Bali is one of the best places in Asia for backpackers and budget surfers, with sociable hostels within walking distance of great waves. This guide lists the best hostels in Bali, picked from the top-rated hostels on Google Maps, and grouped by area so you can stay close to the surf.
Ratings and review counts were checked on Google Maps in November 2026. Prices change with the season, so always check the latest rates and facilities before booking.
Best hostels in Bali at a glance
| Hostel | Area | Google rating | Reviews | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lay Day Uluwatu Surf & Party Hostel | Uluwatu | 4.8★ | 2,409 | Social surfers, intermediate waves |
| Lay Day Hostel Canggu | Canggu | 4.8★ | 1,584 | Social travellers learning to surf |
| Ubud Backpacker Hostel – Peliatan | Ubud | 4.8★ | 735 | Culture and rice-field trips |
| Tribal Bali Coworking Hostel | Canggu | 4.6★ | 711 | Digital nomads |
| Sepeda Hostel Canggu | Canggu | 4.8★ | 700 | Budget stays near the beach breaks |
| Best Canggu Hostel | Canggu | 4.8★ | 613 | Budget backpackers |
| Lokal Bali Hostel | Kuta | 4.7★ | 397 | First-timers near Kuta Beach |
| Beach Hut Hostel | Kuta | 4.6★ | 394 | Beach access on a budget |
| Kos One Hostel | Canggu | 4.8★ | 352 | A quieter, boutique feel |
| The Lazy Lama Hostel Uluwatu | Uluwatu | 4.8★ | 341 | Surfers exploring the Bukit |
| Surf & Party – Hostel Somewhere Else | Canggu | 4.9★ | 306 | Surf and nightlife |
| Fora Capsule Hostel Tuban | Kuta (Tuban) | 4.7★ | 228 | Capsule beds near the airport |
| Dream Beach Hostel Lembongan | Nusa Lembongan | 4.9★ | 168 | Island escapes |
| Castaway Island Hostel | Nusa Lembongan | 4.8★ | 165 | Surfing Lembongan’s reefs |
Where to stay in Bali as a surfer or backpacker
- Canggu – the most popular base for young travellers. Beginner-friendly waves at Batu Bolong, cafés, coworking spaces and nightlife. Canggu surf schools & guide.
- Uluwatu – world-class reef breaks, clifftop sunsets and a laid-back surf scene. Best for improvers and intermediates. Uluwatu surf guide.
- Kuta – close to the airport, with a long sandy beach that’s ideal for your first surf lesson. Kuta surf schools.
- Ubud – inland, with no surf, but great for temples, rice terraces and yoga between surf trips.
- Nusa Lembongan – a small island with reef breaks and a slower pace, a short boat ride from Sanur. Nusa Lembongan surf guide.
Best hostels in Canggu
Lay Day Hostel Canggu
Rated 4.8 from more than 1,500 Google reviews, Lay Day is one of the best-reviewed hostels in Canggu and has a reputation as a social, surf-focused place to stay. It’s a good pick if you want to meet other travellers and book surf lessons nearby.
Surf & Party – Hostel Somewhere Else
With a 4.9 rating, this is one of the highest-rated hostels in Canggu. As the name suggests, it’s aimed at travellers who want to surf by day and go out at night.
Sepeda Hostel Canggu
Rated 4.8 from around 700 reviews, Sepeda is a well-reviewed budget option for backpackers who want to be close to Canggu’s beach breaks.
Tribal Bali Coworking Hostel
A hostel built around coworking, with a 4.6 rating from over 700 reviews. It’s ideal for digital nomads who want to work in the afternoons and surf in the mornings.
Best Canggu Hostel and Kos One Hostel
Both rate 4.8 on Google. Best Canggu Hostel suits budget backpackers, while Kos One has a more boutique, relaxed feel.
Planning to learn? Compare surf schools in Canggu or read our guide to the best surf camps in Canggu.
Best hostels in Uluwatu
Lay Day Uluwatu Surf & Party Hostel
The most-reviewed hostel on our list, with a 4.8 rating from more than 2,400 Google reviews. It’s a popular base for surfers on the Bukit Peninsula who also want a social atmosphere.
The Lazy Lama Hostel Uluwatu
Rated 4.8 from over 340 reviews, a good alternative if you’d like a smaller hostel in the Uluwatu area.
Uluwatu’s famous reefs are best for experienced surfers, but local schools take beginners to softer spots. See our Uluwatu surf guide and best Uluwatu surf camps.
Best hostels in Kuta
Lokal Bali Hostel
Rated 4.7 from nearly 400 reviews. Kuta is the classic place to learn to surf, and a hostel here keeps you close to the beach and the airport.
Beach Hut Hostel
A 4.6-rated budget hostel popular with travellers who want easy beach access.
Fora Capsule Hostel Tuban
Capsule-style beds in Tuban, south of Kuta Beach and close to the airport, rated 4.7. Handy for your first or last night in Bali.
Best hostel in Ubud
Ubud Backpacker Hostel – Peliatan
Rated 4.8 from over 700 reviews. Ubud has no waves, but it’s worth a few days for its culture and countryside. There’s also a second Ubud Backpacker Hostel in Nyuh Kuning.
Best hostels on Nusa Lembongan
Dream Beach Hostel Lembongan and Castaway Island Hostel
Two of the island’s best-rated hostels, at 4.9 and 4.8. They’re a great base for surfing Lembongan’s reef breaks, which suit intermediate surfers. Find surf schools on Nusa Lembongan.
Tips for staying in hostels in Bali
- Book ahead in peak season (July, August and Christmas), when the best-rated hostels fill up.
- Check the vibe. “Party” hostels are great for meeting people, but choose a quieter one if you want early surf sessions.
- Ask about surf extras. Many hostels can arrange lessons, board hire or transport to the beach.
- Consider a surf camp. If your main goal is to improve, a Bali surf camp combines a dorm or room with daily coaching, often for good value.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen and bring a lock for your locker.
Bali hostel FAQs
Which area of Bali is best for a hostel?
Canggu has the biggest choice and the most social scene, and it’s great for learning to surf. Uluwatu suits more experienced surfers, and Kuta is convenient for short stays and first lessons.
Are hostels in Bali safe?
Well-reviewed hostels are generally safe and popular with solo travellers. Use lockers for valuables and read recent reviews before you book.
Can I learn to surf while staying in a hostel?
Yes. Most hostels in Canggu, Kuta and Uluwatu are close to surf schools. Browse our directory of 500+ Bali surf schools to find one nearby.
