The best hostels in Nusa Penida are cheaper than most travelers expect, and based on guest sentiment across thousands of reviews, the quality has genuinely jumped over the last two years. We curated this list by location and facilities, so you know exactly what you’re getting before you arrive.
Every hostel here covers the basics well: AC, free Wi-Fi, and on-site scooter or bike rental to get around the island, with no Grab or Gojek. Most can also book tours directly, snorkeling trips, manta ray dives, full-day island tours, and fast boat tickets back to Bali.
What travelers tend to love most about staying here is the sense of community. Several of these hostels host daily socials, boxing classes, karaoke nights, and family dinners, and Saturday DJ sets, and reviewers consistently mention leaving with people they’d travel with again. Private rooms are available at most properties if you want the social atmosphere without the shared dorm. We’ll walk you through all six below so you can find the one that actually fits your trip.
Quick Price Comparison: Nusa Penida Hostels
| Hostel | Price From | IDR |
| Lushy Hostel | $8/night | IDR 130,000 |
| The Penida Project | $12/night | IDR 195,000 |
| The Farm Hostel | $14/night | IDR 228,000 |
| Nuansa Penida Hostel | $10/night | IDR 163,000 |
| Camar Cottage & Hostel | $8/night | IDR 130,000 |
How to Get to Nusa Penida from Bali
Getting Here: Fast boats from Sanur run every 30–60 minutes from around 6:30 AM, with the last return around 5:00 PM. The first boat of the day is the best pick since the sea is calmer in the morning. The crossing takes 35–45 minutes, and tickets start at $14 one way.
From Padangbai, the budget Ro-Ro ferry is slower (60–90 minutes) but cheaper at $8–12, and worth it if you’re already on Bali’s east coast or traveling with bulky gear. Book ahead through GetYourGuide during July and August; the last boats sell out, and missing your return crossing is a real problem if you have a flight.
Your arrival port matters too. Banjar Nyuh and Toyapakeh on the northwest coast put you closest to Kelingking Beach, Crystal Bay, and Broken Beach on the west side. Sampalan and Buyuk on the north are better if you’re heading to Diamond Beach or Atuh Beach on the east.
Once you land, there are no Grab or Gojek taxis anywhere on the island, and you can rent a scooter from your hostel or a harbor shop for $5–7/day, or hire a private driver for $25–35/day if you’d rather not ride. Most hostels on this list can sort both for you.
5 Best Hostels in Nusa Penida Bali
Lushy Hostel Nusa Penida – Best for easy beach access
- Address: Jl. Raya Buyuk-Ped, Banjar Perapat, Ped, Nusa Penida
- Dorm beds from $8/night USD | Rating: 9.2 (3,100+ reviews on Hostelworld)
- Best For: Solo travelers and social backpackers | 8 miles west of Sampalan harbor
Lushy is the most-reviewed hostel on the island, and its location explains much of that. It’s located a few steps from Prapat Beach on the north coast, with Blue Corner Dive right next door if you want to get in the water. The dorms have private curtains, solid AC, and clean bathrooms.
Inside the hostel, you’ll find a cafe and bar, happy hours most evenings, karaoke, and occasional live music. Their team can also sort you out with scooter rental and book snorkeling and dive tours, so you don’t have to chase operators down separately.
It’s a larger property with 106 beds, so it can be social or quiet depending on the crowd. But what most guests like about this hostel is the noise cuts off at midnight, strict enough that light sleepers don’t usually have a problem. If you want a private room, that option’s available too. Cash only, so make sure to withdraw rupiah before boarding the boat in Sanur.
“For $8/night this place is perfect for backpackers on a budget. Vibe is social, but they shut the party down at midnight, so you’ll be able to sleep. Great location to local dive shops.”— Allie G., USA [ See more reviews ]
The Penida Project Hostel – Best for social and party activities
- Address: Jl. Panaonan Pendem, Ped, Nusa Penida 80771
- Dorm beds from $12/night USD | Rating: 9.3 (900+ reviews on Hostelworld)
- Best For: Travelers who want a full social program | 5-min scooter to beach/restaurants
The Penida Project runs the most structured activity calendar on the island. Their full week is very packed with activities, and every Saturday there is a live DJ set until 1 AM, the only spot on Nusa Penida with that license. You get to experience a full, fun hostel vibe here, with trivia nights, boxing sessions, movie nights, and even taco Tuesdays.
