Ubud (Pengosekan)

Puri Garden Hotel and Hostel

★★★★★

Ubud is full of cheap homestays, but few budget places combine a central location, a pool, a social atmosphere and properly comfortable rooms as well as Puri Garden. It describes itself as a boutique hotel and hostel, and the mix is the point: solo travellers and backpackers stay in well-kept dorms, couples and friends book private doubles, and everyone shares the garden, the pool and the lounge. The property is at Jalan Raya Pengosekan 63, in the southern part of Ubud, close to the Yoga Barn, a short walk from ARMA, and around fifteen to twenty minutes on foot from the Monkey Forest and the main streets of town. Dorm options are unusually varied. Six-bed mixed dorms with shared bathrooms are the cheapest beds; four-bed mixed and female-only dorms come with ensuite bathrooms, a real upgrade on standard hostel fare. Each dorm is named after a place in Indonesia, a small touch that makes it feel personal. For privacy, the deluxe double rooms are ensuite and look out over paddy fields, which at this price is rare in Ubud. The shared spaces are the heart of the place: a swimming pool surrounded by tropical gardens, a lounge for meeting other travellers, and free daily yoga sessions, which suit Ubud's wellness reputation perfectly. Breakfast is served by the in-house Ubudian Cafe, with healthy options. Staff can help with scooter hire, tours to Mount Batur and the rice terraces, and transfers. The vibe is social but not a party hostel, which suits Ubud. It is one of the best-value bases in town for solo travellers, couples on a budget and anyone staying long enough to settle in.

Choosing a room: the four-bed ensuite dorms are the sweet spot for most solo travellers, with fewer roommates and a private bathroom; female travellers have their own ensuite dorms. Couples should book the deluxe doubles early, as there are fewer of them and they sell out in high season. Check what is included in your rate, such as breakfast, when you book.

Who it suits: solo travellers, backpackers, budget-conscious couples and yoga lovers. It is less suited to families with young children or travellers looking for luxury or total quiet; for those, Alaya or Element are better choices.

Practical notes: Jalan Pengosekan is a busy road, but the property sits back in its gardens. Walking into central Ubud is easy in the cooler hours; at night, use a taxi or scooter. Pengosekan has good warungs and cafes nearby, and the walk to the Monkey Forest passes along Jalan Hanoman and its shops. Bookings are taken through the property's own online booking engine.