Posted: 2/5/2023 | February 5th, 2023

A hub for hippies, yogis, and digital nomads, Bali is one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia. It was popular when I first started going in 2010 and has only increased in popularity.

While parts of 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 is a legion of amazing things to see and do on this island — no matter your interests or budget. Hiking, surfing, sunbathing, exploring the unique food scene, taking a cooking class, spotting wildlife, visiting hot springs, and just chilling out are all popular activities in Bali.

Choosing a hostel near the things you want to see and do will save you money as well — money you can then spend on another yoga class or diving trip or a round of beers at the bar.

But before you start browsing for a hostel, here are four things you need to remember before picking a place to stay:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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:

Best Hostel for Budget Travelers: Gelatik Bed & Breakfast
Best Hostel for Partying: Clandestino Hostel Canggu
Best Hostel for Solo Travelers: Karma Backpackers
Best Hostel for Solo Female Travelers: Arya Wellness
Best Hostel for Digital Nomads: Tribal Hostel
Best Overall Hostel: Arya Wellness

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
• $$ = 150,000-200,000 IDR
• $$$ = Over 200,000 IDR

1. Indraprastha Guest House

Set right on Hanoman Street, one of the main drags in Ubud, Indraprastha is a favorite among returning visitors because there are no dorm rooms. The guesthouse is entirely made up of affordable private rooms of varying sizes, with rooms for solo travelers, couples, and groups. The rooms are spacious and have AC, and the comfortable mattresses are set on sturdy wooden frames. Some have balconies and en suite bathrooms as well.

On-site amenities include a lush tropical garden that’s attached to the two-story guest house, a lovely terrace, an extra-large common kitchen, and friendly staff. In addition to being in the center of it all, Indraprastha is nicely positioned for the hiking trails around Ubud too.

Indraprastha at a glance:

• $$
• Nicely located in the center of Ubud
• Welcoming staff
• All private rooms

Private rooms from 200,000 IDR.

2. Gelatik Bed & Breakfast

A ten-minute walk to the beach in Seminyak, just north of Kuta, and about a 20-minute drive from the airport on the west coast of Bali, Gelatik is a comfortable and affordable spot that offers complimentary breakfast, and their bar sells fresh-squeezed juice, local beer, and tasty local eats. The staff can help you book all kinds of tours and activities too.

The B&B has two main dorm rooms: one that’s mixed and one female-only. The wooden bunk beds are sturdy and, most importantly, very comfortable. There are no curtain shades, but some of the wood paneling helps adds a little bit of privacy. The property also has a swimming pool, a communal kitchen, and some terraces to take in the fresh Bali air.

Gelatik Bed & Breakfast at a glance:

• $
• Nice location close to the beach
• Complimentary breakfast
• Comfortable bunk beds

Beds from 120,000 IDR per night.

3. Karma Backpackers

Located in Uluwatu, in the southern tip of Bali on the Bukit Peninsula, Karma Backpackers is loaded with great perks: an airport shuttle to and from the hostel, a scooter rental service, boat tickets, and a free communal dinner for guests every night (which is a great way to meet other travelers). The hostel is also located just a short walk to and from the beach.

In the garden, there’s a small pool to soak in and the rooftop bar is a lively place to hang out and drink and play billiards with other backpackers.

The spacious dorm rooms mostly only have four beds per room, and each person gets two lockers. Each bed has its own curtain for privacy. There are also large private rooms with comfy double beds.

Karma Backpackers at a glance:

• $$$
• Located in a fun area near the beach
• Convivial rooftop common space and bar
• Complimentary dinner every night

Beds from 256,000 IDR per night, private rooms from 600,000 IDR.

4. Clandestino Hostel Canggu

Clandestino, located north of the airport in Canggu, has a handful of mixed sleeping spaces on offer and all the dorm beds come with lockers, lamps, electrical outlets to charge your phone, and curtains for privacy. (Pro tip: book a bed in the six-person dorm: it’s the only room that has an en suite bathroom).

There’s a second-floor restaurant/bar that always seems to be bustling, as well as a pool complete with a swim-up bar for those days when you just want to relax by the pool. If you’re looking for a hostel with a strong party vibe, this is the place to stay. The staff are really friendly and can also help you plan your trip and book excursions around the island.

Clandestino Hostel Canggu at a glance:

• $$
• Pool with a swim-up bar
• Lively restaurant and bar
• Friendly and welcoming staff

Beds from 165,000 IDR per night.

5. Arya Wellness

Aimed mostly (but not exclusively) at female travelers, this boutique wellness-focused hostel in Ubud is slightly more expensive than other hostels in Bali, but it’s well worth the splurge, given the unique perks here. 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 eatery serves only vegetarian and vegan dishes and breakfast is included with your stay.

The rooms consist of a few four-person shared sleeping quarters and the beds are bigger than your usual hostel mattress. They all have balconies, air conditioning, and individual lockers to ensure your things are safe and secure.

Arya Wellness at a glance:

• $$$
• Excellent location in the center of Ubud
• Great complimentary breakfast
• Meditation, yoga, and other classes daily

Beds from 400,000 IDR per night, private rooms from 1,200,000 IDR.

6. Tribal 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.

When you’re done working, chill out in one of the many common areas (including a huge multi-level pool), enjoy the healthy and varied menu at the cafe, or grab a drink at the backpacker-friendly happy hour.

Dorms have modern pod-style beds that have individual charging 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. The guests that Tribal attracts are a laidback, young professional crowd, meaning that everyone is quiet and respectful at night — you’ll get a great night’s sleep here!

Tribal at a glance:

• $$
• Designed for digital nomads with coworking areas and fast Wi-Fi
• Modern pod-style beds
• Many common areas, including a giant swimming pool

Beds from 200,000 IDR per night, private rooms from 750,000 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.