Wondering if you should book a hostel in Bali or not? After experiencing some great but also a lot poor stays all over the world, I must say that a cautious approach can save you from a disaster.
Although, Canggu hostels set the standards high in terms of comfort, staff and design.
They will make you forget all about your preconceptions!
Why stay in Canggu as a backpacker on a budget?
Canggu's vibes attract every type of traveller: surfers, yogis, digital nomads, creatives, fashionistas, instagrammers. It's the place to be and an ultimate Bali hotspot !
For me (as for many others) it's a home away from home! Canggu has all the infrastructures of a big town, with tropical flavours as a tasty topping.
So for those who want to live here on a long term basis, it's a great combo for a one of a kind lifestyle, especially for digital nomads.
That's one of the many reasons why it's the perfect place where to encounter fellow travellers. Wherever you go, you will meet people from all over the world – in a club, a bar, a coworking space or a hostel, you choose.
Canggu is famous for its community, made stronger by the big hubs that are the corworking spaces, such as Dojo. They bring together all “digital nomads” and like-minded people.
Surfers are also a big part of the community here, always on the hunt for the best waves!
In a nutshell, Canggu is a mix of a hipster and surfer crowd, offering healthy food restaurants and super cool cafes, designers shops, handicraft markets, and unique nightlife.
It has nothing to envy to Seminyak, especially in terms of nightlife. In Canggu, the crowd is more relaxed, and love gathering in beach shacks, or have a boogie in the bars and clubs that are scattered around town.
The pace of life is super chilled, but Canggu is surely a buzzing centre at the same time.
Things change fast, people come and go, cafes and bars pop up at every corner. I'm not exaggerating by saying that every single week, you will notice a new cool spot sprouting up.
Even though Canggu is so popular, you can stay here very comfortably on a budget because there are so many types of accommodation and restaurants that you can pick one according to your budget.
You can eat in a local warung for 20,000 IDR (less than US$2), sleep in a hostel for less than US$10 per night.
Also, it’s really not difficult to find cheap hotels in Bali!
On top of that, the island is veritably one of the best destinations for quality food – especially for vegans and vegetarians.
My go-to restaurants and cafes in Canggu
- For healthy food: The Loft, The Shady Shack, Cafe Vida & Bali Buda
- For local food: Warung Bu Mi & Warung Heboh
- For a nice brunch, hipster atmosphere and beautiful view: Crate & Cinta Cafe
- For real Italian food: Luigi Hot Pizza & La Baracca
- For Asian food: Leroy Vietnamese & Roti Daal
- For the best avocado toast and coconut cake in town: Eko Cafe
Fitness & Studios in Canggu
- For yoga, ecstatic dance, dancing, and more: The Practice, Samadi, Udara & Canggu Studio
- For climbing: Bali Climbing Centre
- For gym: CrossFit Wanderlust
- For family activities, kids club, bowling, water park, and more: Finns Recreation Club
The Culture in Canggu
When it comes to local culture, the main touristic spots are not the ideal places where to truly experience it.
Although, Canggu is central enough to be close to Ubud, Uluwatu and any other destinations where to visit temples, museums, join volcano treks, as well as snorkelling and diving.
Coworking spaces in Canggu
Dojo and Outpost are the most established ones, featuring great weekly events about remote work.
The events can be anything from learning how to code, to growing your Instagram, improving your storytelling skills, to personal development tips.
Best Beaches in Canggu
Canggu has plenty of beaches where to sunbathe, surf, and swim. Each beach has cafes, bars, and little shacks where to enjoy cheap local food, drinks and often also live music.
Echo Beach & Batu Bolong Beach are probably the busiest surfing spots, but they are nice hangout areas, with beachfront restaurants, local and casual shacks.
On Batu Bolong you’ll find the famous Old's Man Bar, and the more upscale beach club The Lawn.
Berawa Beach has plenty of shacks where to eat affordable food and have a few cheap drinks.
Pererenan Beach is the quietest of all Canggu beaches, with a blend of local and tourist crowds. I personally love the area around here!
Batu Belig Beach is where we go to enjoy live music in the evenings.
On a side note, if you feel like helping the community, making sure the public spaces stay clean, join a weekly beach cleaning which generally happen on the weekend. Check out the Bali Trash Hero Facebook page for more details.
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Best Places for Music & Parties in Canggu
- The Lawn
- La Laguna
- La Brisa
- COMO Beach Club
- Finns Beach Club
- Jungle Bali Pool Club
Best Clubs in Canggu
The Vault: this freshly opened club has good music and selects only the best local and international DJs. If you want a proper basement clubbing experience, it’s a stop not to be missed!
