The Top 6 Best Backpacker Hostels in Bali
What is there not to love about Bali! From the amazing tropical weather & stunning beaches, tropical vibes, natural beauty of the island to the rich culture of the Balinese people to the cheap living costs, value for money. Along side the Balinese, the island is also home to a large community of digital nomads, spiritual, yogi types, party people and fellow world travellers, and you’ll find some of them at in and amongst the many, many backpacker hostels in Bali.
So where to start off? Depending on what you’re seeking may depend on where you want to head first, the infamous Kuta Beach is where you’ll find the party people, whilst the spiritual, yogi people tend to stay in the jungle up in Ubud. Check out the emerging digital nomad scene in the Canggu area north west of Kuta or if you want to go off the beaten track, head to Nusa Lembongan island, Gili Islands, or even up in the north of the island in one of the many fishing villages. See my post here about the best areas to stay in Bali.
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Backpacker hostels are a great accommodation and start off option wherever you are in the world, and this is especially so when you first land in a new destination. They’re a cheap accommodation option first of all, however they’re a wealth of so much more, such as the lively fellow traveller vibes! And you can forget grimy backpacker hostels – many of the best hostels in Bali have swimming pools, cafes, bars and some even have free yoga classes!
Where you stay can make or break your trip so it’s best to choose to stay at one of the best backpacker hostels in Bali. You can connect with like-minded people, meet & make new friends in your new location from all corners of the globe, find out lots of useful & interesting tips and information about the area you’re in, such as places to go and check out, where’s the best places to eat and drink at, what is the going rate of things like scooter hire, activities, etc. See here for 6 reasons why I love staying in backpacker hostels.
Here’s my 6 favourite backpacker hostels in Bali:
Puri Garden Hotel and Hostel in Ubud
Hidden in the centre of the island in the jungle is Ubud. Home to a large community of expats, artists, yogis, spiritual types and digital nomads, many who prefer to live here for months at a time or year round, so you’ll easily find people to connect with and places and activities to check out.
Being the yoga central of Bali, it’s no wonder that Puri Garden Hotel and Hostel offer FREE daily yoga classes. What better way to kick off your days in Ubud than with a Hatha or Vinyasa warm up and stretch out. Beds at this hostel have been arguably debated as the best of all hostels in Bali as they are bigger, more comfortable, very clean, and they even have privacy curtains! There’s also a swimming pool complete with loads of comfy bean bags to chill and sunbathe on, a cinema room, fast internet and a nice cafe. The hostel puts on entertainments like BBQ, Balinese dance and movie nights, day trips and can also provide airport transfers.
I can’t get enough of this hostel! Be sure to check this place out, it’s by far one of the best backpacker hostels in Bali! Click here to book!
Read More: 5 Best places to stay in Ubud (for all budgets)
Lay Day Surf Hostel in Canggu
For a more relaxed vibe, located in Canggu is one of the original surfies backpacker hostels in Bali, Lay Day Surf Hostel. It’s definitely worth checking out, with its chilled pool villa surfie vibes and 24-hour bar; you won’t be disappointed with Lay Day Surf Hostel. There are 16 spacious and comfortable dorms, sleeping only 4-6 people per room, all with AC, adjoining ensuite and under bead lockable drawers. The compound also has not 1, but 4 pools to splash around in on those extra hot days! Click here to book!
Read More: 5 Best places to stay in Canggu (for all budgets)
Bali Bobo in Jimbaran
Bali Bobo is a new, purpose built luxury hostel located in Jimbaran – a less touristy area with fab beaches and easy access to the surf spots and temples around Ulu Watu. With nicer beaches and less tourists than Kuta and Canggu, Jimbaran is a “hidden-in-plain-sight” gem which, until the opening of Bali Bobo in May 2019, really lacked affordable accommodation options.
Bali Bobo is the perfect hostel for budget travelers with high standards. The owners of Bali Bobo, Ralf and Elly, are a husband and wife duo who are using their combined 52 years of experience in the hospitality industry to provide guests an unmatched luxury hostel experience with a strong emphasis on local Balinese culture making this hostel feel more like a home away from home.
There are mixed and female only dorms and plenty of communal areas included a swimming pool and courtyard garden area, a large open layout shared kitchen and separate bathrooms for men and women. A generous breakfast in included in the room price along with fast, reliable Wifi and lots of thoughtful extras. If you book more than 5 nights you’ll even get free airport pick up. Read my full review post here and Click here to book!
Read More: My review of Bali Bobo – Bali’s newest friendliest luxury hostel
Kayun Hostel in Kuta
If you’re looking for where to start off, Kuta has it all, beaches, shopping, and a crazy nightlife. Not surprisingly its one of the most popular areas in Bali for backpackers. Kayun Hostel has 2 locations in Kuta nearby each other. The original Kayun Hostel has both dormitory rooms, and private rooms available, depending on what you are looking for and a it also has great pool bar area.
Whilst the newest Kayun Hostel Downtown is conveniently located close to Kuta’s famous bars & nightclub scene. The new Kayun Hostel beautifully designed and has a friendly, social atmosphere, plunge pool to take a dip in and luxury accommodation look & feel with hostel vibes. Both locations have free Wi-Fi throughput and a 24-hour check-in desk. Personally, I had an amazing time staying at this place and feel it’s one of the best backpacker hostels in Bali. Click here to book!
Read More : 5 Best Surf Camps in Bali
Kelapa Cottage in Amed
Amed, located on the north easterly side of Bali, has been a well-kept traveller secret, it’s a pretty little hideaway from mainstream Bali. If you’re a lover of snorkelling, Amed is not to be missed whilst in Bali.
Kelapa Cottage is a short 6 minutes walk from the beach, and has a stunning backdrop of Mount Agung behind it. At Kelapa Cottage they offer a mix of dorms, private rooms & cottages depending on what you’re after and there’s a beautiful large pool with a view! This one definitely makes the list of best backpacker hostels in Bali! Click here to book!
Read More: My perfect 2 week yoga, surf & spirituality Bali itinerary
Lembongan Hostel in Nusa Lembongan
Another well-kept secret of Bali is the island of Nusa Lembongan, located in the south east. Originally a small fishing village, it has now grown to attract many travellers, quickly becoming one of Bali’s most popular places to visit, for the stunning beaches, pristine aqua waters and off-beach snorkelling.
With its highly rated reviews, Lembongan Hostel is one of the most premium backpacker hostels in Bali worth checking out! It’s only 3 minutes walk to the beach and a short 15 minutes walk to the famous Mushroom Beach of the island. Facilities include a beautiful big pool, free Wi-Fi throughout, 24-hour check-in and scooter hire is available if you’d like to explore the stunning little island by bike. Click here to book!
Read More: 5 Best places to stay in Nusa Lembongan
Have you stayed in any amazing backpacker hostels in Bali? Leave your recommendations in the comments below the post and help out other backpackers!
Btw – I have used affiliate links in the post. So if you find my recommendations for the best backpacker hostels in Bali useful and want to book through the links I’ve provided then I can earn a small commission which helps to keep this site running at no extra cost to you. Thanks so much for your support! 🙂
