Whether you’re after an eco hut with yoga classes on tap, a sociable hangout with a pool or a dorm-style bed steps from the Sacred Monkey Forest, the Bali cultural hub of Ubud has a stay to suit.
With its powdery beaches, photogenic rice terraces and ancient Hindu temples, Bali is often referred to as the Island of Gods – and as soon as you visit this Indonesian isle, you’ll see why. Central Ubud is a culture vulture’s dream, with its souvenir-packed art market, royal palace, cooking schools and hidden yoga classes. But it’s not all five-star stays and telephone-number room prices. Given that it’s set away from Bali’s plushest beachside resorts, overnighting here can be surprisingly affordable, too. Here are the best backpacker hostels in Ubud, all bookable with Culture Trip.
It doesn’t get much more Balinese than this: set in traditional joglo-style wooden buildings, with a verdant view out to surrounding rice fields, this atmospheric hostel draws culture geeks in search of an immersive experience on the island. That’s not to say that Green Paddy Hostel doesn’t come with some creature comforts. There’s a large pool, friendly service and a tasty breakfast of banana pancakes served alongside fresh coffee.
Whitewashed, with wooden beds and flashes of Balinese art, Teba House keeps things simple. Set in the heart of Ubud, this place dishes up a solid daily breakfast of omelettes and French toast, whilst there is a lush little green space for afternoon relaxation. Ubud’s popular art market is just up the road, stuffed with intricate homewares and accessories, so be sure to save suitcase space for carved wooden serving dishes and woven handbags.
Whether you choose a private bedroom, complete with your own garden and semi-outdoor shower, or a super-thrifty dormitory room that sleeps up to six, your overnight at NamaStay comes with a snooze under a fabulous retro-chic quilt. It’s not the only style consideration at this smart stay, with walls covered in chalk art and modern bedside reading lights injecting some 21st-century atmosphere into this hostel in the heart of ancient Ubud. Hammocks in the garden are the perfect spot for an afternoon spent with your favourite book.
Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook a garden of flowers and palms at this Ubud hostel, with a large pool the perfect suntrap by day and a twinkling spot for pre-dinner drinks by night. Most of the accommodation comes in bunk-bed, shared-dormitory style; for more privacy, hire one of the whitewashed deluxe rooms with wood-framed double beds.
A little outside Ubud’s main core, Askara Guest House offers jungle vibes within striking distance of the town’s must-see sights. Perfect for DIY types, there’s a shared kitchen on hand should you fancy whipping up your own meals, whilst there’s also free parking if you decide to rent a car or scooter for exploring the island. The complimentary continental breakfast will fill you up before a long day of sightseeing.
With so much to see in Ubud – and across the whole of Bali – sometimes a simple stay is all you need. Bulan Bali Hostel has the basics well covered, with bunkbed rooms dressed in blue duvets and polished tile floors, as well as a convenient location close to a host of local restaurants and coffee shops. Be sure to add Ubud Palace, to the north, to your must-see list: all epic stone carvings and photogenic ponds.
The name gives it away: this place is right next to Ubud’s sightseer-favourite, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. The prime location is one of the property’s main selling points, as is a spacious communal area where you can meet fellow travellers, hang out with friends or devour a fragrant Indonesian curry. The outdoor area is another highlight; a lush lawn lined with plants and loungers where you can kick back on a lazy afternoon.
Thatched-roof huts set among permaculture gardens; yoga sessions in a pavilion perched over a pond; farm-to-fork dining on organic, probiotic Japanese-Indonesian cuisine. Everything at Mana Earthly Paradise is done with the planet in mind. Choose from family or couples’ villas or dormitory rooms with coworking spaces. Zero-waste mattresses, organic toiletries in bathrooms – not to mention rainwater harvesting and solar panels – further add to the easy-on-the-environment ethos.
Visitors to this dormitory-style hostel gravitate towards its pool; the perfect place to cool down in the equatorial Balinese heat as you sink a couple of beers and make some new friends. The shared rooms, which come in mixed and women-only formats, reflect the tropical hues of Bali with bright yellow, red or green walls and sunshine-hued curtains. The front desk is 24-hour, handy if you want to head out exploring Bali’s nightlife scene until late.
With soaring wooden ceilings and tiled floors, the dormitory rooms at In Da Lodge come with a dash of Thai-chic. Not that you’ll be spending much time in them: with a large sun-drenched pool ringed by oversized bean bags, there’s a green lawn to boot. Naturally then, this is where most travellers here tend to congregate, whilst the food is also a cut above that of most hostels, with stacks of fruit-topped pancakes served at breakfast.
Offering the opportunity to lodge in a Balinese family house, a traditional design, lush tropical gardens and opulent pool add to the appeal of this homestay. Beyond facilities, the true draw of this spot is the chance to interact with, observe and learn about Balinese culture on an immersive level.
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