Other great clubs in Canggu:
- Pretty Poison
- Sandbar
- Black Cat Mini Mart
Where To Eat and Dance in Canggu
- Luigi Hot Pizza: funky casual vibes with excellent pizzas on the menu.
- Desoner parties at Island Beach Bar: proper techno party ambience, but Bali style.
- Old’s Man Bar: a bit more commercial with convivial vibes. It has something of a pub atmosphere.
Best Spas in Canggu
To end up with some time for yourself, this popular hotspot is full of spa centres, massage parlours, and hair salons to properly pamper yourself before going back home!
Just ask your homestay in Canggu which one is the best in your area.
Where is the main part of Canggu?
Before choosing where to stay in Canggu, it is better to first understand where the centre is.
Jalan Raya Canggu runs parallel to the coast, coming from Tanah Lot temple, and goes directly to Seminyak, Sunset Road, and ultimately, the capital Denpasar.
It can be intense with rush hour traffic, but is the only way from and to the airport. Make sure you wear your helmet and carry your international driving licence when riding a scooter in Bali, as often police set up roadblocks.
The following roads are the main axes where things tend to happen. They all start from the intersection with Jalan Raya Canggu and finish at several spots on the coastline: Echo Beach, Batu Bolong Beach, Berawa Beach, Pererenan Beach.
Orientation – This is Canggu from West to East
Pererenan
Jalan Pantai Pererenan is the main artery of Pererenan village, a district that’s technically seperate but nowadays counted to Canggu and gaining popularity fast.
It's more laid back than Canggu’s hotspots, yet, it's worth staying there if you want to avoid traffic all the time. Especially as there are warungs, bars and shops available locally.
Echo Beach
Jalan Padang Lingjong is a quiet road, just parallel to Batu Bolong, with a lot of new cafes, restaurants, and homestays. You'll see the well-known yoga centre Samadi.
Then, the road joins Jalan Pantai Batu Mejan, featuring the coworking space Dojo and finally Echo Beach, where the most famous spot La Brisa is!
Jalan Tanah Barak is where a good few trendy restaurants are within walking distance, including the Shady Shack and La Baracca. Much less traffic, but still in the centre.
Batu Bolong
Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong is the central road from which you can reach most of the other hoods, it is well-connected and very central.
You'll find Pepito, the biggest supermarket chain where to find a selection of western products, such as cheeses, that are not sold in local shops.
It has the oldest popular restaurants, like The Loft, Cafe Vida, Monsieur Spoon, Betelnut Cafe, just next to the handicraft market called Love Anchor. A bit further towards the beach, you'll find the yoga studio The Practice, and finishing with the beachfront bar Old's Man.
Berawa Beach
Jalan Pantai Berawa: one of the nice assets of the area is the local market where to buy cheap exotic fruits, vegetables, rice – or any other essential cooking item.
Up until the end of the road, you head towards La Laguna, Batu Belig Beach, and ultimately Seminyak.
It's close to the residential district called Umalas, with beautiful villas and more peaceful cafes where either work or hangout.
Jalan Raya Semat is kind of like an extension of Jalan Pantai Berawa. With plenty of restaurants, accommodations, leading to Finn's club, on Berawa beach.
Hostel Safety Tips for Bali
Booking a hostel in Bali is a good alternative to hotels, especially if you're on a budget.
At the end of the day, they offer excellent services with great social vibes as an extra.
Also, when you're travelling solo, loneliness is not always easy to handle. Let's be honest, it's sweet to connect with other people, share our life experiences and have a laugh.
Another reason why hostels are very popular is the feeling of safety they can provide.
The same way as we feel safer in a busy street, we're less worried when being surrounded by other like-minded people.
I heard many travellers saying how they feel suspicious towards hostels in general. And honestly, I can understand why – especially as a woman. It can be tough to find the right ones!
But let me tell you something, Bali has some great choices of hostels that will give you the feeling you're actually staying in a proper hotel, nothing less than that.
To start with, here are some pros and cons of staying in a hostel:
Pros
- You get to know people faster, including the local staff
- Sharing space with others will feel like being part of a big family
- It's more affordable than other accommodations
- You feel less lonely and safer around fellow travellers. We're all on the same boat!
Cons
- Lack of privacy because everyone shares the spaces
- Lack of comfort in cheap hostels
- You could suffer from noisy and party people (if you don’t want to party but sleep)
- Keeping the common areas clean is more of a challenge
- Risk of getting your belongings stolen
Most of the time, people have a great experience in hostels. And, if we overthink about the “what if” for too long, what is the point of travelling? Just give it a try and see how you feel.
