Bali Semesta Hostel

The staff were really friendly, and maybe the single or double rooms are better. I stayed in an about-8-bed dorm, though, where the beds squeaked, the toilets wouldn’t flush, and the AC was loud. After my late flight to Bali, I thought this would save time and money, but the city isn’t far from the airport and I could have taken a taxi there instead. The staircase is narrow, too.

I picked this place for its location and low price on my first night in Bali, but it was a bad surprise. Some bunk beds were missing their beds, the air con didn’t work, and when I asked if the door locked, the guy just shook his head no. I felt so unsafe that I figured walking the streets to find somewhere else was better. Thank God a Grab driver noticed me, listened when I said I didn’t feel safe, and took me to Lokal Bali Hostel. It felt like a backpacker resort by comparison, with clean rooms, safe and wonderful beds, and warm, welcoming staff.

I stayed here to catch an early flight without having to find a taxi. The airport perimeter wall is only a two-minute walk away, but honestly, you might be better off sleeping at the airport in your own sleeping bag. The place was dirty, the toilet wouldn’t flush, and there was no water at the sink to wash my hands or brush my teeth. I got itchy during my stay and had bed bug wounds.

The room was private, with clean AC and bathroom, and the staff were friendly. It’s an acceptable hostel for the price. I could have added another star for the location: the airport and German Beach are a short walk away, while Pantai Kuta and Shopping Discovery Mall take a medium-length walk. What cost it that star was the narrow staircase.