for fun-loving people, rather than just a hostel.
Surrounding by rice paddy fields and a stone’s throw from the sea, the rooftop pool views are pretty damn incredible – especially as the sun is going down. The food served at the hostel is DIVINE and the on-site barista is a huge bonus.
From the outdoor movie theatre to the epic rooftop bar – this is easily one of the best hostels around and the best part? You’ll be in your own serene little bubble away from the crowds. The Bali dream!
5. Wave House – Surf Camp (Canggu)
- Dorm (mixed): From $84
- Private Room: From $129
- Address: Jalan Subak Sari No. 100, 80361 Canggu, Indonesia
Wave House Hostel and Surf Camp are boujee vibes for less. If I say that this hostel is so Bali, you’ll probably know what I mean. It’s beautifully modern, has a lush outdoor swimming pool and serves up bangin’ healthy bowls.
Surf all day then come back to the chill vibes of Wave House. Whether you feel like doing yoga on the terrace looking over the lush Balinese greenery or lounging around the pool – this is one super laid-back hostel and one of my fav places to stay in Bali.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Modern decor
- Organised Events
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Delicious, healthy food available
- Social vibes
If you’re travelling to Bali as a couple, staying at this hostel may be a perfect option since they have some bloody gorgeous private rooms on offer. The hostel staff are welcoming and accommodating, and are happy to help you out with all your trips and surfing needs.
The surf school is top-notch here too. The instructors are amazing and give great advice. They offer video analysis so you can really understand what you need to improve on. The lessons are fun and the instructors keep things light – it’s a shit load of fun while also being super beneficial.
FAQs About Surf Hostels in Bali
Don’t Forget Your Bali Travel Insurance
It’s never a good idea to travel without good travel insurance. Especially if you’re doing things like riding scooters, carving up waves and chasin’ dreams. Shit can happen when you least expect it.
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!
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Final Thoughts on Surf Hostels in Bali
You’ve got your board, you’ve got your board bag and you’ve picked out an awesome place to stay! So what are you waiting for?!
There you have it. Those were the best surf hostels Bali has to offer. Whether you’re looking for something chic and stylish that you can Instagram the heck out of, or if you want to a surf camp style spot to hone your skills, you’ll be sure to find what you’re looking for.
There are a few bangin’ options when it comes to the surf hostels in Bali – from epic parties to cute outdoor movie nights, each hostel not only offers great surfy vibes but also loads of other activities to enjoy.
Enjoy your time in Bali <3
Photo: @amandaadraper
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