Not only is Bali a hotspot for yoga, art, and culture, it also happens to be a magnet for surfers. That’s probably why you’re here.

For decades, Bali’s world-class waves have attracted surfers from across the globe, and the island boasts a super chill lifestyle as a result.

The best place to experience Bali’s relaxed surf vibe is in a surf hostel. 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, we’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…

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Sultans of Swell
What’s not to love?

Sultans of Swell – this place definitely wins the award for best-named surf hostel in Bali. It is a pretty awesome hostel too. These guys claim to have “the best vibe for the best price,” and if the reviews are anything to go by, they’re definitely onto something.

This hostel is the kind of place you can easily stay for a week or longer, just lapping up the beautiful surroundings and meeting like-minded travelers. If you’re big on surfing, and you want to surf every day, this is the place to be.

They even provide boards 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.

As well as the vibe and general surf credentials, it’s a pretty stylish spot too, with affordable luxury on offer in its boutique private rooms. On top of that, the dorms are clean and spacious, plus there’s a lush garden area.

Where is Sultans of Swell?

Located in Uluwatu – which everyone knows is home to some of the best surfing in Bali. Sultans of Swell may not be in the middle of the Uluwatu action, but it’s conveniently located for easy beach access. Uluwatu has been a prime surfing destination since 1972 (thanks to 1971 surf film Morning of the Earth), and boasts five breaks to sample. Around 30 minutes from the airport, and between five and 20 minutes away from dozens of Uluwatu beaches, it is an ideal surf getaway location.

In terms of room options, Sultans of Swell has the following on offer:

  • Mixed dorm
  • Private Double room

Prices start from $4 USD per night.

Sultans of Swell bali
Yup – $4 for all of that!

Any extras?

Being one of the top hostels for surfers in Bali, there are some pretty decent perks to lap up during your stay. Such as:

  • Surfboard rental
  • Motorbike rental
  • Air conditioning
  • On-site Bar
  • Surf lessons
  • Board games
  • Tours/travel desk
  • Some rooms have balconies

One of the best things about Sultans of Swell 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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Lay Day Surf Hostel
This one’s for the party-lovers

Lay Day is a combo of all the good stuff – surfing, partying, and relaxation. The holy trinity, some might say.

Starting life back in 2015, it was founded by four keen travelers and surfers hailing from around the world. Providing a hub for travelers and surfers to get together and share an island experience, we 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 traveler who yearns for good times.

Where is Lay Day Surf Hostel?

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 to the popular surf spot, Batu Bolong Beach, and close by to plenty of other world-class surf beaches.

The rooms are pretty dang stylish. There aren’t any private rooms on offer, but the dorms have pod-style beds that feel private and spacious.

  • Mixed dorm
  • Female dorm

Prices start from $6 per night.

Lay Day Surf Hostel bali

Any extras?

This party-centric surf hostel in Bali comes packed full of awesome amenities that make a fun and chill place to stay. Including:

  • A lush garden
  • Laundry facilities
  • On-site bar
  • 4 swimming pools
  • Luggage storage
  • Motorbike hire
  • Communal kitchen
  • 24-hour security
  • Air conditioning
  • Free parking

The hostel arranges events and activities to keep guests entertained including:

  • Pool parties
  • Beer pong
  • DJ nights
  • BBQ nights
  • Drinks deals

In summary, Lay Day is a great place to stay. It’s definitely one of the best surfing hostels in Bali, not just because of the love of surfing exhibited by the staff and a lot of the guests, but because of the vibe. The hostel team is super welcoming – you might even be offered a Bintang on check-in!

Lay Day is a perfect place to start off a Bali adventure with its close proximity to the airport, and hoards of amenities close by. For adventures all around the island, check out our best hostels in Bali post to find where to head after!

Surfers House

If you’ve come to Bali with high surfing expectations, then Surfers House is the hostel for you. It makes for a great base to explore the best surf spots, as well as other sights that Bali has in store for you.

The hostel staff are very welcoming and are on hand to offer help whenever you need. For those who need some practice, Surfers House offers surfing lessons in small groups – you can learn and progress your skills with the experienced in-house instructors.

Style-wise, it’s not the fanciest hostel going – interiors are low-key without too much of the chic, boutique thing going on. Here it’s more about a down-to-earth relaxed vibe – dorm rooms here are bright and spacious with tiled floors, wooden bunks with privacy curtains, and white-washed walls. The hammocks in the garden (hanging from the mango trees) are a great place to chill.

Where is Surfers House?

Surfers House is located in Bali’s chic hub Canggu. 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.

Although not uber-stylish or overly fancy, the simple and understated hostel is an island home away from home.

  • Mixed dorm
  • Female dorm

Prices start from $28 per night.

Surfers House Bali
Surfers House offers loads of amenities

Any extras?

There’s more to this hostel than meets the eye.

  • Communal kitchen
  • Complimentary water, tea, and coffee
  • Air conditioning
  • Surf lessons
  • Surfboard hire
  • Garden with BBQ area
  • Meals available
  • Security lockers

There’s a regular roster of events held at Surfers House, all helping you make friends with surf enthusiasts from across the world. These activities include:

  • Movie nights
  • BBQ nights (“Chilling and grilling”)
  • Day trips
  • Drinks deals
  • Surf theory lessons

Its easy going vibe, great location and chilled design has landed Surfers House on our list of best surfing hostels in Bali. Not just a hostel, Surfers House encourages budding surfers with lessons by qualified instructors to tackle the waves and have fun in the water.