Accommodation is in pod-style dorms across three two-story buildings. Each pod has a locker, reading light, and charging point for privacy without complete isolation. Private rooms are available if you’d rather have your own space.
The on-site bar and restaurant handle food and drinks all day, and the team books bike rental, snorkeling, diving, and island tours. One heads-up: it’s set in the jungle, so you’re a 5-minute scooter ride from the beach and restaurants rather than walking distance.
“I was told that Penida Project was THE place to be in Nusa Penida and that couldn’t have been more accurate. It has the perfectly balanced vibe, with a mix of chill nights and lively nights.”— Jack T., [ See more reviews ]
The Farm Hostel Nusa Penida – Best Hostel Nusa Penida
- Address: Nusa Penida, Bali (check Hostelworld for exact address)
- Dorm beds from $14/night USD | Opened 2025 reviews building
- Best For: Fitness-focused travelers and party seekers | Age restriction: 18-35
The Farm Nusa Penida opened in 2025 and was brought over by the same team behind the original Farm Hostel in Canggu. The setup is genuinely impressive for a hostel: a full commercial gym with free weights, powerlifting stations, resistance machines, and cardio equipment, plus a recovery area with an ice bath, and they have an in-house spa worth a try.
The pool overlooks the ocean and has a very spacious common area. They also have an underground bar that opens beneath the hostel and runs until late, the kind of thing most properties on this island can’t offer. If you are traveling solo, you can choose to stay in a Female-only dorms are available alongside the mixed 6 and 8-bed options.
Every dorm pod has a privacy curtain, a reading light, an international power outlet, a large locker, a shelf, and a towel hanger. The cafe and bar serve all-day food and drinks, and the team can arrange bike rentals, snorkeling tours, and island day trips.
“THE BEST PLACE TO STAY IN NUSA PENIDA!! Everything is immaculate, the food is fabulous and the staff are so wonderful and welcoming.”— Sarah M., UK — Hostelworld 2025 [ See more reviews ]
Nuansa Penida Hostel
- Address: Jl. Raya Banjar Anyar-Sebunibus, Desa Sakti, Nusa Penida
- Dorm beds from $10/night USD | Rating: 8.7 (400+ reviews) | Adults only
- Best For: Travelers wanting resort facilities on a hostel budget | 15 min from Banjar Nyuh Harbor
Nuansa Penida is a very lovely place itself as a resort hostel, and it’s not wrong. They have an infinity pool, en-suite bathrooms in every dorm, private balconies, personal wardrobes, and daily breakfast with local and continental options.
The property is 5.5 km from Crystal Bay and 7.5 km from Kelingking Beach on the west coast, with Toyapakeh Harbor about 1 km away, one of the closest landings to a fast-boat dock. Their team can help you with your fast boat tickets, snorkeling tours, manta ray dives, private and group island tours, and scooter rentals, all in-house.
It’s a family-run place; reviews consistently mention the staff going out of their way for guests. Private rooms and bungalows are available alongside the dorms if you want more space. Guests also get a free daily shuttle to AMARTA Penida, a sunset bar five minutes away.
One thing to note: the property is up a steep hill, which a handful of reviews flag as a challenge for scooters, especially for beginners. If you’re new to riding, factor that in before booking.
“Lovely hostel, with pool, free breakfast, great beds, plugs nearby your bed, aircon, hot shower, scooter rental with fuel service and super friendly staff. Great value for money.”— Sophie L., [ See more reviews ]
Camar Cottage & Hostel – Best for private rooms
- Address: Jl. Tanjung Akuh Kayu Buluh, Dusun Sebunimbus, Desa Sakti, Nusa Penida
- Dorm beds from $8/night USD | Rating: 8.5 (157 reviews) | 13 min from Toyapakeh harbor
- Best For: Travelers who want quiet, genuine local hospitality
Camar Cottage & Hostel feels like the calmest place on this list, especially if you want a clean, low-key base without loud crowds or party energy. The four-bed dorm setup feels comfortable and practical, with two private bathrooms, which is a better setup than most places in this price range. You also get air conditioning, wardrobes, a terrace, and a tropical garden that makes the whole space feel relaxed instead of crowded.
The location feels peaceful and slow, set in a rural area about 7.4 km from the city center and 1.8 miles from Toyapakeh Beach, which works well if you like starting your day at your own pace. Since there are only three rooms, the place feels personal, but it also means availability can disappear quickly during busy months.
