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.Â
The next time you’re planning a trip to the Indonesian island, consider these affordable backpacker hostels.
Note: The figures provided are based on the cost of a night’s stay for January 2024. All prices in SGD.
1. My Capsule Bali – For the party animals
The private rooms go from $40/night.
Image credit: Hostel WorldÂ
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.Â
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$21/night.Â
2. 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.Â
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 $32/pax, excluding any ink, of course.
3. 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.Â
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 $14/pax a night.
4. 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.Â
Image credit: @surfershouse.bali via Instagram
This means from $13/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.
5. 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 $21/pax a night.
6. 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.Â
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 for $30/pax a night.
7. 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.Â
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. For $39/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 HostelsÂ
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.Â
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 $113/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 21st November 2023.
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