The other thing is, you can pick your hostel and take some precautions that will save you from having bad experiences.
Here are some basic hostel tips I would like to share with you.
The first thing I do is sifting through the reviews of a hostel, on different booking platforms, usually I use Booking.com or agoda.com. Especially to check how reliable WiFi is (it’s important especially when traveling solo!)
I always look at how many bunk beds are there per dorm.
As you arrive at the hostel, preferably during day time, you will feel straight away the vibe of the place. If you don't get a good feeling, just book another one beforehand as a backup plan. Most of the time, you don't need to pay in advance on booking.com.
I never ever leave valuables on my bed, whether I am out, in the bathroom or while I am asleep. I put everything in my dedicated locker, or ask the staff to watch it for me.
I always bring several padlocks to secure my backpack, as well as the locker provided by the hostel. Some offer a safe with a code next to your bed – which is even better.
I only book hostels where I can see clearly on pictures that there are lockers available, that's essential!
If you're a girl worried about ending up in the same room together with some weirdos, just book a female only dorm. And I usually avoid drinking too much during parties.
I always choose the top bed, and hostels that provide curtains.
Firstly, because it's harder to access, and secondly it gives more privacy.
And the last for the road: make a copy of your passport, and save it in your emails or Dropbox.
Hostel Essentials To Pack
To finish up, here are the essentials to pack that you absolutely need to bring with you when staying in a hostel in Bali.
They will make your stay in a hostel with other people so much more comfortable.
- Earplugs: because people can be noisy, and eventually come in the dorm late at night
- A sleeping mask: when your roommates don't look like they're going to turn off the light anytime soon…
- A backpack that you can close with a lock, I like this one
- Several padlocks
- A microfibre towel which dries super fast so you don’t have to rent a towel
- Flip-flops can be a lifesaver, especially when the shower is dirty…
- A flashlight
- Some tupperwares to keep leftover food in your room for late snacks! These collabsible ones are great as they save a lot of space when traveling
Now you know a bit more about the different areas of the town, let's see which are the best places to stay in Canggu.
The Best Hostels in Canggu
Kos One isn’t like any other accommodation you've been… It's clearly one of the best hostels in Bali, and I would call it an upscale pick.
This stylish white hostel shows extreme care about your comfort: dark blue bedding, large sized beds, two pools and a lot of beautiful hangout spaces provided – with a view over the rice fields.
Located in the heart of Canggu, it’s only 10 min walk to Batu Bolong beach while being near amazing restaurants, such as The Shady Shack and The Loft, as well as plenty of designers shops.
Location: Batu Bolong
Price from: US$19 per night
What makes it unique? The very central location and the high standards concerning style and comfort!
This Canggu hostel provides bunk beds with storage space, a private bathroom in each unit, AC, tea and a coffee maker.
There is also the possibility of booking a private bungalow if you wish.
The facilities include a well-equipped shared kitchen, a bar, fast wifi, water dispensers and daily delicious breakfast.
Beware it has the reputation of being a party hostel!
Location: Berawa
Price from: US$7 per night
What makes it unique? There is a swimming pool perfect for jumps!
This hostel has 8 to 10-bed dorms, with coffee machine and seating area. Each bed has curtains to allow more privacy, even in a room full of people!
The facilities include a pool, outdoor sofas and hammocks, along with a restaurant.
Have some fun practising your balance on the slackline, or relax in the garden!
It’s located near Pererenan and Echo beach.
Location: Pererenan
Price from: US$9 per night
What makes it unique? The hostel offers daily free yoga classes! If you’re thinking of trying surfing, the hostel also provides theory surfing classes, the practice is left up to you!
One of the most original hostels in Canggu!
It looks like a tropical villa, with kitchen, living room, dining room, in a very intimate house.
You can choose from double rooms, or 4 to 6-bed dorms with private bathroom, AC, lockers.
Location: Echo beach
Price from: US$16 per night
What makes it unique? I love the tropical boho-chic ambience, and the intimacy of the space. Perfect for people who feel like socialising, without being in a big party hostel!
This Canggu surf hostel has dorms with AC, lockers and a nice view of the rice fields.
The hostel has a garden with a hangout area, a swimming pool, as well as fun games such as pool table and ping pong table.
Social vibes guaranteed! It's suitable for some party action, but always respectfully for all the other guests.
Location: Pererenan
Price from: US$10 per night
What makes it unique? Close to the beach, Pererenan is a quieter district compared to Canggu centre – which is only 10 minutes away driving.
Book a spot in one of these dorms with ensuite bathroom, AC, and lockers.
It is located in a quieter street of Canggu, while being super close to the centre.
