Affordable hostels in Bali
Think of Bali and a couple things come to mind. Tasty food, a poppin’ club scene, and relaxing vacations, a la Eat Pray Love. While villas may have been synonymous with Balinese retreats for ages, hostels have risen in popularity for being a more affordable, social lodging option. The next time you’re planning a trip to the Indonesian island, consider these affordable backpacker hostels in Bali.
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Where are the most popular places to stay in Bali?
There are many towns in Bali that have proven popular amongst tourists. For example, Ubud is a culturally-rich area with paddy fields and stunning Balinese temples to visit. Then you’ve got Canggu, an up-and-coming town that’s known for its trendy cafes and nightlife.
If you’ve got shopping on your itinerary, Seminyak will be a great place for you. There are luxury boutiques, spas, and restaurants to swing by. On the other hand, sporty folk can go to Kuta and try some water sports – this includes surfing, jet skiing, and snorkelling.
However, since these places are tourist-favourites, prices of accommodations are on the higher end. Those on a budget can consider towns such as Uluwatu, Sanur, or Lovina. They offer the same beachy vibes, but are less frequented by tourists.
Instead of hotels and resorts, consider hostels instead. Most hostels offer shared dorms which come at a much lower price, and there are shared facilities including kitchens which you can use. Those who prefer some privacy can opt for private rooms in hostels too – you’ll find the basic amenities including pillow and blankets, and this translates to an affordable price.
| Hostel name | Price/night (SGD) | Location | Added amenities |
| Poshtel Ubud | $24 | Central Ubud | – Free daily breakfast – Free WiFi |
| My Capsule Bali | $10-$37 | Seminyak | – Private rooms available from $37/night – 5-minute walk to La Favela Club |
| The Tipsy Gypsy Hostel | $24 | Canggu | – In-house tattooing – Daily game nights – Free daily breakfast |
| Beach Hut Hostel | $27 | Kuta | – Aesthetic rooms – Outdoor pool |
| Surfers House Green Bowl | $32 | Uluwatu | – Free breakfast – Surfboard rental |
| Warung Coco Hostel | $19 | Kuta | – Poolside rooms – Island tours available – 5-minute walk to the beach |
| Castaway Hostel | $25 | Canggu | – Swim-up pool bar – IG-worthy gardens |
| Ubud Rice Field House | $34 | Ubud | – Surrounded by rice paddies – Mountain views – Countryside experience – Shared pool |
When is the best time to travel to Bali?
Most tourists travel to Bali to enjoy the tropical weather. So naturally, the rainy season will be a less popular choice. These off-peak months include late September, October, and November. The peak tourist season typically lasts from June to August, as well as December to January.
Getting to Bali from Singapore is straightforward: simply take a ~3 hour flight to Ngurah Rai International Airport. There are many airlines that fly there, including Scoot, Jetstar, AirAsia, and Singapore Airlines. Budget round-trip flights usually range from S$170-S$250, depending on your flight dates.
If you’re planning to visit the main island of Bali, spending 4-5 days will be sufficient. However, there are other islands around like the Nusu and Gili Islands which you may want to check out. If so, it’s recommended you spend at least 1 week so you have time to island hop.
Note: The figures provided are based on the cost of a night’s stay for April 2024.
1. Poshtel Ubud
Located in central Ubud & walking distance to Monkey Forest
Image adapted from: @poshtelubud via Instagram
If Ubud is your main area of interest in Bali, Poshtel Ubud makes for an ideal place for you to stay. It’s located right smack in the center of Ubud, so you can easily walk to the nearby attractions such as the Ubud Palace, Monkey Forest, and Blanco Renaissance Museum.
The hostel has mixed gender dorms going from S$24/night, inclusive of free daily breakfast. The menu changes daily, but past dishes have included omelette wraps and pandan pancakes served with fruit. Free coffee, tea, and water are available throughout the day, and you can request for free cleaning services as well.
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2. My Capsule Bali
For the party animals
The private rooms go from S$37/night.
Image credit: Hostel World
My Capsule Bali is the go-to accommodation for those who plan to stay up all night partying at nightclubs in Bali. It’s a quick 5-minute walk from the iconic La Favela Club and 5-minute drive to ShiShi Club, and Mirror Lounge and Club so you can easily head home after clubbing. You can also drive 10 minutes to Canggu, or take the hostel’s free bus to Savaya Club on Saturdays.
If you prefer staying in, the hostel has plenty of activities too. Game night takes place every Tuesday, where DJs spin tunes all night, while you participate in. Foodies, take note – Thursdays are their all-you-can-eat BBQ nights. The hostel has both mixed and single-gender dorms with rates from S$10/night.
