Once upon a time, backpacking in Bali meant traveling for as far as possible while making a shoestring budget last months on end.
One way budget-savvy backpackers achieved this was by rocking up to the island’s cheaper-than-cheap hostels and bunking up with other equally budget-conscious explorers. Oh, how things have changed!
As a team of lifelong travelers, we here at The Bali Sun have more than our fair share of hostel stories to dine out on. From the highest of highs to the lowest of lows, we have seen it all in terms of hostels, and in Bali, we have seen something of an evolution take place.
It’s true that once upon a time, backpackers’ hostels fell into one of two categories, either as hippy as can be, or kinda sketchy…OK…we’ll admit it, outrightly sketchy.
Over the last few years, as backpacker and tourist travel habits and tastes have changed, hostels have had to keep up with the times.
Gone are the questionably stained sheets and creaky mattresses. Bali’s hostels have had a serious upgrade in 2026 and are now welcoming a whole new demographic of travelers.
From digital nomads to slow-mass, from solo explorers to couples and groups of friends, there is a rooming option for every kind of traveler in a Bali hostel in 2026.
Let’s take a look at Canggu, for example. Easily the hottest destination in Bali right now and in peak demand with backpackers, digital nomads, as well as young tourists and holidaymakers. Those looking for a high-end hostel in Canggu are spoilt for choice, but our first port of call is always Tribal Bali.
Located just minutes from the iconic Pererenan Beach, Tribal Bali is more than a backpackers’ hostel. This spot is a world-leading co-working hostel and creative hub. A home away from home for backpackers, as well as creatives, entrepreneurs, and explorers of all kinds, Tribal Co-Working Bali has won international acclaim, but perhaps more importantly, the esteem of real travelers.
Rooming options range from classic shared dorms to spacious deluxe queen rooms for those who want a little extra privacy without missing out on the communal hostel vibe.
Sticking in Canggu, another fantastic option is Kos One Hostel. This is a great spot for those who really want to switch off from work and enjoy Bali’s Canggu for the world-class action destination that it is. With a strong social feel and a big emphasis on fitness and wellness, this stunning hostel offers beds from just USD 30.
We get it, back in the day, USD 30 for a hostel night out made us scream too, but with so much included in the nightly rate, this place offers unrivaled value for money. Kos One Hotel genuinely serves up 5-star wellness resort vibes for backpacker prices. The weekly event schedule is packed, including Monday movie night, and even a free day massage….yes, you read that right!
Canggu is, of course, backpacker central right now, but let’s not forget Bali’s OG backpacker hub, Ubud. As the arts and cultural capital of Bali, Ubud has been the destination of choice for generation after generation of backpackers and culturally curious holidaymakers.
With hostels offering unparalleled rice paddies views, as well as access to the area’s unique cultural and nature-based attractions, a few nights in a hostel in Ubud quickly become a few weeks. To this day, Ubud is the kind of destination that has travelers extending their stays.
Savanna Ubud is amongst the most in-demand hostels in central Bali right now. Boasting a 9.8/10 rating on HostelWorld, this gem of a backpacker’s is turning the world of hostels on its head.
Offering guests the option of stunning private rooms for as little as USD 70 a night or a bed in an equally consciously designed dorm room for as little as USD 30, it’s a no-brainer to book this spot, no matter the budget.
Guests can enjoy free yoga classes, free daily massages (backpackers in the 2010s could never!) As well as a full schedule of activities, including move nights, trivia nights, and family dinners.
The Savanna Ubud team also arranges day trips, including sunrise hikes of Mount Batur, making it as easy as can be for tourists to experience everything Bali has to offer without any of the stress!
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