The staff helps arrange snorkeling trips, fast boat tickets, and scooter rentals, and breakfast is cooked fresh each morning, which adds to that cared-for feeling. Just plan ahead for cash payments, since cards aren’t accepted, and keep in mind there’s no pool or bar here, just a simple, well-run place that feels genuinely welcoming when you return after a long day.
“I stayed here for nearly a week and loved it. The location is beautiful and quiet, the rooms are very clean, and Camar is the sweetest woman ,she gave plenty of great recommendations and provided us with everything we needed.”— Emily R., Canada [ See more reviews ]
Practical Tips for Staying in Nusa Penida Hostels
Staying at a hostel in Nusa Penida feels different from Bali, and knowing a few island basics ahead of time makes your trip run much smoother once you arrive. Things move slower here, and planning ahead helps you avoid small frustrations that can eat into your time.
Getting Around Nusa Penida
Getting around Nusa Penida takes a bit more planning since Grab and Gojek don’t operate on the island. Most hostels and small shops near the harbors rent scooters for $5–7 per day, which is the easiest way to move freely.
If you’ve never ridden a scooter before, hiring a private driver for $25–35 per day feels safer and far less stressful. Roads in the south and east can be steep and rough, especially on the way to places like Crystal Bay, Broken Beach, Angel’s Billabong, and Kelingking Beach, so having the right transport makes a big difference.
Always Bring Cash
Cash makes life easier on Nusa Penida, since many hostels still don’t accept cards. It helps to withdraw enough rupiah in Sanur or Padangbai before boarding your fast boat, so you’re not stuck searching later. There are ATMs on the island, but they can run out of cash, especially on weekends or busy holidays. Carrying enough money to cover your stay plus two to three days of meals and transport keeps things stress-free.
How Long to Stay Nusa Penida
Two nights usually feels like the sweet spot if you want to see the main highlights without rushing too much. Most people spend the first day visiting Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, and Angel’s Billabong on the west side, then use the second day for Crystal Bay snorkeling in the morning and Diamond Beach or Atuh Beach later in the afternoon. If you stay three nights, the pace feels much more relaxed, and you actually get time to enjoy the views instead of constantly moving.
Best Time to Visit Nusa Penida
April through October usually feels like the best time to visit, since it’s the dry season with clearer water for snorkeling and calmer seas for boat rides. This is also when conditions around Manta Bay tend to be the most reliable for spotting manta rays. July and August get especially busy, so booking one to two weeks ahead helps avoid last-minute stress. Manta rays can be seen year-round, but visibility and sea conditions feel more predictable during the dry months.
FAQs: Hostels in Nusa Penida
How much do hostels in Nusa Penida cost?
Hostels in Nusa Penida range from $8-14/night for a dorm bed. Lushy and Camar Cottage sit at the lower end ($8). The Farm Hostel runs around $14 for its newer premium dorms. Most hostels also offer private rooms at $25-50/night.
Is Nusa Penida safe for solo travelers?
Yes. Solo travelers make up a large portion of hostel guests here, and places like The Penida Project and Lushy make it easy to connect with people for shared transport. The island is much less relaxed and less hectic than Kuta or Seminyak. The main thing to be aware of is scooter riding on steep roads, especially in the south.
Do I need to book in advance?
In July and August, yes, at least a week ahead. From April through June and September through October, most hostels have availability with a few days’ notice. The Farm Hostel and Penida Project fill up faster given their reputations.
Can I do Nusa Penida as a day trip from Bali?
Technically, yes, but you’ll cover maybe two or three spots before you need to catch the last boat back around 5 PM. The island is large enough that 2-3 days is a much better experience. Staying overnight means you get the beaches to yourself early in the morning before day-trippers arrive.
Which hostel is best for meeting other travelers?
The Penida Project has the most structured program; boxing, family dinner, karaoke, and a Saturday DJ set mean you’ll meet people regardless of when you arrive. Lushy is the better
Which Nusa Penida Hostel Should You Book?
Hostels in Nusa Penida cover every travel style, from social to fitness-focused, resort-style, or quietly family-run. For nightlife and a full activity calendar: The Penida Project or The Farm. For beach access and a laid-back vibe: Lushy. For resort facilities on a hostel budget: Nuansa Penida. For quiet and genuine local hospitality: Camar Cottage.
All five hostels are bookable on Hostelworld with verified reviews and free cancellation on most dates. Check current availability on Hostelworld; rates shift by season, so it’s worth checking your specific travel dates.
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