Staff are amazing and will make you feel home right away!
Location: Echo beach
Price from: US$10 per night
What makes it unique? Calling all party enthusiasts here! The pool and bar area turns into a wild spot at night.
A bit more secluded from the main road, this hostel has a beautiful design inspired by local architecture.
I love the outdoor area, with the pool, sunbeds and the bar.
All dorms come with AC and a bathroom. The kitchen is available for guests to use.
It’s possible to also book double rooms featuring a nice bathtub!
Only 10 minutes drive away from Berawa beach and Batu Bolong beach.
Location: Jalan Bantan Kangin
Price from: US$12 per night
What makes it unique? There are lovely dogs to cuddle with!
All dorms have a bathroom, AC, and a wardrobe.
There is a pool area consisting of sofas, bean bags and umbrellas, water dispensers.
An open kitchen is available, in which you can make yourself a coffee, as well as pancakes! Double yum.
Location: Berawa
Price from: US$13 per night
What makes it unique? It’s only 10 minutes walk to Berawa beach, and close to cool restaurants!
The farm hostel in Canggu is a beautiful place, modern and traditional looking at the same time, set in the rice fields while being right in the centre of Canggu.
In the dorms, you'll sleep on larger beds compared to other hostels, benefit from curtains for privacy, and a locked drawer for your valuables.
It has a great hangout area with umbrellas, bean bags, a large pool, pleasantly decorated with falling plants.
Location: Batu Bolong
Price from: US$19 per night
What makes it unique? Its location in the heart centre of Canggu, close to the best of everything: restaurants, shops and beach.
One of the cheap Canggu hostels that offer all the essentials!
Rooms are set in traditional Indonesian huts, with a curtain for privacy, your own plug socket and a reading lamp.
A basic breakfast is included, and the kitchen is shared, along with the pool.
You’ll need about 10 minutes to walk to the beach.
Location: Batu Bolong
Price from: US$11 per night
What makes it unique? Location is in the centre of Canggu, near the beach.
As its name suggests, this is one of the party Canggu hostels, with organised drinking games and funky vibe!
Enjoy playing a match of table tennis or challenge your newly met friend at the pool table, or just cool down in the swimming pool.
It has a bar, a garden, and of course, wifi.
It’s only 10 minutes walk to the beach.
Location: Pererenan
Price from: US$18 per night
What makes it unique? Have fun with the flamingo inflatables!
Dip & Doze have nicely made rooms with AC, comfy beds, curtains and lockers.
The kitchen and the bathroom are to share with other travellers. There is also a great rooftop terrace and a pool, with a view on the rice fields.
Close to amazing cafes and shops, Finn's club and the beach – which is only 10 minutes walk.
Location: Berawa
Price from: US$14 per night
What makes it unique? The staff regularly organises games to help you connect with your roommates!
One of the Canggu hostels with the best location!
Located in a quiet district, the hostel is preserved from the Canggu madness – while still being in the centre. It is only 5 minutes drive from Echo beach and Batu Bolong beach.
If you decide to book, you'll get a spot in a bunk bed with AC, a shared bathroom, a kitchen, wifi, and a pool in the garden.
Location: Echo Beach
Price from: US$9 per night
What makes it unique? Free barbecue on Sundays! With vegetarian options.
Antique looking hostel displaying a blend of modern and traditional architecture.
The dorms are really comfortable, with chunky beds, a private bathroom in each unit, and AC.
If you’re in Bali on a backpacking mode, have a look at this place. It also features a restaurant, two pools and a bar.
Location: Batu Bolong
Price from: US$21 per night
What makes it unique? The super central location: less than 10 minutes walk to Batu Bolong beach, and 5 minutes to Nelayan beach.
This cheap accommodation in Bali is an excellent place to stay with good value for money.
It has capsule-style dorms, with lockers and AC.
Hangout on the rooftop with an infinity pool while watching another epic sunset!
Expect social vibes, without being too party party.
Location: Berawa
Price from: US$9 per night
What makes it unique? Free pizza night on Thursdays! Sharing a good meal is always the perfect occasion to get to know fellow travellers.
This guest house in Canggu has spacious dorms with AC, en suite bathroom, and facilities such as a shared kitchen, a lounge with wifi, and water dispensers.
It’s only 5 min drive to Berawa beach.
Location: Berawa
Price from: US$7 per night
What makes it unique? I like the boho and local wooden furniture that set the tone: relaxed tropical vibe only.
So, feeling reassured? The backpacker crowd in Bali will put you at ease, whatever Canggu hostels you will stay.
If you take enough precautions to not face unwanted surprises, you'll be likely to enjoy very much the experience!
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