Puri Garden Hotel and Hostel

As an Australian travelling alone for the first time, I couldn’t have asked for a better hostel stay. Puri Gardens had a warm, welcoming feel from the moment I arrived. The staff were all wonderful, and Wyan and Wisnu especially stuck in my mind for being so funny and kind. I had a great time at morning yoga, and the many activities made meeting people easy. I stayed about two months ago and would absolutely come back, straight away when I’m in Bali again.

The hostel itself was fine, but I’d steer clear of booking tours through them. I stayed in October with two private double rooms, and the Mount Batur sunrise trip I booked directly through the hostel was a very disappointing experience. Rain affected the hike, which I understand, but nobody had prepared us for what bad weather could mean, such as raincoats, poor visibility, or possible changes. When we chose to turn back early for safety, the agency said we had to pay for our own ride back because we hadn’t completed the hike. It was 4-5 a.m., dark and raining, and we felt completely unsupported. I raised it politely with reception, then sent a detailed message and asked for at least a partial refund or repayment of the transport we had to arrange to get back safely. They acknowledged what happened but refused any refund, including for that extra ride. The problem wasn’t the weather, it was how the situation was handled. Some accountability and concern for guest safety would have made a real difference. I’m posting this so others know what to expect.

Puri Garden was a great fit for my fiancé and me. We booked a deluxe private room, and it was clean and very comfortable. The AC worked well, the hot showers felt wonderful, and the crisp sheets stayed fresh despite Indonesia’s humidity, unlike the damp bedding we’ve had at other places. We slept well every night, even with evening events, because live music always wrapped up by 10 p.m. On Friday we joined Indo Night and the after party, met people, and had a great time. We also enjoyed the cooking class at Kuna, and I had a very good 15-minute massage. I’d recommend Puri Garden to solo travellers or couples looking for a social hostel in central Ubud that’s friendly for meeting others without being a party hostel, and still quiet and comfortable enough to rest. 10/10!

Huge dorm beds, a nice café and pool area, and morning yoga. They even offer free mani/pedis and massages. The prettiest hostel I’ve stayed in.