If you really want to learn to surf, this cheap hostel is the best option for you. Check out their nightly rates as some bookings come with lessons included in the price.

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    Margarita Surf Hostel Canggu

    And finally, we have Margarita Surf Hostel Canggu. This laid-back hostel is a nice mix of budget hotel and hostel. There are a fair few room options on offer, but we’ll talk about those in a bit.

    If you’re traveling to Bali in a group, staying at this hostel may be a perfect option, since you can share a room and split the cost. The hostel staff are welcoming and accommodating, and are happy to help you out with all your trips and surfing needs.

    Margarita Surf Hostel Canggu has a sunny outdoor pool, surrounded by rice paddies. It is a calm, beautiful and peaceful location away from the center of town. In the evenings, the on-site bar is buzzing with people sipping Bintangs and enjoying the nightly entertainment.

    Where is Margarita Surf Hostel Canggu?

    Situated just outside central Canggu, Margarita Surf Hostel is within walking distance of all the entertainment of the town. It’s also a short walk to the beach, so you can easily spend your days surfing – or lounging on the sand, if that’s more your thing.

    Being halfway between a hostel and a hotel, Margarita Surf Hostel Canggu has nice quality rooms to suit every traveler. These include:

    • Mixed dorm
    • Private Deluxe double

    Prices start from $17 per night.

    Margarita Surf Hostel Canggu bali

    Any extras?

    Yes. There are definitely more than a few amenities and facilities to shout about that make this hostel more than just a place to sleep for the night…

    • Restaurant-bar
    • Swimming pool
    • Security lockers
    • Air conditioning
    • 24-hour security
    • Balconies (some rooms)
    • Tours/travel desk
    • Surf lessons

    There are also a bunch of events to keep things lively at this Bali surf hostel, including:

    • Movie night
    • Karaoke
    • Happy hours
    • Beer pong
    • Sunset trips
    • “Ultimate beers challenge”
    • Beer and barbecue

    Margarita Surf Hostel Canggu is a pretty chill and relaxed spot. It’s small and intimate with the option to party, or just go to bed early if you feel like it. The beers are reasonably priced, which is always a bonus.

    And, even though it’s surrounded by rice paddies, the bars and cafes of Canggu are easily walkable. Plus the cosy aesthetic means it’s the best of both worlds in terms of comfort and fun.

    After checking out these Canggu spots, we recommend you visit some other areas on the island so you can get the full experience of beautiful Bali. For some inspiration, our where to stay in Bali post delves into each area in huge detail.

    Dreamsea Surf Camp Canggu

    As the name suggests, Dreamsea Surf Camp Canggu is big on surfing, and a total dream. It is a super sociable place with a great atmosphere, making meeting new friends a breeze. In fact, they say they’re the “perfect mix between a surf camp and a social club.” Solo travelers, it’s perfect.

    It is ideal for people who want to spend time in Bali surfing, but, there’s also a ton of other stuff going down here every day. Including hanging out by the on-site swimming pool, enjoying a massage, joining a workout class or trying yoga lessons, there’s always something to do.

    Dreamsea Surf Camp Canggu 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.

    Where is Dreamsea Surf Camp Canggu?

    Located in Canggu, Dreamsea Surf Camp Canggu is close by to cafes, bars, and shops in the local area. Some of the best beaches and breaks in town are an easy walk away, and the heart of Canggu is just a few minutes’ stroll. Everything is pretty much on the doorstep for a dream Bali getaway.

    Wondering about those room options? Here you can choose from the following private room and dorm options:

    • Mixed dorm
    • Female dorm
    • Private Double room

    Prices start at $20 per night.

    Dreamsea Surf Camp Canggu bali
    When in Bali

    Any extras?

    There are plenty more extras at this high-end hostel that really add to its value for money. These include:

    • On-site Cafe
    • Free breakfast
    • Fitness center
    • Swimming pool
    • Free parking
    • Air conditioning
    • 24-hour security
    • Hot showers
    • On-site Bar

    Earning its spot as one of Bali’s best hostels, there are some great activities you can get involved with:

    • Gym classes
    • Yoga
    • Surf lessons

    Dreamsea Surf Camp Canggu claims to be situated in “the coolest area of Bali,” and they’re not wrong. Canggu is one of the most popular areas in the South, with tons of places to eat and drink. Couple that with a jaw-dropping design throughout, plus the surf credentials, yoga classes, and other amenities, and it’s a great place to stay. A bit more pricey than other places in the area, but if boutique is your style and you have the budget, well, why not?

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    FAQ about Surf Hostels in Bali

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    Final Thoughts on Surf Hostels in Bali

    You’ve got your board, you’ve got your surfboard 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.

    Veteran surfers may want to check out Sultans of Swell in Uluwatu, while beginners should definitely consider the very friendly Surfers House. Whatever you go for, let us know in the comments below!


    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!