3. The Tipsy Gypsy Hostel
Daily game nights & in-house tattooing
Image credit: The Tipsy Gypsy Hostel
There’s no better way to memorialise a vacation than with a good souvenir. At The Tipsy Gypsy Hostel in Canggu, you’ll have the chance to take it to a whole new level with a tattoo, so you can have your trip be a part of you forever, literally.
The hostel in central Canggu is the definition of a fun house, offering in-house tattooing, daily game nights, and free board games. It’s also a 6-minute walk to one of the most popular bars in the area, Pretty Poison Bar. Nights at this hostel start at S$24/pax, excluding any ink, of course.
4. Beach Hut Hostel
24-hour reception & quirky common areas
Image credit: Beach Hut Hostel via Facebook
Beach Hut Hostel in Kuta is exactly what it sounds like. The rooms are constructed to look like huts, with exteriors painted in colourful pastel hues – talk about classic island fashion. Each hut accommodates up to 8 occupants, and you can choose from mixed or single-gender rooms.
Image credit: @beachhuthostel via Instagram
The loft-style hostel has plenty of entertainment on the first floor, including pool tables, cocoon chairs, beanbags, and an outdoor pool. There’s even a cafe to satisfy any late night cravings. All of this and the stay is yours for around S$27/pax a night.
5. Surfers House Green Bowl
Surfboard rental & free breakfast
Image credit: @surfershouse.bali via Instagram
They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. How else are you supposed to get the energy to last through a day jam-packed with activities? At Surfers House Green Bowl in Uluwatu, breakfast is free. On Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, dinner is free as well.
Image credit: @surfershouse.bali via Instagram
This means from S$32/pax, you’ve got both your room and board covered, which is pretty crazy considering that would barely get you a Shake Shack burger here in Singapore. In addition to free breakfast, the hostel also offers a number of equipment rentals, such as surfing gear and motorbikes, so you can catch the waves at the beach 5 minutes away.
6. Warung Coco Hostel
Poolside rooms & island tours
Image credit: @bless_love1224 via Instagram
When we think of hostels, we typically envision simple, no-frills rooms with only the most basic amenities. At Warung Coco Hostel in Kuta, however, you’ll be treated to poolside rooms and a myriad of activities.
If you decide you’ve had enough of the pool and want to see what else Bali has to offer, the hostel is also big on activities. They’ve got an in-house activities desk where you can book all sorts of water sports, ferry tickets, and tours of the island. Stays start from just S$19/pax a night.
7. Castaway Hostel
Large gardens & a swim-up pool bar
Image credit: @castawayhostel via Instagram
Getting in the water after you’ve had a couple drinks is usually a big no-no. At Castaway Hostel however, the only way to the bar is through the pool. Here, you can grab a seat by the counter as you watch the bartenders mix your drinks on the spot.
Image credit: @castawayhostel via Instagram
This Canggu hostel is all about the outdoors, with sprawling gardens, pool tables, and even a large covered outdoor area with plenty of space to chill out and meet new people – all from S$25/pax a night.
8. Ubud Rice Field House
On a rice paddy with mountain views
Image credit: @ubudricefieldhouse via Instagram
Most of us know Bali for its soft sand and sunny beaches. After all, that’s what we usually see since many accommodation options are by the beach. If you’re looking for something different, you’ll find it at Ubud Rice Field House. Here, you’ll live on a rice paddy, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views.
Image credit: @idemartini via Instagram
Here, the nature vibes are everything. Not only are the houses made from wood, but the area itself is also incredibly private, tucked away from the noisy streets and bustle of the city. From S$34/pax a night, it’s a rustic, countryside experience you otherwise wouldn’t get in Singapore.
Bonus: Arya Wellness Retreat
Luxe meditation, yoga classes & vegan food
Image credit: Arya Hostels
If your idea of a Balinese vacation is to partake in mindful practices and relax, you’ll want to realign your chakras at Arya Wellness Retreat in Ubud, a hostel that focuses on clean living and health. Here, you’ll find plenty of organised activities, including daily meditations, yoga, fitness classes, workshops, and a number of spa treatments.
Image credit: Arya Hostels
Uniquely, this is also one of the few hostels that offer vegan dining options, made using the freshest locally-sourced produce to detox the body. Thankfully, the only thing that’ll be drained is bad energy and not your wallet, as a night will only set you back around S$111/pax.
Affordable backpacker hostels in Bali
There you go – the next time you’re planning an impulsive retreat to the beautiful Indonesian island, you’ll have these affordable hostels waiting for you. All you’ll have to do is pick one, and then get ready to soak in some sun. Who knows, you might even make a new friend or two.
More to do in Bali:
Cover image adapted from: @ubudricefieldhouse via Instagram, Beach Hut Hostel, @bless_love1224 & @surfershouse.bali via Instagram
Originally published on 26th July 2022 by Cherisse Goldwich. Last updated by Joycelyn Yeow on 5th April 2024.