The Best Hostels in Bali

With its picturesque paddy views and sleek rooms, this high-end hybrid is well-qualified to convert even the most hostel-phobic travellers. Base yourself in a white linen-swathed twin, double or dorm; enjoy Balinese dance at the weekly barbecue; and vinyasa in the Zen garden. Alternatively, slip on your Havaianas and hop over to the famed Yoga Barn, where open-air hatha takes place among the cries of exotic birds.

Fun and free-spirited, this boutique inn is in the business of facilitating friendships – a great shout for solo explorers. Sleeping spaces are compact yet savvily designed; cook-outs, giant Scrabble and an inflatable-filled splash pool with water slide maximise opportunities for meeting new pals. Haul yourself out of your hammock and saunter along Kuta Beach before elevenses at Cara Cara’s Opeum Den, where the sweet-toothed are in danger of overdosing on the gelato-topped croissants being served out of a Volkswagen Kombi.

Immersed in an exotic garden with split-level infinity pool, the leafy setting of this glamping/dorm accommodation lends itself to a slightly more rustic experience. Since it’s outside the main part of the town, expect peace and quiet bar the babble of nearby brooks. Fancy a trip out? Flag down a scooter taxi and hang on tight to a friendly old Balinese biker’s belly – zip-wiring over the spectacular rice terraces and the madness of Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary await.

Bread & Jam promises budget accommodation with style – and boy does it deliver. Clean white rooms of bunk beds with stunning turquoise highlights make for a soothing sight that goes perfectly with the tropical island vibe. Located in downtown Kuta, guests can enjoy a laid-back atmosphere while only minutes away from the central hub of the island. Bread & Jam caters to every backpacker’s needs, offering an 11-bed mixed dorm, a 10-bed female dorm, an eight-bed capsule, a four-bed family room and a two-bed private room.

With calming white-and-blue shades, cosy rustic design, tropical greenery, a pool and comfortable daybeds, Kosta Hostel has pretty much everything you’ve ever imagined for an exotic island getaway. Emphasising sustainability and eco-travel principles, this stunning property was made from recycled old houses. Kosta Hostel is strategically located in Seminyak, close to local bars and clubs, but private enough for a tranquil day in paradise.

The Pudak Sari Unizou Hostel sits in the heart of Kuta, steps from countless waterfront eateries and the popular Waterbom Bali waterpark. Ranging from eight-person dorms (both mixed and female-only) to private rooms sleeping two, rooms are airy and minimalist with white walls and wooden furnishings. Lose yourself in a book behind your bunk’s privacy curtain, soak up the sun with a dip in the hostel’s secluded pool or meet fellow travellers over food and films in the open-plan communal area.

In true Balinese style, Mana Earthly Paradise is an eco-conscious sanctuary, hidden away in the mountains. Fusing traditional architecture with natural materials, the beehive-style villas are built by stacking bags of earth together like bricks, resulting in organic structures that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Each cavernous dwelling is decked out with sustainable features, such as zero-waste mattresses, solar panels and furniture made from reclaimed wood. Pull up a seat at the onsite Mana Kitchen to tuck into homemade fare, such as the signature veggie broth, made using heirloom vegetables from the garden.