Last Updated: 10/20/23 | October 20th, 2023
A hub for hippies, yogis, and digital nomads, Bali is one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia.
While Bali struggle with overtourism (I’m looking at you, Kuta Beach), there are still massive swaths of the island where you can get away from the crowds and enjoy the picture-perfect landscape. There’s a lot of hostels to choose from on the island.
But, before you start browsing for a hostel, here are four things you need to remember:
- Location – Bali is a large island dotted with various towns and villages. So, picking your hostel in a location you want to be based in is essential.
- Price – As in any destination, you get what you pay for. If you pick a really cheap hostel, you’re probably going to get one that is small and cramped and doesn’t offer great service.
- Amenities – Every hostel offers free Wi-Fi, and most have self-catering facilities so you can cook your own meals. Many — but not all — include free breakfast, so be sure to do your research to find the one that best meets your needs.
- Staff – All the hostels listed here have an amazing staff who are super friendly and knowledgeable. Even if you don’t end up staying at one of the places listed below, be sure to look up reviews so you have staff who are helpful and friendly. They can make or break a hostel!
Below is my list of the best hostels in Bali. If you don’t want to read the longer list below, the following are the best in each category:
Want the specifics of each hostel? Here’s my breakdown of the best hostels in Bali and why I love them:
Price legend (per night)
- $ = Under 150,000 IDR
- $$ = 150,000-250,000 IDR
- $$$ = Over 250,000 IDR
1. Indraprastha Guest House
Set right on Hanoman Street, one of the main drags in Ubud, this guesthouse is entirely made up of affordable private rooms. The rooms are spacious, have AC, and comfortable mattresses set on sturdy wooden frames. The guesthouse is quiet and calm and I especially liked the lush tropical garden (it was a nice place to relax and lounge).
There’s also a large shared kitchen in case you want to cook. Another big plus is that the showers have hot water — something not all accommodations offer in Bali!
Indraprastha at a glance:
- $$
- Convenient location in the center of Ubud
- Hot showers
- All private rooms
Private rooms from 230,000 IDR.
2. Gelatik Bed & Breakfast
A ten-minute walk to the beach in Seminyak, this is one of the more affordable options in the area. Everything is clean and modern and the dorms are spacious and bright with sturdy bunks and super comfy beds. Each bed has their own light, outlet, and locker (but no curtain). There’s a bar on-site that sells fresh-squeezed juice and cheap beer. They don’t organize events but the staff can help you book all kinds of tours and activities. A filling breakfast is available each morning and there’s also a swimming pool and communal kitchen too. They have a female-only dorm as well.
Gelatik Bed & Breakfast at a glance:
- $
- Close to the beach
- Free breakfast
- Swimming pool
Beds from 143,000 IDR, private rooms from 512,000 IDR.
3. Clandestino Hostel Canggu
Clandestino, located north of the airport in Canggu, is an energetic party hostel. They host all kinds of events each night, including dance parties with DJs, drinking games (where you can win free stays), and even tattoo parties (where you can get a cheap tattoo). There’s a pool with a swim-up bar too.
I really like that the beds here are actually comfy (unlike most party hostels). The mattresses are thick and all the dorm beds come with lockers, lamps, electrical outlets to charge your phone, and curtains for privacy.
Clandestino Hostel Canggu at a glance:
- $$$
- Party atmosphere
- Lively restaurant and bar
- Pool with a swim-up bar
Beds from 276,000 IDR per night.
4. Arya Wellness
This boutique wellness-focused hostel in Ubud is an upscale hostel for women only. The property has a swimming pool and offers yoga, Pilates, fitness, and meditation classes. There are also movie nights and cooking classes. The in-house restaurant serves only vegetarian and vegan dishes and a fresh, filling breakfast is included with your stay.
All of the dorm rooms have four beds so you’re never crammed in with other people. The bunks are sturdy and the mattresses are thick. There are outlets, curtains, and lights for each bed, and all the rooms have balconies, air conditioning, and individual lockers to ensure your things are safe and secure.
Arya Wellness at a glance:
- $$$
- Female-only accommodation
- Delicious complimentary breakfast
- Meditation, yoga, and other classes daily
Beds from 650,000 IDR per night, private rooms from 1,800,000 IDR.
5. Tribal Coworking Hostel
Created by fellow budget backpacker Will Hatton, Tribal is a brand-new hostel, the first in Bali specifically designed for digital nomads. There’s a 24/7 coworking space with super-fast Wi-Fi, tons of desks, sofas, and beanbags, as well as private booths for calls and lots of power outlets. There’s a huge multi-level pool, a cafe serving healthy eats, and the on-site bar has a daily happy hour with cheap drinks.
Dorms have modern pod-style beds with outlets and reading lamps. There are also stairs to the upper bunks rather than the usual noisy bunk bed ladders, and rain showers in the huge shared bathrooms. And while it is a very social hostel, the crowd is mostly young professionals, meaning that everyone is quiet and respectful at night so you’ll get a great night’s sleep here.
Tribal at a glance:
- $$
- Designed for digital nomads
- Modern pod-style beds
- Many common areas, including a giant swimming pool
Beds from 220,000 IDR per night, private rooms from 895,000 IDR per night.
Bali is a large island, so picking the right hostel based on what you want to see and do is important. Fortunately, there are a ton of amazing options in Bali, ensuring that you’ll have a fun and affordable visit to this iconic destination.
Book Your Trip to Bali: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- Safety Wing (best for everyone)
- Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
- Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
Want More Information on Bali?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Bali for even more planning tips!
